Catalog of Wonders, Vol. 1 kicks off with a mix of dark fantasy and adolescent anxiety. The story follows Mashiro, a student spiraling into panic over a poor test score and the fear of disappointing her parents. At her lowest moment, she fantasizes about an easy way out—maybe even erasing their memories of her failure altogether. It’s a relatable emotional setup that grounds the surreal events that follow in very human fears.
Just as her thoughts drift to the impossible, a strange girl in a neon hoodie and eyepatch suddenly appears, clutching a suitcase. Without much explanation, the girl vanishes, leaving Mashiro with a box and a black book that details magical items for sale. From a grim reaper on demand to a button that erases memories, the catalog reads like a twisted wish list. These bizarre offerings are tantalizingly presented as solutions to life’s biggest problems—but at what cost?
As Mashiro considers using one of the catalog’s products, the story shifts from quirky to thought-provoking. The magical realism blends well with real-life teenage struggles, raising important questions about quick fixes and emotional responsibility. Should Mashiro take the easy way out, or face the discomfort of growth and accountability? It’s a clever use of fantasy to explore the consequences of emotional shortcuts.
The visuals by Kei Mochizuki heighten the mood of the story. The contrast between Mashiro’s everyday life and the catalog’s otherworldly items is well portrayed in the art, which captures both whimsy and unease. Character expressions, especially Mashiro’s internal conflict, are detailed and expressive, adding weight to her dilemma. The blend of soft lines and eerie designs reinforces the story’s shifting tone between the real and surreal.
I really enjoyed this opening volume. Catalog of Wonders, Vol. 1 delivers an imaginative, eerie twist on magical intervention and the ethics of using power to escape responsibility. It’s emotionally resonant, visually engaging, and full of intriguing possibilities. I loved the clever writing and the way it challenged the idea of “easy fixes” for hard problems. I can’t wait to see what strange choices and consequences unfold in future volumes.
English