Dancing is my favorite sports genre in manga. Ive not a single ounce of interest in the performative art/sport but Ive always been drawn to its aesthetic in phenomenal series like Welcome to the Ballroom Nabillera and Straighten Up Welcome to Shika Highs Competitive Dance Club Writing a review on this one soon. Even though dancing is such an anomaly to me Ive yet to see a dancing manga that hasnt incorporated it in such a way that makes it exciting to even those who arent remotely interested in it. And Wondance isnt an exception. This is a breathtakingly beautiful series in both its aesthetic messaging and story incorporating both simplicity and complexity. 420https://i.ur.com/rt6UOCT.png Story Kotani Kaboku trudges through his life hanging his head low quietly and matching his surroundings pacing. One day he meets Wanda Hikari. Immersed in her own world and unconcerned with how shes perceived Kaboku is mesmerized by her his polar opposite. Taking up dancing with Wanda Kaboku discovers a whole new world. One where he can properly communicate himself like never before. Fairly straightforward and simple premise. No outlandish plot points or anything. Wondance is a comingofage story revolving around Kaboku discovering himself through the magnificence of dancing. We witness him better communicating himself with others and going at his own pace by dancing more. The story currently focuses on Kaboku gaining more dance experience through battles and tournaments. Its fine pacing wise not really sure how the story will develop. Wondance is slightly unorthodox from the other dancing manga Ive read in that it focuses on street dancing. Which Im a huge fan of in its modern and youthful aesthetic/culture. Its also slightly unorthodox in its technical explanations. Whereas other sports manga generally straightforwardly explain the sports mechanics through simple diagrams and illustrations Wondance moreso conveys the mechanics. While it does give small tidbits of explanations of certain dance styles and jargon I love that the series explains dancing through its art and vague knowhows that conveys Dancing isnt about knowing its about feeling. 420https://i.ur.com/2MFhm0n.png Characters The series primarily focuses on our two main characters Kabo and Wanda. Kabos a rather awkward guy. Contrasting his tall build and large presence he tends to not speak up and to just get swallowed up by his friends pacing. Having an initial fear of dancing from a middle school experience Kabo grows to view it as a communication medium thanks to Wanda. True to his nature Kabo tries to keep up and be with Wanda but realizes he can go at his own pace. He becomes enraptured by the sport and steadily grows up though hes still quite an awkward guy. Wandas a bit ... quirky. She goes at her own pace tending to befuddle others. Its a bit hard to tell exactly what shes thinking she doesnt have concrete emotional expressions and has strange habits. But shes absolutely lovable. Her carefree nature nurtures Kabos growth acting as a doorway to the world of dancing. Her intense love for dancing is obvious and infectious often sucking in everyone into her pacing. In short Wandas a mesmerizing charismatic person though she herself is unaware. The two have a heartwarming relationship. Though hints of romance are shown they have a platonic relationship. They strangely appear close and distant. They show each other the strongest of dance support yet they know very little about each others lives. Kabo strongly admires Wanda who reciprocates his gratitude. Wanda with her straightforward nature can tell whats troubling Kabo at first glance and helps him. I cant slap a concrete label on their lovable relationship other than vaguely calling them friends. Other characters related to the dance battles/competitions are introduced and teach Kabo and Wanda more about dancing. Theyre all likable and help nurture their growth as characters and dancers. 420https://i.ur.com/wgcLmu6.png 420https://i.ur.com/ZshqXDr.jpg Art God finally I can suck off the art. Wondance easily has one of the best stylish art right now. First the art style. Its sleek and very nice to look at. The characters designs are great perfectly fitting the urban street feel of this series. Extra points for the streetwear fashion aspect. And Wandas facial expressions are dangerously moe. Second the actual art. Super dynamic experimental and striking. The dance battles are elevated to Olympus thanks to the intense raw illustrations. A perfect demonstration of Show Not Tell. The vectors use of blackandwhite wonderful paneling everything is used so wildly vividly and explodes with emotion. Wondance stands at the peak of unique art for me. The art quality is just phenomenal and the highlight of the series. 420https://i.ur.com/5zDl5Ij.png 420https://i.ur.com/HczXfM4.png 420https://i.ur.com/3Atbvjx.png Enjoyment One of my favorite ongoing series and my favorite ongoing sports series. The art is seriously too much of a treat on my eyes. Kabo and Wandas relationship is too cute. And I love seeing the two grow up in their dance endeavors. Its still fairly early on but I predict this to continue being the phenomenal series it is. 420https://.mghubcdn.com/file/hub/wondance/5/3.jpg Final Words Wondance demonstrates that a story can be phenomenally interesting and awesome despite a lack of interest in its core subject dancing in this case. It incorporates dancing in its story art and characters tremendously well and will ensnare you with its spectacular art. With its simple yet welldone aspects Wondance is surely a gem worth giving a chance.
80 /100
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