The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes: Ultramarine, vol. 1 | Review

The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes: Ultramarine, vol. 1
Story by Mei Hachimoku, Art by Koudon, Character Design by Kukka
Released 8/9/22, Seven Seas Entertainment
Rating: Teen (13+)

If you lost something that was most precious to you, what are you willing to do to get it back? Most importantly, what are you willing to sacrifice to get it back?

In The Tunnel to Summer, we meet Tono Kaoru, a high school student with a dire homelife. His family has fallen apart after the accidental death of his younger sister, Karen. His mother has abandoned the family, leading his father to become an alcoholic. While Kaoru is trying to manage his grief, he and his best friend Kaga meet a new transfer student, Hanashiro Anzu. Anzu is a no-nonsense girl who already makes her presence known when she refuses to be tormented by the class bully, Kawasaki. During this time, Kaoru overhears his classmates talk about the Urashima Tunnel. He learns that whoever goes through the tunnel will find their heart’s desire on the other side, but at the cost of losing a few years of their life. Kaoru decides to find the tunnel to see if he can get his little sister back. Anzu discovers his plan and offers to help him.

But why? And what will Kaoru have left after he goes through the tunnel?

This was an amazing story that was really hard to put down. The Tunnel to Summer, which already has a light novel and an anime feature film, tackles hard hitting topics and questions of morality (and mortality) all wrapped in a mesmerizing package. The art is crisp and not overdramatic, while the storytelling perfectly draws out each character. Seeing Kaoru venture to the tunnel for the first time will fill the reader with anticipation, especially with what he finds during that visit and how much it costs him. 

Another question to ponder is what would Anzu gain from helping Kaoru? Anzu seems to be invested in the tunnel, but we don’t exactly know what for. She is very familiar with the tunnel and the folklore behind it. Only time will tell. 

While I have not seen the movie or read the light novel, The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes: Ultramarine is a riveting story that has me looking forward to what happens next. 

It will also leave the reader asking themself this question: How much are you willing to lose to gain your heart’s desire?

Filed under: Manga, Reviews, Young Adult