Tears of Thorn / Слёзы и шипы / Ibara no Namida

"Maki, a close friend of Romeo, has graduated from high school and entered college, but memories of the past still haunt her. Will this hinder her from finding happiness?" Tears of Thorn, also known as "Ibara no Namida," is a 2011 manga that follows the story of Maki as she navigates her new life in college while grappling with her past. The manga is a continuation of the previous work by the same author, titled "Sky-colored Girlfriend," and delves deeper into Maki's character. The story begins with Maki starting her college life, hoping to leave behind the painful memories that have been haunting her. However, as she tries to move forward, the past continues to resurface, making it difficult for her to find peace and happiness. Throughout the manga, Maki's emotional journey is portrayed beautifully, as she confronts various challenges and learns to face her past head-on. The author skillfully explores themes of friendship, love, and self-discovery, as Maki slowly unravels her true self and finds the strength to overcome her past traumas. The narrative unfolds through a series of poignant and heartfelt moments, capturing the readers' attention and drawing them into Maki's world. The artwork is expressive, capturing the characters' emotions effectively, and adding depth to the overall storytelling. As the story progresses, Maki encounters new friends and potential love interests, who play significant roles in her healing process. The interactions between the characters are nuanced and realistic, portraying the complexities of human relationships. One of the standout features of Tears of Thorn is its exploration of the psychological impact of past experiences. The manga delves into the importance of self-acceptance and the healing power of forgiveness. Maki's journey serves as a powerful reminder that our past does not define us and that we have the ability to create our own future. Overall, Tears of Thorn is a compelling manga that combines emotional depth, relatable characters, and beautiful artwork. It offers a poignant exploration of the human experience and the importance of confronting one's past to find true happiness. Whether you are a fan of the romance genre or simply appreciate thought-provoking storytelling, this manga is definitely worth a read.