Papillon Vol. 1

Rating T+ Genre manga Author Miwa Ueda Publisher Del Rey

Many of us are probably familiar with sibling rivalry. Petty arguments, jealousy and striving to be the favorite child are the usual behaviors that follow. In Papillon Vol. 1, the Mizuki sisters are no different. But in their case, it isn’t exactly a fair fight.

Papillon introduces us to Hana and Ageha; twin sisters who were raised separately and in different environments. Ageha was raised by their grandmother in the country, while Hana stayed with their parents in the city. The girls eventually re-unite by the time they’re in middle school but they are polar opposites of each other. Hana is outgoing, popular and charming with a reputation for being a heartbreaker while Ageha is quiet, socially awkward and a bit of a pushover. Ageha has grown used to living in her sister’s shadow and hardly has enough courage to talk to Ryusei Koike, her childhood friend from the country who she develops feelings for. The two lose touch after Ageha moves back to the city, but she instantly recognizes him when she runs into him one day and can’t help but notice his bright personality and good looks.

With the encouragement of school guidance counselor Hayato Ichijiku, Ageha learns that she must instill confidence in herself in order to step out into the spotlight and go for what she wants….whether it be more respect, or her new love interest. When Hana finds out that Ageha is trying to win Ryusei’s attention and becoming successful at it, Hana just happens to show up one day while they’re out together and acts very flirty. Ageha’s nerves are rattled and it seems she may backtrack into her shy behavior once again, although he doesn’t yet realize the potential she has.

Papillon Vol. 1 may seem like a typical love story with the usual dramatics and hormonal outbursts, but it’s beyond being just another bubblegum teen manga. It tries to convey the importance of embracing oneself for who they are and that beauty isn’t always on the outside. Hana is gorgeous and popular yes, but she’s a spoiled brat and treats her sister like crap. She’s supportive of her, but only if she’s safely tucked away in the background, where Hana thinks she should remain. Ageha is clearly the underdog in the story and although she could use a backbone she’s very likeable (probably because you end up feeling sorry for her) and she’s also relatable. We’ve all been Ageha at some point in our lives, but not everyone’s been the popular kid. This story teaches a valuable lesson to teens, or anyone for that matter, who will read this.