Ayako (1/23/20)

One thing I noticed right away about this manga is that it isn't the traditional type of manga/anime style we know of today. The faces and art styles, in general, are more realistic in nature and have few exaggerated features. Another major difference is the text is read right to left instead of the usual left to right. This specific manga also plays with the element of box shapes. When the scene is frantic the boxes become less symmetrical, however, when characters are simply talking or the scene is being set, the boxes are the usual square format. Already in the first chapter, it's set up that Jiro's pa is disappointed that he didn't die for his country. The rest of his family are eager to see him return, but his father is the only one refusing to greet him. It's also very clear that the new addition to the family, Ayako is the favorite. As shown by right after Jiro is rejected by his father, Ayako comes into the room and is hugged. Showing this is an example that pa doesn't react so harshly to everyone in the family and favors at least one child to an obvious degree. As stated before the style seems more of a realistic stylization, however, Ayako and the young children are closer to the modern manga/anime style. Another thing I liked is how in chapter 2 when the family is eating dinner it shows each family member and gives a brief description of each. The name, age, and personality of each member are shown. This is a straight forward way to tell the readers who're who and the type of person they are. And based on each personality written, the reader may predict how each character may react to each situation. Chapter 2 begins to really get into the story quickly as well as revealing a dark family secret. This is when it becomes even more obvious that this manga is not for children.

This manga does an interesting job of making almost no characters likable. In the beginning, some characters aren't too bad, however, quickly opinions of them changed in a negative direction. Many people, including myself, assume the main character is the hero or protagonist. However, this manga, in particular, breaks those assumptions and traditional ways. Even by the end, Ayako isn't the best character though the readers can sympathize with her due to all of the abuse she goes through. In fact, the only reason this big dark secret was revealed to Jiro was Ayako being born. Yes, she wasn't the first one but there is a possibility Jiro never would have found out this secret.