The first volume of the ‘Cotton Drifting Arc’ has somewhat of a slow start. However, the cuteness of the flirty interaction between Keiichi, Shion, and Mion belie the horrors to come.
Creative Staff
Writer/Artist: Ryukishi07 and Yutori Houjyou
Translation: Alethea and Athena Nibley
Adaptation: Alethea and Athena Nibley
What They Say
The Cotton-Drifting Arc Shion, a girl claiming to be Mion's younger sister, takes control of Keiichi's life. The story progresses like a love comedy set at the restaurant Angel Mort. But as the night of the Cotton Drifting Festival approaches, the story takes a dramatic turn...for the worst.
The Review!
Content:
Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of the ‘Higurashi’ story is the different story arcs. The story is not continuous, as each arc utilizes something like a reset of the story. The same characters play out the same roles on the outside, with the same overall theme. However, different characters take center stage in different arcs as what is happening behind close doors can be vastly different.
The ‘Cotton Drifting Arc’ begins with a focus on the relationship between Keiichi and Mion. Keiichi thinks of Mion as his best friend while it outwardly appears Mion may feel the same way. Mion has always been a tomboy and incredibly competitive, especially with Keiichi, and he seems to be cool with it.
While visiting the nearby village, Keiichi bumps into Mion working at a theme café where she is wearing a skimpy outfit. It is completely out of character for Mion and Keiichi can’t believe his eyes. When approaches her she says she is Mion’s twin sister, Shion. This opens a great contrast in Mion’s character. Is this cosplaying girl really Mion’s sister, or just Mion playing out a side of her personality the people of Hinamizawa never see? Shion is very girly and cute compared to Mion. I’m as confused as Keiichi as he can’t tell if he is falling in love with Mion or Shion. It’s all good as long as they are the same girl, right?
The overall curse of Oyashiro theme plays out throughout the book. Complete with Mion and Rena slipping into crazy girl with demon eyes mode for no apparent reason. However, other than that the real freaky stuff the reader has come to expect from ‘Higurashi’ is mostly absent in this volume. This probably means the next volume is going to be jam packed with mystery and horror.
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