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Reviewed by Lisa Anderson There is special sweetness in following something over the years; watching it grow and improve on an already solid foundation. To see a web comic you’ve been reading and enjoying for so long, transition from screen views to paper printing, is one such treat. Such is the fate of Red String, a web comic by Gina Biggs that debuted online on May 1, 2003, after first seeing life as an entry for the 2002 TokyoPop Rising Stars of Manga contest. Red String follows Miharu Ogawa, a high school student that isn’t afraid to speak her mind and boldly follow her heart and instincts. But when Miharu finds out about an arranged marriage her parents setup for her, suddenly the teenager that has never even been on a date finds herself engaged to a man she’s never even seen! Things only get more complicated when a second man decides to try for her heart, while another rival seeks to steal the man Miharu just might destined for. Does the red string of destiny really exist, and if so, could it possibly connect her to Kazuo Fujiwara? At first glance, Red String might seem to be just a typical romance story, but that is hardly the case. While the story does primarily follow the relationship between Miharu and Kazuo, Red String focuses on love itself, and all the various forms that love might take. From the love between family members, to that between friends…from dishonesty and heartbreak, to love lost and unrequited. The story also covers both heterosexual and homosexual relationships. Though some may decide to avoid Red String for such variety, I find it interesting that so many angles are explored. To be honest, it’s refreshing to see a story that focuses on the question of what is love, rather than getting sidetracked with overly-done dramatics and plot hooks. The characters aren’t stupid or quick to change for the sake of convenience; instead, they struggle with the situations life gives them, either trying to make the best of things, or finding a new solution for themselves. Despite all the interactions - both good and bad - and situational levels, it is easy to find qualities to like and dislike in each character. No one is perfect, no one can do what they want without suffering the consequences. To me, that is a much-needed look at humanity and love at its most everyday form. Another nice touch to Red String is the attention to detail. Gina has taken the time to consider name kanji and meanings, birthdays, blood type, and height. Characters aren’t just thrown in without reason; everyone seems to have a purpose, even if it is as small as sparking an idea or emotion in someone else. The main cast also doesn’t conveniently live on their own; people have families, along with all the attached strings (no pun intended) that come with such things. Even the locations and backgrounds often have little touches that make them more realistic. Including cameos from fellow Strawberry Comics series. Perhaps part of what sets Red String apart from many other online manga - including those that have made the transition into print - is that it manages to be both a manga and a comic. While the style and setting have a definite manga flavor, Red String isn’t trying to be a manga. It is a comic, drawing influence from a variety of sources both in Japan and America, from Yuu Watase to Marvel Comics. A sort of hybrid manga, it is a style that is slowly finding more life as time goes by, especially given the recent influx of artists worldwide trying their hand at manga, while still keeping characteristics of their native culture. In the end, Red String is a delightful creation, one that flourishes under the detailed care of its creator. More than a straight romance, it instead focuses on the reasons behind love and romance, taking into account the slice-of-life angle that often goes with many of the aspects, yet is often overlooked. Each character adds their own spark to the story world, and it is easy to feel both dislike and sympathy for them, depending on the situation. Though it is the story of Miharu and Kazuo, it is also the story of several others, something all good tales of life and love should never forget. While girls will probably find a stronger draw to Red String, almost anyone with an interest in love or life should find something to love (again those puns!) about the series. Here’s hoping that the red string of destiny is indeed strong and true! Comment on this review of Red String v1 on the Manga Life Forums. |
22 July 2008
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