Asako

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Fantastic manga. Some people will be put off by its premise and rather controversial nature.

While I don't fault them, I do want to note they're missing out. The longer the series goes on, the more apparent it becomes that the focus in 'Asako' lies way beyond the taboo/immorality. In fact, the controversial aspect eventually gets shoved off to uncover the real depth of the story.

This is a tale of identity, grief and longing, of maturing. And ultimately - of closure. Because every human being yearns for closure and the heaviness of this concept only piles on as time passes. I'd say it's exactly 'closure' that ... establishes itself as THE keyword to describe the manga and the process through which its cast goes through.

From naive child-like adoration to matured sentiments in retrospect; from juvenile delinquency to moral ambiguity; from domestic violence to the hierarchy of bullying, 'Asako' tackles a lot of themes. And, to the reader's satisfaction, it explores them rather well.

'Melancholic' or 'nostalgic' are words we throw out rather easily. I know I'm fond of overusing them. Yet both truly fit what 'Asako' stands for. To a great extent, the emotional impact comes from to series' apt structure - rotating between the viewpoints of Masashi 'then' and Masashi 'now'. Side characters are approached intelligently and may (or may not) go through self-reflection, outlining their differences now, as adults, from then, as children. Asako's enigmatic influence is the uniting factor of their process of growing up; their buoy so to speak.

With how it's layered, the manga beautifully explores the process of aging and changing, of past reminiscences and threads that were buried, yet never let go. It's a mystery, a drama, an eerie love-but-not-exactly-love story. A heartfelt work of art.

Extremely solid 8/10. I would've gone as far as 8.5/10, but I had some nitpicks with the series' last third.

To be honest, i do not know "much" about this mangá, right now, it only have 6 chapters... But.
Something in this piece makes the manga really enjoyable, the story still underexplained but alrealdy seems to have a nice way to go.
The art its really beautiful, simple, but beautiful. The two main characters have a good feeling (the others one are ok)
Overall, for now, it's not the manga that i will remember for years (at least for now), but i ready the 6 chapters and was a nice and enjoyable experience, very, very simple (also because we do not have a lot of chapters for now ... (ago 2020)), but at the same time it was really relaxing.

I recommend if u want to read something enjoyable and simple!

Asako – is a drama-based series that follows the relationship between a beauty and a boy - Masashi, who experience his first love and receives early exposure to sexual acts.

The manga is presented in a fast passed way, with each chapter following Asako, Masashi and the supporting characters through a variety of misadventures, result of the atics of some mean kids. The author doesn’t allow us to catch our breath, with each chapter proceeding was if it was being wanted, but with enough clarity of a seinen and drama-based plot. Antsy (feeling uncomfortable with a series of situations - like an itch) with the author ... throwing situation after situation in quick sessions. The story itself is dramatic and concerning? If you think about the issue of depicing sexual images of children, it is concerning, no? The manga uses rape and sexual abuse — all involving children, as a background plot. That includes the 11-year-old boy Masashi being pressured to take a photo of Asako body otherwise he is a kid; Or they throw that pun if you do y I will a reward you with x. And etcetera.

It means the manga is another child exploitation reference even if I can see a good point in the plot. Yoshida Morohe presents a quick-fire dramatic series that is a vehicle to the abuse children even if it's not his intention. It's not explicit but even so the manga can be used to groom children.

The artwork is cute and eye-catching in its own. He doesn't add much detail of background, with so it's simple. This means the characters are in the center of your attention - exactly like
Dead Dead Demon's Dededededestruction. Still, sometimes, the artwork feels kind of rushed - simple if you prefer.

The character – Asako in particular – is the core of the manga. She is an enigma and ever-interesting to follow, and while the manga is questionable, it still can create enthusiasm.

It's still on going so that is what prevents from taking a final stance; if given more time for the story to develop itself, maybe the series can come into its own.