Manga Reviews Reviews

Manga Review: Raincoat Kids (Vol 1 & 2, 2019) by Yoimachi Meme

An intricate narrative work that explores complex themes with a dark fantasy aesthetic, beautiful and disturbing in equal measure.

is a tour-de-force, coming-of-age story set in a post-apocalyptic water world, where protagonist Minato Aikawa must take his younger sister, Shizu, to meet with their father. Joining them is self-proclaimed bodyguard Toka, who brandishes an umbrella that he claims is the “ultimate weapon”. The abstract world of Raincoat Kids is brought to you by , and is illustrated with traditional, pen-and-paper illustrations without the use of digital touch-ups.” ()

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Across the first two volumes of a tentatively planned 5 volume released in the doujinshi format, Yomiache Meme takes an experimental approach in exploring childhood trauma. Following a group of wayward kids as they make their way across a ruined Japan, the series explores themes of loss and anxiety within an abstract post-apocalyptic landscape. Facing invisible enemies, the trio work together in continued love and support to try to find a sense of normalcy. This quest explores the emotional scars that can be inflicted on kids at a young age while also celebrating the innocence of youth and drive to always do good. Undeniably, it is a intricate narrative work that explores complex themes with a dark fantasy aesthetic, beautiful and disturbing in equal measure.

As interesting as the experimental narrative can be, it is not without faults. Meme describes the work as a ‘thought experiment' akin to a bowl of ramen with all their favorite elements thrown in. A rather apt description, as it is difficult to pick up on all the elements included and the plot can feel rather busy and hard to follow. The experimentation is not without substance or intrigue but, ultimately, will deter certain readers from exploring past the first volume.

The artistic approach of Yoimachi Meme is certainly unique (in part due to the hand-drawn technique), within its transitions between idyllic and sweet to dark and brooding. Notably, the art seems to break down, almost melting, when the children are overcome by “Drippy-drippy ghosts” creatures who manifest through overwhelming feelings' mistrust and anxiety. On a final stylistic note, the book is presented in a format familiar with children's literature, giving the work a wonderfully dark aesthetic to traditional children's stories that were okay to explore mature themes.

Arryn Lewis and Zhuchka, who worked on lettering and formatting, compliment the aesthetic of the work in exemplary fashion. The English text captures the characters' own breakdowns when confronted by the “drippy-drippy ghosts”, allowing the words to melt along with the art. In addition, The sound is interjected into the art to punctuate the work. Overall, the visuals and rework to English feels impeccable in delivery, highlighting the passion of companies working directly with the mangaka in the doujinshi format.

“Raincoat Kids” is a deeply introspective project from Meme, presented in the style of a children's dark fantasy series. While it is arguable that the work can be too indulgent offering a confused narrative, the visceral reaction to the title gives a certain profundity that should keep readers glued to the pages. Overall, Meme is a unique talent within manga with both “Raincoat Kids” and “Riverbed Projector” (also release by Irodori) showing an artist in top form who is not afraid to challenge himself.

About the author

Adam Symchuk

Adam Symchuk is a Canadian born freelance writer and editor who has been writing for Asian Movie Pulse since 2018. He is currently focused on covering manga, manhwa and light novels having reviewed hundreds of titles in the past two years.

His love of film came from horror and exploitation films from Japan that he devoured in his teens. His love of comics came from falling in love with the works of Shuzo Oshimi, Junji Ito, Hideshi Hino, and Inio Asano but has expanded to a general love of the medium and all its genres.

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