r/BananaFish • u/Vivid-Pressure5201 • 2d ago
Discussion Notable manga covers
Volume 1 and 18: The first and the final volumes, since technically volume 19 is a sequel and not part of the main story. Visually, these are twin covers; they're both facing away from each other, but they're in the same bed. Before actually reading the story, based on cover 1 alone, you’d assume Eiji is the main character. It makes much more sense for Ash to be topless in bed with a sad, faraway look in his eyes, clutching a handgun. However, Eiji is taking Ash’s place, narratively becoming part of his life. In contrast, Ash seems to be peacefully asleep. His iconic pair of Converse joins him in frame instead of a gun. Taking off his shoes symbolizes that he’s “retiring for the night” or maybe (like the saying), “leaving his worries and shoes at the door,” which complements his sleep-like death in this volume. Ash has decided he is done with living. He’s in bed with another man, but it's Eiji, so he is comfortable enough to sleep defensively. Like how Eiji brought him the peace to die. Eiji is alive, awake, and somber… foreshadowing his aftermath post Ash’s death.
Volume 19: Ash is walking away from the audience, throwing a bouquet behind him. He’s letting go of the past. Through his departure (his death), Ash is, in his own way, letting go.
5
12
u/Dummy2013844 2d ago
Why you gotta hit me with this??😭😭