Thoughts on Manga Realism: Does it Add or Detract from the Story?

[love]

I've recently delved more into the realm of realistic manga, like "In This Corner of the World" and "A Silent Voice". This shift in reading material has led me to question: does the level of realism in a manga enhances the storyline, or undermine it?

On one hand, realistic manga can be gripping and thought-provoking. It can tackle heavy subject matters and brings us closer to understanding human emotions and experiences. It creates a certain level of relatability that surrealist works can struggle to achieve.

On the other hand, manga serves as a portal to a different world where anything can be possible. High fantasy or sci-fi manga cater to our desires for escapism. Stripping down to stark realism could, in a sense, limit the creative potential of the medium.

So, what's your take on this? Beyond a personal preference, does realism fundamentally enhance or detract from the storytelling in a manga? Interested to know what everyone thinks.

[firecop]

Realism in manga has its own allure, no doubt. It's a tool that makes us, the readers, feel deeply connected to the characters and their situations on a profound level. It's like seeing through the very soul of the people and world depicted there. However, I believe one of the greatest strengths of manga is its boundless potential for creativity. You're not shackled by the constraints of what's possible or probable. I think this limitless canvas can generate compelling, unique stories as well that resonate with readers. In essence, it's not about realism or fantasy. It's more about the quality of the narrative and its characters, how well crafted they are, and how they manage to connect with us. And in the hands of a skilled writer, both can be accomplished, irrespective of the degree of realism.