“Takeru has always felt like another cog in the wheel of corporate society, but things take a strange turn when he and his sister discover a mermaid inside a cosmetic lotion bottle. Memories of childhood; a brother and sister separated in the aftermath of a failed marriage; corporate money disappearing off the ledgers… Mermaid in a Bottle is Isaki Uta's tour-de-force first foray into self-publishing and features a unique story looking into the bitter-sweet relationship of a brother and sister with a shared, troubled past.” (Official)
“Mermaid in the Bottle” Is Available Through Irodori Aqua
The Doujinshi format of manga, which is a short independently produced by the mangaka, can present a challenge to many creators, being removed from a system reliant on publisher and editor, and self promoting an original work. Additionally, the shorter format pushes its creator to make an impact in as few pages as possible. Isaki Uta proves herself to thrive within these restrictions, with “Mermaid in a Bottle” balancing fantasy with the complexity of emotions tied to siblings within a broken family.
While the mermaid does give the release a sense of the fantastical, she reflects the struggle between brother and sister., with the latter feeling abandoned by her brother after her parents separated, around the same time she injured herself and had to pull out of swimming. Consequently, the odd creature comes to represent what the sister lost in both her abilities and her relationship with her brother. The two rekindling over concern and interest in the mermaid, revisiting past trauma is an intuitive way of tackling the siblings' issues, as it blends both allegorical and traditional storytelling.
It is easy to fall in love with the art style of Uta. Beyond the mangaka's proficiency at capturing human form as an emotion with delicate detail, this release offers expressive panel work that alternates black and white. The result is these pages coming across as mini-art pieces, such as a white fish weaving its way through blackened panels. Utterly gorgeous, and at times experimental, “Mermaid In a Bottle” is a visual feast that extends the value and lasting power of the limited format release.
Digitally released from Irodori Aqua, the scan and art is really well presented, with the publisher framing the story with both a bio and some terminology in the first few pages, and later a longer statement from Uta about her work. The artist's reflection on her own works mirrors the creator's own struggles with the format and validity, ending on a wish that her work comes across as intended. A certain humbleness that comes with great creators and storytellers does add to the sincerity of the work in Uta's unassuming nature.
“Mermaid in a Bottle” highlights the potential of the Doujinshi to craft original and inspired work. At just over 40 pages, the work leaves a strong impact and feels fully explored by use of creative narrative devices. Additionally, the art of Isaki Uta is stunning in this release, making it a well rounded experience.
