propolismetropolis

Some of my favorite mangas are shounen like Bleach and Naruto, however NANA has found a VERY special place in my heart.

Story: Nothing gets much better than the story that Ai creates. Everyone wants things to end happily for every character, but this isn't one of those stories. It's real, heartbreakingly so. The main characters get put through the ringer emotionally because they aren't experiencing a "manga life", but life as we know it. It's real, it's unabashed, it's awesome. The story also doesn't focus on one person's journey but the two Nana's stories and the people they meet through it. You'll be smiling, laughing, crying, getting angry, and literally be at the edge of your seat while you read.

Art: If you have read Paradise Kiss, then you would already know that Ai has an impeccable eye for detail. Every character in the story is beautifully drawn with distinct facial expressions. The clothes are outstanding (again Paradise Kiss would have clued you in) and actually defines the personality of each character. And when Ai wants to do a landscape scene in which the characters aren't the focus, she does it so well.

Characters: AH.MAY.ZING. It's simple really. THey are not perfect and are all flawed in a very real way. Of the main characters Nana K. is an irresponsible, hopeless, romantic who, out of her need to be loved, is a bit selfish and always getting heartbroken. Nana O. is the opposite, fiercely independent, possesive, and driven, she is willing to put her own relationship on the backburner for her career and pride. And those are just two characters. These characters are so well written that they are the driving force of this manga. Their actions, and not the world around them, make this manga, much like how real life works.

Overall: I can only rave about this more. Simply put this manga is great. It really is a joy to read. My only thing is that the author was VERY sick and has just began recovering. She doesn't know if she will continue the manga which is DEFINITELY heartbreaking. I say still give it a shot because what Ai has given us is a beautiful story that hits all the right notes.