Rasetsu is a Shojo manga.  The story centers around Rasetsu, an 18 year old psychic who works for Hiichiro Amakawa, also a physic, who runs an agency dedicated to helping people who are having trouble with spirits. The real heart of the story is what goes on in between all the characters at the agency, influenced heavily by their own pasts. Yako Hoshino is the newest member of the team, a psychic who uses water  to express his abilities.  There is a complex connection between Rasetsu and Yako.  The Agency also has Kuryu Iwatsuki, another psychic, and Aoi Kugi, the only non-psychic but eager helper.

Highlights

Rasetsu wakes up hungry and goes looking for food.  Heading in the door of the Agency, she finds out her mother has been there seeking help because she’s being haunted. This really illustrates how her past guides Rasetsu’s actions. Rasetsu, Yako and Kuryu all go together to the apartment to see her mother. Where did she pick up that Spirit? The visit with her Mom and the thoughts of her late Dad sends Rasetsu spinning down into despair and self loathing. Yako comforts her… until the spirt torments her and she grows strong in her resistance against it.  And what about Kuryu? What’s going on between him and her Mom?

A second case has them heading to a school.  There is a problem with a ghost, a lonely female ghost following a student named Dai. It is his old love, does she want to take him with her?  In his dark despair it attracts more darkness.  

The Manga ends by slipping into Aoi’s  past and we learn how he came to be at the agency, even though he doesn’t have any psychic powers.

Overall

The banter between the characters drives the story, both in spoken words and thoughts.  The action words give it a lighter, fun feeling keeping it from being too heavy in struggles and personal demons. I found it a compelling story with the moral “Don’t let sorrow overwhelm everything else”.

Beautiful graphics, tender and sweet story, and humorous banter- I really enjoyed it. Sigh.

ComicsOnline gives Rasetsu Volume 3,   4 out of 5 pockets full of lollipops.