Solanin

I honestly probably can't do this series the justice it deserves in my review, but I'd still like to try and talk about Solanin anyway. This is one of those manga series that I'm in this hobby for, a gem I accidentally stumbled across that made me look at manga in a different light. The series I end up cherishing the most are probably the ones I can relate to the most, and as a 24 year old that finished up college a few years ago, Solanin hits a home run in that department like no other. I like a lot of things about my life right now, but what I miss more than anything are lazy comfortable summers. I sometimes play with the idea of becoming a teacher so I can get summers off again. So when Meiko up and quit her job for the summer to fulfill exactly those goals of freedom, I was really excited for her. As much as I dream of having a summer off, I don't feel comfortable enough with my position to act on it, so to see a character take that leap felt gratifying.In college I still thought of myself as a kid even though I was over 18, but now, even though I haven't changed much in the last few years I can't think of myself as a kid without cringing. Because lets face it I'm an adult now, even if my heart doesn't recognize it. All my life road choices have been greatly reduced, and now the path my life is going to take is far clearer to me than it was 4 years ago. Now I don't think that's a bad thing necessarily, but it does feel a little disturbing. This series represents that underlying worry really well, it was actually drawn at a time when the mangaka (Asano Inio) wasn't sure if he could actually make a living off of his dream. I've almost never felt so much of a mangaka's life represented in their work as I do with Solanin.Although all the talk about worrying about life may seem too somber to be an entertaining read, the series really doesn't get bogged down by it. The characters are great, and do ridiculous things that fit right in with how real friends joke around. There is a lot of joy in the scenes where everyone is hanging out together. Asano can make the characters have hilarious expressions without having to resort to distorting their faces to get across the humor. Oftentimes in manga characters will make faces, and take on forms that are completely unrealistic, but these unnatural forms get across the humor of the moment better. I'm impressed that this mangaka can have me chuckling so often without having to resort to those tricks. I really like the art style, both the characters and their surroundings feel realistic in a way that's both comforting and startling.I HIGHLY recommend Solanin, this series has a special place in my heart. Although keep in my mind that this series feels like it was made for people in my position in life. I can't tell if I would have liked this series as much if I were still in high school, I'm not sure I would be able to relate as well. At the very least if you're a fan of manga and you're in your 20's I really think you should give this series a try. But that isn't to say if you're not younger or older you won't enjoy this series, it probably depends on your mindset more-so than your age.

it's too real, it's what every creative is facing everywhere. it's art.just wow. i've been in so many scenarios in this manga & gotta say god give this a try.i was going to do that "return right after reading switcheroo"but nah, the author & the team deserve every penny. yah!classic. classic. classic.

Being a 26-year-old American, I've always felt disillusioned by the last few years of my life. Growing up we're promised so many things about the freedom of adulthood. Americans are taught to idolize their early to mid-twenties. From a young age, we're told that we should want to rush headfirst towards that golden "American Dream," straight out of high school or college! Now that I'm here, I can't say that it's all that great at all.Solanin is a fantastic slice of life story. The challenges that the characters face really encapsulate all of the internal struggles that people face in their mid-twenties head-on. I picked it up specifically because I was told by many people that its story was relatable in many ways, and it definitely is. Inio Asano himself describes the characters as a cast of nobodies, just regular people in their mid-twenties trying to get by. Don't come into this story expecting anything uplifting. Solanin tells it like it is, with powerful messages:Life is hard, and figuring out who you are and what happiness means can be even harder. Life is also scary and full of uncertainties. Grappling with self-doubt is a burdensome yet natural part of life. These are all issues that we go through, but oftentimes neglect... having them on full display for once is a breath of fresh air. My only nitpick is that I think Solanin could have had a better emphasis on grief but it would have meant making a much longer story.I will say, if anything, Solanin helped me feel less alone. My problems certainly aren't unique, and others are combating the same struggles every day. The story helped me come to terms with some of those feelings in a positive way. It's certainly a story I plan on revisiting in the future. Give it a read, I doubt you'll regret it.

I have to say, I love Asano's work. It always is very dark and atmospheric, but still manages to make you laugh through its bizarre drawings and wry humor. Solanin is no exception.I first read this book during my senior year of high school and walked out of the bookstore feeling dazed, confused, and worried yet wanting more. The characters, though fictional, are charmingly and yet horrifyingly realistic and most of all easily relatable, a trait that Asano captures in each of her works. Everyone goes through a soul-searching time in their life during the big transition from high school to college and from college to the "real world", and Solanin presents that beautifully. The pacing is excellent, the art is beautiful, and you can easily get immersed and lost in this narrative.As one of the few mangas that has changed the way that I view the world, I would recommend this to anyone. Even if they can't relate to the story (but really, who can't?) they will understand what the characters are going through and how everyone struggles with problems in their own unique and distinct ways. You can never tell what people have gone through, and Asano is a master at conveying that through her work. This is one of the few times something really does deserve 5 stars.