Jump into Solanin
Once in a great while, a reader can stumble upon a manga that doesn’t focus on a group of magical girls or high school shenanigans. One such indie manga, Solanin offers a believable story and real-life circumstances. This full-length manga tells the story of a group of twenty-somethings who are unhappy with their jobs and their lives. The main focus is on a girl named Meiko, whose decisions impact the life of her boyfriend and closest friends. As the story goes on, the characters are faced with a number of obstacles and life-altering moments.
Written by Inio Asano when she herself was a struggling college graduate, it captures the constant uncertainty of a young adult’s life. The friends are in a band, they live in a run down apartment and have dead-end jobs. They are all quickly realizing that adulthood is overrated as they watch their childhood dreams slip away. However, life also teaches them that a person can accomplish anything they put their mind to.
Asano’s art style is unique and more on the realistic side. She pays close attention to detail and has a simple page between chapters. The characters are not only easy to relate to but have a strong dynamic between one another. Unlike other mangas, Solanin is more introspective and personal. At times the story can seem slow moving but that only adds to the reflection of real-life. It is a calm read, unlike most manic and fast-paced series. For any twenty-something that is looking for a manga to relate to, definitely pick up Solanin.
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