REVIEW: ALTERNATIVE [SELF LINER NOTE] is a raw reflection of the creative struggle

This review is for ALTERNATIVE [SELF LINER NOTE]. Manga Mavericks Books provided a free copy of this book in exchange for a review.

The manga follows Rio, a musician who works a corporate job while pursuing her true passion—music. The very first line sets the tone: “My god died when he was 27.” It’s a clear nod to Kurt Cobain, and it immediately frames Rio’s worldview. Though brief, the story dives into the mind of an artist grappling with meaning, ambition, and the uneasy gap between dreams and reality.

My first impression of ALTERNATIVE was that its cover design feels more like a zine than a manga. This might be an intentional artistic choice by the publisher. Interestingly, the author’s name doesn’t appear on the cover, instead placed on the first inside page. Despite its short length, the paper quality is excellent, and both the editing and typesetting are clean and professional.

As a creative myself, Rio’s story resonated with me. The manga is sprinkled with rhetorical questions—“Do you think you can make a living?” and “What is it you want to make?”—that draw readers into Rio’s inner dialogue while prompting them to reflect on their own creative journeys. The narrative begins with a strong, introspective voice, but as it progresses, it becomes more chaotic and fragmented. While that shift could be an intentional reflection of Rio’s turmoil, it slightly distanced me from fully connecting with her. Then again, with only forty pages, there’s only so much room for emotional depth.

Overall, I enjoyed ALTERNATIVE and believe many other creatives will too. My only reservation lies in its price point—$11.99 for 40 pages feels steep, even considering the high-quality printing and thoughtful presentation. Still, if you want to support a small publisher and an emerging manga artist, this is a worthwhile addition to your shelf.

ALTERNATIVE [SELF LINER NOTE] is available to purchase directly from Manga Mavericks Books.