literally one of the best mangas ive ever read, its more realistic than whatever romance bullshit most other mangakas write. other romance books are unrealistic, oyasumi punpun's story is extremely real and able to relate to the viewer is at least one way or another. not only is punpun's dynamic with aiko amazing and speaks out on how some relationships play out. it really highlights the reality of mental illnesss in multiple characters, more specifically punpun and aiko and how mental illness can impact relationships. punpun himself is an extremely built character that shows how the trauma built up made him the way he was. he also really builds each side character very well, he gives all of them a story even if it isnt very important to the main story. it makes you take interest in other characters instead of punpun having the focus the whole time. each character connects with the reader very well, and really captivates the reader's attention ( at least in my personal perspective). there has to be at least one character in this series that you will end up relating to to some extent! my personal favorite thing other than the main story is inio asano's artsyle. it really is just amazing how he gives his characters a fictional yet realistic look, its just addicting to look at :p. definitely give this a read if youre planning to, you will love it :p its very long, but its 100% worth reading through and like, the way the story flows? it's so natural. it doesn’t force drama or try to be edgy just for the sake of it — it feels real. you watch punpun grow up and it’s honestly painful but so well done. the transitions between each part of his life hit hard, especially when you realize how little by little he changes without even noticing. it’s crazy how something so simple can hit so deep. also the quiet moments?? some of the best parts. like just panels of punpun walking or staring out a window or thinking — no words, but you feel everything. that silence speaks louder than a full monologue sometimes. it's stuff like that that makes this manga feel more like real life than most stories ever do. it’s not just some sad boy manga either. it’s layered as hell. you could read it once and just get the surface, or read it again and start noticing all the little things — the background details, the symbolism, the way characters mirror each other. inio asano seriously knew what he was doing with this one. if you want a story that’ll actually stick with you, something that isn’t sugarcoated or fake deep — this is it. oyasumi punpun is honestly one of those rare pieces of media that makes you sit there after finishing and just... think. about life, about yourself, about people. it’s heavy, but in the best way.