I also acknowledge that there are minor criticisms about the manga, but I believe they don't alter its essence. Whether you consider its genre or simply observe the story progressing, it's neither a carbon copy of the author's previous work nor an attempt to serve the same ingredients to the audience. It's important for everyone to move past their criticisms and simply appreciate how the story unfolds. These days, how many protagonists are portrayed positively, and teaching valuable lessons through their actions. I really appreciate the predominantly positive portrayal of protagonists, it's incredibly refreshing for me as a reader.
The genre combines elements of organized crime, as seen in Wakui's previous work, with the addition of fantasy, which brings a new dimension to the story. Both elements positively and negatively influence the narrative trajectory. However, I feel that the setting could have been adjusted slightly to better suit the narrative, rather than portraying children as if they were adults running around the city managing crime. I am not entirely sure what the author has in mind for the future of the series, but deep down, I have a feeling there must be something intriguing planned ahead. While reading, I couldn't help but feel that if the author doesn't intend to change the character designs much, they should at least focus on providing a more suitable dimension to the setting and world-building. This would make the story more believable and increase clarity for the readers.
Ultimately, Negai no Astro delivers a good story that blends elements of organized crime with fantasy, giving readers a unique narrative experience that hasn't been explored much before. Although it may be compared to the author's previous work, the manga stands on its own with its positive portrayal of the protagonist and the valuable lesson of brotherhood woven into the story.
I absolutely recommend reading it!
