Boku dake ga Inai Machi
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This manga is one of those rare gems that you sometimes stumble across. To be honest, I did not expect much, especially because the title isn't particularly catchy nor is the artwork especially powerful or elaborate. But within the first five pages, this manga had me hooked: I had this uncanny feeling that I was reading something that was bigger than life. Boku Dake ga Inai Matchi reads like a Greek tragedy; by going back to save lives, to save himself, the protagonist destroys his own future.


Although the panels are very clean, almost to the point of being bare, the mangaka managed to keep the ... speed in the story, without relying on dazzling effects. It is the dialogue that cuts into you like a sharp razor.
This is one of the best mystery/crime stories I've read in a while - because despite the fact that you know the identity of the culprit (because it just had to be that person, in an ugly, hopeless way), it is still a gripping read. Unlike in other mysteries, I cannot find any fault with the protagonist for not figuring it out earlier... there is a reason, a very human reason for him not making the connection. Because it hurts to be betrayed by those that you look up to. At the same time, the story makes you feel guilty for judging a person without any evidence other than this horrible premonition. And, of course, Satoru doesn't have any time to stop and think things through... he is unable to realize that with each person that he "saves", he is painting a large target on his own back. Due to that, the reader begins to feel the noose tighten around their own neck.
The last selling point of this incredible manga is its depiction of women. I've read lots of manga, and I am fairly used to Japanese stereotypes. Despite the fact that this is essentially a story about a guy saving girls from being preyed on, it doesn't feel like the female characters are weak at all.

I've longed to read the manga since the moment I had finished watching the anime. I had the feeling something wasn't right about the way anime ended. Fortunately, I was right.

The story begins quite smoothly and slowly giving the time to get to know the characters, their way of thinking and living.
There are some things which are just given to a reader without any further explanations. You just have to assume them. I wouldn't say I liked it but that's not the most important part here so let it be.
The story tells us about a "detective game", involving time traveling. The most ... part of it is dedicated to monologues of the main character which makes the story very engaging. There's not much action in it, but that's for the greater good.
It's smartly constructed. There are in general 3 large parts of the story which are deeply connected with each other. Lots of minor details which seemed to have no significance eventually turned out to be very important.
You'll think with Satoru. You'll analyze with Satoru. You'll find the culprit with him. You'll feel yourself in his shoes.

To be honest, art isn't something to admire here. It has its own style which I would call as "a bit edgy". It makes a good job of conveying emotions, actions and thoughts. So I wouldn't count it as bad either. Also, there are some frames which are just great.
It makes its job in a proper way.

I guess you would never forget Satoru, Kayo, and Satoru's mom at least. They became quite real for me. Besides them, lots of another cool characters out there. Characters are a core of the manga. Everything's based on them. A reader has the opportunity to see how they grow supporting each other. Such thing as a "friendship" is showed here in a right way. It's not that pretentious as it might be in some shounen manga, yet very gorgeous and simply a nice thing.
To add more, few characters have their own philosophy. I've found some interesting thoughts.
The antagonist deserves some praise. I didn't understand to the end his philosophy but it was the interesting one without a doubt.

I like stories like this one. Very much do. It's not perfect. To some degree, it may be even absurd. But, what's more important, it gives a reader something to think about. Something to live with.
It's sincerely kind.

I would recommend it to anyone. Especially to those, who are, alike me, unsatisfied with the way anime ended. You'll find a gap and a proper ending right here. And don't forget about additional 5 chapters, please note, they are very important!

Boku dake ga Inai Machi

The Town Where Only I Am Missing




Didn't read the manga until after the anime adaptation. Among other things, I wanted to know whether this whole topic of time travel is explained in more detail in the manga.

If anyone is interested, no, it is not explained. In other words, the manga is just like the anime, with one major exception.
From the point in episode 10 when the breakup came, the anime took a different direction. The manga had a different and longer finale from then on. Among other things, I liked this one more because you had seen a lot more ... of the main antagonist.




Story

The basic idea behind the plot appealed to me immediately. Basically, it's an approach that is generally promising and offers a lot of leeways.

The course of the plot was also satisfactory. There was a little lack of tension and the conversations were a bit flat too.

What was done right, however, was the atmosphere. Both in the manga and in the anime adaptation. This could lift the somewhat fluctuating tension nicely.

My biggest problem with the plot is the lack of clarification of the skills / events. Time travel is all well and good, but if the explanation is missing, it is only half the cheese.



Drawing

Slightly above average. The draftsman's strength was definitely not in the characters, but in the environment and the presentation.

Characters

Except for the wanted murderer, all characters were mostly monotonous and weak. They have been as normal as they could possibly be. Accordingly, it was difficult to build any interest in them.


Conclusion


It was quite an interesting manga. Basically, I liked it slightly better than the anime. With a little more detail and explanation, it could certainly have gotten better.