Abyss Azure no Zainin - Reviews

Lemme start this by saying that the art is incredible in here, the way that the author depicts the sea and the creatures that live in it is gorgeous.

Story, Characters

Jo, our main character, is a boisterous mermaid that doesn't let anything stop her from doing what she wants. Her best friend Rui is a famous dancer amongst merfolk, with her enchanting moves and looks she has many men wrapped around her finger.

However not once had she truly fell in love with someone, until she met Yuki, a nerdy human that fears the sea, yet is in love with it at the same time. There is a strict code of law amongst merfolk, that they should never reveal their existance to humans because of the danger that they pose.

After getting jailed, Rui's health had deteriorated to an extreme pace. Determined to save her, Jo will do anything to get her out of there, even if it means becoming one of the things she hates the most. 

->Thoughts

What can I say, I just absolutely love Jo and her antics, she is strong and isn't afraid to save a dear friend despite being shunned by her own kind. Though they could've put more effort in writing Rui's character, despite having the central conflict surrounding her she doesn't really do much. Yuki is just a big goofball, I still don't get how he managed to snatch such a beautiful mermaid.

Overall a great read, good characters and amazing art. I do hope that they resume releasing it, it's been stuck in chapter 10 for months now :(. 

Me, pre-reading: La-dee-dah, la-dee-day. Let's try this manga today.

Me, at panel 1: Oh. My. God. Gorgeous. Immediate crush. I want to see everything this girl does. 

Me, at the end of chapter 1: Okay, so this looks like it'll be a wholesome, slice-of-life episodic type of manga where we'll see interactions with sea creatures and merfolk culture and stuff. Very lowkey, I'm sure. I guess I can get behind that. The artwork is very well done and I think author put genuine thought into the architecture and lifestyle of the merfolk. It is a bit disappointing though, 'cause those types of manga tend to be more dull, but I'm sure my crushing on the main character will make it enjoyable for me, even if it is slow-paced. Also, some of the backgrounds feel a bit empty. If I'm going to be enjoying the beauty of the world, I'd rather there was as much beauty in each panel as possible.

Me, during chapter 3: Wha~at!? Is this actually going to turn into a legitimate story? With actual plot and character struggles and stuff? I was genuinely not expecting this. I'm not sure if I really care for Riu as a character, but if it helps drive the plot then I'm all for it.

Me, after chapter 6: Oh, fucking shit. No fucking way. This is such a great development. How is it that every three chapters, this manga goes through some sort of shift and makes itself into an even stronger and more engaging story.

Me, during chapter 7: Hmm. I mean, I'm still all for this and I like the adorability and sweetness. But I feel like I need to harden my heart for the wrenching and love triangle drama which this manga will inevitably throw my way. Jo's going to tear a hole in my heart. I know it.

Me, during chapter 9: Hahaha, fight scene! Yes! Ah, this is intense. This manga is riveting. It has everything. What a great antagonist. I thought Akyla was pretty neat earlier in feir own way, but Maya is just straight up frightening.

Me, after chapter 10: Well, we are straight up on an adventure now. And I am fully along for the ride and looking forward to what comes next.

[Reviewed at chapter 10]