Seven

March 15, 2007
Nana, a young man with no past, meets Mitsuha, a man whose past haunts him. For a few brief moments, Mitsuha thinks Nana could be his long-lost younger brother, Nanao. Though Nana is not Mitsuha's brother, their mutual longings quickly make them more than friends. Mitsuha leads Nana out of the sameness of his blank existence as he brings him along to search for Nanao. Their story is told in two parts, separated in this volume by what might be considered an extraa tale starring Mitsuha's missing brother and his adoptive family, in which Nanao has fallen in love with his adoptive brother, Hiromu, who secretly requites his love; the revelation of Nanao's adoption allows them to declare finally their feelings for each other. Tenzen's artwork is full of space; each frame is composed of light, thin lines that barely seem to hold to the page. The result is an ethereal, almost otherworldly manga that is almost insubstantialMitsuha does not find his brother, Nana's past is never uncovered, and there is no indication that there will be any subsequent volumes. Rated ages 16+; however, one instance of sexual activity probably makes it more appropriate for adult collections. Though an enjoyable read, it's an optional purchase.Ruthanne Price, Vaughan P.L.s, Ont.

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