Gokko

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One of the best compliments I can give a piece of media is "I wish it went on longer". I would say the same for Gokko.

Following the journey of a former hikkikomori NEET into parenthood after kidnapping was an unexpectedly wholesome ordeal. Stories with characters that are morally dubious is a something I enjoy. Stories like that have a tendancy to lean on tropes and be quite edgy though. Gokko thankfully is pretty charming with it's prose and tones. Able to switch between light and dark moments pretty well and touch on the worst of humanity without coming off as edgy.

The story starts introducing more ... side characters half way through and I think it does enhance some of the slice of life aspects of it and the moral lessons the chapters conclude or muse on. But this is where the short length doesn't help it. By the end of the manga most of them get shafted in favour of the backstories and concluding events for the final arc. Which sucks cuz given the short length we don't get much use out of them after a few chapters at most. Even though I find all of them to be charming and enjoyable. Each carrying their own negatives and baggage that makes them feel human.

The art is also solid. Durpy, but in a cute childish way that can feel at times oddly beautiful. Like a crude children's book, which can juxtapose the grim moments really well.

Overall, I think if you can enjoy a morally grey MC and are willing to lend an ear to the most disgusting members of society and their lives and minds, I think there is something on offer here for you. The manga doesn't justify each person or their lives. It scrutinizes and reprimands them, but also shows that they are all human regardless. With the main focus and hook being a wholesome story of a father and daughter for a good chunk of it. Mileage varies on the ending though. You'll have to see that for yourself.

highlights both the best and worst of humanity. you will be constantly swinging between hating and appreciating the main character but his flaws always exist to juxtapose his qualities and attempts to improve for his daughter.

my only actual complaints include the increasingly confusing backstory regarding gokko's origins, and the occasional needlessly edgy events and dialogue. regardless, captivating characters, art, and plotline always make me appreciate gokko even with its flaws. the runtime is perfect; the cutesy SoL chapters focusing on gokko in the beginning gently caress you through the gradual decline into the psychological drama as the story progresses. regardless, you will come out in ... the end appreciating the pain you went through

if you're a fan of morally grey, complex characters and can stomach a small dose of depressing events this is definitely worth a read