Alex's Pick
Neighborhood Story by Ai Yazawa
This stylish re-release of one of legendary mangaka Ai Yazawa’s first series is full of glorious 90s fashion, teenage romantic antics, and general slice-of-life goodness. The story follows teenager Mikako, her childhood friend and neighbor Tsutomu, and the pair’s respective friends as the crew goes through life attending a prestigious art school.
Mikako dreams of being a fashion designer, made all the more obvious by her bold personal fashion sense, which led her to begin attending Yazawa Art Academy (yes, named after the author herself) alongside her childhood best friend, Tsutomu. The decision to “follow” her pal to his school starts to raise suspicion among their friends and family that Mikako has feelings for him, which she staunchly denies. However, after Tsutomu’s sudden rise to popularity earns him the hand of the hottest girl in school, Mikako is left wondering if what she’s feeling is jealousy… and why.
I absolutely loved this book, and can’t wait to get my hands on volume two. The art is gorgeously stylized in Yazawa’s signature exaggerated look, and the fashion illustrations are to die for. The characters are all lovable in their own ways, and complicated as real teenagers are wont to be. Romance is in the air, hearts are broken and repaired again, and the gang still sticks together. Also, there’s an adorable black kitty cat–my kryptonite.
This new edition of the classic story comes in four volumes, which any manga fan knows is a relief. The story has an end in sight, and you don’t have to go broke getting there. Plus, the high-pigmented spines will look fabulous on your shelf. What’s not to love?! I can’t wait to dig into the following volume and find out what happens next.
