Sakura Discord is an interesting series to study, both in its good aspects and its flawed ones.
The series is admittedly a bit tedious to read at times: dramatic moments often feel forced, there's a crippling overuse of Inner Monologues, and even the dialogue is often too abstract, "static" and/or repetitive to be compelling.
However... Damn, Masuda knows how to create an atmosphere, whether unsettling, nostalgic or optimistic. Some pages are plain gorgeous. The character interactions in lighter moments are also great, although the facial expressions aren't nearly as diverse as in his next series. The ending, while nothing extraordinary story-wise, has just the right balance of all those elements.
Overall, the series has positive messages about accepting yourself, growing up and finding your place − all recurring themes of the author. It just feels like it doesn't really know how to convey them convincingly at times. But in both its comedy and, yes, its drama, it sets some foundations upon which Jitsu wa Watashi wa would later improve tremendously.
While Sakura Discord is not incredibly memorable, it's still has a unique touch and atmosphere (in great part thanks to the art) that distinguishes it from your typical romcom, and it's worth a read at least for that, I think.
Manga A good story with an awkward execution
Sakura Discord is an interesting series to study, both in its good aspects and its flawed ones.
The series is admittedly a bit tedious to read at times: dramatic moments often feel forced, there's a crippling overuse of Inner Monologues, and even the dialogue is often too abstract, "static" and/or repetitive to be compelling.
However... Damn, Masuda knows how to create an atmosphere, whether unsettling, nostalgic or optimistic. Some pages are plain gorgeous. The character interactions in lighter moments are also great, although the facial expressions aren't nearly as diverse as in his next series. The ending, while nothing extraordinary story-wise, has just the right balance of all those elements.
Overall, the series has positive messages about accepting yourself, growing up and finding your place − all recurring themes of the author. It just feels like it doesn't really know how to convey them convincingly at times. But in both its comedy and, yes, its drama, it sets some foundations upon which Jitsu wa Watashi wa would later improve tremendously.
While Sakura Discord is not incredibly memorable, it's still has a unique touch and atmosphere (in great part thanks to the art) that distinguishes it from your typical romcom, and it's worth a read at least for that, I think.