Colorless

Edit

What would you like to edit?

SynopsisBackgroundAlternative TitlesPictureChapters/VolumesPublishing DatesRelationsTypeExternal Links  

"Colorless" is a groundbreaking manga that employs "color" as more than just a visual element, rather a powerful narrative device. This approach adds layers of meaning to each panel where color appears, creating a immersive experience. Further enhanced by the gritty and harsh environment, bringing the world to life in a way that feels both vivid and bleak. With its exceptional world-building and storytelling, "Colorless" stands out as a work of respectable quality.

However, every great story needs a compelling antagonist, and this is where "Colorless" falls short. The antagonist’s actions are predictable and lack depth, though this is somewhat offset by the characters' clever ... ways of confronting them. The fight scenes are a highlight, beautifully choreographed and structured - though a bit difficut to follow - helps tie everything together with some action.

One of the manga’s more frustrating aspects is its tendency to leave too much unexplained. The story introduces interesting side characters and concepts but fails to develop them fully, leaving them feeling abandoned. While this might be acceptable for casual readers, it can be disappointing for those who want to dive deep into the story and its characters.

Without its unique use of "color" as a storytelling tool, "Colorless" might end up being just another manga with a decent plot. Yet, this creative choice elevates the entire reading experience, making "Colorless" a memorable and impactful work.

Colorless is by no means the first to employ the use of color in a black and white manga (one other example I can think of is "majo-senpai nippou", if you like this concept). But it is the first one that I know where color is such a major part of the world mechanics and story. It's used in a very creative way and it looks absolutely stunning. And while still talking about the art, the manga is very gritty and dirty, it matches the world it tries do depict, like a dorohedoro kind of vibe.

I dont want to talk much about the story while ... only on 10 chapters, I think it would be unfair. But I like the foundation it is laying and where it's heading.
The police and cult aren't the simple evil bad guys, there's a whole complex structure of power being constructed and that's never bad.
The main character being the kind of noir Privite Investigator and the "heroine" having amnesia are pretty good at exposure without feeling forced.

This is the first review in this site, and I hope this manga gets the recognition it deserves. I especially want to see it get an anime adaptation, it would be sick to watch modern black and white anime with the occasional color.

(The author thought the world used to be back and white due to tv when he was young, and I find that very cute)

Colorless is one of those mangas that has flown under the radar of many and it is criminal. This manga has a unique storyline, amazing art and characters and the world reminds me of Dorohedoro's.
The author talks about how it is an American-styled comic and I honestly believe this to be true. When I first read the first few chapters the only thing I could think of is that it reminds me of the TMNT Black and White Classic Comics released way back when.
The use of color in a traditional black and white manga isn't anything too new to me as I have ... recently read a manga that used color for a character's eyes, but this is the first time I've seen it utilized so well, and it really ups the enjoyment factor for Colorless.
Sadly there is not much else to say because as of now it only has 17 chapters and has yet to show what else it has in store, but from what I see there is so much potential for this series, especially if someone like Hideo Kojima not only decided to buy the first two volumes, but also posted on twitter about it.
So far so good, I give it an 8/10 right now and I hope for the rating to go up.