Downfall

Downfall is a bitter, honest story about a manga artist whose world is falling apart. His first series has just ended, he has no idea how to start the next one, his marriage is breaking up, and the cruel reality of the industry has destroyed his pure love of manga. He searches for a secret formula that will guarantee a hit, convinced that the right combination will fix everything. The story is unflinching and often uncomfortable, and it gives a candid view of how the business grinds down its creators. The spare art fits the mood. The honest cons: the mood is bleak throughout, and the short run can feel abrupt as the story ends without much resolution. Some readers may find the protagonist hard to sympathise with. Still, it is a thoughtful, sobering read for anyone who has ever wondered what creative work costs. If you enjoy honest stories about burnout, this is worth reading.