Forum - View topicNEWS: Morihiro Hayashi's Star of Beethoven Manga Ends
|
Note: this is the discussion thread for this article |
| Author | Message | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
TouristGally
Posts: 8 |
|
||
|
I knew a short run was likely as soon as the first chapter dropped, but I have to say I absolutely loved what the series could be when it was following its own path. There are moments throughout that gave the feeling of the mangaka trying to hook the audience to keep the axe at bay, namely with the two mercenaries hunting Beethoven down and the overall question of how Beethoven was alive again. Unanswered questions to tease the audience and keep them coming back.
But when it was about music and performance and Yaso's personal hang-ups and everything in that vein, the stuff the Hayashi clearly wanted to focus on the most, it was great, with moments of genuine genius. Beethoven gives a speech in chapter 2 that talks about music (or art in general) in a way that puts to shame countless other stories about performers trying to 'find their voice' or whatnot. It approaches art as a celestial, almost divine power that people can connect to but never actually subjugate or render small, no matter how much we fail or let our skills atrophy. Beethoven as presented in this series is sheer manic exuberance, the embodiment of joie de vivre without the edges sanded off like so many Manic Pixie Dream Girls or ultra-cheerful mentor figures who exist to encourage the hero to follow their passion rather than as real people. He's never actually dangerous but there are moments when you can see how following his passion to its fullest extent can become self-destructive, but also how that might be a price worth paying. I don't want to write an entire essay here, I'm just popping in to say that as flawed and misshapen as the series can be at times there is a real gem of talent and beauty aching to shine, and I hope Hayashi is given future opportunities. |
|||
|
|||
 |
All times are GMT - 5 Hours |
|
|
|
Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group