May 22, 2020
I use MAL for keeping track of series I want to read/watch, so this will be my first(and probably only) review. I could right pages about REAL but I'll keep it somewhat brief.
If you are on the fence about reading this series, do it. No hesitation. If one person starts this series because of this post, then I have done my job. If you are expecting Slam Dunk or Vagabond, it's somewhat a mixture of the two, and somewhat something completely different. We may never get a completion to the story, and taking that into consideration, it's still one of the greatest STORIES I have
...
ever read(and I've read my fair share). That's somewhat of an extreme opinion and I don't think it will resonate as personally with everyone as it did with me, but I'm positive anybody that gives it a shot will gain something of value from it. I think that's the highest praise anyone can give for a story.
Story: 10
Riveting. Heartbreaking. Funny. Frustrating. Thought-Provoking. I have gone through almost every possible emotion through each sit-down. Essentially, the story resolves around 3 guys connected through basketball, or more specifically, wheelchair basketball. It's a balance of despair and hope, swirling through the pages as characters try to right their wrongs and find their place in the world after traumatic experiences. It's a pretty vague premise, but there are many subplots that really give the story its legs.
Art: 8
Definitely not the best I've seen as it's spotty at times(Due to the author working on Vagabond at the time), but it really has it's own charm. I think Inoue is unrivaled in portraying movement in his panels. He's mastered the small details, and easily makes you forget you're looking at a still page. It's not just basketball scenes where his art shines either. He can portray emotion with shocking realism, and it greatly adds to the effect of whatever feeling he wants you to feel. And in my opinion, his character designs are perfect. It's the sweet balance between being able to tell people apart while also not making them too outlandish where that sense of realism is lost. Each character has their own unique set of features, not just in their face but in their body language as well, which is super impressive considering a lot of the cast is in a wheelchair.
Characters: 10
The characters are the best part about this series, and that is saying a lot. You know a story is special when there're 3 main characters, and each are equally fleshed out with extreme care, depth and unique development. What's even crazier is that some of the best characters play supporting roles. Side characters are supposed to help the main characters grow, and they accomplish that flawlessly. However, countless of these characters receive just as much or even more growth that other story's MAIN cast gets. Everyone is a weirdo, an asshole or both, and yet, I can't help but root for them. Their flaws are so blatant, but you understand why they do what they do. They're given structure and as you watch these characters go through the ringer countless times, all you want to see is them come out on top.
Enjoyment: 10
Through each of my numerous reads, my interest has not faltered even a little bit. I enjoy it as much as I did years ago.
Overall: 10
It's less than 100 chapters, and still one of the most fleshed out pieces of work this medium has to offer. It's relatable on so many levels and mad me reflect in ways I never had before. In my honest opinion, a must read for everybody, not just anime/manga fans.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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