Out of the dozens (hundreds?) of manga titles that I've read over the years, there are two that stand out at the top of the heap: "Maison Ikkoku" and "Marmalade Boy". For the longest time, I didn't think it was possible for any manga to even approach the greatness of "Maison Ikkoku", but then "Marmalade Boy" came along and I had to admit that it contained the same emotional punch as Ikkoku and was just as cherished.
Since reading "Marmalade Boy" about 5 years ago, I've read many other manga titles that were quite good: "Ai Yori Aoshi", "Sand Chronicles", "Kare Kano". While each of these manga had their great moments, none of them had the consistency and emotional impact of "Maison Ikkoku" and "Marmalade Boy".
And then came "Kimi Ni Todoke".
This manga is a real fooler. In the first few pages, you'll get the impression that it's sort of a gimmick. The main heroine, Sawako, has a very dark look to her. She seems like a gloomy, goth type and the other kids nickname her "Sadako" (a character from a horror film). So I wasn't enamored right away...I was thinking, 'this is going to be an endless series of misunderstandings where the scary girl is actually nice and sweet'.
Well, the scary girl is actually nice and sweet, but that isn't what makes "Kimi Ni Todoke" amazing.
What develops in the subsequent pages and volumes is the most honest portrayal of human emotion I've ever read in a manga (and few other literary avenues). The elation that the characters feel seems 100% genuine. The heartbreak is sincerely devastating. The moments of grace are quiet and solid.
I'm currently on Volume 6, and so far I haven't made it through a volume without crying at least once.
This title is passing the ultimate test...I'm dreading reading the final page because I never want it to end.
Jeffrey Dale Starr is a Dallas-based Expressionist oil painter who concentrates on themes of Japan, Dreams, Europe, Texas and California. His work can be found in private and public collections around the world.
http://www.jeffreydalestarr.com/
0 comments:
Post a Comment