Layers Within: Issho ni Neyou yo

Synopsis

This is the story of a young runaway girl named Ichiko Usami who ends up being discovered by a masked boy by the riverbed. She is brought to his home where she is introduced to the rest of the colorful residents but trouble haunts her as her mistake looms over her and she cannot get it out of her head upon seeing a child’s sock within the house. A tale of mystery, drama, supernatural and romance all mixed into one

The Good
From the beginning of the series there is a mystery factor that draws the reader in to check out the rest of the pieces of the puzzle. The drama as well is an interesting point and is not too heavy handed towards the beginning like many other works. There is also a depth the series that seems to be like peeling the layers of an onion as the series goes on. Simply put, the plot is interesting and is an even mix of genres for the most part.

The characters are also an interesting point and each one are unique and hold their own stories. Ichiko is a very well rounded character even in the beginning; it’s clear that she has her faults but it doesn’t envelop her but rather it’s a part of her that is not treated as a hindrance compared to other female protagonists who have their flaws mild and more focused onto their positives.

There is also a maturity to the handling of the characters emotions, growth and development throughout the series along with the romance. The plot is not too over-complicated and the art style is something befitting of the theme of the series.

The Bad

During the second half of the series there was a supernatural element introduced to the plot and explaining certain parts of character. However, with the reveal of the supernatural genre, there was some heavy handedness in the genre, especially with the appearance of a villain character which borderlined away from the genres of the story. Still there were moments when the draa too was heavy handed in some parts and seem slightly exaggerated.

The male lead of the series could use some work as he seems to be under berate by many of the characters seemed to be all over the place for the first half of the series. As for the side characters, there are some bits and pieces shared on them but then is pushed aside for the main plot. Most often they are either observers or advisors when they showed that there was a story to them.

Overall not only was there some heavy-handedness in the supernatural and drama aspects of the series in certain parts and looking at the premise of the series it seems rather generic as well.

Conclusion

This is a shoujo series that shows that the flaws can build up a character and develop well in the flow of the series. The plot is also well panned out for the most part and also holds some depth to it in many parts. While the side characters held their own stories only for it to not go far, the mains held an interesting development to them. Overall, the plot, development and growth of the characters are interesting points of the series and holds some layers to it.

Rating: 7.5/10