Summary: Anime to Manga
Synopsis
The anime adaptation of 'Gift±' only covers the very beginning and early episodes of the first volume. Because the anime serves more as a compact introduction that omits numerous detailed settings and character backgrounds, it is highly recommended to read the manga from the very beginning to fully grasp the story.Technically, the events following the anime's conclusion pick up from Volume 1, Chapter 5 of the manga, where the protagonist, Tamaki Suzuhara, sets her sights on a new target. The narrative enters a new phase with the appearance of Ryu, a Chinese mafia member and a competitor who has caught wind of Tamaki's group's "whaling activities" (capturing targets for organ harvesting). Ryu develops an unusual interest in Tamaki and schemes to make her his own.Meanwhile, former detective turned private investigator Keisuke Ato begins to suspect a connection between the organ trafficking case involving Tamaki and the past "Petit Chaton" child prostitution ring case he once pursued. However, as Ato gets closer to the truth, he is murdered by his contact within the police force, Kato. Ato's mission is inherited by his former lover, female police officer Mizuki Sakurada, who delves into the darkness of the case regardless of the danger. The story surrounding Tamaki, her guardian Takashi, and the back-alley doctor Takuma Hanabusa (Hayashi) becomes increasingly complex and perilous, involving the police and even overseas mafia.
Review
What was depicted in the anime is merely the prologue to this story. The manga gradually reveals the shocking truth of Tamaki's past and the fact that she was a "designer baby." The narrative scales up from a simple "villain hunt" to a grander conflict between massive organizations over organ trafficking, and a profound suspense that questions life ethics.New antagonists, such as the cunning Chinese mafia member Ryu and the police traitor Kato, add depth and tension to the story. Viewers who enjoyed the dark atmosphere of the anime will undoubtedly be drawn into the deeper, more brutal world of the manga. The process of Tamaki slowly regaining her emotions and the complex web of intentions of those around her will keep you turning the pages.
FAQ
Q: From which volume of the manga can I read the continuation of the 'Gift±' anime?
A: While the direct continuation technically begins from Volume 1, Chapter 5, it is best to read the manga from the very first chapter. The anime only covers a small portion of the introduction, and the manga contains crucial settings, backstories, and details that were completely cut from the animated version.
Q: Are there new characters in the manga that didn't appear in the anime?
A: Yes, several new key characters are introduced, including "Ryu," a member of the Chinese mafia involved in the same organ trade, and "Mizuki Sakurada," a female police officer investigating the case.
Q: What is the plot of the manga version?
A: In addition to the hunt for criminals shown in the anime, the story expands into a larger, more serious suspense, featuring conflicts with rival overseas mafia, betrayal within the police force, and the unfolding mystery of Tamaki's own birth.
