Fujimoto simply does not disappoint with his one-shots he always has something interesting to say. By creating an initially charming romantic plot and deconstructing it into a much broader and thought-provoking discussion on the nature of creation itself Fujimoto's storytelling chops are once again front and center in a much condensed one shot.

'Just Listen To The Song' seems to be a critique of overanalyzing media and harkens back to Roland Bathes critical theory of the death of the author. This theory essentially boils down to one key point, the intention of the author does not matter when reading or analyzing any text once it is published the author no longer retains any ownership over the work. This idea is reflected in the central conflict of the story as the issues come from the protagonist's creation taking on meanings that were never intended. His message becomes divulged in politics, and the occult. His words are spun into different languages and flipped in reverse in order to satisfy the audience who desire his work to fulfill their own interpretations and philosophies by doctoring it and detracting from the initial and simple message of his art that he implored them to hear by Just Listening To The Song

It is only when the subject of the song sees the work detached from the conspiracies around it and through the protagonist's eyes that the true meaning is realized, conveying how art truly becomes separate from the author once published but is also much more grounded than we're lead to believe as rather than the extra terrestrial and extremist viewpoints we get throughout we return to reality with our flustered protagonist finally having his work understood by the one closest to him perhaps this is further commentary on the seemingly biographical nature of Fujimoto's works but again this is just speculation. Even if it is only one person who understands the protagonists takes solace from this fact as well as embarrassment.

The story also deals with the fear behind not living up to expectations and the insurmountable expectations some creatives are crushed by especially the speculation and anticipation that can ultimately hinder the final product if it ever even arrives. A rather personal turmoil considering the long-awaited Chainsaw Man Part 2's arrival this month after many complaints from toxic fans who seem incapable of appreciating Fujimoto's desire to constantly experiment with his artistry in these one-shots.

Oto Toda does a stand-out job in replicating Fujimoto's distinct art style in this and I look forward to seeing more works from him in the future. Overall I really enjoyed this one-shot and how Fujimoto continuously draws back the curtain on his own struggles as an artist but maybe this is me overanalyzing and I should Just Read The One-Shot...