Manga Review: Mars

Shoujo: Mars
Author: Fuyumi Soryo
Genres: Drama, Romance
Rating: 8/10

I feel that this is one of the most emotionally engaging manga series I have ever read. I reread it pretty recently, but had to wait a week before reviewing it because my sense of ardour would simply overwhelm my review had I attempted it then. The characters were so engaging, and so beautifuly crafted, that I actually felt a sense of loss by the end. It is truly an inspirational piece of artwork, and deserves to be remembered by all manga readers. It brings back memories of Conversations Between Us, for those who have read Solangel's internet novel.

The plotline's streamlined berth allows it to delve much deeper into its themes than most mangas. The story revolves around an introverted artist, Kira and a playboy motorcycle rider, Rei. The two first meet when Rei asks Kira for directions to a local hospital, and Kira draws him a map. On the back of the map is a sketch of a mother holding her child, and Rei becomes intrigued by the drawing and the artist. In school, the two find out that they're classmates, and a series of events soon lead Rei into posing for Kira as a model, in return for a painted version of the sketch on the back of the map.

Seems innocent enough, right? This story takes some huge turns within the first few volumes (there are 15 in total). The issues it deals with are dark and oftentimes painful. The drama is a little overwhelming at times, but one cannot deny the beauty of the characters themselves. While Kira takes a little getting used to, Rei keeps true to his nature. Since Kira is a painfully shy girl, it is often difficult to understand her, much less like her throughout the series. This gives way to little support for some of her actions. Rei, on the other hand, lights up every frame he's in. He draws people to him like moths to a flame (as befitting his prescribed social status) and perhaps even the most relatable of all the characters. Though one might wonder at the extent of his recklessness, he's surprisingly engaging due to the impossibility of having an equal counterpart in real life. The two turn out to be a very balanced pair.

Had the art itself been anything less than what it was, Mars would not garner such widespread attention. There are no excessive details, and the author takes no shortcuts in drawing anything. Everything is displayed realistically, and it's simply impossible to read market trash after going through this series. It is difficult to describe the extent of Soryo's talent, but her portrayal of every one of her character deserves to be applauded. Their stance, their expressions, the setting... her drawings define the better qualities of manga.

One of the most memorable moments of the manga (guess what the statue is of):

Though I loved almost everything about the series, I was bothered by the often gloomy atmosphere. There were moments of surprising clarity and fluidity, but most of the time I felt the manga was shrouded in a tremendously depressing perspective of their adventures. Then again, I suppose the issues in this story requires such a setting. This manga is not for the faint of heart.

As one of the members of my top ten, I encourage you to check it out.

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I have read too many books to count in the space of a week. I am currently stuck on some epic fantasies (wrong move there, I've now got a billion pages on my hands). I've read Green Rider, First Rider's Call, Medalon, Treason Keep, and will attempt to finish Harshini soon. On the non-epic scale, I read the YA novel Another Kind of Cowboy (don't ask). I reread Paradise Kiss (def. reviewing this one) and a few others that I've forgotten the name of. I would like to review everything, but I simply don't know how to fit it into my Holiday schedule. Dropping everything and going off to Columbus in a few days would further cut away at the time I have to work on important things. Doesn't matter, I will get my hands on The Hunger Games soon, and it better be fantastic.