The psychological suspense manga series, (Abu)Normal, by author Yamato Kawakami and artist Taijun, is set to conclude with the release of its eighth compiled volume in November. The announcement was made on August 7 within the seventh volume of the series.
A Deep Dive into the “Normal” and “Abnormal”
(Abu)Normal centers on Eiko Abu, a 29-year-old single woman who meticulously categorizes everything in her world as either “normal” or “not normal.” Her relentless pursuit of normalcy, however, ironically begins to unravel the relationships she has built. The series delves into profound questions about the nature of normalcy and abnormality, challenging conventional logic through its narrative.
Publication History and English Release
The manga first debuted on Kodansha’s Magazine Pocket platform in September 2023. For English-speaking audiences, K Manga has been publishing the series digitally, making the intriguing psychological thriller accessible worldwide. The platform describes Eiko Abu as a “mimicry human” who falsifies her true self to blend into daily life and achieve “normal” evaluation. Her journey takes a darker turn when harassment towards a temporary employee prompts Abu to “sanction” the perpetrator to protect a colleague, thus leading her deeper into the abyss of what is considered “normal.”
The Creators Behind the Suspense
Yamato Kawakami is credited with the story, while Taijun is responsible for the captivating artwork that brings Eiko’s internal and external struggles to life. Their collaboration has produced a series that resonates with readers due to its exploration of societal pressures and individual identity.
The conclusion of (Abu)Normal in its eighth volume marks the end of a relatively short yet impactful run for the series, leaving readers to ponder its central themes of perception, identity, and the often-fragile line between what society deems normal and abnormal.
