given, Volume 1 is the first title in a series (stylized in all lower case) from mangaka (manga creator) Natsuki Kizu. On its surface, given is a story about four high school and college students forming an amateur band. Underpinning that ‘simple’ premise however, is a rich opening tale on grief, healing, and relationships.

The tagline for given is: Sometimes a song can save your life. At first glance, the character who needs saving clearly seems to be Mafuyu Sato as the first pages show him having an unsettling, recurring dream and in the coming pages, we learn more about his past struggles and tragedies. He’s clutching an expensive guitar in an ‘out-of-the-way’ stairwell when met by Ritsuka Uenoyama, a guitar prodigy who is initially annoyed by Mafuyu’s presence in his favorite napping spot but is drawn to both the mystery of Mafuyu’s guitar and eventually, Mafuyu’s emotional, gutting singing voice.

Uenoyama eventually invites Mafuyu to join his band with two college students: Akihiko Kaji and Haruki Nakayama and we come to understand that Uenoyama is also being saved through this relationship. Before Mafuyu, he was in a creative slump that evaporates after he starts teaching Mafuyu how to play.

Mafuyu struggles to communicate through speaking, but not when playing or singing. Music is a powerful metaphor throughout given for not only communication, but healing and relationships. Given shines for many reasons, not the least of which is Natsuki Kizu’s exceptional art, as she deftly manages to illustrate what musicians are feeling and expressing on the page! Coupled with this story of (eventual) redemptive love, the art becomes even more meaningful.

There is Queer representation in this Manga series as two couples form amongst the four bandmates. Many believe that given also has well-done autistic representation. See more here: Playing My Song: Queer autistic representation in Given.

Given is one of my go-to-manga to give someone who tells me they don’t like manga. Due to its beautiful illustrations, endearing characters, and compelling storyline, given wins them over. This is me…hoping given does the same for you. Content warnings: mentions of past suicide is a major plot point.

given by Natsuki Kizu

Written and illustrated by Natsuki Kizu

Translated from Japanese by Junko Goda

2020, Viz Media / SuBLime 

ISBN: 978-1974711826

Reviews: The Anime Feminist