Dec 30, 2023
Whoa, some of these chapters swept me way more than I expected to. I admit the cover and summary of 'Junwaidan' made me think I'm in for a fun, but cheap-ish rowdy series.
I couldn't have been more wrong.
This manga is episodic in nature and despite some of the stories focusing on people at the younger stages of their lives, it's very adult. Adult in a sentimentally painful, realistic, and very, very sobering way. It doesn't condone the behavior of its characters (most chapters being based on true stories submitted to the mangaka); it rather explores them in a captivating way.
I've read very few series
...
that could contain this realism and genuine feeling within a single chapter without seeming too short/unfinished.
In fact, I'd go as far as to say that the series transcends the usual manga storytelling methods. It rather ventures into short prose territory - intimate, emotional, and with a gentle hint of wisdom about the things we have to sometimes sacrifice. I found myself and some of my romantic experiences in several of these chapters and could 100% resonate with the characters depicted.
I would disagree with the reviewer before me. I don't think the art is bland. I think the art is purposefully more realistic and not overly flowery or majestic. It's a more mature, streamlined take on the art of manga. And I'm glad about that, as I think the stylistic choice fits the story narratives and messages very well.
A solid 9/10 out of me. I read the series is on hiatus and I'm very sad about this fact, as 'Junwaidan' delivers a special kind of atmosphere. As I said, there's a heavy dose of realism here - keep that in mind. A lot of bittersweetness to be found within the chapters.
Oh, and there are Youtube videos (much like scripts/screenplays) that tie well into the manga series. I advise you take a look at them, just search the manga name in Japanese and they'll pop up. I'm actually surprised this isn't bigger overseas, as both the series and the videos are decently popular within Japan.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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