Urakata!!
Behind the Scenes!!

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Another great way to revisit the best of Bisco Hatori's style. Although a short series (only seven volumes), there is a great overarching character arc for everyone involved in the story. While the ending may feel a little rushed (whenever I see shorter series like this I am curious if it was planned this short or was cancelled), but the story still feels satisfying. In some story settings, you can only do so much. If we continued to do "We have make X for Y genre of movie!" it would get very stale quickly. Thankfully, this manga strikes the perfect balance of paying tribute to ... the craftsmanship that it takes it's title and plot from, while also focusing more on the inter- and intra- personal relationships.

I think what makes this a refreshing, new work from Bisco Hatori is it is not focused on romance. While there are romantic side plots and elements, the story is at it's core about a group of friends who all love making art. They all have baggage that both helped them discover said art and make it an escape for them, but baggage that also limits their ability to make it or continue making it. Set in a college, they are all at a crossroads in their life, for different reasons, and have to decide whether to take the risk and continue making that art post graduation, or join society the way they are expected too. In that way, it has similarities to OHSHC, but many series have that same feeling of "all good things come to an end/you have to grow up eventually". What really drives this manga is the protagonist, Ranmaru, and his growth from his low self-esteem to becoming the one to motivate everyone else to action. The manga leaves the reader with a great feeling about an individual's ability to inspire others with their art, and the cyclical nature of it. Even if you think it's nothing, your work may go on to inspire someone, and they may in turn be the one to inspire you.

Here's a criminally underrated manga by a great author.
Urakata!! is a very unique slice of life manga by the same author as the iconic Host Club.
Despite this, it barely got any attention, to the point that right now, finding the last volume i need to complete the series is pretty hard.
I've never met a single person who read this except from my sibling, who borrowed it from me, and it's such a shame.

The art is really good, very shoujo-esque with the use of light, sparkles, flowers etc, almost like a more polished version of the artstyle in Host Club.

The characters are lovable and sometimes deep, ... adding a bit of drama to the comedy and daily life elements.
There's barely any plot, and it focuses more on the characters and single events rather than a single plotline.

The setting is unique, and the focus on art and creativity is very refreshing.

overall, Urakata!! is worth a read, despite there being barely anyone who actually read it.
Very underrated, an actual hidden gem. Would totally recommend