“19 Days” is a six-issue comic book series by Japanese artist Takao Aoki that runs in Shueisha’s Newtype magazine. In this newest release, drawn by Aoki, the story is told in a single issue. It is a part of the ongoing “One Week of manga” series.
The story centers on a boy called Shinya Arasu who lives in a peaceful town called Edo. One day, he wanders off to visit his sister, Rika, who has moved away to work in Tokyo. On the way, he meets Minky Minozuki, who is involved with a special club for young women called the “SD” Club. Together, they encounter various interesting people including the mysterious “21” Club, and encounter life changing events that will have a lasting impact on their future.
This latest release from Shueisha’s Newtype magazine is drawn in full color, and is printed on premium paper. This is part of a series of “century” comics released every year. The story is told in a fun and entertaining style, and features original one-shots that take you back to various points in time in Japan. The look and style is a marked improvement over the previous series, and Aoki really gets into his own style. It is worth noting that most of the artwork is drawn in gray tones.
This is the first volume in a planned two-part series. There are three main characters; Shinya, Minko, and Rika. There are several subplots and side-characters that are introduced periodically throughout the story. As you read, you get a feel for each character’s relationship with the others.
Part one includes everyday life in Edo, and takes the readers from early morning to late in the night. In Volume Two, the story switches to Minko’s point of view, and she tells the reader about her adventures in Edo, while in the third, Shinya sees how the club progresses and deals with day to day problems. In the end, it is revealed that Minko’s father owns a club on the Japanese sea. One of the main characters, Katsu, is a second year student at the university.
This series has received a fair amount of critical acclaim. Many writers have come out in support of it, calling it an intelligent and mature read, and one that is able to tell an emotional story in a realistic way. Aoki also claims that this series holds a special place in his heart, as he has spent years working on it.
Some of Aoki’s strongest points are its use of complex emotions, and honesty. Mankai, or the “art form,” has been praised for its realistic portrayal of old-age Japan. Some of the drawings are exaggerated, but for the most part, this is accurate. The sense of humor is clear, and the way the characters are depicted is clean and lively. The fact that it can hold a mature audience is one of the things that make Aoki one of the most popular series in Japan.
Aoki 19 Days manga has sold more than five million copies. It continues to be popular in North America, too, where it was originally published. The story is about a boy who gets caught up in a life-changing event. It has won several awards, including the Kodansha Comics Award for Best Single Series.
When Aoki first released, the reviews were positive. Many critics praised the innovative use of everyday objects to tell a dramatic story. In one scene, the main character finds a shellfish skull with the last remaining oyster still inside it. The writer then includes the “lucky” luck symbol within the comic, and the reader feels a sense of fulfillment when Aoki sees the symbol.
Part of Aoki’s appeal is that it is written in simple language. There are no intricate descriptions of places or people, and there is very little dialogue. Instead, the words flow naturally, like a short story. In one scene, Aoki wonders why he is so lucky to have had only one day to live. He goes on to relate this event to his desire to die with his master, so he tries to stop the day from coming.
Aoki 19 Days manga has a very simple plot. There are many surprising twists, and the reader will be surprised at how much Aoki knows about his surroundings and the future. The manga is well paced, yet does not drag on to long. The graphic art and bright colors are great additions to the story, and really make the story come to life. Overall, Aoki 19 Days is a must-read for anyone who enjoys Japanese fiction, especially those who enjoy a fast-paced, action-filled story.