I remember reading this the first time and thinking "Soryo's stories are rather dramatic even in short form". This is before her (only) other english translated series "ES" (Eternal Sabbath) was released, which is about half as long as Mars is, so I had little comparison to go with sadly.

The title story, a prequel to Mars about when Rei first transferred in and 'met' Kira and Tatsuya, is much better read after the main series. Set roughly a year before Mars began (so about a year after Sei's death) Soryo paints the picture of low in self confidence Tatsuya trying desperately to be the popular guy...only to fail miserably the first day of school. Rei is very much as he is in the beginning of Mars--brash, cocky and just this side of dangerous.

The story is kind of all over the place but its more of a chronological journey of how Tatsuya and Rei became so close rather then an easy flowing single story. ( )

Ah, there’s just something about ‘90s manga, the style, the stories. Makes me nostalgic similar to watching ole TGIF programming. This prequel to the Mars series contains 3 stories packed full of drama, fights, racing, and angst. Not at all necessary, but enjoyable if you already like the series. ( )