(This is the first review I've ever written. So keep in mind I may leave out some details so this review may be bad.)
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(Warning this review contains spoilers!)
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When I first heard about this manga. It was not through word of mouth of some random internet manga dweller. I've heard about it through the mouth of Makoto Yukimura (Mangaka of Vinland Saga) or rather he was just reinstating what his son recommended him. Blue Giant is a manga about Jazz with no sound. Ironically this "sounded" pretty interesting! I never really delved into manga about Music. However Blue Giant, in particular, is something I think has some kind of profound message and compelling journey... Jazz is cool.
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Plot Summary
Blue Giant's plot is rather simple... but effective at what it's trying to achieve. The main MC has a dream with a clear vision enflamed by his intense love and passion for Jazz. We follow through with his journey toward his goal of being the best Jazz player in the world. With the gift of his tenor saxophone gifted to him by his brother, he plays alone practicing every day. With the backing of his entire family and teachings from his sensei he sets off for Tokyo to start his Jazz Journey.
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Dai Miyamoto our protagonist is a compassionate, kind, almost kinda odd (In a good sense) person. He always shows respect and kindness towards strangers, friends, and family. Especially when it comes to his love of Jazz, even if you dare say that Jazz is Ass. He will promptly stare at you and show you that it isn't. Trust me... he won't shut up about it! He lives for the sole purpose of playing Jazz. Nearly every person in his life is intrigued by his immense talent and passion for Jazz. Every one of his performances leaves an impression on those who listen to him play. A manga without sound, somehow still portrays the feelings and emotions of the character listening to jazz.

He will practice playing his saxophone during the worst conditions imaginable. On the hottest of days, on the coldest of nights. This is an aspect I like about this character. One thing of note that I found interesting is how he always remains cooled-headed when things go wrong or utterly fail.

For example, his first performance to a live audience doesn't end well. He gets called out by a disgruntled old man for being too loud. then is called off by the owner he walks off the stage in a moment he is sure to remember. He gathers his things and walks about at a park at night until he eventually sits down on a bench facing a river bank with the moon high above. I thought for sure that this moment would've been him tearing up and breaking down. Instead, I see this...

Sure this could seem like nothing to an average reader... To me, this was something special. This wasn't viewed to be such a devastating defining moment that completely demolishes Dai's passion. It's the first of many for someone who is entering the world of Jazz in an era that has moved on from it. This right here is what makes Dai such a compelling protagonist.
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In my personal opinion, the best part of this manga occurs when Dai enters Tokyo for the first time. Living with a friend of his in an unfamiliar place struggling to make ends meet as a Musician. This is where the manga really begins to shine slowly building up to the moment; he ends up forming a band with this one cocky shit-eating pianist known as Yukinori Sawabe. Unlike Dai, Yukinori's talent stems from his years of playing the piano from a young age. He too has a dream... to perform at the most prestigious Jazz club in Tokyo, "So Blue." Yukinori as a character has a lot of moments in the manga. He is one of those characters that try to trick you. He is a bit of a harsh asshole, who is very serious when it comes to Jazz. He acts more like Dai's opposite (imo). He doesn't like it when Dai suggests that Shunji Tamada (Dai's friend who lets him live with him) who's taken an interest in drums lets him play with them. To Dai, anyone who is passionate and willing to play Jazz can play Jazz even if they are not that talented. As long as there is heart to them, it's all right. Yukinori believes only talented people can play Jazz. Despite their differing beliefs between them both, it is Yukinori himself who dislikes it when people quit music. I can say that in that chapter, it was all intentional of him to act this way. To see how Dai will react. Eventually, he learns that Shunji is the only person able to keep up with them despite being an amateur. Although he acts like an online music critic. He is the driving force behind their improvement as a group in acting as an expert veteran. He is the equilibrium of the group.

Now for the other character Dai's friend, Shunji. I felt as if they had done away with him too soon. They really could've explored more with his character if not... make it better! He isn't a bad character per se... He is just not as interesting as Yukinori or Dai. He does manage to keep playing with the band even with moments of doubt. He keeps pushing through with them, forcing himself to become a better drummer to catch up to their lead. Both Dai and Yukinori admit to him that he is needed. He is a valuable member of their band a person deemed worthy to play with them. His moments really didn't mesh with me though. I suppose one great thing about this manga is that each one of them has some kind of barrier to overcome. Yukinori is told by the scout of So Blue that there is no sound to his music, pushing him to search for an answer. Dai's struggle to put himself into the world of jazz that already has a tight barrier of entry. Shunji's struggles to improve as a drummer to catch up with Dai and Yukinori.

One last point of note I can find interesting is the bonus chapters. They are paneled and structured to be that of a documentary. Which I found to be rather a unique choice. Side characters that we meet through Dai give their commentary on who he is as a person and his beginnings. I'll give the author some credit for that one.
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The Art
I the main focal point of what the art is trying to convey here does the job right. To create a Jazz manga with no sound that still manages to get you feeling the weight of the music through the illustration is what this manga does best! The direction of the sound is illustrated based on what direction he is facing. The snazzy movements as he plays his instrument take direct inspiration from Jazz album covers. The white or black background makes you force your attention solely on what is being played, putting emphasis on the musician's movements of facial expressions. This manga's art manages to do what it's meant to do... to make you hear the music. The panels of just playing instruments are drawn beautifully. I cannot give more praise on how the art does this manga justice. In my opinion, some of the best panels are near the end of the story. It is well worth witnessing it with your own eyes. ________________________ Final Verdict At last the final part of this review... I didn't think I'd manage to reach this level. However, despite how highly I speak of this manga in this I'd admit. I only gave it an 80/100. You may be wondering, why? My justification for this rating is because well... Shunji as a character felt pretty underwhelming. They put a lot of attention on him, while other characters in this story could've used more time. That isn't my only complaint, however... Don't get me started on how they ended Yukinori's character arc. It felt pretty uncalled for. "Why?" is what I thought while reading that part of the story. I suppose it adds to the realism. Sudden accidents can be unexpected and of course unpredictable. I felt like that choice was not really necessary, though it did provide something special. (Which I choose not to spoil.) Even with these few issues the manga still has a really good firm grasp on its message. I give props to the author and artist. Dai as a character is intriguing and his journey towards his dream is well worth the time reading. Remember these words...

Jazz is cool!

(I would also highly recommend reading this interview with the mangaka about his creative expression and sentiment towards Jazz. https://tokion.jp/en/2021/02/26/shinichi-ishizuka-creative-expression/)
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#80/100