The keen manga and light novel readers will understand the urge and desire to write spin-off or fanfiction of the manga they love and it’s not something they do occasionally, it’s more often than that. There are many reason to create a fanfiction but the love for the series is the major one. Unsatisfied conclusion and unwanted climax are some other common reasons. But it won’t be wrong to say that fanfiction is not something rare or unusual. It’s very common among the manga and light novel lovers.
Fangirl is the manga adaptation of a novel series by a well-known author Rainbow Rowell. Since Fangirl is not originally a Japanese series, the manga is quite different from typical Japanese manga. The story revolve around an introverted college freshman Cath who has a different personality and identity on the internet compared to her shy and reserved personality in her real life. In the world of fanfiction she is known as Magicath, a fanfiction author who is popular for her well-written fanfictions.
As mentioned earlier Fangirl is an adaptation of non-Japanese novel which makes it a little different from all those typical manga stories that the otaku are accustomed to. But this difference and unique story doesn’t make it any less interesting, in fact it is a breath of fresh air in the world of manga. The art style and visuals are very apt to the original book which is the best thing about any manga adaptation. The manga has surely did justice to the original book but it would be just an understatement.
The introverted personality of the protagonist is the depiction of the life of many introvert out there and so the story is very relatable for most of us. Being an introvert myself, I can completely empathize with the protagonist when she is the center of attention, try to pass through the gazes and feel the pressure to socialize with a bunch of people. It doesn’t just depict the it perfectly but makes it look real to the extent that I felt relieved when Cath was finally able to be alone and comfortable in her room after spending the tiring day around people. Event eh awkward feelings that Cath get around them is uncomfortably relatable. It’s the beauty of this story that keeps you engage in a way that you feel all the sentiments.
Although Cath is the protagonist and so her illustration are the best but there are two other characters which include Simon and Baz who are the star of the show after the protagonist. They are so loved by the fans of the series that they all want a separate series based on these two characters. Watching them time to time in the series is a treat to eye. Their illustrations are as good as the protagonist’s and that counts the entire page.
While reading this manga the otaku must know that the style of how it reads is also different from the typical manga. It reads from left to right. It can be confusing for the readers if they do not know this before they start reading it. Since the original book is western, the manga is created in the format of the western comics. However it can be a little annoying and frustrating for the fans of manga who are accustomed to the typical style of the manga.
Overall, Fangirl is more than just a fascinating and interesting read. It excels in all aspects that a good manga requires from illustration to story and most of all, the relatability. Those who have read the novel are eagerly waiting for more. Since this is the first installment out of four, we have a lot more to look forward to.
