Title: Nana, Vol. 1
Author: Ai Yazawa
First published May 15, 2000
192 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781421501086 (ISBN10: 1421501082)
Rating: 4.31
Overview
In the bustling city of Tokyo, two young women named Nana cross paths by chance and become fast friends. Nana “Hachi” Komatsu is looking for a fresh start and a chance to leave her romantic troubles behind.
Meanwhile, Nana Osaki is determined to make it big in the cutthroat world of rock and roll. Despite their different upbringings, the two Nanas bond over their shared love of music, fashion, and wild nights out.
As they navigate the highs and lows of their twenties, they’ll learn that true friendship can conquer anything the city throws their way. Get ready for a story filled with passion, heartache, and non-stop adventure in the dazzling world of Tokyo.
About the Author
Ai Yazawa is a well-known manga author from Japan. She chose her pen name as a tribute to Eikichi Yazawa, a Japanese singer whom she admires.
Yazawa began publishing manga in 1985 and wrote over ten series for Ribon magazine in the fifteen years that followed. While most of her work is still published in Japan by Shueisha, publishers of Ribon and Cookie – where Nana is serialized – some of her series, such as Paradise Kiss, now appear in other magazines like Zipper, published by Shodensha.
Yazawa’s most notable works include Tenshi Nanka Ja Nai (I’m Not an Angel), Gokinjo Monogatari (Neighborhood Story), Paradise Kiss, and Nana. In 2003, she received the Shogakukan Manga Award for Nana.
Some of her manga titles have also been adapted into anime and live-action movies.
Yazawa’s manga is popular among young women and girls because her stories often center around young women and their relationships. Her fanbase identifies with her characters, who are always very stylish.
Yazawa is famous for her hip sense of fashion and even attended a fashion school after high school, although she did not complete her studies there. She is also known for her unique, often rebellious characters who are juxtaposed against more traditional ones.
She has published three artbooks, and her works include 15-nenme (1986), Love Letter (1987), Kaze ni Nare! (1988), Escape (1988), Ballad Made Soba ni Ite (1989, 2 volumes), Marine Blue no Kaze ni Dakarete (1990-1991, 4 volumes), Usubeni no Arashi (1992), Tenshi Nanka Ja Nai (1992-1995, 8 volumes), Gokinjo Monogatari (1995-1998, 7 volumes), Kagen no Tsuki (1998-1999, 3 volumes), Paradise Kiss (2000-2004, 5 volumes, published by Shodensha), Nana (2000-ongoing, 21 volumes – on hiatus), and Princess Ai (2004-2006, 3 volumes) (character designs only).
Editoral Review
Nana, Vol. 1 by Ai Yazawa is a captivating manga that explores the complexities of love, friendship, and career aspirations.
Yazawa, a renowned manga artist and fashion designer, is known for her unique style and attention to detail. Nana, Vol.
1 is the first installment in the popular Nana series, which has sold over 50 million copies worldwide.
The manga follows the lives of two young women, both named Nana, who meet by chance on a train to Tokyo. Nana Komatsu, or “Hachi,” is a naive and love-struck girl who has come to Tokyo to be with her boyfriend.
Nana Osaki, on the other hand, is a punk rock singer who dreams of making it big in the music industry. Despite their differences, the two Nanas form a strong bond and navigate the challenges of love, friendship, and career aspirations in the bustling city of Tokyo.
One of the strengths of Nana, Vol. 1 is its well-developed characters.
Yazawa has a talent for creating complex and relatable characters that readers can easily connect with. The two Nanas, in particular, are compelling protagonists with distinct personalities and motivations.
Hachi’s innocence and vulnerability are endearing, while Nana Osaki’s fierce independence and passion are admirable. The supporting cast, including the band members and Hachi’s boyfriend, are also well-written and add depth to the story.
Yazawa’s writing style is also noteworthy. She seamlessly weaves together multiple storylines, including the two Nanas’ love lives and their career aspirations.
The pacing is excellent, with just enough action and dialogue to keep readers engaged. The artwork is also stunning, with intricate details and expressive character designs.
However, one weakness of Nana, Vol. 1 is its limited cultural and historical significance.
While the manga is set in contemporary Japan, it doesn’t delve deeply into the country’s cultural or political landscape. Additionally, the themes of love and friendship are universal, but they aren’t particularly groundbreaking.
Overall, Nana, Vol. 1 is a must-read for fans of manga and coming-of-age stories.
Its well-written characters, excellent pacing, and stunning artwork make it a standout in the genre. While it may not have significant cultural or historical significance, it is a captivating and enjoyable read.
I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a heartfelt and entertaining manga.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
