Mars: Vol. 5

by Fuyumi Soryo

Synopsis
Kira and Rei's roller-coaster romance continues! When Rei suddenly gets ill, Kira takes care of him at his apartment... and ends up sleeping over. After their night together, Rei finally tells Kira the real reason his twin brother Sei killed himself: Rei told him a a secret he new Sei would never be able to handle. Kira tires to comfort Rei, but secretly wonders if mere words have the power to ease the pain Rei harbors deep inside. Meanwhile, Kira's best friend, Harumi, warns Kira if she doesn't start sleeping with Rei soon, he'll probably break up with her. Ouch! Kira's worries deepen when Rei's ex-girlfriend tells him she's still in love with him -- and will do anything to win him back. With the pressure mounting by the minute, Kira is about to make the biggest decisions of her life!

Review
This is a really emotional volume. A lot about Rei and his brother are revealed, and there's even an emotional catharsis. This part was very good, and has to be read to be understood. I really like Kira and Rei's relationship, because it seems more real to me than other comic book relationships, or even some real relationships. They actually feel like real characters, with their own baggage and motivations.

Rei is finally straight with Shiori about how he has no feelings for her. Then, he smartly ignores her drama, and leaves to meet up with Kira. I was glad that this wasn't dragged out longer than was necessary.

So near the end a few different things happen. Kira shows Mars at an art exhibit, where a mysterious older man comes in and compliments her painting, then vanishes just as quickly. Then Kira and Rei start kissing, but Kira pulls away without an explanation. And finally, a new character is introduced: a boy who looks like a girl and claims he "likes" Rei. Just pile on the drama.

Final thought: I have to read the next volume!