"Go with the Clouds, North-by-Northwest": A Unique Manga Experience Set in Iceland
Aki Irie's ongoing manga series, "Go with the Clouds, North-by-Northwest," presents a captivating narrative that defies traditional genre categorization. Set against the breathtaking, often unexpected backdrop of Iceland, the series masterfully weaves together elements of mystery, adventure, and the supernatural. As an anime adaptation looms, the manga, currently spanning seven volumes, invites readers into a world where an unlikely protagonist, Kei Miyama, navigates life's complexities with a unique blend of intuition and an extraordinary connection to technology.
Kei Miyama, a 17-year-old high school dropout residing with his grandfather in the remote "land's end," serves as the central figure. His unconventional profession as a private investigator sees him undertaking various tasks, from locating lost possessions to reuniting estranged individuals. Despite his minimal formal education, Kei exhibits remarkable intelligence and resourcefulness, possessing practical skills uncommon for someone his age, such as lock-picking, wilderness survival, and intuitive navigation. He embodies a grounded, emotionally resilient character, distinct from the archetypal superhuman figures often found in manga.
Beyond his sharp intellect, Kei possesses a peculiar, almost inherited ability. Initially manifesting as a quirky habit of conversing with his Suzuki Jimny truck as if it were a companion, this characteristic is later revealed to be a form of technopathy, allowing him an unusual means of communication with electronic devices. This innate gift is mirrored by his grandfather's ability to instinctively draw birds, hinting at a lineage of unique, non-human powers within the family.
The tranquility of Kei's existence is disrupted by the reappearance of his brother, Michitaka, whose return coincides with the tragic and suspicious deaths of their extended family in Japan. Michitaka is depicted with an almost ethereal charm, suggesting an innocent demeanor. However, astute readers, particularly those familiar with Naoki Urasawa's "Monster," might discern parallels between Michitaka and the chillingly manipulative Johan Liebert. Beneath Michitaka's seemingly benign exterior lies a veiled darkness, creating an unsettling undercurrent that permeates the narrative. This ambiguity about his past adds layers of intrigue as the story unfolds, concurrently immersing the reader in Iceland's rich cultural tapestry.
The distinctive atmosphere is a cornerstone of this series' appeal. "Go with the Clouds, North-by-Northwest" transcends a simple mystery, evolving into a meditative slice-of-life narrative that explores themes of aimlessness, inherited burdens, and profound intimacy. It eschews a hurried resolution to its myriad questions, instead allowing the elements of Iceland, Kei's journey, and the subtle interplay between them to merge into a narrative that is both gentle and enigmatic, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.