Ranked #126

What a Wonderful World (Manga)

Asano Inio is the unsung Aesop of our time. He weaves his set of ideals and his take on life into his manga, teaching and inspiring us time and time again.

In this compilation of short stories, Inio tries to teach us one thing, saying it directly on the first and last pages of the second volume: "This world that we live in is gentle yet sad, fun yet sorrowful, strong yet ephemeral..." / "...but as long as you're alive, something good is bound to happen. I'm sure of it."

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Each and every one of the stories shows struggle. They show how terrible "ordinary" life can be. Two friends separate because one becomes "popular." A father who is too engrossed with his job to go back for even his child's birthday. A couple with a hollow relationship.

Each and every one of the stories shows hope. Sometimes, bullies can be real people. Sometimes a person can realize their worth. Sometimes two people can make up.

Each and every one of the stories doesn't overdo the hope. The working father doesn't suddenly quit his job to spend time with his son. The hollow relationship stays at "casual talk" level. The two friends are still separated. But at least there's a glimmer of hope.

And that's what separates Inio from other mangaka. You can be as inspirational as you want, but if you don't pull through and deny your readers that ultimately "happy" ending, it's no good. "Happy" endings often ruin anime and manga for me. I don't want to see a tragedy with a deus ex machina ending (lookin' at you, After Story...). When bad things happen, they happen. There's no miracle. What a Wonderful World doesn't show a utopia because it isn't meant to - this world is wonderful because there is a glimmer of "hope", not because everybody gets to live happily ever after.

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The main appeal of this manga is in its bittersweet story and the themes Inio has placed in it - the chronicles of the struggles, dreams, and ambitions of regular people. That said, though, the other aspects aren't lacking at all. The art is top-notch, the characters are amazingly deep, and every single panel has a purpose. Even if you aren't a fan of realistic manga, this work of art would still be appealing.

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In the last chapter, tragedy strikes. The ultimate tragedy - something almost worse than death. But in the midst of this, Inio devotes his only two-page spread to show that there is hope. Even if life after this tragedy is like hell, one day, something good will happen.

What a wonderful world indeed. read more