Downfall Paperback – 19 Mar. 2020

This is my first Asano piece and the realism of the drawings are almost perfect. However, the story line, though I got where it was coming from, verged on a little obsessive and quite simply over depressing at times (if there is such a description!). By the end I think I was desperately hoping for some happy ever after, such is the melancholy that permeates each and every page. For this reason, I felt it was a 4 star not 5, but I'm hoping some of Asano's other work might remedy that.

Good and short story

What an enjoyable single book, I have read through both PunPun and Dededede Destruction and it was an amazing change to have a single book but filled with a magnificent story. I really recommend if you a melancholy slice of life manga.

An interesting read by inio asano. Definitely worth a look.

Again Asano will leave you with a feeling like you've been told something first hand you didnt want to admit. A little less dramatised than punpun but a similar extract from another life most likely autobiographical.

Absolutely amazing really recommend it ifor you love manga but want something a little more adult.

Inio Asano has a reputation for tackling emotionally complicated subjects. His latest manga, Downfall, is no exception. This is a book that examines the notion of dreams and passion in relation to work.There is no shortage of advice exhorting us to follow our dreams and be whatever we want to be. Such encourage us to follow our passion and bet on ourselves to fulfil our dreams. But what if our bed of dreams becomes a trap. What happens after trading time, relationships, and flesh for our passion but found hollowness at the end of it all.Downfall is a story about Kaoru Fukazawa, a mangaka who achieves his dream of becoming a professional. He publishes a well-known series to critical acclaim but finds the idiosyncrasies of the publishing world driving him into depression.Fukazawa's work, which has been his emotional driver and stability, continues to suffer as his anxieties slowly drive him to loneliness and self-loathing. This makes him lash out at his wife and work assistants as they continue to retreat from the person he is becoming.WHY I LOVE THE BOOKThis is a book that raises questions about what ultimately matters. It explores the concept of freedom, choice, success, fame and their true worth. Downfall teaches us that no matter what we choose to do, what career we fall into, what ultimately matters are the close relationships we forge and our the level of appreciation to those who have helped us on our way.

No damage on arrival, the plastic it came in may have helped a little.It’s the classic VIZ signature size but I’ve put a standard manga for comparison.Nice quick read, but not one of my favourite Asano works (much preferred solanin + goodnight Pun Pun)Overall 8/10 reading wise10/10 delivery (Surprising for Amazon manga)