Why ReLife is the epitome of Romcom manga

“If at some point in life, you made a mistake or keep failing over and over again, and you can't help but think it's useless and you're a good for nothing; Remember, you're only taking a detour. And I'm sure further along your path will come a day where you think, "It was a good life experience". That's why it'll be fine.”

-Hishiro Chizuru

Romcom manga don’t generally try to make a meaningful point, they are more about the comedy and the romance bit than the actual meaning behind forming relationships. Even though the story is about the characters, the idea of human relationships is often underplayed so that the manga can put more emphasis on the comedy and the romance.

Which is exactly what makes ReLife so rare and extraordinary. It is one of the rare few manga that genuinely delve into what they are trying to say.

This entire manga is a coming-of-age story of a few characters, and it stays that way all throughout the entire story. In a way, this story is about forming relationships, and how to not let your past or regretful experiences restrain you from living.

"There is no right answer for getting along. Different people require different answers."

-Kaizaki Arata

From start to finish it touches upon various aspects of life, things that can pull one down and things that truly matter. It is indeed quite wholesome, and both the comedy and the romance are well portrayed, however, that is never the extent of it.

There is another aspect that this manga excels at, and that is just pure “organic” character development.

Some of it is because that’s what the premise demands from the story, while some it is the author’s brilliance in showing us exactly what makes for commendable character growth, both from the perspective of other characters and from the perspective of us readers.

The way this manga handles the idea of growing up, the dramatic experiences most of us often go through, not to mention the depression and the anxiety that comes with going through life, this manga handles all of these and beyond.

Well then, let’s talk about this manga and see Why ReLife is the epitome of Romcom manga.

"Someday we'll part. Maybe be forgotten. But we're living in the moment. So... make lots of friends, fall madly in love, and enjoy every moment to the fullest."

-Kaizaki Arata

The story starts off in a rather interesting but not ‘all that compelling’ manner.

The main character is unemployed, he was working at a part time job and was applying for jobs but continued to fail all his job interviews.

The reason was always the same, he just couldn’t answer the reason why he left his previous job so soon.

Unfortunately, after he fails yet another interview, his mom calls and lets him know that they won’t be able to provide him with money any longer, and of course, he won’t be able to sustain himself with a mere part time job either.

So, this sends his head in a loop. The recent interactions with his old friends suddenly flood his mind… while they are gradually climbing the corporate ladder, he is out here sulking in the middle of the night.

However, this also leads to him getting approached by a rather suspicious man, who then offers him a chance to relive his life as a high school student quite literally for an entire year.

That is the premise of this story. That’s how it all begins.

An interesting idea indeed, who wouldn’t want to see a social outcast getting back on track in his life all the while re-enjoying his life as a young high school student. Sure, it wouldn’t be all fun and games, there will be tests, awkwardness, the complications that always emanate within high school relationships, and everything in between, but those are all a part of life.

You’ll be genuinely surprised by the amount of “simplicity” yet psychologically nuanced complexities that go hand in hand as the story goes on. Each dramatic moment has layers of complexity and the development through it is also properly illustrated in the character interactions that follow.

While there is a lot going on at the emotional and psychological level, the manga is quite easy to follow. It’s simple and meaningful, nothing more, nothing less. In fact, that’s exactly what makes it so worthwhile.

The hurdles that the major characters must overcome may or may not be anything calamitous but that also makes it easy for us to relate to the jealousy, the self-depreciation, the awkwardness, the innocence, and most importantly, the idea of falling in love and yet not being sure if it’s ok or not.

The story constantly asks itself and its characters, what is the right way to do things, or whether or not there really is such a thing as a perfect solution, the right approach to everything?

"If someone always follows the perfect path without ever facing hardship... is it really what's best for that person?"

-Yoake Ryou

The dramatic conflicts sort of mirror what most ‘good’ people regularly experience in their lives.

However, there are devastating dilemmas too, the struggles of the main characters and their considerably sad pasts fall into this.

How can one overcome something that has been holding them back for years?

How can one overcome something that has permanently altered their consciousness?

And yet, there is also the notion that the people you now hold dear, and the person you have come to live, will cease to remember you once all of this is over.

It’s sad, it’s depressing, and yet, maybe that’s why the process of seeing the characters overcome these mental dilemmas is also so rewarding and inspirational, if you really immerse yourself into this manga, it’ll definitely start affecting yourself as well as where you are in your life.

"Even though everything is going to disappear, it isn't supposed to be meaningless. It's exactly because you know you're going to part ways, that now and only now is your only chance."

-Onoya An

At its core, ReLife is about deciding to start reliving your life.

This manga definitely isn’t anything mind blowing, nor is it a critical work of wonder, but it is indeed a manga that hits right in the feels, and if you give it genuinely giving it a chance, you’ll have a worthwhile experience.

There is an anime adaption too, but it skipped a hefty amount of content, and is quite underwhelming. Not to mention, the colorful yet sweet art style suits the innocence of this manga much more, so definitely choose the manga over the anime.

That’s all folks!