“To escape the stress of city life, high school, and her overbearing mother, Mizuki runs away from home to spend spring break with her aunt. But her future is looming and she still has no idea what she's interested in… until she crosses paths with Akira, a high school trumpet player who introduces her to the world of marching band!” (Azuki)
Crescent Moon Marching is Available
Through The Azuki App on Android & iPhone
A rather sublime music-driven manga, Hamachi Yamada's “Crescent Moon March” digs a bit beyond just the love of music offering an endearing story of a youth, Mizuki, finding her path in life after years of struggling. It is through Mizuku that the reader gets insight into the niche culture and music of a marching band, with its loud and vigorous performances in contrast to the shy girl struggling with her confidence. Consequently, the manga beautifully touches on the transformative power of music and the sense of community that can be built around group activities.
This focus leads to touching moments of interaction, as Mizuki finds friends through her own determination to master the trumpet. Her relationship with Akira playfully captures the awkward youthful flirting, underscored by a profound desire from Akira to make sure Mizuki does find her voice, both in school life and the marching band. From Mizuki's first solo practice with Akira, to her first female friendship with another band-mate, the desire to see Mizuki succeed pushes forward the story in a deeply engrossing manner–even if the pacing of the book is more in line with a relaxed slice-of-life.
Follow us on Twitter by clicking on the image below
Visually, Hamachi Yamada's work is very expressive and filled with energy which perfectly conveys the controlled chaos of a marching band. While the opening pages in pretty pastels make a strong initial impact, Mizukui's first impression of a live marching band is where the art hits its stride. This interaction, both visually and narratively, imbues a lot of excitement for Mizuki's own growth as a performer. Ultimately, Hamachi Yamada's art is perfectly suited to the story she has crafted.
Read through the Azuki app, “Crescent Moon Marching” doesn't lose any of its charm in the digital format. While this is a definite negative for those who only want to collect (especially with how stunning the covers are), the app allows users to preview several chapters of the manga without committing to the subscription service. Fans of series inspired by the arts, specifically music, will find the endearing story and sharp visuals worth the deviation into digital to check out even when they would normally opt for print. Obviously, those who have been switching to digital will have no problem with the manga only being available on the Azuki app.
“Crescent Moon Marching” is an uplifting read backed by an adorably expressive art style. Moreover, the focus on the growth of its protagonist ensures that the reader does not need to have familiarity or a fondness of marching band music as the series touches on fundamental truths about growing up and the importance of belonging. The only disconnect that will come from some readers is a general disinterest in the subject matter and genre.
Already completed in its original run at 6 volumes, “Crescent Moon Marching” feels set to be the ideal length for a series of this ilk, and one that should prove perfect to consume as chapter releases through the Azuki app.
