
a review by Nura7

a review by Nura7
Many people write reviews on the anime, I speak in general.
However, I do believe that the manga is also a review-worthy. Thus most of my reviewes might be rather on the manga than the anime adaptation. So, let's head to the main topic!Plot: 声の形 (rom. Koe no Katachi ; transl. The Shape of Your Voice)
As you can notice I translated the title myself. In Japanese the pronoun "you" (singular) is often omitted, so, I think the title is relating to someone's inner voice, or a group of people's inner voices - I will leave it to here because I might do a major spoiler. Just this is my personal opinion, that we do not necessarily speak of an audible voice, ne.
Now then, after I finally said my thoughts on the title itself, let us talk about the plot. I have watched the adaptation, but also read the manga. And I must say - the adaptation was good, however, the manga is still unbeatable. Yoshitoki Ooima has done a marvelous job on the story. Yes, the art is not bad, but I did not even paid much attention to it because of the story/atmosphere. The manga can completely absorb all of your attention, I joke you not!
As we speak of the plot now, one thing stuck to my mind during the reading-journey - "What goes around, comes around." I really felt the strong presence of that saying in the story. The first "arc", if you may let me use that term in relation to their earlier/childhood life, was really dark and angst-y. I am not saying it was enough to make one cry, but for sure - it brings realism which can make you think on real life-related issues. Makes you think, where are the adults when children struggle - be it because of bad parenting, abuse, being bullied etc.
I liked that Ooima-san flipped the book upside-down and made readers, since it was expressed stronger in the manga than in the anime, think on how bullies view/feel things. Hey, hey! I am not taking the bully's side, I am saying that she did a good job portraying how regrets can scar some people, or in our case - some bullies.
The second arc, in relation to their later life/high-school life, is a bit lighter. You can even call it romantic, but! I have to say my kind of 'but' about the romance. If people know me - they will also know I dislike pointless/sweet romance. I mean, ngh - cringe. So, the "romance" in Koe no Katachi is one of a kind - it is in the form of a forgiveness. And if that's not a masterpiece of an idea - I don't know what would you call it! Yoshitoki Ooima, you truly got me awww-ing there. I did not expect any romance, in fact, all I expected was a very bad ending, the kind you get in some sick visual novel games. Ungh.
Overall, the story is a true masterpiece. I have noticed though that many manga-ka's start touching on disability topics lately - I approve it! So, as we are on something I do approve - the plot will get a 9/10 from me!
Character's Design: Hmmm. I believe the story is partly that great because of the characters, you know? I mean, the idea about the story is good! But you can also get a good hand of cards and still lose the game, if you don't know how to play them well, ne. So, I think the characters were balanced and well portrayed, with all their inner flaws and insecurities - actually, scratch that. They were all great because of their inner fears! ' v ' That being said, the design will get an 8/10 from me.
Art Style: Mhmm, I can't say the style is something mind-blowing. As I said above, I got so consumed in the story and how it was developed, that I completely forgot to pay attention to the art. I usually observed the art as well, I mean - I like taking notes on some curves or details (as I draw too). But yeah, the art style will get just a 6/10 from me. But that is nothing bad! I would rather have a mind-blowing plot with some normal/ordinary art, than a mind-blowing art style with a 'meh'-plot. >_>
Overall, the manga is worth the read even if you watched the anime! Some scenes were not well adapted or missing. So, go and read the manga! ;D
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