Rainbow 

Rainbow: Nisha Rokubō no Shichinin ( Rainbow: The Seven from Block 2, Cell 6 ), written by George Abe and illustrated by Masasumi Kakizaki, is a powerful manga series that delves into the lives of seven teenage boys who form a deep bond while incarcerated in a juvenile reform facility in post-World War II Japan.

Imprint - YS Comics

Magazine - Weekly Young Sunday (2002–2008) Weekly Big Comic Spirits (2009–2010)

Demographic - Seinen 

Original run - November 21, 2002 – January 4, 2010

Volumes - 22 (List of volumes)

1. Author and Illustrator

- George Abe is the author of Rainbow. Little is known about him beyond his work on this series.

- Masasumi Kakizaki, the illustrator, is known for his gritty and detailed art style, which perfectly suits the dark and intense themes of Rainbow.

2. Story and Plot

- Rainbow follows the journey of seven young boys—Mario, Jo, Rokud, Cabbage, Soldier, and Uncovered—as they endure the harsh realities of life in a reformatory.

- The story begins with the boys' arrival at the facility, where they face abuse from both the staff and other inmates. Despite the brutality, they find solace in their friendship and mutual support.

- As the series progresses, the boys confront various challenges, including corruption, violence, and the trauma of their pasts. However, they remain determined to survive and overcome their circumstances.

3. Characters

- Each character in Rainbow is distinct, with their own personality, backstory, and struggles.

The Six:

- Rokurouta Sakuragi (Rokuda): The strongest and most level-headed of the group. Despite his intimidating presence, Rokuda possesses a kind heart and becomes a mentor to the others.

- Mario Minakami (Anchan): The leader of the group before Rokuda's arrival. He's impulsive and hotheaded, but fiercely loyal to his friends.

- Gisuke Yamamoto (Cabbage): A gentle giant with a love for gardening. He often mediates conflicts within the group.

- Akira Suzuran (Soldier): A stoic and disciplined young man who lost his family in the war. He initially clashes with Rokuda but eventually earns his respect.

- Jiro Hanada (Uncovered): A cunning and resourceful boy who uses his street smarts to survive.

- Ryuji "Ryu" Nijo (Jo): The youngest of the group, known for his pickpocketing skills. He's fiercely protective of his younger sister.

4. Art

- Masasumi Kakizaki's art in Rainbow is gritty and realistic, perfectly capturing the harshness of the boys' environment.

- The character designs are detailed, with each character's emotions vividly portrayed through facial expressions and body language.

- The backgrounds are richly drawn, adding depth to the story's setting.

5. Action

- Rainbow features intense action scenes, particularly during confrontations between the boys and their adversaries.

- The fight sequences are choreographed in a realistic manner, emphasizing the characters' desperation and determination to survive.

6. World Building

- The manga provides a detailed portrayal of post-war Japan, capturing the social and economic struggles faced by its citizens.

- The reformatory serves as a microcosm of society, highlighting the injustices and inequalities prevalent in the larger world.

7. Theme and Symbolism

- Rainbow explores themes of friendship, resilience, and the human capacity for survival in the face of adversity.

- The title itself symbolizes hope and resilience, as the boys strive to find light amidst the darkness of their circumstances.

8. Arc

- Rainbow is divided into multiple arcs, each focusing on different challenges faced by the boys and their evolving relationships.

- The manga builds tension steadily, leading to climactic moments that test the characters' strength and resolve.

9. Anime Adaptation

- Rainbow received an anime adaptation in 2010, which closely follows the manga's storyline.

- The anime faithfully captures the dark and gritty atmosphere of the manga, with intense visuals and emotional performances from the voice cast.

10. Influence and Impact

- Rainbow has garnered a dedicated fanbase worldwide, praised for its compelling story and complex characters.

- The series has been lauded for its portrayal of social issues and its exploration of the human spirit.

11. Awards

- Rainbow has received critical acclaim and won several awards, including the Kodansha Manga Award for Best General Manga in 2006. While Rainbow didn't receive major awards, but it earned critical acclaim

12. Overall Conclusion

- Rainbow: Nisha Rokubō no Shichinin is a masterfully crafted manga that tackles difficult themes with sensitivity and depth.

- Through its gripping story, rich characters, and stunning artwork, Rainbow leaves a lasting  impression on readers, challenging them to reflect on the power of friendship and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.