There’s one huge problem with manga based around hobbies such as this; the preconceived shounen story structure and maintaining momentum within that. Stories like Time Paradox Ghostwriter can lose you quickly because it has an identity crisis; it wants to say something, but it doesn’t want to dive deep into character, it wants to give exciting conflict, but it doesn’t want to conform to a tournament format.
Thankfully, this, a story about awareness of artistic expression, manages to break through these bonds. This manga absolutely won’t blow your mind and fuck your mother, but it tackles issues most mangaka are afraid to tackle in the highly conservative Japan. The author has a great awareness about social and economic expectations on children and adults alike, and deftly weaves it into the story and characterization so that it doesn’t feel like he’s preaching to you. As a writer myself, it’s extremely impressive, all the more so in manga format.
Ironically, however, I feel like the line art is a bit bland. This could be just me, but I feel like the author doesn’t lean hard enough into artistic symbolism, detailed expressions, varying panel styles, or anything else along those lines to make the art feel ‘exceptional’. The art is great, no doubt, but it doesn’t stand out and the format isn’t used to its most effective.
With all that being said, I think that this series deserves a 9/10. It’s great and it hits very close to home for me. From following your passion amidst a world that tries to tell you it’s pointless to shame and depression over your sexuality, I feel like there’s something I can really relate to about every character here.
can someone tell me if yuka shows up again?
