Noragami: Stray God 3 Paperback – January 20, 2015

Noragami has not been a series incredibly grounded in logic so much as emotion. It's taken time to get there, but this volume reflects how powerful that path to storytelling can be. Yato's character features further development through the introduction of a new character: the stray; her behavior reveals much about his darker side as well as further contrasts his more positive qualities. In a similar vein, Tenjin reveals how cold and cruel the gods can be (at least by the average "human" standard) which makes Yato's views a lot more relatable than in prior volumes.Granted, Yukine's character has been a mixed bag of a character between his abhorrent self-serving personality and understandable difficulty dealing with Yato and his overall situation. However, whether you loved or hated this character, it seems he comes full circle in this volume, hitting home the emotional weight and satisfaction with real (and serious) consequences for everything and everyone up til now. While the plot points involved can be chalked up to convenience (as Yato doesn't give a strong reasoning to back many of the choices he's made leading up to this point), the sentiment behind them makes them completely forgivable.Both also benefit the character of our main heroine, Hiyori, who's evolving perceptions throughout the course of the volume and key decisions make her more than some superfluous female lead often found in other series.Despite all this talk of drama and high stakes, the series is still mixing in a good amount of comedy, though it may feel a little bit sparse in proportion to the heavier subject matter covered between the pages. The yonkoma comics at the end are arguably much needed hilarity and the ending scene does hint on further development of Bishamon (which this volume does manage to pack in on top of all the content with our main trio). Translation is pretty solid overall, though the use of "the stray" versus "Nora" is a minor personal gripe of mine. Translator notes are excellent, especially with giving Japanese cultural context to some jokes.If you've been uncertain about Noragami's narrative worth in the long-term, this may be the best volume to test your interest.

This volume is one of my favorite ends of an arc. While bad Yukine saddens me, I love the relationship development for Yato.

This volume is the best yet. The relationship between Yato and Yukiné develop a la crescendo, revealing Yato's more complex personality. Love Kofuku's (god of poverty, watch out!) ditzy and fierce kindheartedness. You begin to see cracks in Bishmonten's family circle and are still left to wonder what happened between her and Yato. Stray (shinki with many masters and thus no loyalties) makes for a creepy, mysterious addition to the story (she might have appeared in volume 2, I forget).

Happy with my purchase. There is a fold in the top corner but it was most likely from shipping. I’m very OCD about how my books looked and I’m overall pleased with this purchase!

I love this cover and the vibrant colors included

Definitely not a younger kid manga but so good and as always, amazing artwork and storyline!

I've been OBSESSED ever since I saw the anime! I need a season 3! Please come out soon!The book was just as good. Totally recommend it!

This series is AMAZING. Starts off a little slow but man has it gotten great! I read it mainly on kissmanga.com BUT I wanna support the series so I have decided to buy all the books, plus I love collecting my favorite series! Highly recommend this series for all anime/manga fans.

Yukine's ablution is such a touching moment, and *I believe* there will be some important parallels with the ongoing situation in the latest chapters of the manga.

I like this story, my kid likes this story too.

Muy lento el servicio de entrega. Pero el producto llegó bien

This one has one of the most dramatic endings of any of them, but it still carries it in a light hearten manor that makes it very enjoyable.

Great book