Kikimimi Zukan

This manga is amazing. I'm always on the lookout for really good art and really good oneshots. This story has both. Each story is different from all the other ones. I really recommend this to anyone. The art makes it very whimsical and fantastical and the some of the stories are really deep. It's very creative. It's not the best manga I've read but it's one of the best.

This manga is terribly underrated.

Made by the late Miyata Kouji, Pictorial Book of Sound is a collection of 9 short stories each unique but all share one theme, music and sound.

Story: 10
The first story is about a guy with Synesthesia, some call it a mental condition but I don't see how it can be harmful to the person with it or others that surround the person, be able to see sounds. It's an amazing rare condition that makes music come to life visually.

The second story is about a princess who's trapped and waiting to be rescued by a fateful encounter. I won't spoil the real meaning behind this great story.

The third story is a silent prehistoric piece.

The fourth story is one of my favorites, alongside the first one. It's about a man who's trapped in an elevator, hearing the voice of a woman who helps him cope with his claustrophobia. If I say anything else, it will be a spoiler.

The fifth story is about an old woman and a young girl, the old woman shares her youth's story and concludes with a strong message.

The sixth story is about a girl and her great great grandfather. This is quite the tear jerker, with a strong meaning behind it.

The seventh story is a futuristic space piece. Not one of my favorites, but setting is pretty awesome.

The eighth story is about a man who's coping with Deaf-blindness. It's one of the best stories in my opinion.

The ninth and final story is a reprise of the first story, another guy with Synesthesia. But it's unique and stands on its own.

Art: 10
The art is simply magnificent, with a great touch and detail. It's cute, visually appealing and full of visual metaphors. It fits perfectly with the flow of the story.

Character: 8
As the characters star in short stories, they can't be fully fleshed out like in a full length manga. But they develop pretty well in their respective short shorts.

Enjoyment: 10
This manga is highly enjoyable. Their variety is refreshing after each story concludes. Each story is quite short, but is never dull or made as a filler. Each story has it's own powerful message and will keep the readers immersed and hungry for more.

Overall: 10
Just as I looked on its MAL photo, I knew Pictorial Book of Sound will appeal to me, a huge fan of music and musical themes in manga and anime. Each story is unpredictable, and always manages to surprise.

I recommend this manga for fans of musical themed manga and Seinen manga. Don't be turned off by the length, each story provides a great amount of depth and is satisfyingly concluded in clever ways.

Definitely a must read.