Back when I was in 7th grade, my classmate gifted me volumes 1-3 of Nana. While I was happy to receive a thoughtful gift like this ( I have always loved Manga, ever since I was little), I disliked the drawing style of the Manga. And heck, the story did not appeal to me at all - why would a 13 yr old enjoy a story about two girls having difficulties with their lives? I was rather into fantasy, action, and cute Shojou Romance.
Now, almost 10 years later, I am glad I picked up that story again. I am now able to resonate with the characters motives, their struggle to survive on a daily basis and I even like the artstyle now. Only today I realize this story is not about "oh I need to work", "oh we play in a band" but rather the chasing of one dreams and the resulting, real struggle of walking a steep path with plenty of obstacles to reach the top.
The characters are more than just the stereotype one associates when you first look at the coverart. Nana, whilst being clothed in an awesome punk rock fashion with a confidence I'd kill for, has an astoundingly vulnerable and soft side. Hachi, the cutesy overly caring girl, manages to acknowledge her wrong- doings and works on herself in almost every chapter. In addition to that, the supporting cast is not drawn as a way to fill out the blank pages, rather guiding and helping nana & hachi to find their own way at their own pace, not by judging them, but by listening and supporting them. The friendship among them feels real and genuine.