Nana is a masterpiece that gives the reader/watcher a rollercoaster of emotions. Ai Yazawa creates a world with amazing character writing and portrays relationships and the dynamics between the characters in a way that make the characters feel connected with the reader and by extension support along the way. The dynamic between the two main female leads despite their contrasting backgrounds and personalities is interesting. Nana prides itself in its character development and how the actions and motivations of the characters seem so real. Many plot points might not turn out the way you expect it and many its many plot twists will break its reader.
The show is much more that what the synopsis entails and contains many sophisticated and intricate plot lines. As the synopsis states The two girls with the same name but very different aspirations find themselves sitting together on their journey to the city and as fate would have it eventually share the same apartment. A deep and unique bond is then forged where they will support each other in this saga of love music friendship and heartbreak. The character designs are unique and may not be for everyone but it is not a flaw by any means. The only flaw that this masterpiece will have is that its manga may never continue ever again.
Art: 6/10
This is not the mangas strong point by far. There are many better in this aspect however someone could argue that some characters look good. Nana Osakis look is certainly unique among other female leads in the medium. There is a good variety in their designs but that is the most one could ever say about them.
Characters: 9.5/10
As stated earlier the characters and their motivations are what made this manga amazing. Whether you like some of them or not the dynamics their varying personalities create are amazing. Nothing more needs to be said one of the best casts in manga or anime by extension. Nana Osaki is independent and strong willed while Hachi is your typical sweet and naive girl protagonist. The male characters do not pale in comparison as well with Nobuo and Ren being amazing characters in their own right.
Overall: 9/10
It was overall an amazing read and I highly recommend it to fans of the genre as well to those who have only seen the anime adaptation of this manga. On the other hand I would not recommend this to people who expect a lighthearted romance with a simple yet sweet storyline.
Personally I prefer the manga over the anime counterpart. The anime is amazing in its own right but the manga portrayed the themes in a much better way in my eyes. Ai Yazawa proves herself as one of the best mangakas with Nana alongside another of her works Paradise Kiss which I also highly recommend to people who especially like Nana like myself.
90
/100