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The story revolves around the friendship of Moe and Eiko, two very contrasting characters. This manga emphasizes the importance of platonic relationships and how it is neither a replacement nor less important than romantic ones.
TW: suicide mention
A tragic manga that explores finding one's purpose to continue on living. This manga made me cry to the point of hyperventilation askaskaks.
A unique josei manga that focuses on introspection and romantic exploration of Sekine. I find this manga to be heart-wrenching at times due to Sekine's experiences with women. Society's perception of him being an attractive man has stripped him off of his own autonomy and may have contributed to his lacking desire in life. I think that his character is a unique take on the typical shoujo archetype of a perfect, handsome, smart, capable, and athletic male lead who are commonly lauded in mangas.
TW: suicide
A beautifully-drawn story that deals with sadness and grief from the loss of a best friend. At times, this manga is illustrated in a comical way brought by the main character's impulsive nature but this didn't undermine the seriousness of the story, perhaps, I'd even argue that it brings comfort to the story.
TW: homophobia, internalized homophobia, transphobia
A beautifully-illustrated manga that tells stories that explore sexuality, gender identity, diverse community of LGBTQIA+, and their experiences. This manga contains diverse representation - a representation so diverse, it may have been the first time that I've seen a canon asexual character. Panels that evoke strong emotions are brilliantly drawn using metaphors which engages the readers and intensifies the emotions that are being portra
At first glance, this webtoon may seem repetitive with its cliche premise - a hardworking female protagonist in search of a love life, a popular guy, and the second male lead that will break us into pieces, yet its execution made us root for the development of all of its characters. This manga isn't just about romance or the pursuit of love, instead, it is about the relationship of the loveable cast. And Ba-reum is just a really great protagonist, isn't she?
The fictional story that is closest to my heart besides Avatar: the Last Airbender. This story revolves around kindness, self-improvement, humility, and our relationships with other people - how one's simple act of kindness can start a chain that may change a person. Both Mob and Reigen are brilliantly-written characters and their philosophies unironically are the ones that I still cling to. I don't know how to tell you that this manga changed me and my life.
TW: suicide mention
A heart-wrenching story that deals with grief and regrets.
Tomodachi No Hanashi