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I hear the sunspot6/13/2023 ![]() My first thought was, ah, this is going to be the explanation for why Taichi freaks out whenever it seems like they might be getting somewhere. When Taichi is sleeping and Kohei spots what looks like some type of burn scar just visible where Taichi's sleeve is pulled back. There's also something that seems like it might be a retcon. This was a very cool new element to the story and basically saved this volume from being generic boring. And damn does he have some opinions about Kohei's life choices. No hearing at all, and capital D Deaf, as in Deaf culture. ![]() Ryu is small and sporty (like Taichi = competition for love!!!) and unlike Kohei, Ryu is full Deaf. Will Taichi and Kohei ever get past a kiss?īut it was one of the new characters that managed to grab my attention and make it interesting. Will Maya ever stop acting inappropriately? Will Kohei fall in love with someone else? Will Taichi learn to get along with his co-workers? (Mainly Chiba?) It threw out some plotish type questions, like: Taichi and Kohei aren't physically in the same location for a large part of this installment, which makes for weird, and early it seemed to focus on Taichi at work too much. This volume didn't seem to know where it was going at first, if there was a plot it was all over the place. Manga can be very vague and confusing sometimes in ways that make me wonder if there's some cultural thing I'm missing or if the writer/artist is just vague and confusing. The author's art style continues to change, not necessarily for the better. Some random thoughts in no particular order. Made more sense on the reread than previously, though we'll soon see what happens with the apparent retcon. It will make you aware of the challenges present in our modern society and allow you to be a more cognizant ally going forward.2021 reread before vols 2, 3. For many who do not have friends/family in the hard-of-hearing and deaf communities, the three sides of the story – those in the midst of it, those close to them, and those on the outside – can be eye-opening. There is a rare sense of education to the series. It helps the reader engage with the journey. The characters' fashion and hairstyles shift, their personalities develop, and relationships change in ways that feel like months have passed by quicker than they do in real life. Time truly does feel like it is moving onward from volume to volume. They deal with real struggles, miscommunications, and moments of doubt that lend themselves to the authenticity and relatability of their story, as well as enhances the moments of happiness and resolution. It isn’t rushed, it takes its time and is paced in a way that continues to captivate readers across each volume without being stretched thin. The relationship between Kohei and Taichi is well-developed and rewarding. Nonetheless, it is a highlight of the series. I honestly wished it was utilized more but, due to Kohei’s choice in the story to not participate in JSL usage, it is not a prominent piece. ![]() The illustrations of the character’s hands look fluid and portray movement. The usage of JSL is an incredibly gorgeous part of the manga. It allows for an organic flow of change that is recognizable but continues with the soft stylings of the series and does not disrupt the reader’s flow.įumino notes that she educated herself by speaking with her friends and acquaintances who are hard-of-hearing and deaf and visited a sign language school while writing the script, so great care was put into ensuring the story, themes, and JSL* were accurate. There are differences in the fonts used for speech, thought bubbles, and narration that are subtle. Everything from the character design to their movements to the settings feels delicate, romantic, and intentional. Opting for lighter shades of gray and simple textures, while limiting the amount of stark black, she channels a simplicity that enhances the real-world setting of the story. It’s a real tear-jerker that takes readers on a rollercoaster of emotion with every volume. The series plays out like a lengthy drama with a natural sense of progression and development, and the overarching plot is both touching and gripping. Fumino has crafted a moving narrative focused on difficulties the hard-of-hearing and deaf communities have in their day-to-day lives. ![]()
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