We Appreciate Manga

The darkest hour for our characters. Real talk; Depression. Helplines: UK SAMARITANS: 116 123 JAPAN: 03-5774-0992 USA SUICIDE PREVENTION: 1-800-273-8255 Theme Music: 'Electro Hype' by Liam Bradbury Podcast created by Jim Fitton and Steven Gorton

Real Talk: Suicide (some explicit language too) We talk about relationships and being "present" since Shoko dates Ishida but her thoughts are elsewhere. Self loathing perhaps? Synopsis skip @7:12

Theme Music: 'Electro Hype' by Liam Bradbury

Jim wonders if his love for the deaf character is rooted in a bias towards the disabled. Either way things get heavy in this story.

Synopsis skip @ 6:04

Theme Music: 'Electro Hype' by Liam Bradbury © 2019 Jim Fitton

Having a reputation, overbearing friends and maybe pretend friends? This volume explores a lot. Also there's a love triangle! Skip synopsis @ 7:30 Theme Music: 'Electro Hype' by Liam Bradbury Podcast created by Jim Fitton and Steven Gorton

We switch perspective and learn more about Shoko. Author interview: https://kodanshacomics.com/2016/06/07/interview-yoshitoki-oima-silent-voice/ Synopsis ends @ 10:50 Theme Music: 'Electro Hype' by Liam Bradbury © 2019 Jim Fitton

For the first time James struggles to identify the gender of a new mysterious character, and wonders if such an issue is noteworthy for the episodes to come. James is also reminded of his own experience with bullying; especially the unique experience of being a target of bullying whilst having a sibling.

We speak briefly about the character of Ishida's mom and her confrontation with her suicidal son. And also about the difference between saying the word "cute" in English compared to Japanese and the "Dahme" aesthetic.

001: A Silent Voice vol. 1

A suicidal schoolboy seeks forgiveness from the deaf girl he bullied. Skip synopsis to the mash and potatos @ 10.24

Theme Music: 'Electro Hype' by Liam Bradbury Podcast created by Jim Fitton and Steven Gorton

Published by Kodansha. The poignant 'A Silent Voice' has been adapted into an animated movie in 2016 and is currently available on Netflix as of 2019. Its author, Yoshitoki Oima has been nominated for awards, including the 2016 Eisner Award and the 19th Tezuka Award.

https://natalie.mu/comic/news/139236

The movie itself has received critical success; it has achieved a 94% fresh approval on the Rotten Tomatoes website. You can watch Chris Stuckmann's review of it on Youtube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xnm3Q-b6Xyw

It's one of few manga that includes a deaf/hard of hearing character with characters using sign language. Because of this we hope, once funding is adequate, to get our podcasts transcribed in the future. So please subscribe and support the podcast if you wish to make that a reality.

The Manga is available on Comixology.

https://www.comixology.com/A-Silent-Voice-Vol-1/digital-comic/271628

The story is about a young schoolboy, Shoya, who experiences guilt after he torments a deaf schoolgirl, Shoko Nishimiya. His first taste of becoming a lonely pariah causes him to stress about the future and now he seeks forgiveness from the same girl he tormented.

Thematically, the manga tackles the subjects of alienation, miscommunication and bullying. Why do people bully? And more importantly what are the consequences of being bullied? James believes it's a repulsion to a desperation, an overwhelming need to seek companionship and approval that we tend to admonish. Other times it a hierarchy, an exercise of dominance. Steven believes it can stem from fear. We tend to bully those who we do not understand, and we fear what we don't understand. James also talks about what it means to be both a twin and to also be bullied. We'll be continuing to read and talk about all 7 of the volumes in the following weeks.

For those who don't understand the "Hoichi the earless" reference. (The nickname given to Shoko Nishimiya) Here's a video that better explains it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDX6urz-h08

Also, hair loss has been linked to stress, don't be like Shoya, take it easy and unwind, at least once a day.

"Hair Replacement Guide" 1 April 2000. HowStuffWorks.com. 11 June 2019