A review by m560
Stardust Family by Aki Poroyama

emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

"The government... ...declared providing for children would require a license." 

Stardust Family features a world where parents need to obtain a caregiver license to be able to have and take care of (even their own) children. Hikari, a young boy, is one of the inspectors sent to prospective parents to test their aptitude. One day he gets sent to Daiki and Chisa's home for inspection, where Daiki oddly requests Hikari to fail them as parents. 

"I want you... ...to fail the both of us as caregivers." 

This manga is absolutely amazing. It's been a good while since I've read a manga that managed to enthrall me like Stardust Family did. This story is a profound exploration of parenthood and what it means to be a family. It also features social commentary that is very relevant to our society today. 

"Society begins from the family... ...and the family begins from people. As such, to build a better society... ...we must start by building better families. Better humans." 

Poroyama has a wonderful art style that perfectly supports the full emotional breadth covered in the manga. Hard hitting and heart-wrenching at times, but overall it features a wonderfully hopeful message. Dialogue can be a bit hit or miss in manga, especially as it's translated, but Poroyama easily weaves the story from emotionally drenched moments to comedic relief. Accompanied by perfect pacing, this manga is a stellar example of what a good story needs to be. 

"Children are people... ...not a shortcut to happiness or self-actualization." 

Stardust Family is a stand-out in the world of manga. It tells a unique, perfectly paced story with loveable characters and memorable dialogue. I would recommend this manga to people who love dystopian stories featuring pertinent social commentary. 

Thank you Aki Poroyama and Yen Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.