Sekitou Elegy

Edit

What would you like to edit?

SynopsisBackgroundAlternative TitlesPictureChapters/VolumesPublishing DatesRelationsTypeExternal Links  

Warning: Spoilers contained….It’s a romance series..What do you expect?? This is my very first review. Please be kind to me. While browsing the endless depths of MAL, I came across this intriguing series and was compelled to check MU (mangadates.com) to find out more information and much to my pleasant surprise Sekitou Elegy received positive feedback. Thus, prompting me to read this refreshing addictive series that strays from the typical seinen romance.
The story follows the life of Yanagawa, Satoshi, a fresh-out-of high school blue collar worker, who drudges through his life working as a traffic control personnel for a construction site. ... His unenviable days of receiving verbal lashings from disgruntled drivers are made more pleasant with the introduction of Chiiko, a foul-mouthed and violent part-timer who is a stark contrast to Yanagawa’s timid nature. The well-paced series shows our lovable pair traverse the murky waters of young adulthood as they grow closer to one another. The story handles the romance very well and feels quite real, as Chiiko and Yanagawa realize their feelings for one another without any of the typical plot devices that plague the romance genre such as the persistent childhood friend or never-ending misunderstandings.
I suppose my biggest gripe against this series’ story is that it is a bit too slice-of-life at some points during the story. There are not many long-spanning arcs within this series but this can be due to the fact that series has yet to be fully translated. However, this is only a minor complaint in an otherwise enjoyable series because the two main characters make this series lack of a definitive story incredibly addictive to read.
In terms of characters, this is the series’ strongest point, even though the story revolves around two characters without a strong supporting cast. Yanagawa is a refreshing and realistic character that any guy in their twenties can identify with as he deals with finding his place in society. He may not be that handsome or not really smart but his earnest kind-hearted nature shine through and is highlighted through his interactions with Chiiko. She has a strong influence on his characterization as he inches out of his weak personality mainly for her sake. Much of the series’ comedy stems from him being weak but never to the point of ostracizing him. Chiiko is an odd and incredibly likable female lead that offers a great balance to Yanagawa’s personality as she more blunt and confrontational. However, with Yanagawa in her life she slowly realizes how important he is as he has a positive influence on her hellacious life that the series offers briefly reveals in fragmented flashbacks. Overall, Yanagawa and Chiiko’s steady development is the strongest element in the series that will definitely keep the reader hooked through the entire series.
The art is the series’ weak point but this is only a minor concern and it will only take a little getting used to in order to appreciate the blue collared nature that the series conveys. However, backgrounds are one of the strong points of the art as well as Yanagawa and Chiiko’s most poignant moments in their relationship.
WARNING: There are some sex scenes in the series but it’s nothing too graphic and it advances the plot.
In conclusion, I will give Sekitou Elegy an 8 for its strong character development between the odd yet likable Yanagawa and Chiiko even though the story feels a little too slice-of-life. If you’re looking for a good romance series that does resort to the run-of-the-mill story elements such as persistent childhood friends as well as troublesome love triangles and focuses purely on the couple then I highly recommend this series.

If you've somehow stumbled upon this overlooked manga, then thank whoever or whatever sent you this way. This is a great slice of life romance manga that is a cut above the vast wasteland of shounen and shojo romcoms/dramas. If that piques your interest then you should start reading Sekitou Elegy right out of the gate.

A heads up: there will be some minor spoilers as I get to unpacking what I think about this manga. Another heads up: while the manga has finished publishing, the translations have not and are currently at Chapter 74.

STORY (9) - The story along with the character development is ... truly the meat and potatoes (if you will) of any great manga. Fortunately, Sekitou Elegy excels in both presenting a realistic outlook on the lives of two young adults. One of the great things about this story is that there is a strong sense of continuity that I often see lacking in other slice of life stories; the ending of one chapter flows nicely into the next. Takashi is clearly trying to convey a cohesive story here and I think that cohesiveness does a good job of supporting the character development. All in all, the story doesn't have definitive arcs (maybe you could count the first one) and instead transitions through stages of the relationship between our two main characters. You'll see everything from miscommunication and arguments to awkward yet wholesome scenes.

ART (6) - Takashi's art is, to sum it up in one word, sufficient. You're most likely not going to be amazed at any of the panels or character depictions. Backgrounds in smaller panels will appear hastily drawn or there will simply be white space instead. Ok, well does the art improve throughout its publication? Kind of...I noticed an overall trend towards cleaner illustrations and finer detailing, but nothing significant. However, Takashi does a great job of drawing facial expressions that accurately convey the myriad of emotions that his characters go through. That is certainly his strength when it comes to his art.

CHARACTER (8) - The story is driven strongly through its character development which is a strength for Sekitou because of how genuine our two main characters are. Satoshi is depicted as a bumbling fool, but he can be brazen sometimes which leads to the furthering of his relationship with Chiiko. Over time, Satoshi begins to mature as the relationship progresses. He starts to question his place in the world (i.e Quarter-life crisis) as well as his future with Chiiko.

As for Chiiko herself, she begins to channel her brazen attitude productively choosing a career well suited for her. She also makes real strides in lowering her emotional walls. The progression is well-paced and more importantly, it comes across as a realistic depiction of what a relationship looks like. Why doesn't Sekitou get a perfect 10? Well, yes, the main characters are nicely fleshed out, but the side characters are one-dimensional resulting in the story heavily leaning on one plotline. At the very least there should have been more development on Satoshi's brother instead of for the sake of pushing the plot along.

ENJOYMENT (9) - I had a great time reading Sekitou (as much of it as there is currently out there). I'm sure that I speak for many out there when I say that it's hard to find a romance manga that truly feels relatable. This is about as realistic a depiction of a regular, healthy relationship in manga that I can think of.

OVERALL (8) - If you've made it this far then why aren't you reading Sekitou already? Unless you've cheated and scrolled down, and in that case, I'll reiterate: Sekitou is a great seinen slice of life manga that showcases a realistic portrayal of romance and relationship development between two young adults. Pick it up and thank Takashi later.