Discovered serendipitously by manga enthusiast June SUYama in 2015, "July" has since become a buzzword in the manga world. This enigmatic manga, found buried in a used bookstore in Tokyo, has captivated readers with its unique art style and intriguing narrative. Let's delve into the fascinating tale of July's discovery and its impacto on the manga industry.
The story began when SUYama stumbled across a pile of old, seemingly worthless manga in a obscure Tokyo bookshop. Among them was a tattered volume, its cover faded and pages yellowed. Intrigued by its mysterious, hand-drawn title - "July" - SUYama purchased it for a few hundred yen. Little did she know, this obscure find would ignite a manga sensation.
Unraveling the Mystery of July's Origin
July's origins remain shrouded in mystery. The manga is unsigned, with no publishers' stamps or ISBN numbers. Fans speculate that it could be an amateur work, a lost masterpiece, or even a prank. Despite extensive searches, none of July's characters, settings, or art styles match any known manga or artist.
The manga's first page declares "July" as an "skool manga," suggesting it's a self-published, fan-made manga. This has fueled theories that an unknown, possibly disillusioned manga artist, poured their heart into this work before abandoning it. Yet, the story and art quality belie such a simple origin story.
The Art Style: Unique Yet Familiar
July's art style is both distinctive and strangely familiar. It bears traces of shōnen, shōjo, and seinen manga styles, yet stands apart from them all. The characters, though typically manga-esque, have an uncanny realism that's unsettling yet intriguing. The world-building also feels distinct, with a blend of futuristic and retro designs.
Fans and experts alike marvel at the artist's mastery of lighting, shading, and pacing. The use of color - sparse yet impactful - adds depth to the manga's atmosphere. Despite being unsigned, July's art style has inspired countless artists, sparking a mini-revival of unique art styles in modern manga.
The Narrative: Layered, Ambiguous, Engaging
July's story is as ambiguous as its origins. It revolves around a futuristic city's underbelly where people possess strange abilities. The protagonist, a young woman named Mars, navigates this world, seeking her missing older sister, July. Yet, the narrative is anything but straightforward, with time jumps, cryptic flashbacks, and open-ended chapters.
This non-linear storytelling has been both praised and criticized. Some find it intriguing, likening it to a puzzle they can't wait to solve. Others find it frustrating, yearning for the simplicity of traditional narratives. Despite the divisive reception, July's narrative has sparked conversations about the future of manga storytelling.
July's Impact on the Manga Industry
July's discovery has reverberated through the manga industry, spawning numerous theories, tribute works, and even a fan-funded search for the artist. Its mysterious appeal has inspired artists to explore unique art styles and narratives. Both established and indie manga artists now openly experiment with their art and storytelling, breaking traditional norms.
July's impact extends beyond the artistic realm. SUYama, its discoverer, launched a successful manga blog, documenting her search for July's artist. This blog later inspired other manga enthusiasts to launch their own blogs, fueling a surge of interest in vintage and obscure manga. Today, "July" serves as a symbol of chance, discovery, and the transformative power of a single, found manga volume.
Yet, the tale of July is far from over. As new theories and tribute works continue to emerge, the allure of this mysterious manga remains undiminished. Who knows? Perhaps, one day, the real story behind July will be uncovered. Until then, July's legacy lives on, a testament to the power of chance discovery and the enduring appeal of manga.
