Guest Review: With the Light, Vol. 5
By Keiko Tobe
Published by Yen Press
Review by Lorena Nava Ruggero
In this volume, little Hikaru is growing up fast. Now in the fifth grade, Hikaru has a new teacher and several new classmates as he finishes his last year of elementary school. While Hikaru’s new teacher left his old school in scandal, can the newbie instructor handle the group of four disabled students on his own?
Meanwhile, Sachiko is advocating on Hikaru’s behalf and helping other parents get the public services their children are entitled to receive. Towards volume’s end, Sachiko visits junior high schools far and wide to see what might be the best fit for Hikaru. Is the neighborhood school best for him, or what about the school for the disabled? With so many choices, will she make the right decision for him, or will Hikaru struggle all his life because of his autism?
I really enjoy this series — the first two volumes I reviewed were so emotional, they brought me to tears. While I hadn’t read any volumes since the second one, I did not seem to miss too much in the two volumes I skipped. While this volume wasn’t as emotionally affecting as the first two were, there were still poignant moments aplenty. From the vice principal’s interest in the special education class to Ishida coming to Hikaru’s defense when he gets bullied, there was a lot of insight into the community that supports Hikaru’s day-to-day life. It was also nice to see Sachiko helping other mothers, specifically the mother of a dyslexic classmate of Hikaru’s.
While I appreciate its raw emotion, what I like so much about this series is what I learn about autism as I read; there are many great teaching moments explained for the benefit of readers. This series really highlights the support that disabled people need in the community — from special education to the understanding needed from others unfamiliar with autism. While it seems like an uphill battle for Sachiko and Hikaru, there are little victories along the way. It’s a reminder of how important advocacy can be for young children, especially for those that need additional support in school.
As far as the artwork goes, it’s very life-like with minimal use of the other visual embellishments often seen in shojo manga. The realism also shows in the age progression of various characters. While I often dislike a heavy use of screentone, here Keiko Tobe is even-handed in its use, and takes advantage of the technique’s ability to impart or emphasize certain emotions. It’s very effective without being overtly obvious.
Overall, this is a touching, well-told, and educational josei story about the special relationship between a mother and her autistic son. While it would be easy to gloss over certain moments, Tobe shows this story in stark detail, while softening its blunt edges with emotions that tug at the heartstrings. If you’re looking for a josei manga that is about more than some 20-something’s love life, I’d strongly recommend With the Light.
Review copy provided by the publisher. To read more reviews by Lorena Nava Ruggero, visit her manga review blog, i ♥ manga.
About Lorena Nava Ruggero
[...] (Blogcritics) Courtney Kraft on vol. 1 of Vermonia (Graphic Novel Reporter) Lorena Nava Ruggero on vol. 5 of With the Light (Manga Bookshelf) Barb Lien-Cooper on vols. 3 and 4 of Yotsuba&! (Manga [...]