When I reviewed this volume in Japanese, I noted that at last, two of the three participants in this love triangle are aware of the fact. But, as strands of hair are cut, braided, tied and woven, the cocoon becomes ever more claustrophobic.

As I re-read Cocoon Entwined, Volume 3 in English, I think I was premature to assume that Hana is looking towards Youko as salvation. She is, finally, looking at Youko, but she’s also looking past Youko at something – someone – else.

For the first time in this series, we see Hana outside the school with her family. She’s really suffering at playing the school Prince, but how does one explain to a family member that light-hearted jests cut like razors? Hana spends this book running, and even when Youko finds her to bring her back, she’s still looking for an escape route.

I half-jokingly refer to Hana as “this manga’s Sei,” and it seems pretty likely that there is some homage there. But both personality and treatment of Hana and Sei are different enough that it’s only a joke. Hana is doing her duty as Prince, but it’s eating at her. And that is what intrigues me, as it does, apparently, Youko. Can Youko be prince to an unwilling prince or will she fail to save her from herself? Tune into Volume 4 of Cocoon, Entwined, which will hit shelves in December of this year.

I adore the cover of this book. It’s everything about this series in one image. Great work by Hara-sensei. Amanda Haley is lifting some heavy weight in the translation. The story and language are simple…but no, they aren’t really. This school is full of ghosts and they walk around built into the clothes, the buildings, the traditions and the ever-present hair. Erin Hickman’s lettering is clean and easy to read which leaves the art plenty of room to do the work it needs to do.

Ratings:

Art – Outstanding
Characters – 8
Story – 7
Service – N/A
Yuri – 7 One side of the triangle is filled in

Overall – 8

Cocoon Entwined is captivating and beautiful, more as a psychological horror series than a school romance. I continue to be surprised at how much I really enjoy this series.

Thanks very much to Yen Press for the review copy!