Why do I put myself through the torture of reading a Higurashi manga only to find that my heart has been ripped out of my chest due to the extreme emotional baggage it will carry? Such is the manga called Meakashi-hen, of the Higurashi no Naku Koro ni series. Story: 10/10 The story is very engaging, and I actually enjoy how the author took the time to tell what was going on in actual chronological order, and cleared up a lot of questions I had about the anime. It's a really hooking read, and has very good pacing that kept me wanting more. Art: 9/10 The art is beautiful, witha more fluid and soft look than the previous volumes I've read. I feel like the artist really outdid herself with this, it's really amazing and I feel like it captures both the normal and insane expressions quite well. The only problem is that sometimes she draws hands slightly awkwardly.

Characters: 10/10
I feel like they were portrayed much better than in the anime, as we got to see Shion's motives and internal conflict in a much more sympathetic and complicated light, distancing her from the typical bland yandere. The other characters as well were portrayed amazingly, specifically Satoko and her older brother Satoshi.

Enjoyment: 10/10
To enjoy something means it makes you happy. I'm happy with the engaging storyline, perspectives, and gorgeous art, but it was NOT a light and cheery read. On the contrary, I actually found myself starting to cry during a lot of points. Although I enjoy it a lot, because a good manga is one that will actually keep me emotionally invested.

Overall: 10/10
An extremely emotional manga with characters I can get emotionally invested in, alongside beautiful art and capability of making me, the stone-cold reader, actually cry? Yep, I have to say that this is something I really found a great read, which is why I consider Meakashi to be one of the greatest manga of all time.