I received an advanced reviewer copy of The White and Blue published by Kodansha from NetGalley and Kodansha in exchange for an honest review.
I have been pretty clear in the past that my standards for love in real life versus what I like in fiction are different. But one fictional trope that I secretly (or maybe not so secretly) love to see in real life is the second-chance troupe! As a lover girl, I love the thought that sometimes people fall apart and come back together stronger than ever. I especially love this trope when the first love part happens during the character’s teen years and they reunite as adults.
In Kiyuhiko’s manga, The White and Blue Between Us, I get to revel in this fantasy. It stars Hozumi, a man returning to his island hometown after being gone for seven years. He is there to help out his parents, but his main priority is to reunite with his first love, Mishima. When Hozumi attends his high school reunion, he hears a rumor that Mishima has become a shut-in.
Hozumi starts visiting Mishima every day, even when it’s clear that Mishima does not want to see him. By visiting every day, Hozumi melts Mishima’s resolve and the two make up for lost time. There are no surprises in the way they make up and get back together. If you read manga it is a tale as old as time. That being said, it is still very heartwarming to watch. I appreciated that after they make up, there’s a jump to the near future and the next step in their relationship.
My favorite part of how the second chance troupe plays out in The White and Blue Between Us are the flashbacks. Hozumi and Mishima bounce between high school them, and the adult versions of them. In high school, Hozumi lies to Mishima to break up with him for Mishima’s “benefit.” This of course is a childish way of thinking and acting and the grown-up characters recognize that as well. Having the adults reflect on past mistakes was touching to see.
The bittersweet part of the story is that it is just a one-shot. While I think the amount of story was perfect for what it showed, I wanted MORE! (Spoiler alert: I always want more!) The future part introduced Hozumi’s family and I would have loved to see them more involved down the line. Especially because they are so supportive. But we can’t have it all (sigh.)
The White and Blue Between Us was a quick and easy read and I can’t wait to add it to my collection when it’s in print.
The White and Blue Between Us
Mangaka: Kiyuhuko
Publisher: Kodansha
Print and Digital Release: February 13, 2024
