Pick of the Week: Twin Spica

Buy this book – Considering how much I’ve raved about this series (volumes one | two) it should be no surprise to anyone that my pick of this week’s new arrivals is the third volume of Twin Spica by Kou Yaginuma, published by Vertical, Inc.

Here’s what I had to say about the first two volumes:

Though this series finished its run in seinen magazine Comic Flapper just last year, its simple artwork and wistful tone make its first volume read like an instant classic … Yagimuna’s artwork is utterly charming. Simple, clean, and full of heartfelt emotion, it flows easily from panel to panel. Again here, there is a persistent air of nostalgia to the series, enhanced even by Vertical’s choice of font … Hopeful, charming, and tinged with sadness, Twin Spica leaves us wanting more. Highly recommended.

What started out as a wistful, nostalgic story about nurturing dreams in an environment tainted by years-old pain is now introducing us to school politics, adult grudges, and a lot of real-world ugliness that puts Asumi’s dreams in depressing perspective.

While this might cripple a weaker series, it really strengthens this one. Asumi’s still the same girl, but her warm, dreamy nature isn’t going to hold up easily in the face of real intimidation. While it’s certainly painful to watch this play out, it’s also really compelling, and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next volume.

My volume just arrived yesterday, and I can’t wait to read it! If anything drives you to the comic shop this week, it should be Twin Spica!

For a full list of this week’s new releases, visit Comicopia.com!