ARTE

It's a rare thing for a manga to move me in the way that Arte has managed to in fewer than 40 chapters, so this seemed like a good place to write my first manga review.

The titular character Arte is really the only character who needs to be discussed in this format. While the supporting cast's stories range from fun to gut-wrenching to heartwarming, Arte herself is the real standout. Her role within the story is probably most comparable to a character like Paddington (from the film duology of the same name). She's a sort of ray of sunshine who causes major revelations in the minds of the people she meets. Where she differs from Paddington, though, is in her own growth. Where some authors might be content to have their pure do-gooder protagonist remain unchanged from start to end, Arte has a clear path forward to grow in a way that feels very natural and what we've seen of it so far has been very well-earned.

Of course, it's impossible to review a series like Arte without bringing up feminism and empowerment. This series is very unashamed with regard to its message and themes. However, to those who worry that a series so forward with its message could get a little overbearing, I'd have to say that it really didn't feel that way to me. At no point in my time reading this manga did I ever feel like it was beating me over the head with its message. It felt fully integrated into the story, and instead I found myself really feeling for the characters.

If I had one complaint with the way Arte discusses feminism and the oppression of women, I'd say that it points its finger a little too strongly at people, whose mind can be changed, rather than the institutions of power that are actually responsible for oppression. That said, this is very common in fiction, and focusing on institutions of power rather than the individuals would make the series a far less hopeful one and would likely take away from the idea of independence, which is at the core of Arte. So there's a strong argument to be made that Ookubo's decision here was the right one, and that making my preferred one regarding systems of power would have led to a less compelling story.

This has all been assisted by Ookubo's gorgeous illustrations. Besides just looking great, the artwork in this series is particularly skilled at showing emotion (most notably frustration, as you'd expect with these themes), and is really the perfect vessel for the story being told.

Beyond its fantastic character work, stunning art and themes of empowerment, Arte also has a surprising amount to offer in the way of information. I can't speak for other readers, but I'm not personally too familiar with Renaissance-era Italy, so the brief explanations of how some things worked or what certain terms meant lent themselves to a smoother reading experience. It's a small thing, but it's a nice touch, and it's done in a way that prevents the reader from feeling bogged down with exposition.

All things considered, Arte is a beautiful series about overcoming adversity and working hard to achieve one's dream. It's not exactly eye-catching or even particularly subtle or nuanced, but it's something special.

Arte is a rare gem of a manga and I'm so glad I found it. It follows the intrepid travels of a young girl set on being a famous painter in Italy ala Da Vinci-style - The only problem is she's a female and god forbid women can be painters.

The story is wholesome and explores the bends & turns of society in Renaissance Italy. it provides as deep a social commentary as manga can provide (which is still pretty shallow); but nevertheless, it's a refreshing breath of fresh air - Story 9/10

Arte has lovable and sweet characters. Side characters are given their fair share of 'screentime' (or 'pagetime, whatever you want to call it) and their arcs/personalities are built up just as complexly as the leads -Characters 10/10

The art style is very unique and reminds me of a cross between manga x sketching, which matches the historical context - Art 10/10

There are hints of a subtle and almost-not-there romance to come, nothing so far has outright happened but I'm hopeful there will be some love in the air in future chapters. - Romance 7/10

Definitely recommended if you like strong, likeable female leads and historical fiction!

This manga is one of the greatest and heartwarming mangas i have ever read. I can't believe it's not famous yet. It is so amazing i don't know where to start. The main character is resilient (not just strong physically or mentally), she is determined and smart and I found myself being inspired by her more than once. I never thought I would be so emotionally invested in a character. I love how there is no big rush for the romance (you can tell that it's building up to something) and that factor stops the story from becoming into another annoying cliche. I would recommend this manga to anyone. Please read it! You will not regret it!

HISTORICAL/ ART/ FEMINISM/ ENCOURAGING

Occasionally, after a long time reading and exploring different mangas, you are bound to hit a jackpot. "Arte" is a true MASTERPIECE.

*If you love the theme that relates to stepping out of your comfort zone or overcoming social limitations as a woman, this manga is definitely for you.


!!Minor Spoilers!!

Story: Easy 10

1. Feminism
2. Historically Real (in terms of society, hierarchy, lifestyle, and culture)
3. Slice of life (heartwarming and encouraging)
4. Overcome Limitations and Challenges
With all of these factors combining together flawlessly, it is not easy to give this manga's story set up a low rating. Don't want to get into the story because you guys should dive into this manga by yourselves.


Art: Easy 10
The level of detail in this manga is OMG. So since this artwork focuses on the era of Renaissance, the Mangaka has to make sure that his manga will give us a feeling of European/Italian style while he also has to make sure that what he draws actually represents the area or era he draws. This Mangaka definitely had done his research and intensive sketches before drawing all those places. They are too nice and real to be drawn as if the Mangaka has lived in old Italy/Venice for a long time
Also, since the main character, Arte, is an artist herself. The Mangaka also has to draw the portraits as detailed as he can draw. I admire the dedication of the Mangaka.


Character: Easy 10
The character setup isn't random at all. So far, there are no extra characters in the story. Each character serves their purpose in the story and continues to grow and develop as the story goes on. I admire how the Mangaka is able to set up these characters and make them seem so real. Each character has their own struggles and purposes, and each character is unique.


Enjoyment: 10101010
Can't stop reading this manga. Legit can't sleep until I finish this manga upon first touching it.

*One of my personal top 10 and still hasn't changed :D


Overall: 10
As a huge history lover, I am glad to read a manga that correlates with a historical background. With great art and story, it makes me feel that giving this manga a 10 is pretty unforgiving. It definitely deserves something a lot higher( maybe 11 or a 100?).

I understand that the theme manga isn't adventurous and eye-catching as mangas like "One Piece" or "Naruto" because it is not as action-based or it doesn't cause a huge excitement chapter to chapter. Yet, the story, the art, and the detail of this manga is kinda like that of "Mona Lisa" of Leonardo da Vinci. So deep and so attractive and requires constant pondering while reading it. Like an art piece, each time you read it, it gives you a different feeling (definitely re-readable)!! Please spread this manga and gather more witnesses for the upcoming success of Arte :)

*I am so happy that this manga is going to be adapted as an anime :)) well deserved!!

Edit: Chapter 47 -> *62

Arte is one of those mangas I keep coming back to, whenever I see a new chapter released, I get the motivation to start from the beginning and catch up again.
The story isn't the vastest and complex, yet I keep finding myself rereading it again for the experience and enjoyment it's never failed to give me.

The main thing about Arte, and why it gets so much praise, is because it does everything right.
Arte makes you like every character and wants you to be invested in each relationship she has with each person. When she struggles, we want to struggle with her.

The story in Arte is relatively streamlined, of a female artist being disowned from her family and climbing up the ranks as a professional artist. The thing that the story does right is putting her in different situations and letting us see scenarios much different from the last.

Arte never faces the same problem more than once, and this really emphasises that she is a growing artist, that she learns from her mistakes. It also keeps us interested on how Arte will continue to grow.

The characters are very polished, each having strong motivations of their own, regardless of if they clash with Arte's or not. We question each character's intentions and what they truly want, indirectly making us care or relate for them.

A manga about art must have some level of good art itself, and Arte definitely does. A very clean art style which lets us see each character and their face as distinct really fit the theme Arte has of human relations. Arte doesn't go for art which you would screenshot and set as your home screen, but art which enhances how much you enjoy the manga.

This manga overall is extremely enjoyable. If you like cute girls doing cute things, this manga is for you. If you like art history and how it can be used in a story, this manga is for you. If you want to see different relationships and interactions between humans and how they play out (especially those of noble/royalty), this manga is for you.