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(long and personal review incoming)
This manga is my favorite piece of media ever, I've read it three times and it never fails to send me into a severe bout of depression
I couldn't really summarize the story well but if I had to I'd say it's about the dysfunctional lives of different people as they grow up and the cruelty and reality of the modern world
It's extremely realist and the events in the story can leave you with a sense of meaninglessness
Despite the cynical, nihilistic nature of this manga there's bits of dry humor and little moments of hope here and there that carry you through
While a lot of the backgrounds are CG, the art is amazing nonetheless and the character design in particular stands out
I relate to how the main character Punpun is outwardly cynical but internally emotional, how he was once praised for his aspirations and now feels apathetic towards everything
I think his character speaks a lot to modern society and dysfunctional families
I particularly love how his comical bird-like design prevents readers from truly relating or sympathizing with him for having a human appearance, creating a metaphor for his alienation and isolation from others throughout the story
The main "love interest" Aiko is a great example of a girl who struggles with relationships, family, and the modern world
I relate to her obsessiveness and her desire for unconditional love
The cult her mother participates in (and forces on her) caused me to question my own family's heavily controlling religious beliefs (mormonism), so personally—even though I experienced a horrible year-long existential crisis for it—I am incredibly grateful towards the author for "waking me up" and inspiring me to leave those beliefs and practices behind
I think my favorite thing about this manga is how it's truly morally grey; all of the characters suffer in their circumstances but it doesn't excuse their lifestyles or actions
Ultimately, this story inspired me to actually care about my life and try to be better in spite of the suffering of myself and others
TLDR: Amazing manga that will ruin your life and leave you to choose what kind of person you want to be afterwards
10/10
May 20, 2025
Related Recs
This is a 12 volume manga by Inio Asano. I'm not a big manga reader & consider myself highly selective. This was one of the best & most beautiful series I've ever read. A love letter to imageboard culture alongside exploration of diverse human responses to horrific circumstances that can't be understood even as they happen to you and those you love. Sympathy, empathy, pity. Aliens and teen girls trying to cope.
I believe it's getting an anime adaptation soon, which I hope will be well done and impactful. I don't know, it just really stuck with me.
Sep 11, 2024
Phenomenal manga with some of the best art ever and a wonderful story
It's about a man who loves climbing and feels isolated from everything else, and how he struggles and matures as he gets older
I've read it twice and I have a few gripes with it by now:
- First 20 or so chapters are not particularly captivating and follow a pretty boring shonen-esque storyline (the remaining 150 chapters are amazing though)
- Author really loves drawing tits, the few nudity scenes contribute to the story in a way but I feel like it could've been communicated in a way that I could safely read in public
The story is almost entirely focused on the main character which emphasizes the theme of isolation
I love how he starts finding his place in the world as the story progresses
9/10
May 21, 2025
⛓️
My favorite manga I’ve ever read. Last summer I pulled an all-nighter and binged the entire thing in one go. Such a brutal read. Love exists in many forms and the way the manga explores this concept is so so stellar. Definitely a big inspo for me and a must read in my eyes. Whether you like shonen or not, it's undeniably great.
Aug 9, 2023
Top Recs from @tripster67
Wonderful jazz album with piano skills that I aspire to
Each song is lovely and just puts me into a good mood
This album is phenomenal for studying or long drives
"I Want To Talk About You" and "Early Summer" are my favorites
9.5/10
May 20, 2025
A fantastic album from a relatively unknown Korean producer that mixes electronic sounds with folk instruments and singing, and one of my top 5 albums of all time
1. "Why" is an energetic way to start off the album and gives you a proper introduction to Mid-Air Thief's sound
2. "These Chains" is my favorite song on the album, mixing calm, beautiful melodies with intense synths and amazing percussion
3. "Gameun Duet" is a fast, catchy song with pop-like sound, lyrics, and progression
4. "Curve and Light" is one of my favorites on this album, having an energetic, overwhelming introduction along with a powerful and emotional second half filled with synths and beautiful singing
5. "Crumbling Together" is the longest song on the album and genuinely feels like a journey with its ups and downs, it's a very fun listen
6. "Protector" is an emotional, powerful song that always gives me goosebumps whenever I listen to it
7. "Dirt" is a quiet, beautiful refrain from the intense sounds of previous songs
8. "No Answer" is a calm and pleasant ending to this wonderful, chaotic album
I will never forgive Anthony Fantano for calling this album the "most overrated album of the 2010s" like the songs have a few million streams at most??
"Crumbling" has been one of my favorite albums for years now and I'm hoping to see it get more recognition
10/10
May 20, 2025
(first 3 seasons only)
Genuinely fantastic show with iconic humor and life lessons along the way
One of those pieces of media that can be enjoyed by all ages and many different audiences
That stuff about "watching it will make your kid dumber" is nonsense though
10/10, I might be glazing
May 20, 2025