365 Days of Manga, Day 249: Hitohira

HITOHIRA • Aurora Publishing • Idumi Kirihara • 13+
From the Japanese magazine Comic High (”girlish comics for boys and girls”) comes this slice-of-life manga about a high school theater troupe. Mugi Asai, a shy, awkward high-school freshman with self-esteem problems (”I can’t decide anything on my own. I’m so worthless”), ends up joining the theater group at her new high school. (”My life was so boring. Now it’s filled with these dramatic people!”) All of a sudden, the reader is introduced to a whole bunch of Mugi’s new friends, as well as to the snobby, rival theater group whose leader has a personal grudge against Mugi’s group leader. Hitohira combines a bit of comedy, a bit of a “believe in yourself” message, and a bit of melodrama (will Mugi conquer her fears?! Will another girl overcome her struggle with vocal cord paralysis?!) Mugi, the heroine, is a little on the pathetic side, and it’s hard to understand why her clubmates all come to think she’s the greatest thing since sliced bread. (Note to all manga creators: *show us* why a characters is supposed to be cool, don’t just tell us they’re cool!) There are some funny lines, but the art (although cute) has awkward panel layout, and the bland story can’t sustain the weight of so many characters, who seem to be waiting around like extras in a theatrical production for their chance to speak their part.
** (two stars)
Today’s winner is Amber B. of California. Congratulations, Amber!