The psychological suspense manga series (Abu)Normal, written by Yamato Kawakami and illustrated by Taijun, is officially set to conclude its serialization with the release of its eighth compiled volume in November. The announcement was made within the seventh volume of the series, which hit shelves on August 7.
The Conclusion of (Abu)Normal’s Run
The final eighth volume in November will bring closure to the narrative that has captivated readers since its debut. This news follows the recent release of the seventh volume, where the series’ impending end was first disclosed.
A Look Back at the (Abu)Normal Manga
The manga, known in Japan as Abunormal (阿武ノーマル), began its serialization in September 2023. It is published digitally in English by Kodansha USA through their K Manga platform. The creative team behind the series consists of Yamato Kawakami, who provides the story, and Taijun, responsible for the artwork.
The Premise of (Abu)Normal
(Abu)Normal centers on Eiko Abu, a 29-year-old single woman with a peculiar obsession: categorizing every aspect of the world and her life as either “normal” or “not normal.” In her relentless pursuit of what she perceives as normalcy, Eiko’s fixation begins to unravel and destroy the relationships she has built with those around her. The series delves into the profound questions of what constitutes “normal” and “abnormal,” challenging conventional logic through its psychological suspense narrative.
Themes and Reception
Categorized under genres such as psychological, drama, romance, and slice of life, (Abu)Normal explores the intricate pressures of societal expectations and the internal struggles of self-perception. The manga draws readers in with its unique premise and its exploration of how an individual’s intense desire to conform can lead to unexpected and often destructive outcomes. The upcoming eighth volume is anticipated to provide a definitive resolution to Eiko Abu’s journey and her quest for understanding normalcy.
