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4.33 AVERAGE
4.33 AVERAGE
I had read a fan translation of this one before (though I actually don’t think I finished it? I’m not sure) but one of my favorite things about manga that’s published in English is, believe it or not, the translation notes at the back of the volume. In cases like this, where deafness is treated differently culturally in Japan verses in the US (where the translation is being released, which is why the direct comparisons are being made), the amount of research that goes into it on the part of the translator is awesome!
Now for the story itself… I love the use of sign language and signs as a metaphor (there’s one really great panel about marriage, the sign for which is “gendered” in Japanese sign language, and Saki changes the male half to show marriage between two women). Though I find Saki to be kind of an enigma; we’re not sure why she loves piano (both her mom and piano tutor expected her to quit in high school, and even she seems a little unsure about it). I can’t remember if we get that answer later or not, but maybe we do.
{thank you Kodansha for the complementary copy in exchange for my honest review; all thoughts are my own}
Now for the story itself… I love the use of sign language and signs as a metaphor (there’s one really great panel about marriage, the sign for which is “gendered” in Japanese sign language, and Saki changes the male half to show marriage between two women). Though I find Saki to be kind of an enigma; we’re not sure why she loves piano (both her mom and piano tutor expected her to quit in high school, and even she seems a little unsure about it). I can’t remember if we get that answer later or not, but maybe we do.
{thank you Kodansha for the complementary copy in exchange for my honest review; all thoughts are my own}
This was so cute! I can't wait for the next volume.
Following Saki as she starts high school, she meets Kanon, a girl who is hard of hearing and, because of this, tends to push people away. Saki is persistent, and this volume explores the beginning of their friendship.
I am not deaf or hard of hearing myself, so I can't comment on how well done the representation was, but I did see that it was researched with sources and had a researcher who worked on it. I thought it tackled the topic with care and provided information in an easy-to-understand way without shying away from the subject.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the review copy.
Following Saki as she starts high school, she meets Kanon, a girl who is hard of hearing and, because of this, tends to push people away. Saki is persistent, and this volume explores the beginning of their friendship.
I am not deaf or hard of hearing myself, so I can't comment on how well done the representation was, but I did see that it was researched with sources and had a researcher who worked on it. I thought it tackled the topic with care and provided information in an easy-to-understand way without shying away from the subject.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the review copy.
I love the character development, art and story line. Such a great Yuri manga.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This is a super cute and easy to read manga with some adorable characters and a beautiful friendship. I knew nothing going into it so was happily surprised to learn that one of the main characters is hard of hearing and I feel like the representation is great. I’d definitely be interested in continuing with the series to see how their friendship blossoms!
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This is a super cute and easy to read manga with some adorable characters and a beautiful friendship. I knew nothing going into it so was happily surprised to learn that one of the main characters is hard of hearing and I feel like the representation is great. I’d definitely be interested in continuing with the series to see how their friendship blossoms!
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adventurous
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
funny
hopeful
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Absolutely loved this first volume in what I'm hoping is going to be a beloved series for me. Originally picked it up thinking that it would be a good one to tempt the Teen to read over the summer, but honestly think it is just done so well that I'm keen to read more for myself.
Disability representation is wonderfully woven into the fabric of the story, and the nuance of someone being deaf without complete hearing loss is very welcome.