Another fun installment!

Run on Your New Legs is such a fun but emotional read. I love that this series actually handles the topic of living through the pandemic in a realistic way and depicts how difficult it was to navigate for not only the general public, but also those of us with disabilities. Running is the only real outlet that Kikuzato has, so when the pandemic hits and there are massive closures, his relationships with those around him become more strained. He can’t just go out for a run with his friends or even alone because of the lockdown, and begins immediately butting heads with his father, who is now working from home. Kikuzato’s father has not yet come to terms with his son’s accident and is constantly telling Kikuzato that he needs to be realistic and plan for his future now that he can’t do things physically. Of course, Kikuzato is already doing physical things and trying to get better, his dad just isn’t around enough usually to notice how much work he’s putting in.

These volumes also dip more into our side characters, such as Rin Mori, a new friend of Kikuzato who is a wheelchair user, and Sakashita, who is struggling with being home and unable to run as running club is also her only type of socialization. Yashima also stars in these volumes as he can tell something is wrong with Sakashita and  This series does a great job of depicting teenagers and their struggles with coming into their own and being expected to be independent, yet not being able to actually do anything they enjoy. The club meets via Zoom so they can at least talk and get together virtually, though it clearly hurts them at the same time. Kikuzato keeps training and his father begins to open up more and see the man his son as become rather than the son he expected after the accident, which is a delight. This series keeps me entertained and I look forward to the next installment.

Title: Run On Your New Legs (Vol. 4&5)
Author: Wataru Midori
Format: Paperback
Pages: 160/160
ISBN: 9781975339036 // 9781975339043

Three Descriptors: Intense, Thoughtful, Authentic

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