March Is available in Like a Lion Quantity 1 by Chica Umino
March Is available in Like a Lion was one of many releases I used to be most anticipating this yr, and it was so well worth the wait. The opening panels present Rei Kiriyama waking up, preparing, going to a shogi corridor, taking part in a sport towards a person he is aware of. All through this introduction Rei says nothing, and the panels of the shogi sport are intercut with scenes from Rei’s childhood. When Rei wins the sport and his opponent will get up and mentions that he and his relations are anxious for him, Rei waits till he’s alone to say “Liar.” Rei then heads residence, simply as remoted, however he’s interrupted by a flurry of texts and goes over to the Kawamoto sisters’ home, the place he’s instantly enveloped in a heat household gathering.
Umino balances portraying isolation, trauma, and melancholy with nice skillfulness and moments of humor. She packs in so many slice of life character improvement vignettes into just some panels. I appreciated the shonen battle stylings of Nikaido, who proclaims himself Rei’s rival and soon-to-become greatest pal. Rei goes to the hostess bar the place Akari Kawamoto works with another shogi gamers, and she or he cheerfully manipulates his companions into promising to take care of Rei. Rei’s background is proven by means of a sequence of non-linear flashbacks, and whereas by the top of the primary quantity the reader has a way of what has induced Rei to be so remoted, it’s sure that there shall be loads extra revelations forward. One factor I actually loved is that the connection between Rei and the Kawamoto sisters isn’t one sided – Rei additionally helps the sisters in his personal quiet method.
Denpa’s manufacturing high quality is great, with extras like french flaps and a colour fold-out poster included firstly of the quantity, which makes the manga really feel like a bit extra of a particular collector’s version. I additionally appreciated the essays about shogi that accompanied the story. I’m all in for this manga and seeing how Rei’s journey unfolds.
