Would you believe someone if they came along and told you that they can make you happy? It is a notion that is too good to be true even if it didn’t sound so, it would definitely be an impossible target that could only be reached through unwavering attention and sacrifice. Nevertheless, this exactly what Takopi, in “Takopi’s Original Sin”, wishes to obtain for Shizuka in fourth grade and her comrades. However, at the time, Takopi does not truly understand the weight of their comments about this dark science fiction manga by Taizan5.
After all, “Takopi’s Original Sin” initially comes across as one of those simple sci-fi series whose endings may easily be predicted by a reader with general knowledge about the genre. It has a conventional extraterrestrial from another planet plot line which quickly dispenses with your earlier notions regarding it. Even though Takopi looks very cute outwardly and is always bright-faced; however, the tale itself ends up being far grimmer than expected or intended on his part.
Manga art doesn’t pop out that much initially speaking of appearance. Nevertheless, some of the more intense ones may not be so clear in details sometimes, though they look cute in a funny way. Nevertheless, it’s an enjoyable style for the story being illustrated by the writer and looks like a smart choice. It reminds one of “Made in Abyss” because its simplicity is eerie against darker themes woven into the storyline as well as echoes at unease coming through some most intense panels.
When you combine it with dialogue, this story gets you completely absorbed especially when you are a science fiction lover. While utilizing traditional tropes such as aliens and time travel, it has given these elements a new lease of life through a thought-provoking narrative around issues of negligence and bullying. The author does not shy away from showing how hard life can be for these characters, but during this period, the plot appears to get stronger as it becomes increasingly difficult to predict where the narrative is leading us to.
This manga gets frustrating for me when characters seem irredeemable. Some of their actions have to be taken with a pinch of salt though considering they are children and an objectively child-like alien. It is not hard to see why they still continue making these ruinous moves, as there’s so much sorrow and pain that they are going through but sometimes you just wonder if it will ever happen that they learn anything at all. There is also the matter of why there is no responsible adult around but this does not take away from the overall narrative.
If you love sci-fi manga, then this is that unique way of looking at the genre which makes reading it fun. Tajin5’s manga “Takopi’s Original Sin” will make you uncomfortable on purpose though. It’s one of those stories that linger long after you’re done with them, reflecting over different twists and how they made you feel or imagining what could have happened if characters had made other choices. This Manga is a good read for those who like emotional roller coasters or who don’t know what will happen next.
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