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The Lines That Define Me #1
The Lines That Define Me, Vol. 1
Sosuke Aoyama is a college student adrift on his own...until a chance meeting with suibokuga artist Kozan Shinoda brings him into the world of India-ink painting. But though he finds connection with the art and Shinoda himself, there's more to both the art world and Shinoda's family than Sosuke realizes...
190 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 18, 2022
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98 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
February 2, 2022
"Everyone has someone in life who makes them think..."I'm so glad I met that person." To me, you were that person."
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
❗This is a completely spoiler-free ARC review from Netgalley❗
So, recently I was accepted for a bunch of ARC reviews on NetGalley (yeap, I'm bragging) and I decided that for the one-week break I have between the end of my exams and the start of the new semester, I'm going to read at least one ARC a day and catch up. This is basically like a vacation for me. I'm so excited!! 😄😄
I will never not love mangas. Seriously, I love them so much. Whether they are dark and gory with bloodthirsty monsters or cute rom-coms with adorable young adults, they never fail to amaze me. This one falls under the category of the latter. Cute and undeniably attractive, artsy sophomores in college that will compete with each other for an art award but have undeniable chemistry. Where do I sign up!?
This manga was decently done, it hit all the right notes. The story was pretty intriguing. There wasn't any mystery or anything like that, yet I was still deeply invested in it and it looked promising from the start. It wasn't even anything too extraordinary, more like pretty simple actually. Boy with a real knack for creating ink art meets veteran artist who takes him in as an apprentice, and it is then he meets the very pretty, very talented girl (also an apprentice) he will compete against and the chemistry between them is off the charts. See? Pretty simple, right? Yet, I was completely hooked on it, from start to finish. It was just so adorable, how could I not?? 😍😍 I seriously can't wait to read the next volume.
I feel like it's pretty clear that I also found the MCs to be adorable. The old man was just the cutest. Just a sweet old man with mad painting skills, who sees talent in some loner kid one day and decides to teach him all he knows. The protagonist, Sosuke Aoyama, was pretty damn lovable, too. Shy, kind, and a little awkward, with a sweet face. Those are some of my absolute favourite traits in a male character (yes, I know I'm basically describing Timothee Chalamet, but come on, you can't tell me he's not a ridiculously adorable human being). Then we have Chiaki, incredibly beautiful, and extremely talented, a little cold on the outside but much kinder on the inside. She is a fitting contradiction to Sosuke Aoyama, which is one of my favorite tropes to read. I can't wait to explore more of them in the following volumes. Plus, their competitors-to-friends-to-lovers kind of vibe/trope they've got going on is looking very promising. Also, it's clear that there's major character development and backstories coming soon, for all the MCs, which to me, is really really important, and I really really can't wait 😍😍.
I would definitely recommend this.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
❗This is a completely spoiler-free ARC review from Netgalley❗
So, recently I was accepted for a bunch of ARC reviews on NetGalley (yeap, I'm bragging) and I decided that for the one-week break I have between the end of my exams and the start of the new semester, I'm going to read at least one ARC a day and catch up. This is basically like a vacation for me. I'm so excited!! 😄😄
I will never not love mangas. Seriously, I love them so much. Whether they are dark and gory with bloodthirsty monsters or cute rom-coms with adorable young adults, they never fail to amaze me. This one falls under the category of the latter. Cute and undeniably attractive, artsy sophomores in college that will compete with each other for an art award but have undeniable chemistry. Where do I sign up!?
This manga was decently done, it hit all the right notes. The story was pretty intriguing. There wasn't any mystery or anything like that, yet I was still deeply invested in it and it looked promising from the start. It wasn't even anything too extraordinary, more like pretty simple actually. Boy with a real knack for creating ink art meets veteran artist who takes him in as an apprentice, and it is then he meets the very pretty, very talented girl (also an apprentice) he will compete against and the chemistry between them is off the charts. See? Pretty simple, right? Yet, I was completely hooked on it, from start to finish. It was just so adorable, how could I not?? 😍😍 I seriously can't wait to read the next volume.
I feel like it's pretty clear that I also found the MCs to be adorable. The old man was just the cutest. Just a sweet old man with mad painting skills, who sees talent in some loner kid one day and decides to teach him all he knows. The protagonist, Sosuke Aoyama, was pretty damn lovable, too. Shy, kind, and a little awkward, with a sweet face. Those are some of my absolute favourite traits in a male character (yes, I know I'm basically describing Timothee Chalamet, but come on, you can't tell me he's not a ridiculously adorable human being). Then we have Chiaki, incredibly beautiful, and extremely talented, a little cold on the outside but much kinder on the inside. She is a fitting contradiction to Sosuke Aoyama, which is one of my favorite tropes to read. I can't wait to explore more of them in the following volumes. Plus, their competitors-to-friends-to-lovers kind of vibe/trope they've got going on is looking very promising. Also, it's clear that there's major character development and backstories coming soon, for all the MCs, which to me, is really really important, and I really really can't wait 😍😍.
I would definitely recommend this.
January 11, 2022
It ended so soon! And I feel like bawling my eyes out cos it ended so soon!
Thank you, Tokyopop, for the advance reading copy of the manga.
I am still mesmerized with the manga artstyle. Nothing like this has ever been so hot and alive! I am in awe....
I like the plot so much! Do I know something about the enemies to something here?
I can sniff it and feel it coming!
Our guy doesn't know he's being favoured by a very well known artist. And he suddenly finds himself being trained under this artist. Such a previlege for him. Not only that he finds himself as the opponent of the much dangerously talented and beautiful granddaughter!
And it ended. Dang, volume 1. Volume 2, where are you???
Thank you, Tokyopop, for the advance reading copy of the manga.
I am still mesmerized with the manga artstyle. Nothing like this has ever been so hot and alive! I am in awe....
I like the plot so much! Do I know something about the enemies to something here?
I can sniff it and feel it coming!
Our guy doesn't know he's being favoured by a very well known artist. And he suddenly finds himself being trained under this artist. Such a previlege for him. Not only that he finds himself as the opponent of the much dangerously talented and beautiful granddaughter!
And it ended. Dang, volume 1. Volume 2, where are you???
January 9, 2022
[Thanks to Kodansha and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review]
Aoyama is a soul adrift, slowly getting by at college. Until a part-time job leads to him meeting with Shinoda, a famous painter whose medium is India-ink. Taken under Shinoda’s wing, Aoyama finds his passion for life again and maybe some other stuff besides…
Whoops. I picked this up thinking it was actually a BL title that I’d give a shot to, so imagine my surprise when Shinoda winds up being an elderly grandfather with a mischievous streak a mile wide.
Still, this turns out to be a delight of a book and a real discovery that might not displace Blue Period as the best art-based manga, but is still doing some great stuff. Maybe it’s just the nature of creatives appreciating creativity, but stories like these are often clearly written by people who love art and it shows.
Aoyama starts off as a bit of a nothing, living in a place as sparse as can be imagined, and that’s the point. He lucks into a bento box with Shinoda, which initially is the latter just being nice and soon turns into a tour of an art exhibition, where Aoyama is revealed to have a gift for interpretation.
Before we can blink, Aoyama is Shinoda’s apprentice, much to the chagrin of the latter’s granddaughter Chiaki. We are brought along as we learn, as I frequently put it, how the art-sausage is art-made. These parts are delightful - we see the way that Shinoda is drilling the fundamentals into Aoyama and the latter is no prodigy, he just has a gift that needs nurturing. The creation of ink has never been so interesting.
It’s impressive how well this book sells the appeal of black and white painting, even from something as simple as some plant leaves, as Aoyama gets subsumed into this world. We later learn why he might have been searching for something like this too, which is important.
There’s a very real, if slightly exaggerated, theme of how much of the artist is visible in their work, which lets Aoyama get a bead on Chiaki pretty quickly, but if he’s doing art, well, he might be letting some things out himself.
Of course, art is not the artist, and what makes this story so good is the characters and the art, not one or the other. Chiaki initially seems very tsundere, but she really isn’t - she just is who she is and she doesn’t know Aoyama from a hole in the ground. The meanest thing Chiaki says isn’t even directed at Aoyama and she makes that clear, which is a great turn for her. As they interact more she lets her guard down and can be herself more - what a concept!
It’s very plausible that this is all for Shinoda to set his granddaughter up. Some of the things that happen and the lessons Aoyama learns are invaluable to assisting Chiaki later and the way they work together for a live demonstration is almost a thing of beauty. Their future competitions promise a lot in these early moments.
There’s very little that I would say is bad here, honestly. There’s a revelation of another apprentice at the end, which feels like it’s out of a battle manga, but I’m not going to be particularly picky there until I read more of this.
4 stars - I really enjoyed this. I love creative enterprises about creativity itself, plus the conflicting styles and clashing personalities and a person overcoming their trauma. It’s all great fodder and I will 100% be watching to see where it goes.
Aoyama is a soul adrift, slowly getting by at college. Until a part-time job leads to him meeting with Shinoda, a famous painter whose medium is India-ink. Taken under Shinoda’s wing, Aoyama finds his passion for life again and maybe some other stuff besides…
Whoops. I picked this up thinking it was actually a BL title that I’d give a shot to, so imagine my surprise when Shinoda winds up being an elderly grandfather with a mischievous streak a mile wide.
Still, this turns out to be a delight of a book and a real discovery that might not displace Blue Period as the best art-based manga, but is still doing some great stuff. Maybe it’s just the nature of creatives appreciating creativity, but stories like these are often clearly written by people who love art and it shows.
Aoyama starts off as a bit of a nothing, living in a place as sparse as can be imagined, and that’s the point. He lucks into a bento box with Shinoda, which initially is the latter just being nice and soon turns into a tour of an art exhibition, where Aoyama is revealed to have a gift for interpretation.
Before we can blink, Aoyama is Shinoda’s apprentice, much to the chagrin of the latter’s granddaughter Chiaki. We are brought along as we learn, as I frequently put it, how the art-sausage is art-made. These parts are delightful - we see the way that Shinoda is drilling the fundamentals into Aoyama and the latter is no prodigy, he just has a gift that needs nurturing. The creation of ink has never been so interesting.
It’s impressive how well this book sells the appeal of black and white painting, even from something as simple as some plant leaves, as Aoyama gets subsumed into this world. We later learn why he might have been searching for something like this too, which is important.
There’s a very real, if slightly exaggerated, theme of how much of the artist is visible in their work, which lets Aoyama get a bead on Chiaki pretty quickly, but if he’s doing art, well, he might be letting some things out himself.
Of course, art is not the artist, and what makes this story so good is the characters and the art, not one or the other. Chiaki initially seems very tsundere, but she really isn’t - she just is who she is and she doesn’t know Aoyama from a hole in the ground. The meanest thing Chiaki says isn’t even directed at Aoyama and she makes that clear, which is a great turn for her. As they interact more she lets her guard down and can be herself more - what a concept!
It’s very plausible that this is all for Shinoda to set his granddaughter up. Some of the things that happen and the lessons Aoyama learns are invaluable to assisting Chiaki later and the way they work together for a live demonstration is almost a thing of beauty. Their future competitions promise a lot in these early moments.
There’s very little that I would say is bad here, honestly. There’s a revelation of another apprentice at the end, which feels like it’s out of a battle manga, but I’m not going to be particularly picky there until I read more of this.
4 stars - I really enjoyed this. I love creative enterprises about creativity itself, plus the conflicting styles and clashing personalities and a person overcoming their trauma. It’s all great fodder and I will 100% be watching to see where it goes.
February 9, 2022
Although The Lines that Define Me is about suiboku-ga, or traditional Japanese ink painting, that's really only the vehicle through which the characters express themselves. Aoyama, the protagonist, is clearly not doing well from the moment we meet him, setting up for an art exhibit - he's worryingly lightheaded as he heads for the door and definitely on the thin side. That catches the eye of grandfatherly Kozan Shinoda, a renowned ink painter, and he immediately takes the young man under his wing, feeding him and then taking him around the exhibit. At the end, he invites Aoyama to come study under him, and there's a sense that this is not just because Aoyama clearly has an eye for ink painting, but also because there's something very, very wrong in his life and Shinoda wants to help him.
The hints are beautifully sown throughout the obvious plot about Aoyama learning this traditional art. His empty apartment, his obsession with painting as he learns it, and his comment to Chiaki (Shinoda's granddaughter) that he has money he doesn't know what to do with all point to depression from a terrible experience. Chiaki and Shinoda's other apprentice do eventually notice it - as well as the fact that Aoyama plainly isn't eating enough; even though he has money, he seems to exist on cup noodles - but the old man saw it right from the start. He's been trying to help Aoyama learn to cope by stressing the meditational aspects of ink painting, but clearly Aoyama is still hurting.
The art, therefore, is an allegory for Aoyama's life. There is beauty in sadness, but that's only if you don't overdo it and let it take over, and that's what Aoyama needs to learn. As allegories go, this is a good one, and even if you don't think art is your thing, I highly recommend picking this up, because like all good art, it's true meaning is in the eyes of the beholder.
The hints are beautifully sown throughout the obvious plot about Aoyama learning this traditional art. His empty apartment, his obsession with painting as he learns it, and his comment to Chiaki (Shinoda's granddaughter) that he has money he doesn't know what to do with all point to depression from a terrible experience. Chiaki and Shinoda's other apprentice do eventually notice it - as well as the fact that Aoyama plainly isn't eating enough; even though he has money, he seems to exist on cup noodles - but the old man saw it right from the start. He's been trying to help Aoyama learn to cope by stressing the meditational aspects of ink painting, but clearly Aoyama is still hurting.
The art, therefore, is an allegory for Aoyama's life. There is beauty in sadness, but that's only if you don't overdo it and let it take over, and that's what Aoyama needs to learn. As allegories go, this is a good one, and even if you don't think art is your thing, I highly recommend picking this up, because like all good art, it's true meaning is in the eyes of the beholder.
June 11, 2022
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read and review this!
THE ENDING 💔 I ALMOST CRIED
Aoyama-Kun finds himself being toured an art gallery by a guy who is unknowingly an great ink paint artist. Then offers him an apprenticeship along with his granddaughter.
I usually stick to shoujo but I found myself really like this manga! I loved how it was drawn! I found really relating to aoyama, who really seems to struggle with self doubt. I also loved how quickly he grew to loving ink painting. I loved this manga so much it was so cute. I can’t wait to read the next one!!
Chiaki- HOT 🥵 I love her. Hates Aoyama and not at the same time.
Aoyama- sad boy, cutie
THE ENDING 💔 I ALMOST CRIED
Aoyama-Kun finds himself being toured an art gallery by a guy who is unknowingly an great ink paint artist. Then offers him an apprenticeship along with his granddaughter.
I usually stick to shoujo but I found myself really like this manga! I loved how it was drawn! I found really relating to aoyama, who really seems to struggle with self doubt. I also loved how quickly he grew to loving ink painting. I loved this manga so much it was so cute. I can’t wait to read the next one!!
Chiaki- HOT 🥵 I love her. Hates Aoyama and not at the same time.
Aoyama- sad boy, cutie
January 10, 2022
4.5, rounding up cause I thought it was cute
Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha for providing me with a free copy in return for an honest review!
A sweet but meaningful read and I feel more educated on ink-painting now! The beginning of this manga really hits hard, it establishes the main characters, the beauty of ink-painting, as well as begin the emotional heartbeat of the story. I really like how the characters are written - they grow as you read more, and you learn something new about them every chapter, and I love that they have depth to them and they're interesting. I can't wait to see how this manga plays out, and I want to continue following this story - as I want to unravel more about the characters as well as learn more about the beauty of the art. Also, the manga art is wonderful and is refreshing to see - the characters are beautiful and the ink art is just as pretty! It is a perfect slice of life manga that would work as a really good palate cleanser.
I'm not one for art analysis, and this manga really doesn't help me. What it does well in character depth, lacks in its analytical abilities - I don't get a good understanding of ink-painting, and it doesn't make me resonate with it. I still don't understand how Aoyama, Chiaki and Nishihama came to love ink-painting other than their mutual connection to Kozan-san - but that may be because I don't see the message behind ink-painting and its beauty will unravel with the manga.
Overall, it's a good read if you like slice of life mangas and would like a palate cleanser!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha for providing me with a free copy in return for an honest review!
A sweet but meaningful read and I feel more educated on ink-painting now! The beginning of this manga really hits hard, it establishes the main characters, the beauty of ink-painting, as well as begin the emotional heartbeat of the story. I really like how the characters are written - they grow as you read more, and you learn something new about them every chapter, and I love that they have depth to them and they're interesting. I can't wait to see how this manga plays out, and I want to continue following this story - as I want to unravel more about the characters as well as learn more about the beauty of the art. Also, the manga art is wonderful and is refreshing to see - the characters are beautiful and the ink art is just as pretty! It is a perfect slice of life manga that would work as a really good palate cleanser.
I'm not one for art analysis, and this manga really doesn't help me. What it does well in character depth, lacks in its analytical abilities - I don't get a good understanding of ink-painting, and it doesn't make me resonate with it. I still don't understand how Aoyama, Chiaki and Nishihama came to love ink-painting other than their mutual connection to Kozan-san - but that may be because I don't see the message behind ink-painting and its beauty will unravel with the manga.
Overall, it's a good read if you like slice of life mangas and would like a palate cleanser!
February 25, 2022
Thanks to Net Galley & Kodansha for the manga
The manga somehow educate me about traditional Japanese ink painting or also called as suiboku-ga. It begins with such emotional story and I enjoy reading it. It is not everyday you're able to learn something new and that's why I enjoy manga or books that able to educate me many sort of things, Putting aside that, the artstyle is so mesmerizing and I truly love it! This is such a gentle, wholesome and emotional manga for me.
The manga somehow educate me about traditional Japanese ink painting or also called as suiboku-ga. It begins with such emotional story and I enjoy reading it. It is not everyday you're able to learn something new and that's why I enjoy manga or books that able to educate me many sort of things, Putting aside that, the artstyle is so mesmerizing and I truly love it! This is such a gentle, wholesome and emotional manga for me.
January 19, 2022
Let’s face it, India-ink painting is not something we read about often—which is too bad—so doesn’t this look like the perfect chance to expand some knowledge on the topic? Something that could very well be more fascinating than you might anticipate!
The Lines that Define Me takes you to a wonderful journey where the characters don’t simply draw, but self-explore themselves through art. We can perceive their personality emerging from their ink paintings thanks to Sosuke’s views, so vivid and well explained that, in the end, it’s like looking at his clear vision more than the painting itself. Which is exactly what we are supposed to see since he gets both meanings and personalities behind each piece in such a perfect way. The strong and unexpected connection Sosuke finds with this art not only opens a new world to him, but it also opens the reader’s mind over quite an interesting subject. Also, the art style is so beautiful that sometimes simply staring at it can’t be helped. I’m in love!
A manga that most definitely catches your attention from the very firstbrush panel! Whether you are into arts or not, I would recommend you to read it, your curiosity will be sparked and your heart will be overwhelmed with lots of emotions. And the journey has just begun . . .
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for an honest review. This does not affect in any way my opinion of the book nor the content of my review—originally posted on Darkest Sins.
The Lines that Define Me takes you to a wonderful journey where the characters don’t simply draw, but self-explore themselves through art. We can perceive their personality emerging from their ink paintings thanks to Sosuke’s views, so vivid and well explained that, in the end, it’s like looking at his clear vision more than the painting itself. Which is exactly what we are supposed to see since he gets both meanings and personalities behind each piece in such a perfect way. The strong and unexpected connection Sosuke finds with this art not only opens a new world to him, but it also opens the reader’s mind over quite an interesting subject. Also, the art style is so beautiful that sometimes simply staring at it can’t be helped. I’m in love!
A manga that most definitely catches your attention from the very first
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for an honest review. This does not affect in any way my opinion of the book nor the content of my review—originally posted on Darkest Sins.
January 22, 2022
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the beginning of a wonderful series, I just know it.
One: it's beautifully drawn.
Two: it lovingly details an aspect of Japanese culture. It reminds me of Chihayafuru in that way, except that instead of karuta, the characters work with suiboku-ga (sumi-e) or ink painting. However, there is still a little spirit of competition in this that's sure to come up later.
Three: This is going to be heart-wrenching and meaningful. I get the sense from this first manga that this will be a deeply emotional series. It will pair well with the art being discussed.
I will also say that I love that ink painting is being shown in a manga. It's a wonderful contrast and comparison between the two mediums.
I recommend this series for anyone who enjoyed Chihayafuru and Shigatsu wa kimi no uso.
This is the beginning of a wonderful series, I just know it.
One: it's beautifully drawn.
Two: it lovingly details an aspect of Japanese culture. It reminds me of Chihayafuru in that way, except that instead of karuta, the characters work with suiboku-ga (sumi-e) or ink painting. However, there is still a little spirit of competition in this that's sure to come up later.
Three: This is going to be heart-wrenching and meaningful. I get the sense from this first manga that this will be a deeply emotional series. It will pair well with the art being discussed.
I will also say that I love that ink painting is being shown in a manga. It's a wonderful contrast and comparison between the two mediums.
I recommend this series for anyone who enjoyed Chihayafuru and Shigatsu wa kimi no uso.
January 14, 2022
5/5 stars
I received an ARC of this manga, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Aoyama is an ordinary college kid. One day, he helps set up an exhibit when he's stopped by an elderly man. The man walks him around the exhibit, asking for his thoughts. Aoyama later finds out the man is a famous ink painter. The man invites Aoyama into the world of ink painting. A total beginner, Aoyama is unsure of himself, especially since many others would love to have the opportunity to work with the famous artist.
If I had to describe this manga in three words, I would choose gentle, beautiful, and wholesome. The art is really well done (including the illustrations of the ink paintings!) We don't know a lot about any of the characters yet, but I love that their personalities are reflected in their art. Aoyama, in particular, is a character I want to know more about!
This volume is enough to draw you in without giving away much of the story. The ending of this volume has me curious about what direction this manga will go in; I do suspect that we might get some enemies-to-lovers romance though.
Other readers have compared this to Blue Period, but I can't say anything since I have not read that series. This manga is about ink painting, though it doesn't come across like a textbook or info dump. I really enjoyed all the ink painting scenes!
I recommend this to slice of life and art fans!
Content: clean
I received an ARC of this manga, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Aoyama is an ordinary college kid. One day, he helps set up an exhibit when he's stopped by an elderly man. The man walks him around the exhibit, asking for his thoughts. Aoyama later finds out the man is a famous ink painter. The man invites Aoyama into the world of ink painting. A total beginner, Aoyama is unsure of himself, especially since many others would love to have the opportunity to work with the famous artist.
If I had to describe this manga in three words, I would choose gentle, beautiful, and wholesome. The art is really well done (including the illustrations of the ink paintings!) We don't know a lot about any of the characters yet, but I love that their personalities are reflected in their art. Aoyama, in particular, is a character I want to know more about!
This volume is enough to draw you in without giving away much of the story. The ending of this volume has me curious about what direction this manga will go in; I do suspect that we might get some enemies-to-lovers romance though.
Other readers have compared this to Blue Period, but I can't say anything since I have not read that series. This manga is about ink painting, though it doesn't come across like a textbook or info dump. I really enjoyed all the ink painting scenes!
I recommend this to slice of life and art fans!
Content: clean
January 12, 2022
Rating: 4.5/5
Review:
I am in true awe of this book, and I so desperately want to keep reading and fully immerse myself in this world. It starts off with Aoyama working to set up an exhibition for Ink paintings, and after that, he runs into this old man who offers him food and show him around the exhibition. After walking around and the old man asking for Aoyama’s opinions on the pieces, he’s shocked to see that Aoyama has an eye for paintings, and immediately becomes intrigued. Turns out that the old man was a famous ink painter himself and decided to take Aoyama in as a pupil to teach him the ways of ink painting.
I became immediately intrigued by this story and captivated by the drawing style of the author as well as the progression of the story. You see these two very different people who are put to compete against each other and see them slowly become friends, and see the hardship each one went through. Chiaki is more hardheaded and defensive than Aoyama, but you can tell she is constantly seeing the approval of her famous grandfather. As for Aoyama, being introduced to ink painting helped him in his loneliness. Overall, I loved the story and cannot wait to keep reading it.
A big thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Review:
I am in true awe of this book, and I so desperately want to keep reading and fully immerse myself in this world. It starts off with Aoyama working to set up an exhibition for Ink paintings, and after that, he runs into this old man who offers him food and show him around the exhibition. After walking around and the old man asking for Aoyama’s opinions on the pieces, he’s shocked to see that Aoyama has an eye for paintings, and immediately becomes intrigued. Turns out that the old man was a famous ink painter himself and decided to take Aoyama in as a pupil to teach him the ways of ink painting.
I became immediately intrigued by this story and captivated by the drawing style of the author as well as the progression of the story. You see these two very different people who are put to compete against each other and see them slowly become friends, and see the hardship each one went through. Chiaki is more hardheaded and defensive than Aoyama, but you can tell she is constantly seeing the approval of her famous grandfather. As for Aoyama, being introduced to ink painting helped him in his loneliness. Overall, I loved the story and cannot wait to keep reading it.
A big thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
September 16, 2022
Lord, this manga was actually SUPER good!
I didn't know what to expect, but I came out just tearing up and I have tears welled up as I am writing this review.
Personal Ratings : 4.5🌟
The Lines That Define Me tells the story of Aoyama and his encounter with an odd old man during his part time work. It turned out that the old man was actually a great ink artist, and that he took him in as his apprentice, in dues in how he appreciated the art. Its a journey of self-relevation, and showed how loneliness can be cured in the form of art ; an art which is also a form of culture cultivation. Moving and definitely made me moved reading it.
Personal Thoughts
Lord, this manga is super good. Its philosophical and it showed the loneliness of a boy, somehow cured by the art that he's somehow good at. Aoyama is such an interesting character, and he somehow reminded me of the characters from Kono Oto Tomare, where music became a source of escapism for them, and for this manga, its ink art, which is a form of traditional art that is instilled to create something beautiful , in sorts of what calligraphy is.
I loved this manga. It caught me by surprise. It showed how a person with a deep cut and trauma in their past makes one of the best arts and there's a difference in appreciating art and just admiring them from afar. Aoyama has a discern eye, and because of his pain, he somewhat understood the basis of becoming an ink artist. I loved his journey, and I loved his philosophies and I loved how kind he is. Honestly, I just wanted to hug him.
The mangaka did a great job in creating a plotline and a story that is moving and caught my heart. Its an appreciation of a form of art that is not practiced as much ,
I didn't know what to expect, but I came out just tearing up and I have tears welled up as I am writing this review.
Personal Ratings : 4.5🌟
The Lines That Define Me tells the story of Aoyama and his encounter with an odd old man during his part time work. It turned out that the old man was actually a great ink artist, and that he took him in as his apprentice, in dues in how he appreciated the art. Its a journey of self-relevation, and showed how loneliness can be cured in the form of art ; an art which is also a form of culture cultivation. Moving and definitely made me moved reading it.
Personal Thoughts
Lord, this manga is super good. Its philosophical and it showed the loneliness of a boy, somehow cured by the art that he's somehow good at. Aoyama is such an interesting character, and he somehow reminded me of the characters from Kono Oto Tomare, where music became a source of escapism for them, and for this manga, its ink art, which is a form of traditional art that is instilled to create something beautiful , in sorts of what calligraphy is.
I loved this manga. It caught me by surprise. It showed how a person with a deep cut and trauma in their past makes one of the best arts and there's a difference in appreciating art and just admiring them from afar. Aoyama has a discern eye, and because of his pain, he somewhat understood the basis of becoming an ink artist. I loved his journey, and I loved his philosophies and I loved how kind he is. Honestly, I just wanted to hug him.
The mangaka did a great job in creating a plotline and a story that is moving and caught my heart. Its an appreciation of a form of art that is not practiced as much ,
January 15, 2022
The art alone is worth the read.
This book took me by surprise. I don't know what I expected from a series focused on ink paintings, but like the students in the middle portion, I was captivated once it unfolded. I have so much hope and expectations for this book that it makes it a little hard to talk about, nevertheless, I will try.
Aoyama is a college student who, while working at a part-time job, meets a strange old man who feeds him and walks him through an ink painting exhibit. The old man, impressed with Aoyama's instinctual insight and analysis of the genre, offers him an apprenticeship. It turns out, the old man is actually a famous ink painter who wants to train Aoyama to be the ink painter to rival his granddaughter, Chiaki.
What I love about this series so far, besides the beautiful art, is how the narrative is similar in structure to a typical shonen sports manga. The main character is a talented ingenue with a unique insight that adds to their field, the rival is a veteran with a physical or psychological problem preventing them from being the very best, and both are brought together by a love of the game/art and unite against a common enemy pushing each other to be the best versions of themselves along the way.
It has art, the hint of romance, and tropes I love. I can't wait to see what happens next.
This book took me by surprise. I don't know what I expected from a series focused on ink paintings, but like the students in the middle portion, I was captivated once it unfolded. I have so much hope and expectations for this book that it makes it a little hard to talk about, nevertheless, I will try.
Aoyama is a college student who, while working at a part-time job, meets a strange old man who feeds him and walks him through an ink painting exhibit. The old man, impressed with Aoyama's instinctual insight and analysis of the genre, offers him an apprenticeship. It turns out, the old man is actually a famous ink painter who wants to train Aoyama to be the ink painter to rival his granddaughter, Chiaki.
What I love about this series so far, besides the beautiful art, is how the narrative is similar in structure to a typical shonen sports manga. The main character is a talented ingenue with a unique insight that adds to their field, the rival is a veteran with a physical or psychological problem preventing them from being the very best, and both are brought together by a love of the game/art and unite against a common enemy pushing each other to be the best versions of themselves along the way.
It has art, the hint of romance, and tropes I love. I can't wait to see what happens next.
January 15, 2022
Sosuke Aoyama is a college student out to help his fellow friend in a part time job until an old man unexpectedly greets him into an art exhibition and takes him from one to one painting asking his opinion on each.
Suddenly the guards enter the gallery and greets the old man and our protagonist comes to know that the old man is the greatest suibokuga artist, Kozan Shinoda, himself. Shinoda brings Sosuke into the world of Ink painting and eventually he finds connection with the art and Shinoda.
Suddenly the guards enter the gallery and greets the old man and our protagonist comes to know that the old man is the greatest suibokuga artist, Kozan Shinoda, himself. Shinoda brings Sosuke into the world of Ink painting and eventually he finds connection with the art and Shinoda.
February 1, 2022
Story: The premise of the story intrigued me just talking about art. But when I just saw the ink art I immediately was sucked in. I wanted to do ink art for quite some time now and this just reminded me I should pick it up. Also the way he got into art through this exhibition was beautiful. My first exhibition I visited when I was to japan was a calligraphy exhibition and had a similar feeling.
The story and especially the start gave me the vibes of a slice of life comedy but it's starting transform into drama as well. I like the premise and how it's developing and I'm excited to see the further character growth in this manga. If you like art manga like Blue period or crayon days, I would recommend this. Also the granddad is hilarious.
5/5
Art: The main art style is nice but not something that stands out, but as it is an art manga it leveled the overall image of the manga up for me. The ink paintings were beautiful and I could totally imagine and feel what Aoyama said about the paintings. I think the art style conveys everything you need.
4.5/5
The story and especially the start gave me the vibes of a slice of life comedy but it's starting transform into drama as well. I like the premise and how it's developing and I'm excited to see the further character growth in this manga. If you like art manga like Blue period or crayon days, I would recommend this. Also the granddad is hilarious.
5/5
Art: The main art style is nice but not something that stands out, but as it is an art manga it leveled the overall image of the manga up for me. The ink paintings were beautiful and I could totally imagine and feel what Aoyama said about the paintings. I think the art style conveys everything you need.
4.5/5
January 9, 2022
*Thank you NetGalley for giving me an early copy of this in exchange for an honest review*
I very rarely give five stars to a first volume of a manga series, especially one that I am going into completely blind. This is the exception.
I was absolutely blown away by the art in this first volume. Each panel was gorgeous.
The overall story of this first volume was very endearing. I felt like the characters were well realized. It really only focused on three main characters so each character was very fleshed out for a first volume. The ending was heartbreaking and I want to see where these characters go in the future.
I very rarely give five stars to a first volume of a manga series, especially one that I am going into completely blind. This is the exception.
I was absolutely blown away by the art in this first volume. Each panel was gorgeous.
The overall story of this first volume was very endearing. I felt like the characters were well realized. It really only focused on three main characters so each character was very fleshed out for a first volume. The ending was heartbreaking and I want to see where these characters go in the future.
January 19, 2022
The Lines that Define Me is a story about a college student, Aoyama Sosuke gets introduced to the art of Ink Painting by a world-renowned ink master, Kozan Shinoda. He gets taken in as the newest apprentice and from then, Aoyama meets Kozan’s granddaughter and fellow ink artist, Chiaki.
Firstly, thank you to NetGalley and to Kodansha publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this manga in exchange for an honest review.
I can already tell that this manga is gonna be one of those heart-wrenching stories. The art is so well done that I could feel the atmosphere and the emotion the artist and the author is trying to convey. Japanese culture has always had a special place in my heart and I am so happy to be introduced to another piece of Japan. The art was just mesmerizing. It is also so remarkable that the manga artist was able to convey so much emotion through the panels while Aoyama is also figuring out how to express feelings onto ink painting.
I honestly cannot wait for the second volume. I want to continue being a part of Aoyama’s and Chiaki’s journey of ink painting. There is so much more to learn about Aoyama’s past and I am looking forward to seeing his growth not just as an artist but as a person.
Firstly, thank you to NetGalley and to Kodansha publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this manga in exchange for an honest review.
I can already tell that this manga is gonna be one of those heart-wrenching stories. The art is so well done that I could feel the atmosphere and the emotion the artist and the author is trying to convey. Japanese culture has always had a special place in my heart and I am so happy to be introduced to another piece of Japan. The art was just mesmerizing. It is also so remarkable that the manga artist was able to convey so much emotion through the panels while Aoyama is also figuring out how to express feelings onto ink painting.
I honestly cannot wait for the second volume. I want to continue being a part of Aoyama’s and Chiaki’s journey of ink painting. There is so much more to learn about Aoyama’s past and I am looking forward to seeing his growth not just as an artist but as a person.
January 14, 2022
The Lines that Define Me may be one of the most beautiful manga works that I have read in a long time. Artist journeys seem to be a popular trend in manga recently, but I am absolutely loving it. You might compare this story to Blue Period, but it solidly stands on its own and takes on a different focus. The protagonist is thrust into the world of ink painting when he happens to impress a famous artist who decides to take him on as an apprentice.
The art in this manga complements the subject of ink painting very well. The art isn’t flashy. There is a quiet, subtle aspect to it. The characters and the limited use of background art show a deep appreciation for and connection to the subject matter. We learn early on that negative space is an important aspect of ink painting, so if you pay attention to the way negative space is used throughout the manga panels, it reveals so much about the characters without any dialogue. Masterfully done visual storytelling.
I am absolutely going to be buying a physical copy of this manga, and am very interested in reading more as new volumes are released.
The art in this manga complements the subject of ink painting very well. The art isn’t flashy. There is a quiet, subtle aspect to it. The characters and the limited use of background art show a deep appreciation for and connection to the subject matter. We learn early on that negative space is an important aspect of ink painting, so if you pay attention to the way negative space is used throughout the manga panels, it reveals so much about the characters without any dialogue. Masterfully done visual storytelling.
I am absolutely going to be buying a physical copy of this manga, and am very interested in reading more as new volumes are released.
Read
May 12, 2023THE ENDING 💔 I ALMOST CRIED
Aoyama-Kun finds himself being toured an art gallery by a guy who is unknowingly an great ink paint artist. Then offers him an apprenticeship along with his granddaughter.
I usually stick to shoujo but I found myself really like this manga! I loved how it was drawn! I found really relating to aoyama, who really seems to struggle with self doubt. I also loved how quickly he grew to loving ink painting. I loved this manga so much it was so cute. I can’t wait to read the next one!!
Chiaki- HOT 🥵 I love her. Hates Aoyama and not at the same time.
Aoyama- sad boy, cutie
Aoyama-Kun finds himself being toured an art gallery by a guy who is unknowingly an great ink paint artist. Then offers him an apprenticeship along with his granddaughter.
I usually stick to shoujo but I found myself really like this manga! I loved how it was drawn! I found really relating to aoyama, who really seems to struggle with self doubt. I also loved how quickly he grew to loving ink painting. I loved this manga so much it was so cute. I can’t wait to read the next one!!
Chiaki- HOT 🥵 I love her. Hates Aoyama and not at the same time.
Aoyama- sad boy, cutie
January 10, 2022
I was allowed to review another of Kodansha's titles and, again, this manga was really good. The story follows the life of Sosuke Aoyama, a college student who, one day, meets Kozan Shinoda, a famous ink-painter. From then, Shinoda-san sees something in Sosuke that Sosuke himself doesn't seem to catch, but this little something brings him to take Sosuke as his apprentice and dream about him winning the Kozan award, one of the most prestigious awards given to the best ink-painters. On this same path is Kozan's granddaughter, Chiaka, also an ink-painter. When Chiaka has grown to master ink-painting since a young age, Sosuke knows nothing about it. But Kozan is sure he is going to beat her granddaughter and win the competition. But is this award the only thing to win in Sosuke's learning, or is there something more?
There are those mangas that simply make you have a good time, experience things you haven't had the chance to live yet, or those which you'll never be able to live once in your life, but there are also those mangas that make you ponder over things in life. These are mangas that are full of life lessons, and I believe these are the most precious ones. The Lines that Define Me is a very simple manga—the story is pretty trivial: two people coincidentally meet and happen to have things in common. But there is something in this manga that is simply beautiful and which makes it so important. At least, that's what I felt. Not only were the drawings beautiful, the plot as well was wonderfully written and captivating.
For young writers or writers in general, who know how important a word is in a sentence, I think this story will speak to us all. It shows the value of each little thing we do, as a simple line, and what is hidden behind it. Of course, some might be more important than others but, in the end, there are those people in our lives that will appear and see these things in us that are not even visible to us. This manga was about all that. I think that is the reason why I liked it so much.
I really liked the main character, Sosuke Aoyama. I've found that he was a bit different to all those male protagonists manga-lovers usually find in shojos. Now, I wouldn't say The Lines that Define Me is a shojo, perhaps a seinen, but there surely is some romance coming soon. And Sosuke shows more vulnerability than the male characters I have recently read about. Chiaka, on the contrary, is full of anger and passion for what she does, to the point she seems easily frustrated when she doesn't create what she imagines in her head—this also leads her to blame others, like Sosuke. But, deep down, she is someone who cares and who has 'to be tamed', not in the sense of being controlled, but of being known better. She doesn't give her trust easily, especially when it comes to ink-painting, for instance. As for her grandfather, Kozan Shinoda, I think he was cute since the beginning! I'm really curious to see how he is going to help Sosuke find himself and become happier with himself.
So, on the whole, I would definitely recommend this manga. I think that, even though it is not a genre/the type of story manga-lovers often read, I can see people loving this story. It made me think of some famous other titles, like Chihayafuru or some Ghibli studio's movies. On my part, I loved it and I would be very keen to continue this story soon.
Thank you so much Netgalley and Kodansha for the opportunity to review this title!
There are those mangas that simply make you have a good time, experience things you haven't had the chance to live yet, or those which you'll never be able to live once in your life, but there are also those mangas that make you ponder over things in life. These are mangas that are full of life lessons, and I believe these are the most precious ones. The Lines that Define Me is a very simple manga—the story is pretty trivial: two people coincidentally meet and happen to have things in common. But there is something in this manga that is simply beautiful and which makes it so important. At least, that's what I felt. Not only were the drawings beautiful, the plot as well was wonderfully written and captivating.
For young writers or writers in general, who know how important a word is in a sentence, I think this story will speak to us all. It shows the value of each little thing we do, as a simple line, and what is hidden behind it. Of course, some might be more important than others but, in the end, there are those people in our lives that will appear and see these things in us that are not even visible to us. This manga was about all that. I think that is the reason why I liked it so much.
I really liked the main character, Sosuke Aoyama. I've found that he was a bit different to all those male protagonists manga-lovers usually find in shojos. Now, I wouldn't say The Lines that Define Me is a shojo, perhaps a seinen, but there surely is some romance coming soon. And Sosuke shows more vulnerability than the male characters I have recently read about. Chiaka, on the contrary, is full of anger and passion for what she does, to the point she seems easily frustrated when she doesn't create what she imagines in her head—this also leads her to blame others, like Sosuke. But, deep down, she is someone who cares and who has 'to be tamed', not in the sense of being controlled, but of being known better. She doesn't give her trust easily, especially when it comes to ink-painting, for instance. As for her grandfather, Kozan Shinoda, I think he was cute since the beginning! I'm really curious to see how he is going to help Sosuke find himself and become happier with himself.
So, on the whole, I would definitely recommend this manga. I think that, even though it is not a genre/the type of story manga-lovers often read, I can see people loving this story. It made me think of some famous other titles, like Chihayafuru or some Ghibli studio's movies. On my part, I loved it and I would be very keen to continue this story soon.
Thank you so much Netgalley and Kodansha for the opportunity to review this title!
January 22, 2022
A promising start to touching story about loss and art. This reminded me of a mixture between March comes in like a lion and also Blue Period. Sosuke Aoyama, our main character, is seemingly uninterested in life until he meets a mysterious older man, Kozan Shinoda, who invites him into the world of ink painting. There, he finds himself unwelcome by the Shinoda-sensei's granddaughter, another painter who seeks to be recognized by him. I will admit the first few chapters were a little slow for me, but as Aoyama-kun is sucked further into the ink painting world, the story picks up. By the end of this first volume, I'm invested in the characters and curious to know what the next volume holds!
February 2, 2022
I received a copy of this manga through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
What can I say to show how much I loved this manga!? I did not expect it to be this amazing but here we are…😅
This is such a beautiful story, the art is just gorgeous. The characters are highly lovable, especially the old master of ink paintings. The scenes with his wise and witty remarks are priceless. Aoyama is such a sweet and pure character with a sad past. I even like Chiaki who is tough on the outside but who actually has a kind heart.😊😊
Why do I get a vibe that Aoyama is actually a girl? Am I delusional? 🤔
What can I say to show how much I loved this manga!? I did not expect it to be this amazing but here we are…😅
This is such a beautiful story, the art is just gorgeous. The characters are highly lovable, especially the old master of ink paintings. The scenes with his wise and witty remarks are priceless. Aoyama is such a sweet and pure character with a sad past. I even like Chiaki who is tough on the outside but who actually has a kind heart.😊😊
Why do I get a vibe that Aoyama is actually a girl? Am I delusional? 🤔
February 5, 2022
3.5⭐
The Lines That Define Me follows a youth whose lonely existence is forever changed when he crosses paths with a famous ink painter and his granddaughter.
This volume is centered on the protagonist discovering a passion for painting and his blossoming friendship with a potential love interest. It's largely character-driven so not much is happening yet, but I really like the tone and direction of the manga.
With such a solid and promising pilot, I feel like this will be an immensely beautiful read. Can't wait to see where the rest of the series goes and what happens next.
The Lines That Define Me follows a youth whose lonely existence is forever changed when he crosses paths with a famous ink painter and his granddaughter.
This volume is centered on the protagonist discovering a passion for painting and his blossoming friendship with a potential love interest. It's largely character-driven so not much is happening yet, but I really like the tone and direction of the manga.
With such a solid and promising pilot, I feel like this will be an immensely beautiful read. Can't wait to see where the rest of the series goes and what happens next.
January 20, 2022
“The Lines That Define Me” is a lovely Manga. Having read “Blue Period” this too I find artistically that it brings art into a light, that inspires others on how emotion can be expressed. I love the flow of the story, and the character’s progression not only with art, but also the small changes to themselves. There isn’t a fast pace to the change, but enough that, I want to know more, and see the characters succeed, and become their full potential. I would definitely check this manga out, especially if you want to dive into a great story! (Thank you to NetGalley, and the Publisher)
January 20, 2022
“The Lines That Define Me” is a lovely Manga. Having read “Blue Period” this too I find artistically that it brings art into a light, that inspires others on how emotion can be expressed. I love the flow of the story, and the character’s progression not only with art, but also the small changes to themselves. There isn’t a fast pace to the change, but enough that, I want to know more, and see the characters succeed, and become their full potential. I would definitely check this manga out, especially if you want to dive into a great story! (Thank you to NetGalley, and the Publisher)
January 21, 2022
A brand new and refreshing series about chance encounters that lead to a less lonely life. When Aoyama meets Kozan Shinoda his life will never be the same and his journey in ink painting has just begun. A stand out first volume that draws you in to the characters as well as the ink paintings.
January 22, 2022
A really cute manga!
It's different from any other manga I've read, and I love that!
The story feels a bit rushed in places though, so it isn't a full 5star for me.
4,5⭐⭐⭐⭐🌟
Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha for the ARC of this.
It's different from any other manga I've read, and I love that!
The story feels a bit rushed in places though, so it isn't a full 5star for me.
4,5⭐⭐⭐⭐🌟
Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha for the ARC of this.
May 2, 2024
A lonely university student's world changes when he meets a famous ink painter. I'm here for the emotional pull and the beautiful art style. I will definitely read more.
January 12, 2022
I would like to thank Kodansha and Netgalley for giving me this arc in exchange for an honest review. This is about a young man who is kind of adrift in life till he meets a famous painter who specialises in ink painting amd it unlocks something within him. First of all, i'm not an expert on art but i think the art in this manga was so beautiful. I related to the protagonist and i am looking forward to learning more about him in the later volumes and i also think that the supporting characters are definitely interesting as well. This is the second manga i've read which focuses on art, the first being blue period. This manga focuses on ink painting and i got the basics but it doesn't really go all out to give details on how ink painting is done or its history and i think people wilm appreciate the fact that it's not so iinfo dumpy in that aspect. It's probably preserving that for later volumes and rather focuses on the characters for now. I really loved it and i cannot wait for the later volumes.
January 21, 2022
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I enjoyed everything about this manga. The story, the characters, and the art style all worked together to create a story that left me wanting more. I can't wait to read the second Volume!
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