TLDR
Story – 9/10 – 9 x 0.275 = 2,475
Art – 9/10 – 9 x 0.2 = 1,8
Characters – 8/10 – 8 x 0.225 = 1,8
Enjoyment – 8/10 – 8 x 0.3 = 2,4
Total: 8,475 -> 8
“There’s a war being fought somewhere today. Many people are being killed. But it’s hard to believe that kind of thing when you look at this peaceful scene. I thought it would be nice if it went on forever…”
Solanin
Story – 9/10
Solanin is a small gem in the world of SOL (slice of life). Its author, Inio Asano, the creator of the legendary Goodnight, Punpun, shows once more that his skills are nearly unmatched in the genre. Solanin tells a very human story – as any SOL should – around two characters in their 20s, facing their ambitions and hindrances in Tokyo. The story develops well and is structured around their lives. The end result is a story that is humane and sweet, although short. It becomes a swift read for its quality. The ending – the epilogue – also adds a layer of complexity to everyone who needs to “move on” from something or someone.
Art – 9/10
The art style in Solanin is of the same impeccable quality as in Goodnight, Punpun: it is pristine and very detailed, with flowering panels of unestimated beauty for the sight to behold. The landscapes and scenarios are done with shadowing worthy of awards, and the characters are incredibly expressive: one can easily read a character’s face and emotions. Character design is also well done, making it easy to recognise characters from one another. Panels have a good fluency and make it easy to follow the story along.
Characters – 8/10
The characters are very likeable and believable, being a SOL with a firm grasp of the human condition. We feel their pain and agony, as well as their hopes and dreams, and the art helps convey all these feelings in singular panels. This is central about Solanin’s characters: they are human, like ourselves; they face the same challenges, they face grief and loss, they fall in love, etc. All of this is done in an extraordinary fashion.
Enjoyment – 8/10
Solanin is a joy to read from start to finish, although the second half of the manga is slightly better than its first half. With excellent characters and an emotional story about grief, loss, and overcoming obstacles, Solanin also offers good reflections on the human condition, as the quote above shows. This one has meant a lot to me in recent times. It is a beautiful consideration in such troubling times of longing for peace and harmony over war and chaos. Solanin is just as precious as the quotes it produces, more than deserving of a Recommendation for such a work of art.
