Scan barcode
eloiseh's review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
akacya's review
2024 reads: 107/250
punpun punyama has a tough home life, with his father winding up in prison and his mother winding up in the hospital shortly after the book starts. however, he has big dreams that involve going to space and settling down with a girl.
it’s extremely rare for me to receive recommendations from my brother, so when he told me about this manga, i had to put it on my tbr right away. well, he somehow knows my reading tastes very well, because i really enjoyed this one. it was bizarre, but meaningful, and had great art. i also like the decision to make punpun’s family consist of birds, and everyone else human.
overall, this was an enjoyable manga, and i plan on reading the other volumes soon.
isabelh0410's review
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
The first graphic novel we have read as a book club. The first of seven volumes, this captivating story draws you in from the first panel. Punpun is a young boy, depicted as a bird, who finds himself developing a crush on his new classmate. Punpun's life isn't simple: his household experiences domestic abuse, he navigates life with an elusive God, and his body is doing weird things. Punpun and his friends face life problems as children. Some are obsessive, some are self-reliant, and some resort to violence. The adults are portrayed as childish, so Punpun and his friends are left to their own devices. Yet they remain fiercely loyal to each other, as childhood friends do.
mhsenglish's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
valsplace's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
pinkmilkd's review
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
crystalannew's review
funny
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Sexual content
Minor: Mental illness and Suicide
jazz03's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
soramun's review
3.0
The first thing I thought when I started reading this was "Is that a chicken? A bird?" Lol I was very confused with multiple areas of this story. I do know, however, that this is just volume one and that the ENTIRE story comes together with a beautiful and moving message. At least that's what I've heard from people who have read it.
I will say that this manga has absolutely beautiful art. The panels read smoothly and it was easy to follow. Right off the bat it definitely has serious, raw and realistic themes. There are instances of domestic violence and that took me by surprise. I've read a number of manga in my life, but nothing with these conversations. But from the dramatic changes of art styles, the language and the imagery, it gives you an uncomfortable feeling.
The characters are mostly children and it showed small amounts of each of their lives. Just enough to show the reader that these children are all dealing with unfortunate circumstances. They sort of band together as misfits. There were times when I wanted to like these characters because they were impressionable children just trying to survive in their harsh realities, but at the same time they would say something or do something that would make me realise that they are human. They may be children but the truth and rawness of their stories made it TOO realistic. A bit unsettling. It doesn't feel like horror, but the images are creepy.
I'm really curious where this story is going to go. I know this review sounds all over the place, but that's how I literally felt reading it.
I will say that this manga has absolutely beautiful art. The panels read smoothly and it was easy to follow. Right off the bat it definitely has serious, raw and realistic themes. There are instances of domestic violence and that took me by surprise. I've read a number of manga in my life, but nothing with these conversations. But from the dramatic changes of art styles, the language and the imagery, it gives you an uncomfortable feeling.
The characters are mostly children and it showed small amounts of each of their lives. Just enough to show the reader that these children are all dealing with unfortunate circumstances. They sort of band together as misfits. There were times when I wanted to like these characters because they were impressionable children just trying to survive in their harsh realities, but at the same time they would say something or do something that would make me realise that they are human. They may be children but the truth and rawness of their stories made it TOO realistic. A bit unsettling. It doesn't feel like horror, but the images are creepy.
I'm really curious where this story is going to go. I know this review sounds all over the place, but that's how I literally felt reading it.