No.3655
ITT we talk about old manga we read.
Bar Lemon Heart (1985)
A series about a nameless bartender, two of his regulars, the mild manner Matsu-chan and mysterious Megane-san, and whatever stragglers happen to walk into the titular Lemon Heart Bar. The stories are episodic, taking the form light hearted evening drinking conversations which almost always revolve around discussing alcohols, usually presented from a 'fly on the wall' perspective. The art style is simple and clean, with the exception of beverage bottles which are rendered in detail, and the characters are drawn in a style that's not to common these days. Each story is episodic and has a relaxing, slow pace, giving the whole manga a lazy feel. Here, drinking is a relaxed, social activity which involves discussing your day and savoring fine flavors, a break from the breakneck speed of the city. The bar itself seems like an insular place with its own rules and mannerisms, the slow and quiet mood being a welcome break from the world outside. Sadly, the bar lacks a distinct visual identity, probably because the backgrounds are generally very minimal. I only read the first volume, the rest remains untranslated. Bar Lemon Heart had a long run and remains incomplete. It was cancelled in 2021 when Furuya sensei passed. The manga did get a live action TV adaption and a bunch of 2 hour specials, the last being released in 2020, which I haven't watched.