Thank you to the person (I have forgotten your name! Sorry!) that said the Fangirl novel by Rainbow Rowell would work for the cbr16bingo Fanfic category! I knew that I could probably read that as it is a young adult and I like young adult reads, so win-win! However, while looking for it, I found that it comes in a manga format as well. I like graphic novels, but manga is not really my go-to choice. But I want to read more manga and this seemed like a good way to get my last category and finish that self-goal.
Fangirl, Vol. 1: The Manga adapted by Sam Maggs is an experience. I am not sure I will go onto the novel, but I might find the next three volumes in the manga. Cath is a nice enough character, but I am not really loving any of the people in her social circle. I am luke warm with everyone at best. The use of Fan Fiction to represent the fantasy needs of our main character is interesting. This allows the coming of age/college/drifting apart from your best friend/twin/sister to be fresh. However, we know this story and that gives a comfort factor. A lot is introduced in this first volume (Cath and her sister Wren, their father, their mother, the social differences between the twins, roommates, the fanfiction escapism and the writing with Nick (a character to meet later) and we see “Hottie McHottie” boys…uh… more than boys. Wonders what a year does for them….).
I am assuming the illustrations by Gabi Nam are in a mix of manga and manhwa (a Korean genre of comic books and graphic novels with female lead characters in manhwa tending to be strong) styles. The black and white illustrations are good, allowing you to “fill in blanks” to make it more relatable to your own personal experiences and/or needs. The reading from left to right in a more traditional Western way allows you to read quickly, instead of the traditional manga (right to left/specific pattern) style of reading.
And this should make my final Bingo!