There is a type of manga / one-shot that focuses on making a point; has an 'aesthetic' black-and-white art style; and is really short; and hundreds of these exist. But out of any of them that I've read, this one is my favorite.
It's about a boy, Satou-kun, and a girl, Shida Hozumi. The once-popular boy had just died in a traffic accident, but by chance he comes back as a zombie, and it's day one of him coming to school like that.
I'm not into pretty much anything with zombies (I only like pretty things okay) but the way it's done here is unique. Zombies here are simply lifeless versions of their living selves, that go about whatever they did in their life. Satou was not a killer in life, and his daily routine is simply attending school, sitting outside, and then going home. Also, zombies are a known thing in this world.. kind of. There are previous cases of zombies that some of the adults know about.. yet they just act as if it's normal, and the students just accept it. It gives a slight feeling to Shida that something is wrong (although the manga doesn't go dystopian).
Most of the manga is set through Shida's perspective. Just like any of us would probably do, she takes a sudden interest in this zombie, when everyone else barely acknowledges his existence.
The story goes on her journey of interacting with him and learning about him. He, of course, doesn't respond to her, and his expressions are lifeless imitations.. but his actions are puzzling and raise questions: Why did he 'smile' at her? Why did he 'return her favor'? If he's completely void of life, what makes him keep acting like this?
She doesn't experience this completely alone, though, as another boy, Ichihashi, eventually takes a kind of interest in Satou, and they all try to take this in together. Going to his house to find out; sitting with him at the bench; learning more about him. And in addition to fascination, she also develops something like romantic feelings for Satou.
(Don't read the spoiler tags if you haven't read it.)
In the end (and the reason this manga hits hard),
Spoiler, click to view
Satou had died in the traffic accident because he was too sleepy function well. He had been going through unbelievable pain during the last few years of his life: everything seemed to go wrong and never get better. He'd already been an orphan for awhile; he suffered from sickness and fever; and then he had some.. worse symptoms
He had actually met Shida 2 years ago, and she tended to him as anyone would. Those few minutes of kindness made him fall deeply in love with her, yet he hated himself too much to approach her. And she was too shy to approach him.
In the very end,
Spoiler, click to view
He goes away, as was stated to be the natural process of zombies before they completely break down. It's not known where, but he is now forever gone, and Shida's reaction?
Which was beautiful. In spite of not understanding before, in spite of not being able to help him, in spite of the deep pain it causes her: she loves him.
I feel that Satou and Shida are both relatable to us readers: Shida because she wants to help, and her perspective is our perspective; and Satou to anyone going through pain like me (although for most people, it's not as bad as his).
I feel the only flaws is that it's too short- it could've been one of the best longer mangas of it's kind! all the revelations seemed abit too fast for 7 chapters.. not that the pacing was bad, it was perfect but everything could've hit even harder if it were drawn out more.
I was going to list another flaw: that it could've focused less on Shida's embarrassment, romance, blushing, etc. She is an amazing character and a truly sweet person, and at first I couldn't really see a purpose for her constant blushing and going into her own fantasy.. but looking back on it, it's not only a natural reaction to such a mysterious turn in life, but it also makes the fact that she only very slowly realizes what's going to happen hit harder.
And then there's the extra 8th "'What if' route" chapter.. I do not recommend reading it, as it's an attempt at making a happy ending, but it completely negates everything done in the manga and isn't even happier or sweeter. The emotions from the first ending were more fitting.
There are multiple ways to explain things in the manga, and many lessons you could get from it. Whether it's about what love is, or what we could be doing for those around us, or just about pain.. I highly suggest it if you like manga shorts. It's a quick read and hits harder than most.
