Ran and the Gray World Series by Aki Irie

SYNOPSIS

Viz Media provides a concise synopsis of the story instead of an overarching one but does update it as each book is released. For the review, I will share Volume 1's:

Ran Uruma can’t wait to grow up and become a sorceress like her mother, so with the help of a magical pair of sneakers, she transforms into an adult and sets off! Her father and older brother Jin try to keep her home safe, but Ran is determined to advance her powers and have her adventures!

REVIEW

This is one of those stories that start as a slow burn but leaves you aching for more with each volume. Ran is a unique girl growing up between very different and complex worlds. This is a fantasy, supernatural, and romance manga, with each element taking place at different points in the story. Above all else, this is definitely one of those mangas you will need to buy volumes 1 and 2 together to fall for the story and characters. Volume one focuses on setting up characters, locations, and events with volume 2 taking off and getting the story going. Think of it like the exposition and rising action in two different volumes.

Ran is not necessarily a likable character, but you quickly discover why she is the way she is, and you begin to sympathize with her struggles and hope quickly. Her family life is chaotic, and she is almost always alone, with only her imagination and mischievous nature guiding her. And, while the choices she makes aren't always the best, she tries and tries again.

Between the underlying themes of hope and perseverance and the absolutely stunning artwork that nods at earlier Miyazaki work, this piece is highly recommended to anyone who is a fan of the supernatural, magical girl or just happens to love a story where reality and fantasy merge together. Check out Ran and the Gray World today!

INTERESTING FACT:

Ran and the Gray World was selected as a recommended work by the jury committee of the manga division of the 15th Japan Media Arts Festival in 2011.