Bless, Vol 1 - bookrastinating.com

Paperback, 166 pages

English language

Published April 2, 2024 by Kodansha International.

ISBN:: 979-8-88877-179-2

At a young age, Aia Utagawa was scouted as a model, but his real ambition is to become a makeup artist. But, even as the end of high school approaches, it’s a dream he hides inside, afraid of stepping outside his prescribed role as a pretty face. Then, one day, he meets Jun, a quiet classmate who hunches because she’s ashamed of her face, covered in freckles. He convinces her to enter a school runway fashion contest together—with him doing her makeup. They make an incredible team, with Jun discovering a confidence she never knew she could show and Aia finally learning that, while it may be tough to open yourself up to failing at the one thing you care about, the difficulties can be worth facing.

1 edition

lastblossom reviewed Bless, Vol 1 by Yukino Sonoyama (Bless, #1)

A gorgeously illustrated coming of age story that moves at a breakneck pace.

No rating

For a book about an industry based on imagery, the art absolutely nails it. Line work shifts between delicate and sketchy, changing as necessary to portray fluid movement, powerful emotions, and some really attractive character designs. The panels are full of life, and the detailed toning really brings everything together. A few shots in particular took my breath away. The storyline isn't quite as breathtaking as the artwork, but it's competent for what it is: a coming of age tale about teens learning to define themselves in a world full of other peoples' expectations. Pacing is quick, maybe faster than it needs to be. While the narrative was open about the challenges of working in the Industry, it sped along so fast that some of the outcomes felt either sudden or unrealistic. I would love to spend more time on the leads, their inner lives, and their relationship. Thankfully, there's …

For a book about an industry based on imagery, the art absolutely nails it. Line work shifts between delicate and sketchy, changing as necessary to portray fluid movement, powerful emotions, and some really attractive character designs. The panels are full of life, and the detailed toning really brings everything together. A few shots in particular took my breath away. The storyline isn't quite as breathtaking as the artwork, but it's competent for what it is: a coming of age tale about teens learning to define themselves in a world full of other peoples' expectations. Pacing is quick, maybe faster than it needs to be. While the narrative was open about the challenges of working in the Industry, it sped along so fast that some of the outcomes felt either sudden or unrealistic. I would love to spend more time on the leads, their inner lives, and their relationship. Thankfully, there's plenty of room in future volumes for that.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for a review copy. All thoughts in this review are my own!