I greatly appreciate this manga for working to help better the overall story and experience in tandem with the game. I dont think itd be a good read for someone who hasnt played the game first but since the game is free that shouldnt be too much of an issue if a reader wants the full experience.
I greatly appreciate Saras writing as a character since we no longer control her. I love how she still has the option to make selfish decisions just like ingame but she choses to diverge and put her faith in someone else. I love that she gives up control in some instances and allows herself to be vulnerable as opposed to the game counterpart of Sara who may make selfish choices but can be forced to rely on others. Shes an overall likeable character not because you control her but because shes a good person that doesnt let pride or survival instinct get in the way of protecting others because she reflects on herself whenever she even thinks about dooming others to ensure her safety.
I have grown insanely fond of Ikegamisenseis art since picking up the manga the eyes and bodies especially. It makes for insanely appealing character design and yet terrifying and dreadful illustrations when the story requires it. The backgrounds are done well when it comes to interacting with characters. If Sara is feeling threatened or at the mercy of a character with dark clothes and light hair the background will grow darker the further up it goes. This covers the lighter hair in shadows while contrasting against the darker clothing making it seem like there is no part of this person that Sara is capable of trusting. Another thing worth mentioning is characters going outside of panels. It happens in the first volume once subtly for a character Sara is weary of. it happens a second when that character establishes who they are through their actions and words. the third time a character is slightly outside of a panel is when they go out of their way to comfort someone else. The final time is a far grander moment near the end of the volume. each instances its used perfectly and it shows the skill and passion of Nankidai and Ikegamisensei.
Character relations are handled and expanded upon greatly in this manga. some of the first chapter of the game is spent running around and solving puzzles but in the manga the cast interacts much more and is able to speak while walking to and from destinations making the dialogue less reactionary to whatever they stumble across and far more natural.
This manga is great at what its meant for which I think is helping expand the story of Kimi ga Shine
84
/100