Note: this review was written as of how many volumes are currently available where I am ( 8 volumes )
What is a passion? It can be a hobby or something that brings you joy. For some, it's drawing, photography, or cooking. This series explores the concept of passion through dancing.
# About
ワンダンス ( Wondance ) follows the story of Kaboku Kotani. He's your typical male protagonist: shy, quiet, and what some may consider the "nice guy." Due to his stutter, he often struggles to communicate with others. One day, he sees a classmate named Wanda Hikari, one of the most popular girls in school, dancing outside of class and is inspired to join the dance team.
# Story
The story of ワンダンス (Wondance) is not just about dance; it's about the emotional journey of its characters. For instance, there's a scene where Kabo overcomes his fear of performing in front of others in a dance competition and after a while becomes more confident in himself. You see, dancing isn't just a sport; it allows you to express your emotions or feelings without using words. Kabo enjoys this passion and shares it with Wanda and other characters. This emotional depth is what makes the story so relatable and engaging. I've always enjoyed those stories that teach the reader not to care about what others think and to follow your dreams. When reading, I noticed they've mentioned some of my favorite songs, such as I Feel It Coming by The Weekend and Bad Guy by Billie Ellish . It was cool!
# Artwork
Another one of my favorite things about Wondance is the art style. While some panels were funny-looking or it was hard to understand what the characters were doing, much effort was put into them. The mangaka has a good understanding of perspective, motion, and Chiaroscuro . The use of shadows and attention to detail really captivate those dancing scenes. I like how the mangaka uses different boxes to show each move or makes a whole drawing covering two book pages.
# Characters
Each character has a unique personality, which plays a significant role in the story. For instance, Wanda is a supportive friend and classmate who encourages Kabo to pursue his passion. In the manga, you learn about different people with different dancing styles. I liked watching them teach Kabo how to do those styles, allowing Kabo to explore the dance world and discover what makes them unique. This makes it more intriguing for the audience. I kinda wished the manga would get
# Conclusion
I'm surprised this hasn't gotten an anime adaptation yet, let alone an announcement about one. This story has great potential and would be nice to see animated. Overall, Wondance is an underrated story that is a must-read for everyone. Even if you aren't much of a sports manga fan, at least give this one a chance.
