Ran and the Gray World

Reading note

Why it is on my shelf

A personal reaction from wherever I currently am with this manga.

Ran and the Gray World is a dazzling little adventure about a girl who finds magical sneakers. What more could you want? Ran is gorgeous, chaotic, and has no idea what she’s doing as she gets pulled into the adult world, seeing through adult eyes while still very much being a kid. She probably should not be talking to boys and being flirty, but, well, we’re here for the art. And the art absolutely stands out: clean, colorful, with a certain zen to it. I wouldn’t pass this one up, at least for the first volume. It’s charming, sweet, bubbly, fun, and full of magical-girl energy without going completely overboard. It has stuck with me through the years, and when I see it on someone else’s shelf, I’m impressed they picked up Aki Irie. It may not be the most compelling story, but I think it can capture your attention wholeheartedly.