Heart of Thomas Hardcover – January 18, 2013

When I first began developing an interest in manga from a historical perspective in my teens, especially shoujo and kids' manga, I became aware of The Heart of Thomas by word of mouth. I knew it involved boys love, and a suicide, and that it was considered a cornerstone of the genre. I saw that it was finally published in English and wanted it, but put it off...and then it became worth hundreds of dollars.Flash forward all the way to this year, and I'd just gotten done reading Moto Hagio's other most famous work, The Poe Clan, in its entirety. I adored The Poe Clan and quickly recognized that the quality of both Moto Hagio's writing and artwork is a cut above the rest, which is really saying something, because I adore so many manga-ka of this era. It is mesmerizing how she lays out her pages - they read like poetry at times. And now that Thomas was finally affordable, I had to grab it. I am happy to report it met all of my decade-built expectations.In reading The Heart of Thomas, you will find that this is not only an exemplary, boundary-pushing manga for the 1970s, but a work of literature that deserves to be read and examined even by those unaccustomed to manga. Can you ever truly know what lies in someone's heart? The narrative is primarily focused on four young boys, one of whom, the titular Thomas, presides over the text as a ghost: he is brought to the present only by memories, and by the behavior of those whom he has affected. His death casts not just a shadow over these characters' lives but rather weaves a complex, intertwined web of repressed emotions and personal discovery. What begins as glumly as any story can begin ends with truth and hope.The artwork is stunning with some panels and page layouts being outright astonishing to look at. Rachel Thorn's translation of the text flows eloquently, with the recurring motif of Thomas's suicide note being particularly striking in its emotive starkness. There are a few typos and minor text misprints, but it's forgivable. The whole volume is a beautiful hardback tome like the releases of The Poe Clan, making it appear like the important book it is. If what you've seen and heard of this book appeals to you, give it a try - it's still available for a perfectly affordable price at this time of writing and it is a work to be treasured and passed down to future generations.

I originally purchased this book merely out of curiosity and without a lot of expectation. I didn't expect to like it as much as the newer boys' loves stories because of the old fashioned art and the plain, slow moving story line. Much to my surprise, I actually found myself delighting in this book.First of all, there is the presentation. It is classily done with hardback cover & delicious, crisp, white smooth print papers on the inside. When I start to read it, I am immediately engrossed. The story line itself is pretty simple - it starts with the suicide of a boy named Thomas at a German boarding school. He left a suicide note for another boy, Juli, for whom he has an unrequited love. Juli had determined to be the perfect society member and would have continued to ignore this incident except for the sudden appearance of Erich, a boy whose look is a dead ringer for Thomas. So began the unfurling of this fascinating tale of how innocent loves and friendships among the boys in a German boarding school that save their souls as they grow into men.What makes this book a keeper for me is definitely the translation and the editing. The prose and the language used in this manga fit the period and location so well. The conversations are fluid, easy to understand and impart the atmosphere of the late 20th century German boarding school. It is something that I rarely come across when reading translated mangas with historical settings.In fact, I am so impressed with Fantagraphics' publication of "Heart of Thomas" that I would like to request Matt & Co to consider licensing "Sakura Gari" by Watase Yuu if it is still up for grabs. It is one of the best historical yaoi works by one of Japan's most prominent mangakas that is long overdue for English publication. It is definitely on one of the most requested titles. I think Fantagraphics can do it justice if they give it the same type of investment they accorded "Heart of Thomas" and it will be highly profitable with short payback period. Please consider it.

I was absolutely gobsmacked to see that this was getting a reprint, and it's such a quality piece as well! The printing is gorgeous and the pages and covers make it feel like such a premium collectors item. The art and the story are excellent as well! It's like owning a piece of manga history ❤️

I ordered it on a Monday, it told me it’d come either on Friday or Wednesday of next week. Nope, it came the Wednesday of that very same week. I was so surprised and happy. It came in a box and for the most part it’s in good condition ( I see a few dents but I don’t care I’m a happy customer ). It’s a little heavy and pretty. It came with an Introduction of a group called the fourty-niners/ the year 24 group which was a cool bonusStory Review: So I was reading this story late at night till the morning online, and I’m thinking the whole time “ are they gonna end up together or what?” Till I was near the end and wishing there were more chapters because I was wondering how this would possibly end.A kid named Thomas kills himself in the first few pages and he dedicates his suicide for his love- Juli. Juli hears about it and is still in denial about Thomas’s love for him. Then another guy comes to school named Eric and he looks exactly like Thomas which emotionally screws Juli up because he’s suffering with different emotions. That’s all I’ll say.I think this is a wonderful story that everybody should give a chance. I’m grateful I was able to buy an actual copy.