Alone / Наше одиночество / Hitori-tachi

Manga Alone, also known as Hitori-tachi, is a collection of four different stories that explore the theme of loneliness and the struggles of human existence. Each story offers a unique perspective and delves into the deep emotions and experiences of the characters. The first story, "Our Loneliness," centers around Yuki, a young girl who shares her loneliness with the starry sky. She reflects on life and death, finding solace in a crumpled piece of paper given to her by her dying grandfather. This paper acts as a catalyst for Yuki to overcome her despair and take a step out of the abyss of sorrow. The second story, "Forever Beloved," follows Keita, who has a dream about seeing his daughter in a coffin. Waking up in cold sweat, he finds relief that it was just a dream. However, strange events start occurring that make him question the reality he is in. The third story, "Demon Saga: Zero," introduces us to Zen, a ruthless and remorseless individual capable of carrying out any task, be it murder, explosions, or car theft. Zen seems indestructible, as not even prison bars can hold him back. The fourth and final story, "From an Open Wound Flows a Love Song," revolves around a talented young pianist who struggles to live up to the expectations of others. He loses his passion for music and finds himself drowning in the pressures of society. However, a chance encounter with a mysterious girl reignites his inspiration, only to be confronted by the cruel reality of her fate. The manga also includes two related works. "Alone" (2004) and "Blank Slate" (2005) are connected to the main stories in some way, possibly sharing similar themes or characters. Overall, each story in Alone portrays the depths of loneliness and the complexities of the human condition. The characters face their inner demons and embark on journeys of self-discovery, ultimately leaving the reader with a sense of introspection and reflection on their own lives. It is a thought-provoking manga that touches upon universal human emotions in a unique and poignant way.