Isho, Koukai.
Suicide Notes Laid on the Table

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--suicide--

I think the reason behind both of my choices from the "You Should Read This Manga 2024" list lies with me wanting to know how this topic ended up being handled, and in the end, I definitely feel more comfortable recommending this one over the other entry.

Now, this isn't to say the reason I recommend this is because this series lacks any uncomfortable messages regarding the topic of suicide because there are undoubtedly uncomfortable messages in this particular Manga series, but a major difference between this and the other series I picked out lies with intentional messages versus unintentional ones, with all of the uncomfortable ... messages in this particular Manga being intentional.

I can also state without going into spoilers what makes those messages uncomfortable, and that lies with this particular Manga diving into the impact an individual's actions can have on another individual with what makes the message uncomfortable being that we all should be more aware of how we treat others.

Of course, the series is also likely to hit home more for those who know certain things about the Japanese school system, in particular certain pressures the students face, some that are similar to how they are here in the West and others that are certainly unique experiences for the Japanese school system. For example, here in the United States high school students move from one class to another, those in the class varying while in Japan the teachers move from one class to another with the students staying the same.

If there was one issue, the ending. Without going into spoilers, I do feel the ending will have mixed feelings from readers, but then, I think that has more to do with the subject matter and the message being sent than anything.

I ADORED this series, and I think most people that like well thought out mysteries, surprising twists, and deep emotional characters will also grow to love it. The series packs a punch, and tells a well written, satisfying story with only 51 chapters. Stop reading my review, and just go read it, but if you want a little more info, here.

Plot: As the synopsis says, the general plot is about a class, with a strange ranking system, and one day, the number 1 student who was popular, loved and beautiful commits suicide. The day after she was found dead, everyone gets a note ... laying on their desk from her. Deciding to figure out what happens, the class begins reading their notes once every day, one person at a time to try to figure out what happened to her, and what the cause behind the whole class ranking...

Pacing: You could argue that pacing is one of the most important elements of a mystery, and this story does it very well! What's amazing about the pacing is how captivating it is. I binged the whole series in one day. It's refreshingly unique, and the pacing is great for the type of story it's trying to tell, with at least every other chapter giving you bits and pieces of the puzzle. I can't get too much into the plot without spoiling (And trust me it's better to go in blind), the hidden sides of all the characters, and how it progresses the story is truly great to read.

Characters: We have two main characters, that have unique personalities, and character types that I don't see frequently. I liked how they made the characters not the top or the bottom, just giving you an idea of what it's like to be in the rankings without needing to fall in the basic categories, The tippity top or the lowest of the low. At the beginning of the story, I was mildly interested in them, but as the story went on, I was really emotionally attached to not only our main characters, but many of the side characters. The great part is the story can give you characters, and you feel like you understand them, then they pull out a twist, perfectly fitting with the genre.

Relationships: I think this was one of the most intriguing elements of the whole series, seeing how other characters interactions created almost like a web in the classroom (Though I think some of the side characters could have some better established relationships) that was interesting to see how it all played out. The relationships that are definitely focused on the most is all the characters relationships with the girl that committed suicide, building up her character quite well, and it was nice seeing how she interacted with the class. Over all, I enjoyed the relationships.

Overall feelings: Read it. It's so underrated, and a hidden gem

This manga is fire like the whole psychological thriller part of the manga about how the y uncover the true personality and the nature and environment of class 2D and how a simple things made such huge difference in between people interactions. This manga is really good and signals at many things when ch we do not notice though present in our daily lives. It has an interesting premise and the whole story is carried out in a weel mannered way and the plot twists are amazing. This manga is one of the best thriller mangas i have read.
10/10 score for being so short ... yet so impactful and entertaining to read .