Aug 14, 2024
Pocha Climb represents the best that Yuri and manga overall has to offer and the only negative aspect of this story is that it was too short, (And that's not even the mangaka's fault, it was cut by the publisher due to low sales of the first volume.). Regardless of the prior parenthesis, the mangaka did an amazing job in wrapping up the story in the second volume.
Artistically, the only real issues stem from the MC being referred to as "chubby" but this not being shown as well as it could be, even by most manga standards. Sure, compared to her super skinny love interest,
...
she could be seen as wider, but that's more a body type than her actually being "chubby". Otherwise, the art is all fantastic. Nothing is spared or shied away from, especially with all the awkward angles and poses from climbing, the climbing gear and overall fashion. The world feels full with crowd shots and details on the climbing walls, there's even some unique "camera" work done in some panels while the girls are climbing.
Storyline wise, you can tell there was meant to be so much more exploration of the characters in this manga, so many threads and backstories to be fleshed out. It's amazing that the mangaka is able to breathe so much life into characters we only see for a few panels or less. The ending felt rushed, and that's because, as per above, it was. Despite how rushed it is, it provides a satisfying conclusion and the reader isn't left hanging with too many what ifs and speculations for the main storyline. Many more could have been expanded upon, but you'll just have to use your imagination for that (and again, not the mangakas fault, its on the publisher.)
As a bonus, this manga has one of the best dealings with of body image issues I have ever seen in any manga, it's a shame it couldn't have been explored more. Overall, the only reason to not read this manga, is if you hate reading something where you know there could have been more, but there isn't. Otherwise, this manga is a hidden gem among not just Yuri manga, but manga overall. Please give it a chance, and allow yourself to be pleasantly surprised.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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