I’m still rather new to manga, so diving into Breathe Deeply, there was a bit of a hurdle getting down how to actually read it.  But, that’s on me, not this graphic novel.  Breathe Deeply is a medical thriller that’s peppered with philosophical debates about life and death and medical ethics.

A battle ensues over life and death, belief and science, ethics and progress. Two boys, Sei and Oishi, fall madly in love for Yuko. Her loss wreaks havoc in their young lives as bitter memories cease to fade and their tender hearts cling to the dream where debilitating illness disappears in the face of science. But, what would happen if they discovered all they believed was a lie? Will mercy and love prevail?

Sei and Oishi’s lives are devastated as the girl they love dies from a heart condition, which drives their lives further as they search for methods to treat heart problems.  The two compete while weaving a morally questionable world of academics and science research.  In a society that encourages organ donation, how does the idea of scientifically fixing organ issues play out?

It’s an interesting spin out of control as they both compete with each other and others.  It’s a great read and definitely isn’t the manga I’ve read in the past.

The art is beautiful and had be lingering on pages to just see all the small details I was missing.  There’s also a mix of dream sequences of the past jumbled with the scientific race of the present.

There’s enough drama here for an entire season of Greys Anatomy, E.R. or St. Elsewhere.  If you like medical dramas or just a good discussion about morality, ethics and science, I really recommend this.  A great read that got me to pause and think about my beliefs in science and fate.

Story: Yamaaki Doton Art: Yamaaki Doton Publisher: One Peace Books

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Graphic Policy was provided with a FREE copy for review