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Translucent #1
Translucent, Volume 1
Teen-centric, quirky and romantic, Translucent will appeal to shojo fans who like a little twist with their gakuen mono! Shizuka is an introverted girl, dealing with schoolwork, boys, and a medical condition that begins to turn her invisible! She finds support with Mamoru, a boy who is falling for Shizuka despite her condition, and with Keiko, another girl who suffers from this illness and has finally turned completely invisible. The mysterious disease that these teens struggle with becomes a metaphor in the ordinary lives of the students in their classes, as they try to work their way through their friendships and romances. Writer and artist Kazuhiro Okamoto knows how important surfaces are to people, especially at such a pivotal time in one's life - when dreams are meant to be chased, despite all hurdles. Translucent's shifting variables between what people can see, what people think they see, and what people wish to see in themselves and others makes for an emotionally sensitive manga, peppered with moments of surprising humor, heartbreak and drama.
192 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
January 10, 2017
This is the worst manga I've ever read. I think most of the book's problems can be chalked up to Okamoto's decision to make every chapter a standalone story, rather than having one continuous story. The result is that the pacing is rushed, the dialogue is robotic, and every plotline is predictable and played-out. Scenes often ended abruptly, mid-page, with no transition into the next one, making the story feel extremely choppy and amateur-ish. And none of the characters were at all developed. The protagonist is bland, and her best friend is a one-note caricature who reads way younger than he's intended to. Every theme Okamoto intends to include lands with a flat thud, because the themes are so cliched, and he doesn't have enough space in the story to back up the ideas. The idea for this book wasn't bad - essentially, the protagonist being translucent serves as a metaphor for living with a chronic illness - and there was potential for good to come out of it. But even the brief spots of good dialogue were ruined by baffling writing decisions. The scene where the protagonist's dad explains to MC's friend why he won't let her audition for a play was well-written, but it was ruined by ridiculous artwork, in which the dad and the friend literally start wrestling in a public park because Okamoto couldn't think of a better way to impart their animosity towards each other.
But the real thing that pushes this into worst-manga-ever territory for me was how obvious it was that this was written by a man. This manifests itself in a few ways, but the absolute worst came in a scene where the protagonist is translucent and worries that everybody will forget her, and that she isn't even real. To fix this existential crisis, she takes off her shirt and asks her friend to touch her breasts. I mean, she's invisible, so you don't actually see anything, but still, this wasn't the only uncomfortable time that she was sexualized, in this manga written by an adult man about an eighth grade girl. I would give Okatomo the benefit of the doubt and assume that he didn't intend to sexualize her, except that there's no other possible reason for that scene to be there, because the action is so ridiculously, blatantly unrealistic. The scene makes me more than a little uncomfortable, and even if it didn't, it's some of the most abysmal writing I've ever seen.
This really was an awful, awful manga. I'm not exactly an expert on the form, so maybe you shouldn't take too much stock in my opinion that this is the worst I've ever read. (Although I did find it significantly worse than Black Bird and Vampire Knight, the two mangas that seem to be voted the worst.) But I still don't recommend this at all to anybody.
But the real thing that pushes this into worst-manga-ever territory for me was how obvious it was that this was written by a man. This manifests itself in a few ways, but the absolute worst came in a scene where the protagonist is translucent and worries that everybody will forget her, and that she isn't even real. To fix this existential crisis, she takes off her shirt and asks her friend to touch her breasts. I mean, she's invisible, so you don't actually see anything, but still, this wasn't the only uncomfortable time that she was sexualized, in this manga written by an adult man about an eighth grade girl. I would give Okatomo the benefit of the doubt and assume that he didn't intend to sexualize her, except that there's no other possible reason for that scene to be there, because the action is so ridiculously, blatantly unrealistic. The scene makes me more than a little uncomfortable, and even if it didn't, it's some of the most abysmal writing I've ever seen.
This really was an awful, awful manga. I'm not exactly an expert on the form, so maybe you shouldn't take too much stock in my opinion that this is the worst I've ever read. (Although I did find it significantly worse than Black Bird and Vampire Knight, the two mangas that seem to be voted the worst.) But I still don't recommend this at all to anybody.
March 29, 2011
Despite the inappropriateness, this book was jam packed with tons of manga drawings.I had gotten this at a book fair at school. You see, every kid had received a book of there choice that had a value of 3.00 dollars or less. And turns out, I had found this book hidden underneath the book "gamers addition cheat codes 2011". It was love at first sight.
Although, it was pretty inappropriate. I am willing to bet that some little brat has already complained to his mama that it had bad words like damn or hell and a naked girl. This, I think, will cause a big controversy and may result to not have any book fairs. So I am glad to swipe this off the bookshelf before missing my chance. And therefore, I am saving school book fairs nationwide.
Although, it was pretty inappropriate. I am willing to bet that some little brat has already complained to his mama that it had bad words like damn or hell and a naked girl. This, I think, will cause a big controversy and may result to not have any book fairs. So I am glad to swipe this off the bookshelf before missing my chance. And therefore, I am saving school book fairs nationwide.
May 25, 2016
Nobody ever pays any attention to little introverted Shizuka Shiroyama. Maybe this is be because she's so shy; or maybe because she is LITERALLY blending into her surroundings. She has Translucent syndrome; a harmless enough disease, except that it causes a person to become completely translucent. Now Shizuka must learn how to deal with her disease and not let it affect her following her dreams; it will be difficult -- but she'll have the support of some important friends.
This is a sensitive, thoughtful and quirky drama on the life of a young teenage girl who is dealing with a difficult disease. The disease may be made-up and seem silly at first, but once you begin reading this story you will forget the silliness and realize that like any its just another obstacle one must overcome. That appearance and/or 'lack of appearance' is important to people; and especially at that awkward stage in life. Occasionally the art is a bit inconsistent - but the story is so beautiful that it helps to hide most of the blemishes.
I highly recommend this series.
This is a sensitive, thoughtful and quirky drama on the life of a young teenage girl who is dealing with a difficult disease. The disease may be made-up and seem silly at first, but once you begin reading this story you will forget the silliness and realize that like any its just another obstacle one must overcome. That appearance and/or 'lack of appearance' is important to people; and especially at that awkward stage in life. Occasionally the art is a bit inconsistent - but the story is so beautiful that it helps to hide most of the blemishes.
I highly recommend this series.
January 16, 2015
Shizuka is a high school girl dealing with a medical condition that causes her to become invisible at times. Throughout the first book she has to deal with small obstacles such as acting in a play, going out for auditions, and even a little romance. The story follows her throughout her life as she tries to overcome her condition and to just become "normal". To be seen and noticed by the other people.
I would recommend this book to young female teens who enjoy romance and drama. As well as mystery and medical themes.
I thought this was a very good book because I felt I could relate to the main character fairly well. The story has many mini plots in it for smaller events instead of one big plot leading up to just one goal. However I did not like some of the events in the story because it was just plain, like you expected it to happen right away and it did.
I would recommend this book to young female teens who enjoy romance and drama. As well as mystery and medical themes.
I thought this was a very good book because I felt I could relate to the main character fairly well. The story has many mini plots in it for smaller events instead of one big plot leading up to just one goal. However I did not like some of the events in the story because it was just plain, like you expected it to happen right away and it did.
July 21, 2012
Easily five stars for one of the sweetest and most genuine manga I've read all year!
Shiroyama has a rare condition - Translucent Syndrome - which causes her to turn invisible, usually when she is stressed or nervous. And it's really affecting her dream of becoming an actress. Tadami is hyperactive and ADD and all he wants in the world is to make Shiroyama happy. Their incredibly sweet relationship is at the heart of this manga, but the story also uses the Translucent Syndrome to talk about that feeling of just wanting to disappear and brings Shiroyama's struggle right to you.'
This is an incredibly fast read with large panels and not too much dialogue. But it hits all the right notes for me.
Shiroyama has a rare condition - Translucent Syndrome - which causes her to turn invisible, usually when she is stressed or nervous. And it's really affecting her dream of becoming an actress. Tadami is hyperactive and ADD and all he wants in the world is to make Shiroyama happy. Their incredibly sweet relationship is at the heart of this manga, but the story also uses the Translucent Syndrome to talk about that feeling of just wanting to disappear and brings Shiroyama's struggle right to you.'
This is an incredibly fast read with large panels and not too much dialogue. But it hits all the right notes for me.
June 29, 2020
I liked the lesson of uniqueness and university in the ordinary. Everyone is their own main character. It was good. It had nice undertones of the other characters feelings versus what it feels like to fade. As a teenager it’s very easy to slip into the feeling of being a background character. Everything is fading and eventually it feels like you are fading too. This book takes that idea and runs with it.
December 1, 2009
I really liked the plot in this book, very original and cool. Since when do you have a rare disease that makes you go invisible over your life time? Its really a good series. Too bad I didn't get to read any more of it.
April 18, 2014
Such a cool concept, and it translates so well with the art. I do wish the storylines jumped around a little less. It seems like a lot of big moments keep happening, and her condition could have been eased into a little more, but still--so cool!
March 21, 2023
Book: Translucent, Volume 1
Author: Kazuhiro Okamoto
Rating: 4 Out of 5 Stars
At first, I didn’t know if I liked this manga or not. It had the bones of a great series, but it was missing something to drive the point home. However, the more I read of it, the more it grew on me.
In this one, we follow a society that has this illness that causes people to become invisible. There is no known cure for it and it happens to random people at random times. It causes the whole or part of the body to become invisible. We follow a group of people who have this illness and how much they struggle with their day to day activities. We see them struggle to fit in and try to have a normal life.
Each chapter contains a new story. I know a lot of people are not okay with this. However, we need to keep one thing in mind: this is only the first volume. It is setting up for what is to come and I think things will come together in later volumes. The individual story arcs in each chapter did not bother me. I liked getting a full arc in each chapter. It allowed us to see the full scope of what was happening to these characters and give us an understanding of what was happening.
The downside of having a story like this is that you can’t really develop the characters. I don’t know if anyone else feels this way, but it made it difficult for me to form a bond with the characters. I had a very difficult time getting to know the characters and what their role is supposed to be. Again, it all could be because this is the first volume.
Overall, I thought this was a strong start. However, it had its flaws.
Author: Kazuhiro Okamoto
Rating: 4 Out of 5 Stars
At first, I didn’t know if I liked this manga or not. It had the bones of a great series, but it was missing something to drive the point home. However, the more I read of it, the more it grew on me.
In this one, we follow a society that has this illness that causes people to become invisible. There is no known cure for it and it happens to random people at random times. It causes the whole or part of the body to become invisible. We follow a group of people who have this illness and how much they struggle with their day to day activities. We see them struggle to fit in and try to have a normal life.
Each chapter contains a new story. I know a lot of people are not okay with this. However, we need to keep one thing in mind: this is only the first volume. It is setting up for what is to come and I think things will come together in later volumes. The individual story arcs in each chapter did not bother me. I liked getting a full arc in each chapter. It allowed us to see the full scope of what was happening to these characters and give us an understanding of what was happening.
The downside of having a story like this is that you can’t really develop the characters. I don’t know if anyone else feels this way, but it made it difficult for me to form a bond with the characters. I had a very difficult time getting to know the characters and what their role is supposed to be. Again, it all could be because this is the first volume.
Overall, I thought this was a strong start. However, it had its flaws.
August 7, 2019
I found this volume in a secondhand bookshop and I bought it because it looked so sweet. I read it on my way back home on the train. It was sweet. If you are looking for a easy-read you can give it a try 🍓 But I have to say that I can't find volume 3,4 and 5 anywhere. It's a shame that I won't be able to know what happens at the end of the story (for now). 😪
August 15, 2020
I found none of the jokes funny. The story wad interesting and I sometimes cared about the characters but the fact that I couldn't remember the character's names while reading hits the rating pretty hard.
January 2, 2021
I have mixed feelings about this so far. I am not a huge fan of the faces/artwork, but the story and chracters are good. The premise is interesting and I like how this volume progressed and introduced characters. The series has potential.
July 8, 2017
This story follows a girl with a rare disease that turns her translucent (hence the title) and the boy who 'just wants her to be happy'. Super cute but not mind blowing.
March 14, 2018
SO interesting! What a unique and original story! I love this series and the moments of strong feeling among the characters. It us beautifullly done!
August 18, 2018
I like the premise (invisibility as a disease) and I like the characters (energetic Mamoru as a mirror to shy Shizuka). Super intrigued.
January 3, 2020
The writing was good. The artwork was clever. The story just wasn't my speed.
November 24, 2021
Shizuka struggles to feel noticed and cared for due to her disease, which renders parts of her body translucent.
So-so, but not worth reading another volume.
So-so, but not worth reading another volume.
March 7, 2023
First manga I had ever read so it hold a special place in my heart. The story is cute and I just enjoy the cast
October 19, 2024
was a lil stupid but had its sweet moments
December 12, 2025
4.5 great start to manga
February 28, 2018
Review coming.:P Loved it just as much the second time.
November 12, 2015
Translucent vol 1
Information:
Publisher: Dark horse Manga
Year published: 2005-2007
story and art by: Kazuhiro Okamoto
My thoughts: Okay, my thoughts about this manga, is that it is very well done and is a very good coming of age story.
I also get the feeling that the creator wanted to make the reader feel, when they were reading the story the same way that some children feel when they are going through a phase in their life feeling invisible like they are not being heard, which also explains that some find it as a curse where others might find it as a blessing and so on. but unfortunately when I read this story, I never really got that feeling. not to mention it reminds me of a few other stories that I have read as well.
Art, however, Best I can say, and it shames me to say this because I normally don't like commenting on others artwork like this, but the artwork was not very well done, I mean while reading the story the artwork on the characters was pretty distracting I mean I did not exactly know if this was directed at 12-year-olds or younger than that. I mean to be extremely seriously honest it looks as though they left the story at the manuscript sketching stages which did not make it at all look professional in my opinion, but though I will admit that I have seen worse,
all in all, I think the concept of the story was very good but again just in my opinion it was poorly planned out, hopefully, the others will turn out better
Synopsis; the story is about Eighth grader Shizuka Shiroyama, who is an introvert, dealing with school woes, bossy peers and a medical condition known to everyone as Translucent Syndrome which causes her to periodically turn semi-transparent or completely invisible. Though one of her classmates. the hyperactive Mamoru Tadami is falling in love with her despite her problem and has dogged determination and unconditional support to bring hope into Shizuka's life, as she struggles to overcome her difficulties, as her illness becomes a metaphor in the ordinary lives of her classmates and friends, as they try to work their way through life and relationships.
Information:
Publisher: Dark horse Manga
Year published: 2005-2007
story and art by: Kazuhiro Okamoto
My thoughts: Okay, my thoughts about this manga, is that it is very well done and is a very good coming of age story.
I also get the feeling that the creator wanted to make the reader feel, when they were reading the story the same way that some children feel when they are going through a phase in their life feeling invisible like they are not being heard, which also explains that some find it as a curse where others might find it as a blessing and so on. but unfortunately when I read this story, I never really got that feeling. not to mention it reminds me of a few other stories that I have read as well.
Art, however, Best I can say, and it shames me to say this because I normally don't like commenting on others artwork like this, but the artwork was not very well done, I mean while reading the story the artwork on the characters was pretty distracting I mean I did not exactly know if this was directed at 12-year-olds or younger than that. I mean to be extremely seriously honest it looks as though they left the story at the manuscript sketching stages which did not make it at all look professional in my opinion, but though I will admit that I have seen worse,
all in all, I think the concept of the story was very good but again just in my opinion it was poorly planned out, hopefully, the others will turn out better
Synopsis; the story is about Eighth grader Shizuka Shiroyama, who is an introvert, dealing with school woes, bossy peers and a medical condition known to everyone as Translucent Syndrome which causes her to periodically turn semi-transparent or completely invisible. Though one of her classmates. the hyperactive Mamoru Tadami is falling in love with her despite her problem and has dogged determination and unconditional support to bring hope into Shizuka's life, as she struggles to overcome her difficulties, as her illness becomes a metaphor in the ordinary lives of her classmates and friends, as they try to work their way through life and relationships.
March 5, 2014
Judging this book by the cover and short summary on the back, I summed this manga to be fairly serious and a bit sad, and picked it up at the Dark Horse both at Anime Expo 2013. Boy, was I in for a surprise; granted, there is serious moments, nothing more. The rest it rather quirky, cute, and romantic.
Our main character is an eighth graded named Shizuka Shiroyama, she is introverted and rather unnoticeable. She has something called Translucent Syndrome: over time parts of her body become completely invisible. It seems the severity of her disease is connected to her emotions somehow (i.e. when she is comforted after being upset/nervous/sad she is turns visible.)
One of Shiroyama's classmates turns out to be the one she turns to for comfort, the hyperactive and dependable Mamoru Tadami. It is quite obvious that they like each other, and I foresee a romantic-relationship blooming in future volumes. Shiroyama also runs into trouble with another classmate, Okouchi (I never caught her last name,) the school's most popular girl. Turns out Okouchi doesn't understand why so many people admire her, and actually resents the attention she receives. She confronts Shiroyama, asking her to give Okouchi the disease, because she thinks she would prefer being translucent. Bluntly put, Okouchi gets over herself, and the trio of characters become friends.
This manga is pretty refreshing, the art isn't excellent nor is it bad… Characters are a little lacking, so is the story.
Story: 3/5 - Takes a cliche setting (introverted girl meets friendly guy, gets into fight with popular girl) and puts a twist on it.
Art: 2.5/5 - Could be much better, though it isn't the worst I've seen.
Characters: 3/5 - They crack me up most of the time. Could use some work. Personality-wise they're a little unoriginal.
Overall: 3/5 - Not bad. A quick, cute read with average artwork.
Thank you for reading, I hope it helps! I give my honest opinion as detailed as I wish and hope to influence your chances of purchasing the subject under review, whether it is positive or negative.
Our main character is an eighth graded named Shizuka Shiroyama, she is introverted and rather unnoticeable. She has something called Translucent Syndrome: over time parts of her body become completely invisible. It seems the severity of her disease is connected to her emotions somehow (i.e. when she is comforted after being upset/nervous/sad she is turns visible.)
One of Shiroyama's classmates turns out to be the one she turns to for comfort, the hyperactive and dependable Mamoru Tadami. It is quite obvious that they like each other, and I foresee a romantic-relationship blooming in future volumes. Shiroyama also runs into trouble with another classmate, Okouchi (I never caught her last name,) the school's most popular girl. Turns out Okouchi doesn't understand why so many people admire her, and actually resents the attention she receives. She confronts Shiroyama, asking her to give Okouchi the disease, because she thinks she would prefer being translucent. Bluntly put, Okouchi gets over herself, and the trio of characters become friends.
This manga is pretty refreshing, the art isn't excellent nor is it bad… Characters are a little lacking, so is the story.
Story: 3/5 - Takes a cliche setting (introverted girl meets friendly guy, gets into fight with popular girl) and puts a twist on it.
Art: 2.5/5 - Could be much better, though it isn't the worst I've seen.
Characters: 3/5 - They crack me up most of the time. Could use some work. Personality-wise they're a little unoriginal.
Overall: 3/5 - Not bad. A quick, cute read with average artwork.
Thank you for reading, I hope it helps! I give my honest opinion as detailed as I wish and hope to influence your chances of purchasing the subject under review, whether it is positive or negative.
January 26, 2013
I rarely give the first volume of a series 5 stars. Even if I really, really liked it, I will still give it 4, because there is only so much you can do in one volume. However, Translucent became one of my exceptions, and I was in love with it by the end of the second chapter. What shocked me more than that, is that this is shojo series written by a guy. Sure, that's not unheard of. But most of those that I have tried end up being on the goofy-side of hentai or seem to lack "the human condition." Congrats, Okamoto, I will read anything of yours in the future.
Now for the story! Translucent follows Shizuka, a girl with Translucent Syndrome, which causes her body to slowly vanish throughout the month before becoming completely invisible. She recovers over time, but every time she begins to disappear, it takes its toll on her sanity. When she makes a friend in Mamoru Tadami, it seems her life has finally found a bright spot, and her troubles start to put the whole world into perspective as others try to relate to her situation.
Mamoru Tadami is a character that should be in every story. No lie. I wish I knew someone like him. Sure, he's kind of a derp, but an incredibly lovable derp. It's likely no coincidence that his name is the verb "to protect." I suppose this isn't a spoiler, but a shining moment for the story is during one of Shizuka's more trying times. She has gone nearly translucent, you can only see an outline of her face besides her clothes, and she doesn't think it'll come back this time. So, she rips open her shirt and asks Tadami to touch her, to prove she exists. Tadami reaches forward, and touches her face instead. I was a grinning fool at that point. So cute and touching! (no pun intended)
So, read Translucent, a wonderful mix of shojo, drama, and light humor, with a brillant twist.
Now for the story! Translucent follows Shizuka, a girl with Translucent Syndrome, which causes her body to slowly vanish throughout the month before becoming completely invisible. She recovers over time, but every time she begins to disappear, it takes its toll on her sanity. When she makes a friend in Mamoru Tadami, it seems her life has finally found a bright spot, and her troubles start to put the whole world into perspective as others try to relate to her situation.
Mamoru Tadami is a character that should be in every story. No lie. I wish I knew someone like him. Sure, he's kind of a derp, but an incredibly lovable derp. It's likely no coincidence that his name is the verb "to protect." I suppose this isn't a spoiler, but a shining moment for the story is during one of Shizuka's more trying times. She has gone nearly translucent, you can only see an outline of her face besides her clothes, and she doesn't think it'll come back this time. So, she rips open her shirt and asks Tadami to touch her, to prove she exists. Tadami reaches forward, and touches her face instead. I was a grinning fool at that point. So cute and touching! (no pun intended)
So, read Translucent, a wonderful mix of shojo, drama, and light humor, with a brillant twist.
March 26, 2012
What an interesting concept!
The storyline follow the life of Shizuka, a young girl tormented by Translucent Syndrome, a disease with origins and cures unknown to the world. And, whenever Shizuka experiences intense feelings of embarrassment, the rate in which her body becomes complete transparent quickens.
By far one of my favor pieces of graphica. Translucent concretely explores the abstract feeling of being invisible. In a world and culture full of young individuals wishing to be noticed and loved for their achievements, Shizuka, a girl who is trying her hardest, can’t seem to catch break. The art of the work is simple, which is to be expected from a manga, but the meaning and tone of the story is not lost because of it.
As a teacher, the Translucent series has a lot to offer the little adolescents a near reflection of their lives, and will come to find that, in time, everything will be all right. There is nothing more outside academics a teacher can do for a student than to make them feel that they are not alone and that they belong. Translucent would be a great first-step helping those struggling achieve that.
All-in-all, a must-read.
Johnathan & Kristin
The storyline follow the life of Shizuka, a young girl tormented by Translucent Syndrome, a disease with origins and cures unknown to the world. And, whenever Shizuka experiences intense feelings of embarrassment, the rate in which her body becomes complete transparent quickens.
By far one of my favor pieces of graphica. Translucent concretely explores the abstract feeling of being invisible. In a world and culture full of young individuals wishing to be noticed and loved for their achievements, Shizuka, a girl who is trying her hardest, can’t seem to catch break. The art of the work is simple, which is to be expected from a manga, but the meaning and tone of the story is not lost because of it.
As a teacher, the Translucent series has a lot to offer the little adolescents a near reflection of their lives, and will come to find that, in time, everything will be all right. There is nothing more outside academics a teacher can do for a student than to make them feel that they are not alone and that they belong. Translucent would be a great first-step helping those struggling achieve that.
All-in-all, a must-read.
Johnathan & Kristin
September 24, 2008
Shizuka Shiroyama, living with translucent syndrome, lives life to its fullest. Shizuka, from the manga Translucent, is a timid eight grader who suffers from a disease called translucent syndrome. Periodically, parts of Shizuka’s body fades into being transparent. The invisibility starts at her arms and ends at her face. After a while, it’s like she’s not even there. You can see right through her. Shizuka, loving the attention to be on her, is in the drama club. She adores and embraces the attention she receives because she literally becomes invisible. Having two school friends, Mamoru Tadami and Okouchi-san, her gentle smile appears more than ever. Shizuka and Mamoru have a cute relationship. They loosely hold hands, with each finger barely touching the other. Mamoru, obsessive over toy models, still has room and desire in his big heart for Shizuka. Knowing that her syndrome may make her translucent permanently, she can only hope that Mamoru will continue to stay by her side, making her feel like she is needed, and loved.
April 9, 2016
This is one of those manga that you don't expect much from but end up liking in the end.
It follows shy 8th grader Shizuka Shiroyama who is quite literally fading into the background. She has a mysterious disease called "Translucent Syndrome" which is slowly causing her to become invisible. It's not life-threatening, but there is no known cause or cure. You just one day become invisible. For Shiroyama, it seems somewhat linked to her emotional state.
So far, this story mostly focuses on Shiroyama trying to have a normal life while slowly fading in and out of sight. She wants to be an actress even though there are days when she's completely invisible. She has friends who care about her and want her to be happy. There's a boy who may or may not have a crush on her, Mamoru Tadami, who keeps the story from getting too heavy by being hyperactive and is determined to support Shiroyama no matter what.
The back of the book promised quirky, and it certainly is. I really liked this one.
It follows shy 8th grader Shizuka Shiroyama who is quite literally fading into the background. She has a mysterious disease called "Translucent Syndrome" which is slowly causing her to become invisible. It's not life-threatening, but there is no known cause or cure. You just one day become invisible. For Shiroyama, it seems somewhat linked to her emotional state.
So far, this story mostly focuses on Shiroyama trying to have a normal life while slowly fading in and out of sight. She wants to be an actress even though there are days when she's completely invisible. She has friends who care about her and want her to be happy. There's a boy who may or may not have a crush on her, Mamoru Tadami, who keeps the story from getting too heavy by being hyperactive and is determined to support Shiroyama no matter what.
The back of the book promised quirky, and it certainly is. I really liked this one.
October 29, 2009
I must admit I was a little wary of reading mangas, but once I got the hang of reading it, I could get into the story better. Translucent is about an eighth grade girl named Shizuka Shiroyama who has Translucent disease, which makes her slowly disappear. No one knows how it is transmitted or how to cure it. As the manga continues, we learn that her translucency is connected to her emotions. The happier she is, the more whole she looks, and the more unhappy/nervous she is, the more see-through she is. She is also very shy and doesn't feel like anyone notices her even with her disease. It is funny b/c she accidently befriends the prettiest girl in school who demands she give her the disease as she wants to disappear and "be normal". Shiroyama befriends the very ADHD Mamoru Tadami, as he is fascinated by her and I'm curious to see where the series will take the two of them. I really enjoyed reading it and did so in an hour or two.
December 16, 2010
Translucent is about a girl named Shizuka Shiroyama. Shizuka has many problems in her life, but the BIGGEST problem in her life is Translucent Syndrome. She becomes translucent and cannot be seen. She hates it so much, but sometimes she likes it because it made her get closer to Mamoru Tadami. Shizuka LOVES to be noticed, but now she just wants to give up acting/drama class because there's no point in acting if she can't be seen. Shizuka meets another girl who may seem rude and mean at first, but really she wants to be like Shizuka and Shizuka wants to be like her. So does Shizuka learn to live with this awful life or not....maybe her dad is responsible for all this...is he???
Translucent is a story about love and learning to go with the flow. It's all about how to deal with life, no matter what comes in your way. You'll learn to love a person from the inside not from what you see outside, (if you even see anything at all).
Translucent is a story about love and learning to go with the flow. It's all about how to deal with life, no matter what comes in your way. You'll learn to love a person from the inside not from what you see outside, (if you even see anything at all).
October 6, 2013
Summary of Translucent
The name if this comic is Translucent. The author is Kazuhiro Okamoto. The story is about a girl in grade eight called Shizuka. She is slowly turning translucent and is really worried about it. She then met a girl who was really pretty and popular her name was Keiko. Shizuka wanted to be an actor, but because she was turning translucent she would never be accepted. Shizuka had a best friend and she advised her to put make up all over her body and that way she could be visible. Shizuka did as her friend suggested and it worked. But Keiko was jealous of Shizuka and wanted to get everyone's attention of her. Shizuka then was given chance to work in the theater because, her best friend convinced the director that Shizuka would not turn translucent during the show and she did not. The message of this book is, what ever you are. how ever you are there is nothing that can stop you from your dreams coming true. I liked the message of this book.
The name if this comic is Translucent. The author is Kazuhiro Okamoto. The story is about a girl in grade eight called Shizuka. She is slowly turning translucent and is really worried about it. She then met a girl who was really pretty and popular her name was Keiko. Shizuka wanted to be an actor, but because she was turning translucent she would never be accepted. Shizuka had a best friend and she advised her to put make up all over her body and that way she could be visible. Shizuka did as her friend suggested and it worked. But Keiko was jealous of Shizuka and wanted to get everyone's attention of her. Shizuka then was given chance to work in the theater because, her best friend convinced the director that Shizuka would not turn translucent during the show and she did not. The message of this book is, what ever you are. how ever you are there is nothing that can stop you from your dreams coming true. I liked the message of this book.
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