(TL;DR) at the end! ReLIFE, is a unique concept. I’m sure there are moments in our lives where we would like to go back in time because we have a regret. We’ve all been there. It’s a normal thought, we make mistakes. But what if we were able to have the power to return to a simpler time? ReLIFE, is a good example of this. Without using time travel, ReLIFE was able to showcase what we don’t want anymore. Regrets.
ReLIFE follows a man struggling in life, Kaizaki Arata. An incident caused him to lose him job, and ended up ruining his chances of getting a job anywhere else. He was given an opportunity to experience life again as a highschooler. This project is known as ReLIFE.
--- Story: But what makes this manga stand out from others? Stakes. ReLIFE isn’t something that’s just a road to a happy life. There are things to consider that make you wonder is ReLIFE really worth it? Everyone will forget your existence by the time the project is over. Another thing is how ReLIFE has a time limit. He has one year, we are sure of that ReLIFE will definitely end after the end of year. This is called build-up.
ReLIFE, on the surface, looks like your average romance comedy. But under the surface is many complex and well written story arcs, bound together with character writing. ReLIFE doesn’t focus on romance as its main goal, but rather Kaizaki and his friends’ experiences. ReLIFE is all about experience. The experience is there to spark the light that was lost during his time as an adult.
ReLIFE, is very consistent. I think what adds to its realism, is that it doesn’t have to focus on drama and pain every single arc. The first few arcs of ReLIFE did not show any sign of being serious. But the following arcs after were something not to be expected from. The entire mood changed from light-hearted, funny and wholesome to serious, frustrating and depressing. The way I phrased it made it sound like dark seinen manga, but I promise it’s a bit of an exaggeration. But, it’s not always in a low mood. It has nice, wholesome, slice-of-life arcs in between them. Point is, ReLIFE isn’t a “comedy” manga, but more of a drama manga. The entire story revolves around life lessons. The lesson most talked about in ReLIFE is how isolating yourself isn’t the answer, and that you need a shoulder to lean onto sometimes. Learning from your mistakes. This is what makes ReLIFE as good as it is.
The entire manga did not slip away from its true intentions. I respect the author for not dragging it out and milking it unlike many manga that just want money off it. Unfortunately, as good as ReLIFE is, it has some flaws. Mainly, the slice-of-life arcs. It can feel pointless most of the time, but I think it serves as a good break from all the drama and chaos.
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Art: ReLIFE has really nice colours. The artstyle is unique, but it does look a bit strange at parts. And because I was one who was introduced through the anime, the characters’ looks take a bit of getting used to. However, some characters looked better in the manga than the anime, so that’s a plus. ReLIFE is blessed with colours. It makes it have a better feel and the character designs are superb on their own. Appreciate the author (Sou Yayoi-san) for managing to write the story, draw and colour it, all while managing to finish the entire series. RESPECT. Maybe the artstyle isn’t as nice looking as other authors, but still, DEDICATION.
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Characters: ReLIFE wouldn’t be what it was if it wasn’t for its characters. Not only are our protagonists already good on their own, but we also have side characters who got their own arcs and their own closure. Would ReLIFE be as good as it is if Kaizaki was that wimpy type kid that nosebleeds around a presence of a girl? No. It’s only good because Kaizaki is a chad. I respect him a lot for his ability to socialise and bring people together and lead people. Even though he’s a NEET.
Spoiler, click to viewAs you can see, I mentioned protagonists. There was a secondary protagonist. Hishiro Chizuru. She developed as much as Kaizaki as she is a ReLIFE subject herself. Because she was revealed to be a ReLIFE subject by chapter 100, the perspective changes start happening around that mark. As the second half starts focussing on Chizuru more than Kaizaki.
ReLIFE runs on characters. Most of the story arcs in this show would be non-existent as it relies on the characters themselves. But, that’s not why I love the characters. I love all the characters because of their likeability. Granted, not everyone would like the characters, (Red Hair girl can be frustrating, after all). They’re inspiring. They push on and overcome their obstacles. And because they’re so strong, they’re basically family at this point. ReLIFE doesn’t need a story. I could have a slice of life only, or perhaps One Piece, but the entire cast are ReLIFE characters. But this applies to any animanga. You only need the characters for it to be a 10/10 story. The story only elevates it further.
Enjoyment: ReLIFE is one of the greatest animanga of 2019… It taught me what I really want. It taught me self-love without having an ego. It taught me that I like caring for others. But most importantly taught me that ReLIFE did not come out in 2019. The characters and the story complimented each other, and I never thought Kaizaki of all people would be the best. I just had a lot of fun. At the end of the day, I asked myself. What would I do if I went back?
TL;DR ReLIFE is a unique experience, it isn’t your usual romance comedy, yet is tackles many subjects while staying true to itself. The first few arcs are a bit slow but the arcs all the way to the end are all crazy masterpieces. Characters are fun. Read for life lessons. Guaranteed to make you think about life more. Don't forget to have fun reading!
