Premise

Memories of Emanon is a series by Kenji Tsuruta, and Shinji Kajio. It is based on Kajio's 1983 short story of the same name. The story is set in the winter during 1967 where a young man meets a "17-year-old hippie chick" named Emanon while aboard a ferry. Emanon is a dialgoue-driven manga with a minimalist narrative. It constantly probes at the intricacies of memory and identity, suggesting that the human condition itself may be shaped by the accumulation of remembered experience.

Presentation

The artwork in this manga could only be described as a Fever Dream. It has photorealistic influence, and paths, surroundings, ect. were drawn with architectural precision. The characters are drawn with naturalistic proportions but less intricate detail than the enviroment, making her subtly "pop out" against the highly detailed world.

Narrative

The story centers around our unnamed co-protagonist and his building relationship with Emanon shortly after their startling meeting. They tell stories, discuss serious topics, and every topic imaginable. The story shows how a fleeting moment can be so wonderful, deep, and [] and yet simultaneously insignificant on the grand scale of time.

Form & Structure

Most chapters include some watercolor paintings of Emanon that attempt to portray the complex themes that are being discussed. The dialogue is quick, snappy, and easy to follow along with. Whilst even the most subtle of emotions are well-portrayed by Tsuruta photorealistic line work.

Context

Takeaway

My takeaway from this manga is that each and every fleeting moment of life has meaning. Even if only those few moments that we hold on to are the ones that shape our conscious being, it is the compendium of every moment, every memory, and feeling no matter how fleeting that is expressed in the beauty of humanity and its continuity.

Rating

Critic Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★☆ (96%)

"A beautifully minimalist and philosophical meditation on memory and identity, with stunning artwork and subtle emotional depth. The architectural precision and watercolor scenes elevate the experience, making it unforgettable."
— Kris Yotam

Viewer Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ (89%)

"A visually gorgeous and thoughtful manga, though its minimalist narrative and heavy philosophical dialogue may feel too abstract for casual readers."
— Kris Yotam