I splashed out on Solanin on recommendation and the fact that I was so impressed with Inio Asano’s more recent Nijigahara Holograph but to my surprise they’re actually pretty different. Apart from the general themes of young people’s alienation in today’s society and an examination of how relationships between friends can shape the course of their lives, Solanin is quite a departure from the mind-bending experience that was Nijigahara Holograph but ultimately it was actually the more enjoyable of the two for me.
…Holograph is a labyrinthine, somewhat supernatural piece that came off like a rewrite of Donnie Darko by David Lynch, only even better; Solanin is I guess a slice-of-life story but the impression it’s left on me makes me feel as though I’d do it a disservice by merely calling it ‘just a SoL manga’. The exquisite way in which the lives of the characters are portrayed gives me a feeling that left me speechless for some time afterwards; the truth is, when I look at these people I might as well be staring into a mirror.
As Sasa’s comment pointed out you can only empathise with the characters of …Holograph so far because they’re mostly young children or adults reminiscing on their childhood; Solanin in contrast looks at college graduates stuck in between adolescence and the responsibilities of salary-financed, mortgage-paying married-with-children adulthood. They are adults of course but they are still uncomfortable with the idea of the ‘present’ becoming ‘the rest of your life’ – a topic that doesn’t crop up very often (Only Yesterday does it well too I think) but this fact makes it all the more rare and precious, not least because I’m at a similar point in my life too.
The characters of Solanin are ordinary people, nothing more and nothing less. They look like real people too rather than the usual stylised manga designs; this might not make them particularly attractive in a conventional sense (although I must confess Meiko looks cute in a girl-next-door kind of way) but this helps remind us of their humanity. Asano has the perfect art style here: as gritty and true-to-life as, say, Naoki Urasawa but from the musical equipment Taneda’s band uses to the humdrum streets of the city his frames are phenomenally detailed. Some of the backgrounds are directly lifted from photographs too which pulls the events even closer from the world of fiction and into the recognisable here-and-now.
Perhaps all this is why Solanin resonated with me in a way that hadn’t happened since Byousokou 5cm and other rare pieces of fiction I’ve encountered from time to time in recent years. The clincher is that, both in terms of themes and execution, the path of life that Asano draws here is the same one that thousands of us are walking every day, whether we realise it or not. It doesn’t descend into maudlin melodrama or make any pretentious stab at being some sort of memorial for a disillusioned Generation X though; instead, the narrative has a mono no aware philosophy and quietly observes the events with a sense of whimsical melancholy that I can only describe as Murakami-esque.
I mean this in the sense that as well as nods to rock and roll popular culture and a wistful background of nostalgia, there’s that awareness of the importance in everyday events and little nuances of dialogue and causality. There’s also this heart-rending but familiar sense of isolation in a crowded world, of an enormous distance between those who should be closest of all; it makes the rare moments of connection and togetherness are all the more wonderful as a result.
For all the soul searching and the occasional twist here and there, there are moments of good-natured humour to sweeten the pill and the narrative has a very ‘grown-up’ plot progression. That is to say that Asano doesn’t even try to offer up easy answers to the problems and questions that Meiko and her friends encounter. The underlying message is perhaps that there are no easy answers – spend too much time wondering about the meaning of life and you forget how to live.
What drew me in and crossed that old sympathy-to-empathy divide was how I could relate to so much of what happens here. I know I’m not a young woman in Tokyo dating a freeloader I knew from college but every other page seemed to provide another opportunity to give a knowing laugh or nod inwardly thinking “I’ve been there too.” Asano’s afterword hints at how the events of Solanin were inspired by his own mid 20s when the fear of life decisions hitting a dead end was at the forefront of his mind: between becoming someone who follows their dreams, one turns out not knowing whether or not they’re happy with their life like their parents have, or a complete nobody who has achieved nothing at all, where do you go?
I know there’s not a universal appeal in stories that are ‘ordinary people doing ordinary things’ and perhaps some might think that twenty-something angst is no better than its hormonal teen equivalent but I felt that Solanin touches on a lot of unsaid truths that stare us in the face every day but escaped my notice until Meiko, Taneda and their friends pointed them out to me. They laugh, cry, share fears and dream dreams, as we all do; it’s profound, life-affirming and – dare I say it – deep, seemingly without even trying. Heaven knows I don’t have the answers either but at least Asano has what it takes to ask them so clearly. This is a marvel of character-driven drama and understated brilliance.
Great piece. For those reading this wondering ff there’s any other incentive to get this over the scanlated version floating around on the internet, it’s that the editing here is top-notch. Took a look at a chapter from the scanlates and found it severely wanting.
Owen Ss last blog post..Fate/stay night, Unlimited Blade Works Route
I was greatly impressed by Solanin; an excellent and probably underrated work. I was even more impressed by the guts Viz had to actually release it. I’m glad we’re finally getting more adult-oriented and seinen titles in the market.
Demians last blog post..ef ~ A Tale of Melodies
Really appreciating these manga reviews, Martin. They’re keeping me informed on what needs to be read – especially as I don’t chat to Sasa as much anymore. Keep it up!
Higes last blog post..C-Bombs and Modified Vespas [Detroit Metal City and Michiko to Hatchin]
This has just leapt to the top of my to-buy list! Really good review, Martin. I happened across your site looking for manga reviews, and just want to say that you write some really balanced intelligent stuff. Keep it up!
Ah, I am glad you read it – and actually so happy that you seem to share my special interest for Solanin. My gut feeling did not disappoint me when I said that most of us probably can emphasize more with the Solanin characters. That is why Solanin touched me to the core of my inner college girl, and I actually wish I had more, smarter things to say about the series than that; it would totally deserve it. ^^;; If I happen to be in the mindset of adequately replying to your review or even re-reading the series, I will make sure to return to this post.
However… oh oh, there is nothing that could possibly reach the greatness of Donnie Darko! XD On a more serious note, I think the comparison is actually pretty good, heh.
I haven’t read the printed version (although I suppose I should get at least one of them), but I can’t quite believe that the scanlated version is bad, because it’s made by a group who are quite a bunch of editing nazis – lucky for me.
@Hige: Oh! We haven’t talked to each other for quite awhile indeed, I’m sorry. T_T This is mostly because I don’t chat much in general anymore, and I also rarely see you online actually O.o
By the way, what do you think about picking up Twitter to update ourselves especially now that Martin has Twitter too? Haha.
Martin, thanks for the mange review of Solanin it sounded so interesting that I picked up a copy this morning at my local Borders.
The subject matter about the transition from Japanese childhood (high school/college) to adulthood/real world has caught my interest lately. I have three novels in my review pile by Japanese authors that make the controversial assertion that their school system does a good job at teaching the basics of education. But, there is a ever growing dark side that is cause by the organizational and social structure of the school system, and proof of this is the increasing amounts of Enjo Kosai, parasite singles, shut in’s, lolicons, never married, low birth rates and declining frequency of sex in relationships.
So, keep up the good work with you manga reviews. I have little time to follow manga with increasing work hours, relationships, anime blogging, and reading. So, I use your reviews to decide if I’ll pick up a certain manga or not.
Chriss last blog post..Leah Dizon, race queen, model, singer, and soon to be M@LF.
Even though I’m still just graduating from high school, I was also quite affected by the manga, and I loved the character development. That and I’m a sucker for slice-of-life-y things in general.
Having not even read (or heard of) the scanlations of the manga, I only picked this up because Owen/sat linked to its Amazon page once a few days prior to purchase.
While I enjoyed this book, well, maybe I’m at an age (48) where I can say “Yeah, I went through that stage, too.” Which I admit is a little unfair, but not by much. There are lots of similar works about early 20′s people trying to figure out the meaning of their lives; in that respect, there’s nothing new here.
What matters is not the subject matter, but the execution. Solanin tosses in some surprises, like Taneda’s death, which would have been melodramatic had Asano not treated the event in several ways, including Taneda’s own thoughts. And what the hell were those weirdos on the river bank watching the rowboat capsize? But everything else was realistic people dealing with issues in their own ways.
For instance, my favorite scene: where the drummer confesses to Meiko that he thinks Taneda’s death idiotic, but he’s cried every night, but tonight will be the last, and to see Meiko’s glorious round face and wide mouth crying in response, made me teary-eyed as well.
@Owen S: thanks! I didn’t even bother looking at the scanlations since the in-print version was already available but Viz have done a wonderful job with the presentation and the dialogue flows wonderfully too. Here’s hoping they publish more of Asano’s stuff since he’s rapidly becoming one of my fave graphic novelists.
@Demian: I’m overjoyed that we’re getting more seinen stuff released. 20th Century Boys starts next February too!
@Hige: thanks. I don’t read a great deal of manga actually, although that’s starting to change now. I’ll need a new bookcase in the new year by the looks of things though!
@crispyfloyd: thanks for your kind words! I can’t recommend this title enough so yeah, go gerrit! (:
@Sasa: Solanin speaks to me in a way that very few books or films have done. That part is hard to put into words but makes it all the more impressive as a story. Don’t get me wrong, Holograph is a fantastic piece but this is in a league of its own.
@Chris: good to see my recommendation was helpful! The story seems to tackle some issues that must be pretty topical in Japan but quite honestly the overall themes are pretty universal for those in the characters’ age group; it’s set in a foreign country yet I was able to relate to it 100%. Finding reading time is a problem, so I now make full use of my lunch breaks to keep up with manga and novels!
@Zeroblade: I love slice of life stuff too, and like you Owen recommended it to me as well. I want to read the rest of Asano’s stuff now!
@Peter S: I think the reason why we never tire of slice-of-life stories like this is the point you mention – it’s nothing new but the execution makes it special. There are too many ‘fave moments’ of mine but the concert scene at the end was especially poignant. The moment where Meiko falls to the floor at the end of their set left me thinking “that would never have worked so well in plain prose.” I doubt it would be easy to convey that through film either actually.
@Martin: I know, I know! Ever since the manga of “Beck” has failed horribly at the bookshelves in Germany, I have been doubting my intuition for what people like and what not – so in this case, I really am glad that we feel the same about “Solanin” *highfives* If it were a movie, I think it would be among my favorite 10 – and when it comes to manga, I actually think that there is nothing that can be compared to it, for me personally.
Started reading this today, totally by random, because it’s just been added by OneManga. So imagine my surprise when I see it mentioned in your blog…
I’ve only finished reading the first arc, and I think one of the reasons why it’s found such favourable reception is because almost everyone can relate to it (almost everyone here being anyone over 16). The feelings of “not knowing what to do with the rest of your life” can be experienced at the end of high school, college, or at the crossroads at your career. I suppose why this and films like Byousoku 5cm are so favorably received is precisely because of this.
p.s. Regarding Meiko: yea, she is cute in a “girl next door” sort of way
Also, props to the mangaka for making the nude post-coital scenes with her boyfriend so tastefully done, instead of making it into gratuitous fanservice.
Please tell me you did not actually say here that Donnie Darko was directed by David Lynch, and what you meant was “Donnie Darko as if it had been directed by David Lynch”. This concerns me because David Lynch is amazing and Donnie Darko is garbage. However, your mentions of Lynch and Murakami here caught my interest.
@Sasa: it’s disappointing to learn how Beck has done so badly in Germany – I don’t know how well it’s selling over here but the anime DVDs have suffered a bit from the long periods between releases. I think I’ll end up doing the comparisons with Solanin in my next Beck post. And yeah, I’d love to see Solanin made into a film, but maintaining the pathos and charm of the manga would be quite a task.
@Emo_wandering_bear: the relationship is indeed shown in a tasteful and true-to-life way. Also this highlights a divide I’ve noticed in entertainment like this – some offers a complete escape from reality, while some draws the viewer/reader in by doing the exact opposite and portrays people and situations that are very familiar indeed. Solanin just happens to do the latter so well!
@Anti: yeah, I should’ve been a bit clearer there. Donnie Darko was directed by Richard Kelly. I’m sorry to say I’ve never seen any of his other films though. David Lynch on the other hand is a genius, although his style does frustrate me on occasion! There’s a very Murakami-esque vibe in Solanin though, which is just another reason why I love it really.
Solanin is perhaps the most feasible of his manga when it comes to a movie adaptation. And Inio Asano seems to be rather popular (at least in the “indie scene”) now, so there is hope for it.