|
THE DAY I BECOME A BUTTERFLY (ADVANCE REVIEW) |
|
Tuesday, 13 March 2007 |
 | | ▪ | PUBLISHED BY: | | DIGITAL MANGA PUBLISHING | | | ▪ | ART/AUTHOR: | | SUMOMO YUMEKA | | | | ▪ | FORMAT/COLOR: | | JAPANESE FORMAT/ BW | | | ▪ | PAGES: | | 200 | | | ▪ | RATED: | | 16+ | | | ▪ | RELEASE DATE: | | 03/21/2007 | | | ▪ | REVIEW DATE: | | 03/14/2007 | | | ▪ | REVIEWED BY: | | HOLLY ELLINGWOOD | | |
To say this stand alone book comprises six of the most poignant stories in manga is an understatement. It is like saying the planet holds oceans that are vast. The description of the oceans does not impart the grandeur of their beauty, just as the sentence above does not surrender the true image of sweeping emotions and haunting yearning that the stories in The Day I Become a Butterfly contain. This manga is many things: romantic with a variety of intense drama, at times tragic, yet always, in each page, each tale, there exists a beauty unique and ineffably its own.
The first of the four stories which shares the books title is about the sorrowful beauty in the love that blooms between a dying young man and a classmate who is rumored to hear the sounds of death as it nears. Can such a tender and fragile love be enough to sustain a waning life just a little bit longer? The next story, “You at the End”, is an unlikely love that ties two teenage boys together. The first chapter revolves around the athletic Unari’s point of view as he is drawn towards the mute and beautiful Masariya. The next part is from Masariya’s perspective, giving the reader a different yet no less moving take on their relationship. Third, “The Lonely War”, is a male/female romance asking the question if a man and a woman can be only friends? It delves into the pain of unrequited love and the fear and uncertainty surrounding a future overshadowed by the past. A follow up of sorts to this is “Blue Cat Tunnel” which explores the painful existence one of the characters from “The Lonely War” suffers. She will learn that her dearest friend may know more than she thinks and that sometimes it is that love that can give the person the strength they need to do what is truly best for them.
The fifth story adds a bit of unlikely and quirky, though quiet, bit of humor to a tale of love in unlikely situations. “Tokyo Alien Ulala” is a tale of a teen being won over by his unusual friend in an intriguing and eccentric manner that is as charming as it is endearing. Then in “Planet Yours” a desperate young teenager finds a lifeline and hope in the magic of his friends.
Each story, no matter the drama, the rare touch of humor, or the pain, stirs the heart to heights before unfelt. The art work holds a precious beauty and grace. The stories embrace the reader with warm intentions and emotions both beautiful and painful to experience. These are matters of the heart that are on a more sophisticated plateau than the average yaoi. The poignancy of the story telling contains a sublime beauty and ineffable depth. You could read the stories in here again and again and find new nuances of emotions not caught and beheld before each time.
In regards to the subject matter, this is not the lighter shades of romantic angst in the usual yaoi books. This deals with the fear of death, the loss of loved ones, the suffering of long term abuse, and the trauma of rape and the anguish of affairs. It is done however, not in a gritty, hard hitting way, but in a manner that gently rests that suffering against your heart for your reflection and empathy. It inextricably links love with hope in each story. It is a manga far beyond the ordinary.
IN SUMMARY:
The Day I Become a Butterfly is an infinitely beautiful manga in both its art style and tender stories of love that stir the heart and move the soul. Whether you’re a yaoi fan or simply a person who appreciates and loves stories of rare emotional depth, this is the one book you simply must pick up. It is by far one of the best I’ve ever read of any manga released in North America.
Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register. Powered by AkoComment Tweaked Special Edition v.1.4.6
AkoComment © Copyright 2004 by Arthur Konze - www.mamboportal.com
All right reserved
|
