blanc
Classmates: blanc

Edit

What would you like to edit?

SynopsisBackgroundAlternative TitlesPictureChapters/VolumesPublishing DatesRelationsTypeExternal Links  

Asumiko Nakamura's stories have always had my interest and attention in a vice grip, relentless and refusing to let go - and I've never minded that fact. She is incredibly talented with crafting stories, delivering messages, and making at least me fall for everything in the work I'm currently engrossed in - this time, it was "blanc".

A sequel to Doukyuusei, Sotsugyousei, and O.B. (Occupation to Beloved), it's set not too long after O.B. ended, but things have definitely changed. The general mood of the story is very different from the sequels; though they aren't that much older, the characters and their issues feel more adult ... and complex. There are a lot of heavy elements conveyed wonderfully through the art, with facial expressions that really lent power to said moments. I know of people who don't particularly vibe with Nakamura's art style, but I certainly do. It's unique and fits her stories.

It was great to see and read more of how Rihito and Hikaru get through their struggles, first together, then apart, and then together again. There's a saying that too much sun makes a desert, and that was portrayed in "blanc" really well. They had to spend some time apart in order to properly be together in the end - and what a cathartic way to end off "blanc". We've been able to follow Rihito & Hikaru's journey since 2006 - and finally, the story comes to an end (not entirely, but that's for a different manga & review at a later date!) in the best way possible.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, despite the more emotional and heavy parts. It all made it feel worth it in the end, because those hardships allowed the characters to grow and re-evaluate things in their lives. It was a fantastic story, all the way from "Doukyuusei" to "blanc", and it's sad that it's all over now. But it was certainly great while it lasted.

"So many things are being half-assed"
- blanc, chapter 1. Also, this whole franchise.

That said, I don’t want to be too mean as this is so far the best part of the manga series. Or as would be better phrased – the least bad part.

The story feels more continuous than the previous chaotic parts, more or less achieving the goal of telling one comprehensive story. Which might not sound like much, but it seriously is an improvement when compared to the prequels.

I appreciate the inclusion of characters that feel more as an actual human being rather than a soap opera drama-machine, like the girl advising ... the protagonist to sort out the conflict by literally talking to each other, a solution that could change so much fictional conflicts in general yet is so often overlooked. Oh yeah, the conflict this time is that the protagonist couple breaks up. Not like it has much influence on the story though, as it just after a short while it’s treated almost like it didn’t happen at all.

The second major conflict is a father not approving of his son being homosexual. Very common trope, and not anything original added this time around. It’s nice how the mange touched on some real world problems like the administration around gay marriage though, that was one of the more interesting parts. What isn’t nice is the tone-deaf shifts in the situations, as we get from a family situation problem and a literal funeral to making out and then sex. Is it “Oh yeah the death of my parent is making me so horny let’s fug.” or “Oh no the death of my parents make me so sad, let’s fug”? Both options are weird. I think the most realistic answer is that the manga had to have at least one sex scene and it didn’t really fit anywhere, so this is where it ended up, probably after the author rolled a dice about where to put it or something.

Overall, this was probably an enjoyable emotional payoff for those that are actually fans of this franchise. It didn’t work for me as the story failed to make me interested in the characters so it kinda fell flat but hey, you’re not me.