Space Walking with You is a character focused Manga about coming of age with Neurodiversity and how to navigate life while affected by it. The story follows Kobayashi, a student commonly seen as a deliqiuent who struggles with doing both school work and jobs correctly and Uno, a transfer student strongly implied to be autistic. Uno struggles with social communication as well as sensory overload and relies heavily on a notebook with instructions to guide him through the day.

We follow both of them as they become unlikely friends and help each other find both comfort and accomodations.

The ND representation in this is very accurate and well researched. In Manga and Anime it often tends to only be played for laughs, but here it feels genuine and educational. The dialouge in the first few chapters can sometimes feel a little unnatural as the characters essentially explain exactly what they struggle with and how they feel, but I think it is something that will be very comforting to especially younger, undiagnosed neurodivergent audiences that also feel like they don't fit in.

”Can a dot really turn out to be more than just a dot?”

Kobayashi sleeps through most of school and constantly gets fired for his supposed incompetence. Uno is a new student at Kobayashi’s school. He seems too eager, too loud, and needs a lot of structure. These two unlikely characters develop an unlikely and sweet friendship..

We are all our own worst enemies in a never-ending battle with our own brains. Sometimes we just need someone to take the time to understand us and our various quirks. Obviously, this one kind of hit me right in the feels. It was very sweet and is worth the read.

#ThxNetGalley #InuhikoDoronoda #SpaceWalkingWithYou

A heartwarming story about Kobashi and Uno, two high school students in Japan. Kobayashi feels aimless and like he's floating through life making mistakes after mistake. No matter how hard he tries, he can't seem to get it right bringing him feelings of inadequacy and shame.

This changes when a new student transfers to his class. Through his interactions with Uno and Uno's sister, Kobayashi realises that maybe there isn't anything wrong with him. They develop a friendship in which they learn from eachother: Kobayashi how to write down his needs and make a plan for sitiations. And Uno receives help from Kobayashi where socialising with peers is concerned. The story is incredibly sweet and at times it brought tears to my eyes. The story beautifully depicts some of the struggles that Neurodivergent people might face and how patience, kindness and acknowledgement of their needs can go a long way.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kodansha Comics, and Inuhiko Doronoda for the opportunity to read this manga in exchange for an honest review.

I loved everything about this story! It follows Kobayashi, a high school student at an all-boys school who is seen as a soon-to-be high school drop out. He doesn't really pay attention in class and he struggles even with simple tasks at his job. When a new student comes in, Uno, he learns that everyone is unique. Uno uses a notebook to help him maintain control of his life when things around him affect him, such as yelling, loud noises, or large crowds. Kobayashi is inspired by the way Uno lives life, kind of like walking through space, the tether to himself being his notebook. Kobayashi starts taking notes and keeping his own notebook, taking a different approach to learning.

Together, the two join an astronomy club, where they meet the club president, who also has his own unique approach to learning and life. Together they all learn from each other and aim to make their lives feel like a walk through space.

I love the themes of individuality and uniqueness in this manga. I really appreciate the subtle ways it emphasizes different ways people learn, without actually mentioning any types of disabilities. It is an eye-opening way to see how different people all have different lives, and thus different ways to how they see the world, and that there is something to learn from other's viewpoints.

A truly must-read manga!

What a sweet manga! It was incredibly easy to read and carried a heartfelt message throughout. I’m excited to continue with the series. The artwork is great, and the overall tone radiates positivity. I have my theories on Uno so I can’t wait to continue reading.

This was adorable!! I love how the main character has to reflect on their actions and become more understanding and aware of how they act.
It shows how simple it is to be understanding of others and defending the ones you care about from insensitive people!!
A fun cute read, 5/5 stars ⭐️

Loved it. I wasn't expecting that at all.

The drawing is nice, the characters are very interesting and the pacing was great. I’d definitely keep reading if I could.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this before publication date.

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This manga is a story that follows our main character Kobayashi who struggles with focusing in class, and acts like he doesn't care about his grades. But then he meets a new student called Uno. You learn quickly he is quite different to Kobayashi, but you watch as they have an unexpected bond and a unique friendship. It's a lovely start to a coming of age story, and I recommend it to others, especially people who felt like more of an outcast while at school. It also lightly tackles the feeling of loneliness, and how it affects people. The pacing is at quite a good speed too, as it help my attention the full time, but wasn't going too quick.

I look forward to read more of this series!
⭐⭐⭐⭐

★ ★ ★ ★ ✬

Yamato Kobayashi is barely holding on—drifting through class and life without being able to focus. And then transfer student Keisuke Uno floats into the picture and everything changes.

I LOVED this manga. It was so genuinely SWEET. I feel like Uno is on the spectrum and I adored him. And as Kobayashi got to know him more, he started adoring him as well. The way he started using coping mechanisms like Uno and the way he protected him? Gah!

I’m not sure if this is going to be romantic. At the end of this first volume, they have a wonderful new friendship and I can’t wait to read more!

♡ boy love manga
♥ spectrum rep
♡ self-reflection

{I was gifted a complimentary copy of this book. All reviews are my own.}

᭬ ⭑ ⭑ ⭑ ⭑ ࿐ྂ

Stop whatever you're doing and start reading this as soon as it comes out!

It was fantastic, super sweet, with a great Story and an important message and representation.

~4 stars

This was such a cute, heart-warming story about two students who seemingly have nothing in common and yet develop a healthy, strong friendship with each other as they bond over their shared struggles. The neurodivergent representation was so authentic and relatable and the friendship between Kobayashi and Uno was developed in such a way that it felt realistic and never too rushed. They also communicated so well with each other which was very refreshing and the way they understand each other was lovely to read. I also love the art style.

Thank you to Kodansha Comics for providing me with the ARC via NetGalley

Kobayashi is struggling in and out of school. Even his best friend is making bets on how long he’ll last at his latest part time job! Now he finds himself wanting to befriend Uno, the new transfer student at their all boy school. While Uno is different from the other kids, he doesn’t let that stop him from living his life, and he’s inspired Kobayashi to do the same. This budding friendship is leading the duo to learn new things about themselves and life in this gripping read!

I absolutely loved reading this. We follow Kobayashi, a high school student struggling with both school and work. He hasn’t lasted long at any of his jobs because he has trouble doing his work, but everything changes when he meets Uno. Through Uno, he learns new ways to learn and has even become interested in school again.

I loved the characters, the story, and how well Inuhiko Doronoda captures some of the realities of the neurodivergent experience. While some details are exaggerated for storytelling purposes, they aren’t insulting in any way, and they work to make these characters feel real. When I got to the end of the book, I was glad it’s the first in a series because I wanted to continue reading the story ASAP. I can’t wait to eventually read the second volume!

Heartwarming, seamless representation of neurodivergence and mental health.
Whilst not overtly stated, I would say there is autism, learning difficulties, and anxiety, maybe depression.

We have seeming opposites finding solace and understanding in each other.
An eager, anxious transfer, a lazy, loud jock figure. Then, nearer the end, a third year who is a chronic over-thinker.

The art changes to suit the tone and characters’ which shows art can say just as much as words. Sometimes more.
I do wish there was colour as the cover is so beautiful, but obviously as a manga, the black and white is the norm.

Arc gifted by publisher.

I will admit it did take a little while to get into the art style but I was instantly hooked on the story and quickly became addicted to this finishing it quickly. I really loved the developing friendship between Uno and Kobayashi. It’s part slice of life, part comedy and has a lot of heart too. The story is fun and I can’t wait to see where it goes in the future. A definite must read if you are looking for a funny and feel good manga.

As always thank you to Kodansha Comics for the advanced copy to review, my reviews are always honest and freely given.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC!

Kobayashi struggles with school and keeping a part-time job, but his life changes once he becomes friends with the new transfer student Uno. This was such a sweet and wholesome manga! I really enjoyed it. I appreciated how this manga showed that it's important to be kind and helpful to others. I also appreciated that this manga has characters that are neurodivergent. I'm interested in seeing where the story goes in the next volume.

Thank you to netGalley and Kondansha for the eARC.

This was a fun and sweet intro into a story about acceptance and understanding of others. It is lighthearted but full of heart, and I will probably continue to keep reading the series.

This first volume was a great introduction to the main characters and the plot itself, and the set up for these kids having a well rounded and heartfelt high school experience in learning about themselves and accepting others was well done and paced out between chapters.

I received an ARC though NetGalley for an honest review.

I have to say that this was a tough manga to read...because I was crying happy neurodivergent years throughout!

I cannot believe how wonderful, charming, touching, and important this manga is! It absolutely floored me and did an absolute number on my emotions.

I am AuDHD myself and, while, the book is specific, it is very clear that the main characters have different neurodivergences, which are somehow shown in a rather extreme, camp, and cartoony manner, while also being incredibly understanding and respectful. It's quite something to pull off.

Just reading this slice of life of awkward neurodivergent teens just trying to muddle through and be there for each other was such a balm for my soul. I truly wish I could have read something like this when I was a kid.

I absolutely adored it and am now and lifelong fan!

Kobayashi’s ready to quit on everything, especially his job, then along comes Uno, the super bubbly new classmate who totally catches him off guard. The whole "new student shows up and changes everything" setup feels kinda mainstream for me, but the chemistry between the two is fun to watch. The pacing is a bit slow and the conflict doesn't hit very hard, but it’s an okay read if you like this kind of story.

What a great manga focusing on neurodivergent characters and their relationships as they learn to tackle life. I really liked the art style when the characters would feel overwhelmed and how much detail was added in. I think this would be a great manga to gift to neurodivergent teens who are figuring out their place in the world.

Thank you Kodansha Comics and NetGalley for this ARC!

This was adorable! Love seeing the “delinquent” learn to express himself and ask for help.

The progression of Uno and Kobayashi's friendship was well done and I like the dynamic they have going on, even if no one else understands it.

This feels like it’s going to be a cute series about friendship, acceptance and growing pains. I’m really looking forward to seeing what the astronomy club gets up to next and how they evolve together and apart.
Thanks to Kodansha for the DRC!

I’ve been introduced to so many new mangas this year that are good. I fear I’m going to have to create a spreadsheet to keep up with them all.