My Broken Mariko

tigian Oct 7, 2020

8.5

first let me share the words of the translator from where I read this story:"this is a story about suicide and as such you should thread carefully.  this isn't a story about redemption, or happiness, or understanding. it's nothing as blithe as that to this epidemic that plagues so many people. rather, it's about the raw anger and resentment, of fear and longing, of people who leave and also of those who are left behind. it's about the help we seek from others and the guilt that calls. it's about the help we give others, and the resentment that engenders. it's about the wounds that lie deeper still.none of them are blameless in this story, althought they carry varying amounts of sins"(unfortunatly where I read it didn't credit the translator) by the end of this short story i completely share those feelings, its a raw depiction of what suicide leaves and what it takes, where no word or line try to beautify it or be fluffy about it.

Curiousmadra Feb 22, 2021

8.5

I had to take a few deep breaths while reading this because it is a very tough read. Basically it’s about a woman named Shi who discovered her best friend Mariko passed away due to suicide and she wants to ensure she gets her wishes. Mariko had a tough life with her parents such as her father doing absolutely terrible things to her and the fact her mother didn’t protect her. I have to say, the character development with Shi was great like I wish there was more than 3 chapters cause I really wanted to find more about her as a person. I even wanted to find out more about her and Marikos friendship (it seemed like a relationship from what I gather but it might be a misunderstanding). The art was very good as well. The psychological elements really are good at making your heat sink because the story was just super sad! If you or someone you know are affected by the events happening in this manga for real, please please please go to http://www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html to reach out for help.

RooberSmoth Jul 1, 2022

10

This manga will forever be in my top 3 probably if not my favourite manga ever. Everything about it i love. The artstyle matches the tone and each scenario ranging from goofy to sad. The way this manga moves between the present and the past is fluid and perfect. It's funny, tragic and just a great read. I love Makio and Maruko and Shiina, maybe even Maruko's step-mother. I just love them all and how they were written. Ah yeah, the writing! It felt like the words on the page perfectly encapsulated how it feels to lose someone you love. It's just a wonderful, raw portrayal of the aftermath of their death. I don't think i'll ever come across something just as tear-jerking as this. Please read this manga!!!