I want to like the ml but for a couple arcs now he’s just been useless, horny, forceful and annoying. When I’ll go calm down and pick this up in the future maybe
Some manga fans may recognize Mohiro Kitoh as the creator of 'Bokurano,' a manga series that offers such a dark and nihilistic twist on the Super Robot genre that it makes Evangelion, the godfather of deconstruction in anime, seem almost pleasant by comparison.
Many of Kitoh's works are typically disturbing and bleak; however, Zansho stands out as an exception. It’s not exactly lighthearted, but the seven stories in this collection explore themes like regret and loss with a bittersweet perspective rather than the oppressive nihilism often found in his other works.
I’ll avoid delving too deeply into the details of each story, as experiencing them unspoiled is far more impactful. However, I will briefly touch on some of the themes explored in this anthology to give you a sense of what to expect:
- Unrequited love.
- The way progress inevitably overtakes the familiar and comforting.
- The consequences of unspoken thoughts and feelings, often leading to sadness.
- How people evolve as they age, yearning for happier times in the past that seemed ordinary when they were living them.
The characters in these tales are largely good-hearted individuals with very human imperfections. Kitoh excels at crafting realistic personalities and seamlessly integrates them into compelling narratives, making for a gratifying read. It’s especially impressive given the brevity of each chapter—Kitoh achieves character development in about 30 pages that many anime or manga struggle to accomplish over dozens of chapters or episodes.
Overall, it's a great piece of work, though it’s unfortunate that the art isn't stronger. Many characters follow a similar "slim guy/girl" archetype with minor variations (often just a different hairstyle or facial feature like a mole or scar). Additionally, some character poses while walking or standing feel somewhat awkward.
That said, the art isn’t a dealbreaker. It still effectively supports the narrative, and when the story is this strong, minor visual flaws are easily overlooked.
Highly recommended for any manga enthusiast seeking a brief yet poignant read. Especially for those who enjoyed Bokurano and are eager for another Kitoh experience—one that’s notably warmer but no less intelligent.
Popular Reviews
Many of Kitoh's works are typically disturbing and bleak; however, Zansho stands out as an exception. It’s not exactly lighthearted, but the seven stories in this collection explore themes like regret and loss with a bittersweet perspective rather than the oppressive nihilism often found in his other works.
I’ll avoid delving too deeply into the details of each story, as experiencing them unspoiled is far more impactful. However, I will briefly touch on some of the themes explored in this anthology to give you a sense of what to expect:
- Unrequited love.
- The way progress inevitably overtakes the familiar and comforting.
- The consequences of unspoken thoughts and feelings, often leading to sadness.
- How people evolve as they age, yearning for happier times in the past that seemed ordinary when they were living them.
The characters in these tales are largely good-hearted individuals with very human imperfections. Kitoh excels at crafting realistic personalities and seamlessly integrates them into compelling narratives, making for a gratifying read. It’s especially impressive given the brevity of each chapter—Kitoh achieves character development in about 30 pages that many anime or manga struggle to accomplish over dozens of chapters or episodes.
Overall, it's a great piece of work, though it’s unfortunate that the art isn't stronger. Many characters follow a similar "slim guy/girl" archetype with minor variations (often just a different hairstyle or facial feature like a mole or scar). Additionally, some character poses while walking or standing feel somewhat awkward.
That said, the art isn’t a dealbreaker. It still effectively supports the narrative, and when the story is this strong, minor visual flaws are easily overlooked.
Highly recommended for any manga enthusiast seeking a brief yet poignant read. Especially for those who enjoyed Bokurano and are eager for another Kitoh experience—one that’s notably warmer but no less intelligent.