I began studying Akane-banashi as a result of I didn’t need to begin a manga that was lots of of chapters lengthy. I assumed that I’d be capable of briefly pattern a brand new collection, cancel my Shonen Bounce sub, after which return to chipping away at my video games backlog. However Akane-banashi caught me utterly flat-footed with its expressive artwork, lighthearted comedy, and dramatically satisfying arcs. A number of months later, rereading Akane-banashi stays the first cause I nonetheless pay for that sub, and studying a brand new (free) chapter each Sunday is my favourite a part of the weekend.
Akane-banashi tells the story of Akane Osaki, a teenage woman who pursues a theatrical artwork kind referred to as rakugo. In rakugo, a single performer tells comedic or dramatic tales utilizing solely their physique language, facial expressions, and ranging tone. The artist has to carry out each persona within the story, and rakugo skits all the time contain a number of characters.
A number of years in the past, Akane’s father was unceremoniously expelled from the rakugo faculty, so she’s pursuing skilled rakugo to each get solutions about his expulsion and redeem his artwork within the eyes of the general public. Sadly, the person who destroyed her father’s profession can also be crucial determine in the complete rakugo world, so the stakes of constructing folks snicker are extremely excessive.
Regardless of the emotionally heavy premise, Akane-banashi is a lighthearted collection that actually shines when it exhibits the creators’ deep love of rakugo. The performances are extremely enjoyable to learn, for the reason that artist attracts hilariously exaggerated expressions that appear just a bit inappropriate on the attractive and sleek performers. Main actors in most fictional works solely should be stunning and charming. Within the rakugo of Akane-banashi, in addition they get to be slovenly, conceited, and obnoxious.
Each efficiency transforms the artist into somebody utterly new with out props or outdoors help. In a single panel, a rakugo performer is a cowardly previous man who spends an excessive amount of cash. In one other, he’s the strong-willed and devious spouse. And the drama feels simple to observe as a result of the manga tends to err on the facet of over-narrating the performances. If theater is trickery, then Akane-banashi’s rakugo is sincere trickery. The jokes are easy, however everybody’s in on the joke.
I get pleasure from rereading Akane-banashi as a delicate palate cleanser for different shonen manga. Regardless of the general aggressive environment of the current arc, its humorousness stays irreverent with out being mean-spirited or crass. The characters are respectful towards one another, cognizant of others’ artistic skills, and by no means demean the competitors. The stakes nonetheless really feel excessive, and I would like Akane to impress all of the adults who write her off for being younger. However I’m having such a enjoyable time watching her develop as an artist, I don’t really feel like I’m in any rush to see her rating main “wins.”
That is such a welcome change from most shonen manga, similar to Demon Slayer, through which the protagonist virtually destroys themselves in an effort to attain the following energy stage. I even needed to cease studying slice-of-life manga like Bakuman as a result of it simply appeared to advocate in favor of burnout. Akane-banashi charms you early, will get you slowly invested within the characters, and employs its personal dramatic ability to reel you in.
The slower tempo additionally extends to the way it constructions the tales. Akane-banashi typically takes a number of chapters for a rakugo efficiency to reach at its closing punchline. The joke itself isn’t the purpose. As a substitute, a lot of the drama comes from the narration from different characters within the viewers.
Very similar to how a good friend explaining a sports activities recreation is usually extra fascinating than the match itself, Akane-banashi shines when the rakugo performers’ friends and colleagues meticulously break down and analyze the theatrical selections they make of their efficiency. That’s why some streamers are extra enjoyable to observe than others regardless of enjoying the identical recreation. Akane-banashi isn’t simply cussed about retaining the authenticity of rakugo; it’s very intentional about ensuring that the viewers has an excellent time.
I’m not the one one who has good style in shonen manga. The primary quantity of Akane-banashi was praised by One Piece’s well-known creator, Eiichiro Oda. And only recently, Neon Genesis Evangelion’s director Hideaki Anno joined him in recommending the collection to new readers. Akane-banashi is a newcomer that breaks from many shonen manga conventions, however it’s nonetheless a assured work that all the time appears to stay the touchdown in its storylines.
