Hikaru in the Light: Volume 1
Hikaru Ogino loves to sing, but only ever in the comfort of her family bathhouse. She is in awe of her best friend, Ran, a former girl group idol. Ran has sung in front of large crowds and never seemed nervous. Hiraku dreams of a day when she too has the confidence to perform in front of people.
In this manga, the reader follows Hiraku as she learns to have self-belief and confidence. In doing so, it allows Hiraku to walk a path that will bring her closer to her dreams. Ran encourages Hiraku to join a popstar survival camp with her. While they are competing at the same camp and wish to achieve success in the same career, there is no jealousy or bitterness between the friends. This is just one example of how friendship is at the core of this manga. Hiraku and Ran help and support each other every step of the way.
Told through full-colour pages, this story of quiet bravery is expressed in the vibrant, bright tones that flood its pages. The crisp linework brings the charming characters to life, representing their thoughts, actions and emotions. This creates a sense of warmth and familiarity as each character has distinctive physical features with various forms of clothing choices and hairstyles. Sound effects leap off the page, interwoven in the illustrations rather than in the text. The simple layout and use of energetic colours make this manga a delight to read.
This volume ends on a hopeful note, sure to leave the reader eager to read its sequel.
