Shino Can't Say Her Name

zala Oct 17, 2023

7

An intense and relatable manga let down by a lackluster story and unlikable characters. Introduction Stories about characters with physical and/or mental challenges are difficult to write well. Often these stories can feel too lightweight to take seriously or become too depressing to enjoy. Shino Can't Say Her Name (Shino) tries to depict the many social challenges of a schoolgirl with a speech disability. While its intent may be noble, its use of melodramatic characters and an unfocused story blunt its impact.  Summary Shino is clearly a passion project by Shuzo Oshimi. I may not have this particular condition but its depiction in the story feels realistic, more than most anime and manga about socially challenged people. That aspect is this manga's strength as the sequences with Shino melting down in public are troubling and effective. The constant fight for control, the fear of persecution, and the sadness of judgment are portrayed well. Sadly, Oshimi is not able to craft these sequences into a cohesive story.  Plot, Cast, Art The plot of Shino is passable but could have been much more effective. The short length of this manga required an efficient vision that this story lacks. The first half was engaging and disturbing. The second half lost momentum and became confusing. The most frustrating aspect of this manga is the cast. There are few characters and the majority are unlikable. Shino herself is relatable but feels reactive. That may have been intentional. The bad part of this choice is that Shino comes off as indecisive. To constantly see her overpowered by the people around her is painful to read, however realistic that may be. The other characters are overly harsh to Shino, even her supposed new friends. This lack of goodwill distanced me from the story when the story most needed to become more engaging. The art is engaging and expressive. The attention to detail in facial expressions and gestures makes this manga feel more natural, especially when Shino is melting down. The buildup and tension in the art may be the best part of this manga. Conclusion Shino Can't Say Her Name is a passionate and sometimes effective manga that fails to deliver a satisfying experience. While there are virtues like the expressive art and disturbing sequences of emotional meltdowns, the whole is not as strong as the parts. Is Shino Worth Reading? Shino may appeal to teenagers who suffer from similar conditions. Everyone else may pass on this manga.