MANGA REVIEW | "Love’s in Sight!" - Volume Seven
Love’s in Sight! made my heart stop. In an instance, the thought of a character biting the dust in this series was not pretty in the slightest. The good news is that things are fine in the seventh volume of Love’s in Sight!, However, we do deal with some new issues regarding body positivity and how the world sees those with disabilities. But like the great series this has been, it finds a way to be an eye-opening experience.
It all starts when Yukiko heads home early from work, causing Morio to panic. On top of that, word gets out that there was an accident at the train station, and it involved someone with a white cane. Thankfully, Yukiko is okay, with Morio wrapping his arms lovingly and worryingly around his beloved. However, the accident did involve someone they are close to: Aono.
From there, the story shifts to Nagiko, one of Morio’s ex-girlfriends. Dealing with a funk of her own, she begins to think she’s invisible. That’s when she sees a white cane, thinking it belongs to Yukiko. Turns out it’s Aono, who finds himself in a terrifying situation. An oncoming train, his body walking too close to the tracks, and not a single soul noticing. And then, Nagiko screams her heart out to the boy.
In this instance, Love’s in Sight! transforms this situation into one of purpose and care. Had Nagiko acted the way she did, Aono would’ve more than likely died. Instead, a boy has been saved, and a new friendship blossoms in both his and Nagiko’s lives. It then leads towards a serious conversation regarding public safety. And it’s not just for those who are disabled; it’s about everyone, as no one deserves to be treated like they’re invisible.
If there’s one thing author Uoyama has been doing great with in this series, it’s showing that this world is meant for everyone. Yes, disabilities are given a bigger spotlight here than anyone else, but finding a way for all humans to coexist with little hinderance should be the all-around goal for this planet of ours. Whether someone has poor sight, deals with body paralysis, or dealing with mental disabilities, everything and everyone needs to be accounted for in order to keep this world properly turning. Not everything is going to have a quick fix, but if we think and plan hard enough, there can be societal solutions made to better this world.
Of course, it’s not just soapbox problems that Love’s in Sight! deals with here. Poor Yukiko deals with internal body shaming, as she is worried about how she’d look in a swimsuit. But good boy Morio is there for the save, as he reminds her of how much he loves Yukiko, no matter what. The former punk even admits to his own shames, including having a big ole ass! (And Yukiko’s reaction is pretty damn funny to such a remark.)
Izumi also has a moment to shine, as she contemplates not going on a trip with her friends. But when her biggest (and one-sided) crush Shishio gets sick, it gives her the chance to act a little greedy. As she’s spent most of her life watching over Yukiko, the thought of doing something just for her felt like the biggest sin she could commit. The moment gives her the chance to realize the importance of having your own kind of me-time, with Shishio, Yukiko, and even her parents giving her the right amount of support (and money) on the matter.
I cannot recommend Love’s in Sight! enough. The story, the characters, and the lessons it teaches are some of the best I’ve seen in its genre. It’s heartbreaking to know that there’s only one more volume to go, as the thought of Yukiko and Morio’s story ending makes me sad. Still, with how things end in this seventh volume, one hopes that our main couple and those who surround them will find their happiness. Oh who am I kidding? They’re already on Cloud Nine!
FINAL GRADE:
Promotional consideration provided by Chantelle Sturt of VIZ Media.
