I had to catch up on the first 6 volumes in order to review this one, but it was totally worth it! As soon as I was done reading I immediately started watching the anime because I couldn't get enough. The prey vs. predator mentality relates to so many current issues, but especially makes me this of rape culture. I think everyone reading will have a very different experience because it's so easily to relate to different aspects of life. Loved it!

Beastars Volume 7 by Paru Itagaki is the seventh volume of a critically acclaimed manga series, that’s the source of the successful anime series on Netflix. If you aren’t patient enough to wait for season 2 I highly suggest starting with this volume, as it puts you right into the next big arc of the series. This volume was a review copy provided by NetGalley!

Itagaki’s art has gotten much better here compared to previous volumes, the characters are more recognizable and well established compared to previous volumes. The backgrounds are also very well detailed, and continue to be a fascinating

There continues to be more character development between Legoshi and his theater friends, and Louise. Louise completely changes, but it makes sense considering how dedicated he is to following his own beliefs. I just worry that his choice will leave many of the students in a dangerous position, especially Legoshi. Who knows though? Maybe Legoshi will become an even stronger wolf? There’s also a rather exotic new character introduced in this volume, and he appears to be rather cold-blooded. He might become a fan favorite in the future.

Plot developments in this volume kept me on the edge of my seat and I personally can’t wait to read the next one! Please consider purchasing this volume on online retailers or requesting this series at your local library!

As a fan of the anime, I am pleasantly surprised - or rather more in awe - of the various avenues Beastars goes; this volume is no exception. From Louis joining the lion mafia to Legoshi investigating further on an unsolved murder of his classmate, the series fills in holes that the anime left off, thereby satiating my curiosities all the while adding more suspense, character development, and world-building. Fans of the anime will undoubtedly enjoy this.

Wow! The direction this series has gone in has been amazing for me! (Also, this volume contains content past the anime for those who are curious.)

We get taken back to the beginning with this volume. We revisit the first death, and we start to investigate that all over again, and it feels much more high stakes than the first time. We are also dealing with Louis, and the decisions that he has made. How is he faring in his new environment? You have to read it to find out!

We are on the hunt for the new Beastar, and people are making their play at who they think it should be. We see one member of the school staff encouraging Legoshi to solve the murder, so that he can become the next Beastar.

I'm really very excited to see where it goes!

Beastars, the hit Netflix Original Anime that aimed to turn every weeb into a furry, adapted chapters 1-50 of the manga of the same name from mangaka Paru Itagaki. This means Beastars Volume 7 is a great time to jump into reading the source material if you’re looking for more of everyone’s favorite grey wolf Legoshi. While Volume 7 begins at chapter 53, it also features the last scene the anime which makes it a perfect entry point for anime fans.

If you’re unfamiliar with the Beastars, which is published in tankōbon form in English by VIZ Media, the series is centered on a society of anthropomorphized animals with carnivores and herbivores existing together but with tension given their dietary needs. A little bit of action and a little bit of high school romance, the series is focused on Legoshi, a grey wolf and student at the prestigious Cherryton Academy, and his relationships with both the other predators and prey.

Last volume, the most likely candidate for the title of Beastar a hero destined to lead in a society naturally rife with mistrust who is chosen by the Council of Living Beings, Louis, withdrew from school and renounced his title. Having killed the leader of the gang of lions known as the Shishi-Gumi that kidnapped Haru, his former lover, and Legosi’s current girlfriend, he has assumed the position as head of the Lion gang and has seemingly finally earned the respect he’s been looking for.

In the wake of everything, The Council of Living Beings is changing the criteria for Cherryton Academy’s next Beastar which leads grey wolf Juno to try and convince Louis to return to school and take the title. When the two meet, we get more information on Louis’ identity as the boss of the Shishi-Gumi but also about the strength he’s finding in his new role. Additionally, Itagaki takes us into the Black Market and we get to see Louis applying his power in a situation and earning the respect and fealty of the Lions in his charge. But, even in his power, the red dear still feels incredibly vulnerable.

Along with Louis’ story, we also get to see Legoshi’s relationship with Haru shift, but it isn’t the most important part of the story this volume. The last half of Beastars Volume 7 hits action quickly and the mystery around Tem’s murder intensifies as Legoshi begins to question his fellow predator classmates, culminating in a dangerous fight with an unseen carnivore. While we get to see Legoshi fight back in Beastars Volume 7 we also get to see his softer sides, his thoughtful side, and his loving one as his friends poke fun at his virginity despite spending the night with Haru. His ferocity in the back half of the volume pushes against the sweetness he displays in the first half.

In addition to a great story, Itagaki’s art in Beastars Volume 7 is phenomenal. While their style is very different than what’s translated to the anime by Studio Orange, Itagaki beautifully illustrates action sequences but what has captivated fans of the manga and the anime is the detailed physicality of their characters. Louis is always attractive, powerful as the only prey in a room full of predators, carrying himself tall. Conversely, Legoshi is timid, his body highlighted in moments of romance or in moments of helplessness. The juxtaposition of both character’s nature against how they are illustrated is one of the most compelling elements of the manga.

Truthfully, I can’t recommend Beastars Volume 7 enough. This is the perfect volume for fans of the anime to jump right in and, on top of that, it offers up a thoughtful and dynamic push in the story through Louis and Legoshi.

Thank you to NetGalley, VIZ Media, and Paru Itagaki for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I likewise reviewed Volumed 6 on NetGalley as well, and like volume 6, I had volume 7 preordered already. This is a must-have series, and I am just gleeful to be able to read this two months early. Alas, that only means I must wait even longer for volume 8...

This one picks up right where the previous volume left off: the school officials talking about selecting the next Beastar, though their plan for selection becomes somewhat of its own plot. Legoshi meets the school security guard, and after not really seeing this plot point for a while, the murder of the alpaca in the first volume makes its return as Legoshi is asked to find the killer.

Louis' new role is quite interesting to see as it continues to develop. And as much as Juno makes me mad, I really like her role in this volume and am curious to see where it goes. New character Pina seems interesting. And near the end there's some much anticipated Haru and Legoshi drama.

Another great volume, as expected!