My Broken Mariko by Hirako Waka is an excellent exploration of grief following the death of a cherished friend. Tomoyo Shiino is at a ramen shop, eating a bowl of noodles when she sees on the news that her close friend, Mariko, has taken her own life. She then decides to embark on a journey with her friend’s ashes, grappling with her grief and reflecting on her life as Mariko’s friend.

This manga features a unique art style. It skillfully interweaves humorous panels with hard-hitting ones that genuinely showcase the emotions experienced by Shiino. The art is a blend of rough yet structured elements, and the double-page panels truly highlight Waka’s talent. The panels flow seamlessly, making the story easy to follow and enhancing my reading experience.

I found the story to be short and sweet, comprising four chapters and two bonus segments at the end. The pacing was excellent, and as a character-focused narrative, I thoroughly enjoyed Shiino’s character development. I felt completely satisfied by the end of her story.

The strong point of this manga was Shiino’s character, with a close second being the portrayal of Shiino and Mariko’s relationship through flashbacks. The only negative aspect for me personally was that I found the humor to be a bit excessive towards the end. I believe that if it had been slightly reduced, the ending would have resonated with me more emotionally.

Overall, I genuinely enjoyed reading this manga. It was fun, poignant, and didn’t overstay its welcome. I think it’s ideal for people who enjoy emotional stories with a touch of drama. I would consider it a must-read and would give it a 4.7 out of 5. I really enjoyed reading this.

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