& (And) by Okazaki Mari is a story that may not resonate with everyone. To put it simply, its narrative is one that might leave some readers feeling confused. Writing a spoiler-free review for it, however, is quite the challenge. Art – 10/10 Let’s get straight to the point. I had my doubts about the art style initially, wondering if the quality might dip over time. Fortunately, it never did. The composition of the panels, with their unique and eye-catching juxtapositions, consistently impressed me. The character designs were easy on the eyes and never overstimulating. Small details, like the backgrounds and the depiction of tears, were beautifullyrendered, adding a lot of emotional depth to the scenes.

No details is wasted, down to how often the plants are used in some pannels until it becomes clear why they hold such an importance.

The intimate nature of sexual scenes felt incredibly personal and restrained, never crossing into the realms of being overly obscene or grotesque. It was clear that these moments were crafted from Kaoru’s perspective, enhancing the authenticity of the experience.

The only real issue I had was occasionally struggling to discern who was speaking due to some awkward speech bubble placements. However, I won’t deduct any points for this, as it could very well be a translation issue.

Character Writing and Storytelling – 9/10

Nobody in this story is without flaws, and that’s one of its greatest strengths. While Kaoru might initially appear to be a “Mary Sue” like character, it quickly becomes apparent from the other characters’ perspectives that she is far from perfect.

Her introspective moments are refreshingly relatable and offer a much-needed sense of authenticity. The story touches on many complex themes, including the future, love, and grief, and handles them with maturity and care. The adult themes explored in the narrative are just as easy to connect with, showcasing a deep understanding of life’s more difficult realities.

Kaoru’s experience with falling in love for the first time was something I personally found deeply relatable. It's naive, pure, confusing, and at times, dirty, beautiful in its heartache.

Yagai’s personal struggle is nuanced and layered. As the story progresses, his character’s arc blooms beautifully, leading to a satisfying explanation.

Even the side characters are given their due spotlight, with their potential fully realized within the story.

That said, I did not particularly enjoy the ending. While it didn't appeal to me personally (Biased opinion), I can certainly appreciate the beauty in its execution.