Bokurano

A fresh perspective on a recurring theme in fiction, "What happens when a group of children confront their deepest fears?" This classic trope often serves as a vehicle to delve into the "hidden (and often dark) aspects" of the human mind. Bokurano tackles this masterfully. At first glance, it might seem like an Evangelion knockoff, with its premise of "kids piloting giant mecha robots to battle aliens." However, I assure you, it's something entirely unique and possibly superior.
The narrative structure is semi-episodic, akin to shows like Cowboy Bebop or Death Parade. Every few chapters focus on a particular character's story arc, typically concluding in a tragic, heart-wrenching manner. Each character is crafted with meticulous care, embodying distinct facets of what it means to be "human."
My only gripe is the occasional "twists and turns" that feel somewhat off or abrupt. Nevertheless, this minor flaw pales compared to the ambitious scope of Bokurano.
Despite being fundamentally a tragedy, this manga doesn't leave readers feeling "depressed" or hollow. On the contrary, it concludes on an unexpectedly optimistic and hopeful note, following a thorough exploration of existentialist and nihilistic themes throughout the story.

A title that will stick with you.

The story's main focus is a large cast of kids who are thrown into an almost inescapable death-trap, forcing them to rethink how they wish to spend their last moments alive. It is a concept that fascinates me endlessly. Each character is unique and memorable in this anthology of death and misery.

However, the problem lies in its execution. Some of the twists and turns in the story are genuinely impactful, but the characters experiencing these events often feel alien. This is one of those titles where characters act deadpan most of the time. When the story is told through people who fail to represent basic human behavior, many of its messages fall flat. Add some clunky monologues about death and societal issues, and it all makes the story feel pretentious toward the later parts.

Without spoiling too much, here are two examples. Out of all the kids, only one actually panics and considers how much he has yet to experience in life. Yet everyone around him acts as though he's abnormal. I can't help but think this character had more potential. Later on, we also learn that one of the girls was abused in the worst way possible, and yet everyone acts as if she's the villain in the drama. Heck, her parents seem to condemn her actions more than they condemn the men who put her in that situation.

Did I still enjoy it? Yes, I did. The art was fitting, some of the children's stories do stand out, and it captures a dire atmosphere. It makes the reader think, which makes it memorable and worth picking up if you want something that isn't just brainless entertainment.

Bokurano is a series that likely misled many at first glance. It now holds a notorious reputation, but if you encountered it when it was first released or approached it with no prior knowledge, it might seem like an innocent and generic story: kids sign a contract to pilot a giant robot and save Earth from aliens. This premise feels overused, yet something unsettling lurks beneath the surface.

As you continue reading, the unsettling truth emerges.

The twist lies in the fact that the robot kills its pilot after each battle to fuel itself. Thus, every child who signed the contract traded their life for the planet's salvation. Nothing can change this grim reality; these children are doomed regardless of their actions.

Before each battle, we delve into each child's background, learning about their struggles and motivations.

In these stories, Bokurano reveals its bleak and dark nature. The tales vary in tone but share an underlying despair and sentimentality due to the impending deaths. Some narratives are exceptionally dark, with one particular story likely to stick with readers. What’s most intriguing is how some stories convey unusual and cynical messages, such as exploring the concept that "one death is a tragedy, one million is a statistic," concluding in unexpected ways.

Despite its oppressive atmosphere and tendency towards darkness for its own sake, the manga is incredibly gripping and powerful. Each child's story is heart-wrenching in its unique way, and none fall short. Supporting characters, like the army personnel and Koyemshi, also leave memorable impressions. The series' ending is brilliantly executed.

Kitoh’s art style is somewhat peculiar. Generally, I dislike his stylistic choices; his characters have simplified, generic facial features typical of many manga, and they appear thin with subdued expressions. However, Kitoh clearly knows his craft—his scene composition, perspective, and grasp of form enhance the storytelling. His design sense is uniquely unconventional; his robots look nothing like those in typical mecha shows, often bizarre and abstract. Consequently, even though Kitoh isn't among my favorite artists, I appreciate his style and find it well-suited for this narrative.

In summary, Bokurano may seem like it’s trying too hard to be edgy for many readers. But if you're like me, you'll find that the execution of heavy themes elevates the story's impact most of the time. If you seek intense emotions and a unique take on the robot genre, this manga is for you. Despite superficial similarities, it significantly differs from Evangelion, so disliking one doesn’t mean you’ll dislike the other.

No reviews for this? You're killing me.

Bokurano is a story about finding meaning in the absolute meaninglessness that is our lives.

In essence, it's a series of 15 short stories about these 15 kids who are trapped in a competition where they gotta pilot a 500m tall robot. If they lose, the world is screwed. Gradually, through a series of well-written and shocking twists, everything about their mission ends up being bad for them and pretty much everyone around them. It's a brutally realistic depiction of what you'd get if you actually did put a bunch of middle schoolers in charge of this sort of thing. Some are wannabe heroes, others have mental breakdowns, at least one goes on a murdering rampage, and a few just don't care. It also turns out that people don't like it when you fight in the middle of a city and cause 10,000 casualties.

How tragic is this series? Well, sometimes you can actually hear the author chuckling in the background as one of these kids gets their lives or minds completely destroyed. On occasion, a few of these tales end on a heartwarming or content note, but I suspect that's only because Kitoh had stomach worms at the time or something.

But the thing is, even though this story is soul-crushing, it's continuously gripping. I read the whole thing over the course of a weekend in a feverish marathon, something I never do for anything. Each child's story is unique and interesting, and every time one ended and another one came up, my reaction would be "I don't care about this kid, that last one was so good how can this one compare?" and every time without fail, I would be blown away. That kid's unique struggle and subsequent battle would set them totally apart from everyone else, and be good enough to stand as its own story. Kitoh is that good of an author, and even though he's royally screwed up in the head (as shown by this, Narutaru, His Murder Plan, and everything else he's ever written) he knows how to put a method into his madness. The guy is a genius, but I don't think I'd ever want to meet him.

In terms of art, all the human characters are wiry and lacking in detail. Backgrounds are elaborate, but sharp and have a sort of blank feeling to them. Objects like vehicles are interesting and futuristic without being outlandish. The art style is perfect for Kitoh's style of writing, honestly. The main attraction is the "mecha" designs though. These things are not Gundams. They are absolutely enormous, with styles varying between vaguely insectoid and completely abstract. Kitoh's mind is not limited to his eccentric writing; it carries over into his artwork. You generally do not see anything as weird as this guy's stuff in any comic.

Now let's talk about the anime for a sec. The anime version of Bokurano sucks. The director hated the manga's story because it was too bleak, and tried to rewrite it himself. It turns out that that guy did not have the ability to outdo our mildly psychotic author here. The result was a pretty show with an amazing OP, but a sucky story and a lame ending. Speaking of endings, the manga ending is incredible. It's not awe-inspiring or anything like that; it's just a beautiful ending that completely fits the story.

In terms of being a realistic deconstruction of the mecha genre, this series completely stomps Evangelion through and through. And most other giant robot series for that matter. You actually might not be able to enjoy robot stories after this, since Bokurano turns them completely inside-out. It's almost the polar opposite of Gurren Lagann, but somehow just as awesome.

Viz is publishing this in the US starting in February 2010. I'm totally picking it up.

Simply put, 'Bokurano' is about a group of children who are tricked into signing contracts to pilot a giant robot named Zearth in a deadly battle against alien invaders. The twist is that the robot's power comes from the life energy of its pilot, ensuring their death regardless of the outcome. This inevitability creates a deeply emotional and challenging read but offers a rewarding experience for those brave enough to see it through.

'Bokurano' can be broken down into story arcs focusing on each child chosen to pilot Zearth. Each arc follows a similar pattern: exploring the character's backstory, motivations, preparation for their final days, and the battle itself. Despite there being 15 children, the series avoids becoming dull or repetitive thanks to its exceptional development of each unique character. Some may be more likable than others, but all evoke sympathy. Characterization is achieved through a balance of introspection and dialogue, effectively enhancing the impact of each death. The most significant character besides the pilots is Dung Beetle, the mysterious entity that summoned the children. Acting as a guide or narrator, he provides insights into the sci-fi elements without feeling like an authorial mouthpiece. The supporting cast, including national defense personnel and relatives, complements the core characters well, particularly highlighting the tragic role of parents who must watch their children die helplessly.

Just as 'Narutaru' deconstructed the pet monster genre, 'Bokurano' does the same for mecha. It explores practical issues like civilian casualties, the terrifying implications of failure, and immense pressure on the pilots with no sugar-coating. There is no plot armor; anyone can die at any moment, keeping readers on edge. Unlike 'Neon Genesis Evangelion,' 'Bokurano' stands apart thematically, focusing on themes like the perception of death. Death occurs regularly, often on a large scale, with each pilot reacting differently. Some try to minimize casualties, while others cause collateral damage. The series also examines accepting one's own death, showing varied reactions from living peacefully to mental breakdowns. Themes are explored naturally, maintaining excellent pacing and culminating in a fitting conclusion.

The super robot fights are secondary to the manga's ideas, serving as a vehicle for its themes. However, the action sequences are still impressive, featuring diverse locations and enemy designs. Strategies vary widely, making each fight fresh and thrilling. While not the focus, the battles remain engaging throughout.

The artwork is generally solid, with standout super robot designs that fit the atmosphere perfectly. Aircraft designs show meticulous detail, especially in shading to create depth. Backgrounds and scene composition are well-executed. However, human character designs lack distinct features, making characters appear somewhat generic. Ultimately, the art complements the mood Kitoh aimed to achieve.

Overall, 'Bokurano' isn't for everyone due to its cruel, nihilistic world centered on children. It's a tragic story with shocking content but never feels gratuitous. Kitoh handles it maturely, making 'Bokurano' his magnum opus. If you seek a darker take on the mecha genre, 'Bokurano' is highly recommended.

STORY: 4

A brief promising start, but soon it becomes evident that there won't be any deep explanations about a cosmic-scale tragedy. It feels like the mangaka pitched the beginning without a clear vision on how to proceed or conclude. The characters are unremarkable despite the emphasis on their distinct personalities, and throughout there's a sense of bored sadness rather than empathy for kids who never react realistically to any situation.

ART: 5

The artwork predominantly features similar-looking, inexpressive faces. Much of the action takes place in an empty void with only around 14 or 15 chairs as props.

POLITICAL POTENTIAL: 4

There is some reflection on responsibility and empathy. At least it’s not centered on one or two exceptional heroes, but the execution is too weak to make anything interesting out of this theme.

FEMINISM: 3

Naked children having sex, with the girl being small yet oddly proportioned. A female character is manipulated, raped, and blackmailed without finding any support. Worse, her sister dates her abuser and seems aware of his actions! Another character regularly beats his younger sister, who simply endures it as if she were mature beyond her years.

CONCLUSION: 4

Bokurano is dull and boring despite its potential. Knowing there's a better manga about kids entangled in a cosmic tragedy with aliens, titled 'Dead Dead Demon's Dededededestruction,' makes it even easier to say this. I recommend the latter instead.

Bokurano is a grim manga that employs mecha merely as its thematic backdrop, filled to the brim with psychological turmoil. The focus isn't on the mecha battles themselves; don't be misled by the cover. For all intents and purposes, the mecha could have been replaced with a spaceship or a magical outfit without altering the core narrative significantly.

While surprisingly adept at delving into psychological analysis, Bokurano falls short in its handling of mecha combat and sci-fi elements. The battles lose their allure when framed as hopeless struggles with no chance for personal triumph. Instead, it evokes an almost ritualistic sacrifice, akin to Mayan ceremonies where individuals are offered up for the survival of their civilization.

This perspective does offer profound insights into life, death, and the essence of the human soul when faced with such dire circumstances. However, this can also alienate readers from the plot, as there's nothing to root for and the stakes seem insignificant from the outset. There's no glimmer of hope, no light at the end of the tunnel. Despite being powered by human will, the mecha don't convincingly demonstrate how human resolve can alter the status quo. While most characters exhibit strong wills, they ultimately prove insufficient against cosmic indifference. By the end, everyone becomes a pawn of fate, and nothing truly matters.

Despite these shortcomings, the manga excels in its psychological depth. Its reception varies widely among readers, making it a divisive work. You may appreciate it or not, but you're unlikely to enjoy it due to its depressing premise and nihilistic undertones.

There are many similarly bleak works centered around everyday horrors like domestic abuse and bullying, which don't involve world-ending crises. In comparison, Bokurano doesn't stand out enough to distinguish itself from these other somber narratives.

TLDR: Read it if you enjoy similarly melancholic stories like Madoka Magica. Avoid it if you seek thrilling mecha action or satisfying plot resolutions.

7/10