I Reconnected With My Childhood Friend Manga

Remember those friends you were absolutely inseparable from as a kid? Well, I just rekindled a flame with one of mine: Manga.

Yes, Manga. Those black and white comics from Japan. You know, the ones you used to hide under your textbooks? I’m diving back in.

A Reunion Long Overdue

Life got busy. Work, relationships, the whole shebang. My old pal Manga got tucked away, gathering dust bunnies under the bed.

But then, one rainy afternoon, I stumbled upon a box of my childhood treasures. And there it was: Naruto Volume 1. Cue the nostalgia bomb!

Flipping through the pages was like seeing an old friend after years apart. We picked up right where we left off. Except now I have to wear reading glasses.

The Art of the Panel

Okay, I’ll admit it. As a kid, I mostly looked at the pictures. Story? Details? Secondary.

Now, I’m noticing things I never saw before. The subtle expressions, the dynamic panel layouts, the sheer artistry of Manga.

It's like discovering a whole new layer to something I thought I already knew inside and out. Maybe that’s why it's popular.

Unpopular Opinion Time!

Here’s where things get controversial. Ready? I think Manga is… wait for it… better than some TV shows.

I said it! Come at me! Okay, okay, maybe not *all* TV shows. But some. Definitely some of those reality TV trainwrecks.

With Manga, I get engaging stories, compelling characters, and stunning visuals, all without commercials or annoying theme songs stuck in my head.

Plus, my imagination gets to work. I fill in the gaps, I create the voices, I become part of the story. Try doing *that* with a pre-packaged sitcom!

Guilty Pleasures and Hidden Gems

Of course, not all Manga is created equal. There are definitely some… questionable genres out there. Let's just say I have a "type."

But that's part of the fun, right? Discovering those hidden gems. The ones that make you laugh, cry, and stay up way too late reading.

I've even started exploring new series. Some are recommended by online friends. Some are by complete accident when I walk into a comic shop.

More Than Just Cartoons

Maybe it's the escapism. Maybe it's the sheer creativity. Or maybe it's just the joy of rediscovering a childhood love.

Whatever the reason, I’m hooked. Manga isn't just a comic book to me. It's a portal to another world.

It's a reminder of simpler times. A connection to my younger self. And a darn good way to spend a rainy afternoon.

So, if you're looking for something new (or old) to reignite your imagination, give Manga a try. You might just find a new best friend.

Or, at the very least, a really good excuse to procrastinate on those chores.