Strobe Edge

Strobe Edge is a work from one of my most beloved mangaka, Sakisaka Io, who'd right after come to create one of my favorite romantic manga of all time Ao Haru Ride. But this isn't to say that Strobe Edge is an unpolished work that doesn't work on its own. Quite the opposite, actually! I think a lot of what made me like Ao Haru Ride (or just shoujo in general) so much is already here.

Things like love inspire us to be the better version of ourselves, it's an universal language that's the very reason why we still are here. So much has passed and so much about us has changed. And though romantic relationships can vary tremendously--specially in modern society, shoujo still invoke on me the fluffy, warm feeling that keeps filling my heart with happiness. Strobe Edge aces such subject, and honesty, it doesn't need much more than that.

But throughout the entirety of this 10 volumed read, I had little to zero moments where I didn't feel something. Although I am not the fondest of a few characters' decisions, I do like how there's always a reason.

As a member of western society, I can only give my ignorant outsider's opinion, but a few patterns such as the "misunderstanding leads to messy drama", "love triangle" and a few other things don't sit well with me. While lack of communication and multiple romantic interests do happen in real life, the absurdity (which is, how unnatural it feels) aches my sense of disbelief deeply. I'm not saying that little things can't snowball, specially for teenagers dealing with strong emotions for the first time, but even though this is a character-driven manga, to have the main characters make me shake my head time and again for their attitude (or lack of attitude in some cases) is a dangerous game as it kind of leads me not to like them as much.

That being said, I can't help cherishing their positive traits and the cuter moments--this is why I'm here for, after all: Ninako sure is naive, but I like her because she's shown great empathy and her honest nature is precious, Ren is her romantic interest who's handsome, mature, intelligent and kind, and their dynamics is great! They certainly fall under the trope of "unpopular protagonist falls in love with popular person", but they are more than that. When Ninako says that she likes being around him, because those moments are made with such tenderness, I believe her.

But I do frown over how little most of the cast is utilized. Once a character's major narrative purpose is served, they either completely disappear or take on a very, very background seating. Instead of creating silly drama, I'd prefer if the manga added more depth and character arcs to the likes of Daiki, Mayuka, Sayuri and many others were so likeable it's such a shame I barely ever hear from them again. Makes the cast feel smaller than it actually is, honestly.

Not Andou, though. I know he's saved from being forgotten because he's part of the love triangle, but even though I like all 3 characters, Andou is my favorite. I'm not saying that he's a better pick than Ren, but he is Strobe Edge's best character to me. The portrayal of trauma and coping mechanisms was actually pretty interesting. I have been there myself and can relate to Andou on a smaller level, but even without that I really appreciate how he's not just "the guy who isn't chosen in the end", his friendship with Ren is also quite adorable, really builds up both characters and makes them more compelling as their own person.
Maybe it's exactly because deep down we always knew he never stood a chance with Ninako that he HAD to be an actual great character, but even then he over delivers and that's a good thing.

Overall, I have a few not-so-minor things that stop me from really liking it, which by no means stops Strobe Edge of making me have the kind of wholesome, inoffensive and fun experience I signed up for.