Run Away With Me, Girl by Battan

OVERVIEW:

Maki’s first love was her high school classmate, a girl named Midori. But Midori broke up with Maki at graduation, saying they were now "too old to be fooling around dating girls." Ten years later, Maki still can’t get Midori off her mind, and when the two women reconnect after a chance encounter, Maki realizes that, while her feelings haven’t changed, Midori has long moved on—in fact, she's engaged. Yet the more Maki hears Midori talk about her soon-to-be-husband, the more red flags she notices. And Midori has another secret, one she hasn’t yet shared with Maki. Will it be the last blow to Maki’s hopes that their romance might be rekindled? Or will it be the push that sets them on a new path—one they’ll travel together?

REVIEW:

The story of Midori and Maki is delicately heartbreaking and genuinely engaging. The author does a beautiful job establishing their backstory and leaves moments of reflection for both the characters and readers. This interweaving of one's emotions alongside Maki creates a need to continue reading. There are moments of gasps and genuine cheering as Maki navigates life with and without Midori. Volume one does an excellent job at laying the exposition out while honoring the intelligence of its readers and continues to create interest as the story unfolds. The ending of volume one definitely leaves you wanting more. A few intersections remind me of Akiko Higashimura's Princess Jellyfish, a manga I enjoyed exploring, as there are similar themes of love, growth, and identity throughout both. In addition, the artwork is absolutely stunning and lends itself nicely to tell the story without being distracting or unpolished. I highly recommend this manga.

OUR RATING:

---

INTERESTING FACT:

Battan wrote and drew this beautiful story and also has other books under their belt:

• Ane no Yuujin

• Kemutai Ane to Zurui Imouto

• Soshite Heroine wa Inakunatta

• Mabataki