Goze Hotaru

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The art and of this manga are incredible. And while the story itself didn't really resonate with me, the mix between fantasy and realism of the setting is intriguing enough to justify a read through. In fact, i spend the first ten or so chapters wondering whether the fantasy element was a figment of the imagination of the protagonist, which isn't a bad thing and is something i believe is intentional on the part of the author, as the story slowly changed my doubts into wonder as more of the setting was revealed. The characters themselves were well written and memorable, though the slower pace ... (and subsequent ending) of the story meant very little of their backstories and motivations could take front stage. It is a shame it was axed, but a good work nonetheless. Very much worth the day that it would take to finish this story.

SHONEN JUMP/SHUEISHA WHOEVER THE FUCK WHEN I FIND YOU I WILL KICK YOUR WATER BOTTLE OFF THE TABLE !!!!!!

I will fully defend so many works that get published and then never make it past their first or second arc. I don't know when the authors get that grace period message that their work will never develop past a certain point, I don't know at what point the ax swings down, but I know the disappointment of the period after, I notice how fans commiserate in the comments section mourning something that never got a chance to fly. I get that it's a cutthroat world out ... there and I will say I'm rather new to the disappointment of watching something be taken away when it was not given full possibility.

The author of Goze Hotaru was cookin and the appetizer was delicious, the news of the main course was appetizing, but I never got to eat it. You have this historical setting set with a vibe very similar to the wandering of a manga like Mushishi, surreal and supernatural spin in its art and menagerie of potential non-human beings, such loose and alluring strokes of the pen, moments of near cartoonish expression, vibrant and vivid patterns that make us understand that the characters in this world are blind yet their perception is vitally important for their career and livelihood, so how do you express something happening to the characters in a sonically rich and mysterious world? I think we come close to success here.

This is one of the standouts among all published works that held such a thrilling potential: we see a young blind girl find a group of misfits who go around singing and telling stories to villages, the untapped storylines that could be there, it was exciting, it was fresh, there is mystery to the background of major and minor characters that weave a loose but expertly crafted story (like a wooly sweater with large bits of yarn). And while the core of the mission for Hotaru was to understand the reasons her family was split apart, we know that if the author was given time, there would be a fruitful journey of growth, discovery, community, hardship, etc etc that would make the main cast of lovable, talented dummies a warm welcome to a found family trope.

And you know what? The rushed ending to this short 24 chapter was actually not bad! There was a timeskip and even then, it didn't feel obscenely disruptive to the flow of the narrative, it set up for its audience a charming epilogue that may open up many a fanfiction to bloom from the world the author gave. I'm frustrated that such a unique storyline will be let down, and hey this may not be someone's genre especially from it being in a place full of action shonen, so really this is a plea to readers (though those who are already here may already agree), branch out to stories like this instead of the usual slop and give this a fighting chance. I'm gonna miss this. I look forward to the author's upcoming works, for now, enjoy your rest.

(July 17)
I absolutely vividly remember getting a déjà rêvé of one of the chapters of this manga about a year ago, and I am absolutely happy that I got it. I am happy that it was fated for me to have read this beautiful manga.

The story is of a certain girl, Hotaru, who goes blind and now strives to become a goze, blind women who travel around the world with their songs, looking to bring happiness in the life of people who listen to their serene voices. Hence the title "Goze Hotaru".

It has casted a spell on me, captivating my mind and heart, while ... I was reading this. It just has a certain feel, a certain vibe to it which makes me feel warm from the inner of my heart. Every aspect of the manga works as an aromatherapy (though there are no smells involved) and I just can't describe that feeling enough. The characters are devoid of any flaws, as it seems to my eyes. Their character designs fit their personalities like a shoe. The main character, Hotaru, embodies conflicting personality traits all too naturally. She is childish but mature like, clumsy but professional, dumb but a genius. The author has put in efforts to make her a walking bundle of cuteness, but did not let it be her only defining trait. The side characters have got a similar effort in the thought for their personality as the main one.

About the story, and there is something interesting to see someone who instead of only becoming a thing to be pitied upon by others cause of her disability, wants to deny all of that and pursue her dream, whatever she wants to do. Aiming for the highs and putting in appropriate efforts, while facing difficulties but not backing down from them, makes me want to cheer and support her.

Now the art, and it is nothing short of perfection. Just sets the whole environment beautifully for the theme of the manga, and hammers down the right feelings into your body efficiently while reading this.

At the end all I want to say is I am desperately waiting for that next chapter, and its anime announcement, because if this is not anime material I don't know what is, and I can already see what a banger of an anime this will be if rightfully adapted.

(Oct 1)
Edit: It sadly ended today. And it was so good too. People at Jump know nothing other than pushing out usual shounen trash. Now I am just waiting for author's next work.