Ranked #5597

Glaucos (Manga)

The entire premise of Glaucos is the relationship between humans and nature, and more specifically the unbreakable bond between our protagonist, Cisse, and the ocean he was born in.

The story is straightforward enough to keep the pace moving, but it's not something that really shines. Basically we are introduced to the world of free diving, through the eyes of Cisse- to whom free diving means the union with the oceans depths. Although it is really unique and has some elements that enhance it greatly it's not enough to make the story amazing, just good.

From the very beginning you will understand that this is not just some common, by-the-pattern manga. The very first pages depict an infant being brought from the darkness of the oceans to the light of the human world, by two dolphins. As they preform their elegant dance, coiling around the new born baby, they bring him into the hands of a villager. The infant is Cisse and the villager becomes his father.
The art is exactly the same as Aiko Tanaka's other manga "Shamo" (a verry interesting read as well). And when I say exactly I mean the two main characters of both series look like identical twins, just different hairstyles. That is by no means a bad thing, but what I find interesting is that even tough Shamo is an older manga the art is a little better. Still the style is realistic and it all seems to fit very well. The underwater pages are really unexpectedly lifelike and surprisingly well done.

Speaking of realistic; Cisse, at least to me, is the most believable character I have watched. His story also hits close to home for me, no i wasn't born and raised by dolphins if that's what you were wondering, but from a really early age (i think i was 3) i started swimming. The way his personality and character is portrayed, you can tell the only thing he has is the ocean yet he possesses a competitive spirit, doubts himself, overcomes himself, and really wants and maybe needs to prove something to himself. Other characters are developed too, but I feel that their story should have gotten more page space (mind you I have only read 27 of the 40 chapters)

Overall i would say it's a quick read and you get so much more in return.Iit's such an uncommon field for a manga that it's impossible not to be entertained. Add to that the uncommon story, realistic art, and a protagonist you can relate to, and you get a unique and fun ride. read more