I found the story to be very cute and sweet. Additionally, the art was pretty and I especially enjoyed the nature scenes and starry skies.

Other than featuring a character in a wheelchair and showing some of the daily difficulties he faces, the plot doesn't necessarily stand out in any way. The characters almost instantly fall for each other but don't communicate that right off. Then they do acknowledge it, face a little bit of drama, but ultimately everything works out. It's been done many times before. Even though it was predictable, it did have a few unique flourishes as far as featuring a character with limited mobility.

Overall it was heartwarming and I enjoyed reading it.

Helpful

read more

This manga was a great opportunity for representation, especially for disabled people in the queer space. Unfortunately, it didn’t reach its potential, and I was left disappointed.

I'll start off with the good things. The art is decent and there are elements of romance, which some might find enjoyable. I will commend the scenes for being cute at times.

The manga hints at Subaru's independence but rarely shows it. Instead of focusing on his self-sufficiency, the story presents him in situations that reinforce a narrow view of disability. Personally, I would say it reinforces stereotypes by doing so. It's a missed opportunity to showcase a more empowering narrative. The protagonist, Subaru, really just feels like a token piece than a fully developed character. Many aspects of his life are glossed over, and we’re given very little detail into his experience, which makes it hard to connect with him. Some might argue that just because a character is disabled, the story shouldn’t focus solely on that. I agree but there’s still a need to show aspects of his lived experience that shape who he is. That part is largely missing.

When it comes to representation, it is good to show these things, especially for people who don't know what that world looks like. It opens doors for conversations, and it gives insight where some might not have had any but we don't really have that in this, and I think that's unfortunate. I really would have loved to have seen more of this character's experiences and their day-to-day navigation of the real world from their perspective.

Subaru seems mostly defined by his relationship. While he does have a friend and a life outside of it, those parts aren’t explored in a meaningful way. The side characters feel like placeholders. Scenes jump abruptly, and sometimes there's a huge time gap that disrupts the flow. The pacing is inconsistent and often jarring. Aside from that, there are moments in the manga that seem to be introduced as important but aren’t given the development they deserve. That lack of detail takes us out of the story and prevents deeper connection with the characters.

I had high hopes for this manga, but it didn’t deliver. It feels like a generic romance that avoids diving into the things that could have made it unique and impactful.

I wouldn’t personally recommend this, though I know some readers may enjoy it more than I did. It does have a high rating, so perhaps others are more forgiving of how Subaru’s experience is portrayed. If you're just here for the romance, maybe you’ll find something to take away.

Helpful

read more