Insomniacs after school
By Makoto Ojiro
Review by Mida
Plagued by sleeplessness, Ganta Nakami struggles through the night and barely survives the day, cranky and tired. Until he meets another student with insomnia in the old astronomy club room. With someone to suffer beside, suddenly their nights are filled with moonlit wanderings and whispered phone conversations as they wait for the hours to pass and the sun to rise.
I don’t think I have ever read a manga that made me as relaxed as this one. With soft and dreamy art, stark blacks and gentle shading, the night comes alive as our leading duo explore their town by starlight. A great exploration of the special kind of frustration that comes with long-term insomnia, Insomniacs After School also examines the beauty that comes with the night; silent streets, empty beaches and clear starlit skies all sprawl out for Nakami and Magari to wander through together.
I adored spending time with these two. I rarely read manga with teenagers that feel as real and down to earth as this duo, and I miss them already. This is one of the most feel-good manga I have ever read, save for maybe Tanaka-kun is Always Listless or Nights With A Cat. I can see myself reaching for it again during my own sleepless nights to lull me to embrace the dark.
