Mangaka: Watanuki Yoshiko
Volumes: 1 (5 chapters)
Magazine: Feel Young (Shodensha)
Delta is the name of the Greek letter Δ, which bears the shape of a triangle. This is also the nature of the relationship among the three high school protagonists, Shiiba, Mitsuji and Shin. Love triangles tend to be banal, noisy and petty. But rather than a romantic drama, Watanuki-sensei gave us a character study that is fresh, bold and mature.
Within the first two chapters the plot is complete. A timid girl is dating the popular guy of her school but the reclusive artist will have a profound effect on both as well as himself. The rest retell the story, making sure all the perspectives are given and give us a glimpse into their future. This narrative technique allows the audience to look into the personal lives of the characters, witness the inner workings of each individual, and humanize them beyond their stereotypical appearances and flaws. The ending reflects real life; it doesn’t coddle characters whose actions have hurt others, but doesn’t go out of its way to punish them, because this isn’t a tale of childish revenge either.
Watanuki-sensei weaved a story with an honest heart. She tackles the pressure to conform, the micromanagement of one’s social circle, the struggle between the masks one tries to uphold and their real needs, as well as the toxicity of a relationship based on dishonesty. Teeth are the reoccurring imagery for aggression, the hidden imperfections, and for standing one’s ground. She also doesn’t shy from the topics of consent, sexism, and the consequences of our actions that can’t be undone. Additionally, she finds the chance to talk about “the artist”- the introvert, probably autistic, the one who sublimates. On the one hand, he is the symbol of the unconventional and of the courage to be genuine; on the other hand, he, too, has to face ugly feelings of his own besides unforeseen yearning.
What makes this powerful little story even more impactful and alluring is the art itself. She has perfect command of both people and animal, plants, and objects. Those “ugly” teeth are so intriguing, you can’t take your eyes off of them. The eyes look like shiny marbles. Her style is highly detailed and glossy. Her shading is a combination of soft tiny lines, watercolour and screentones. The overall result is quite soft and sensual.
Moreover, she knows how use her beautiful drawings in such a way that even in the absence of words, the reader overflows with emotions. She knows when to make everything silent, but make the image chatty. Giving proper pauses in the dialogue and inner monologue shows strong management of the mood and intensifies the drama. Often, she’ll focus on the smallest details to convey emotions masterfully. Light and darkness, body posture and grimaces are all tools in Watanuki-sensei’s storytelling kit.
Delta of Midsummer is a delight to read and to look at. It has a gentleness and spunk like very few.
Tea Time 