God Tells Lies by Kaori Ozaki

Its so freaking hot! How did humanity survive before electric fans and air conditioners? There are times when I think I was born in the wrong time but not in summer when I can be cool even though its 110 degrees outside.

God Tells Lies (Kamisama ga Uso o Tsuku) by Kaori Ozaki 

Art and story (c) Kaori Ozaki

Genre: Seinen, Slice of Life
Length: One Volume – 5 Chapters

           This manga very much has the simplistic look that is popular right now; smooth lines and long limbs. This example is very well done art wise, and though the eyes initially seem plain they hold lots of emotion. Plenty of variation in the face, eye, and hair styles. The backgrounds are there as well, I honestly didn't even notice when they were blank. The clothes are basically plain, but they fit well on the figures and have excellent movement. Not terribly eye catching, but it doesn't have to be, its the story that hooks you instantly after all.
            Natsuru is a kind of awkward, so when he refused the most popular girl in class because he was embarrassed he found himself snubbed by the other girls. He didn't mind that much though, because his real interest is in playing soccer. Then a new coach takes over his team and he just can't get along with the man. Unsure how to explain himself to his mother, he keeps his trouble to himself. On impulse Natsuru skips summer soccer camp, and ends up staying with his classmate, Rio, who he had left an abandoned cat with when

he couldn't leave it alone. Her and her brother seem a little strange, and something about

Worst coach ever, btw.

their house seems strange.
           This is a touching story of love set in the summer of 6th grade. Two kids becoming a family through adversity. Its nice finding a slice of life manga like this one. The slow pace really makes the day to day stand out, and the feelings hit true right from the beginning. Seeing the two main characters do their best despite both being lonely in their own ways makes you root for them, and of course as they get closer when things fall apart seeing how they cope is heartbreaking. I'm not going to say this manga has a satisfying ending, but it is practical, just like the rest of the manga. The whole thing feels pretty realistic, and that just drags you in further. I may have teared up a little, which is a lot for me, and I suspect, had the mood been right I might have full on cried. I don't really want to give any details away for this manga because the way it is written draws you along so easily, its a short one so even if it may sound generic, give it a try. This one volume could be a whole movie, its so good. Its a good summer story, one that will stick with you.


5/5 Emotionally on point.