Feb 26, 2025
Where to start? With the plot, the characters or the drawings? Hesitantly, I'll let myself be guided along these lines.
To be perfectly honest, I never imagined that Blank Space would tackle such deep and sensitive themes with such accuracy. Suicide, harassment, dark thoughts... So many subjects treated with subtlety and sincerity. At first glance, I was expecting a light-hearted work in the vein of Nichijou, tinged with a hint of fantasy. I was far from it.
From an artistic point of view, this work struck a chord with me. The seemingly simple drawings exude a unique atmosphere that will captivate receptive minds. Coupled with Kumakura's fluid,
...
masterful layout, this uncluttered style makes for particularly pleasant reading. It's a restful experience for my eyes, especially when you go from a Gachiakuta or a Blue Exorcist, where the information is jostling and overflowing in every frame (don't get me wrong, I love these 2 mangas).
But it is in its script that Blank Space reveals all its singularity. Like The Golden Sheep, this story doesn't look like much at first glance. A whimsical slice of life featuring schoolgirls... Nothing revolutionary, you may think. And yet the author catches us off-guard by slipping in a subtle plot element that gradually overturns our perception of the story. Despite a few grey areas that slightly tarnish the picture at the end, we fully understand the message behind this work. Its intention, at least as I interpret it, is clear: to offer a glimmer of hope to these tormented young souls, to show them that it is possible, despite the pain, to move forward and preserve what is dear to them.
What can we say about the characters? The deep friendship between these two young girls touched me deeply. An unbreakable bond, capable of withstanding the most painful trials. Having experienced bullying myself as a child - a story that is now over, rest assured - I felt a sincere connection with these heroines. Sometimes through Sui's thoughts, sometimes through Shoko's emotions. My only regret is the brevity of this work, which, although intense, would have deserved more in-depth development.
My review is perhaps more concise than usual, but I prefer to leave everyone the pleasure of discovering this story for themselves. In my opinion, this story has a precious value: it could be a glimmer of hope, a refuge for these children facing bullying at school. Of course, it won't make their tormentors disappear, but it could show them the way, whisper to them that there is a hand outstretched somewhere, help to be grasped, support to be offered or received.
As for me, I'll be keeping a close eye on this author's next works. In the meantime, there's just one thing I'd like to say: for all the emotions you've stirred up and the memories you've revived, Shoko, Sui and all the others, thank you so much. I'm going to miss you terribly. But don't worry... There will always be a place for you in my empty space.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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