River's Edge

Kyoko Okazaki’s River’s Edge (2023–present, Kodansha USA) is a stark, emotionally raw manga series that explores the lives of disaffected Japanese teenagers navigating trauma, identity, and the fragile bonds of friendship. Known for its unflinching portrayal of youth in crisis, the series is driven by Okazaki’s distinctive, minimalist art style and her ability to capture the quiet desperation of its characters. Though only one issue in, it already stands as a powerful entry in the creator’s celebrated body of work, offering a window into the darker corners of adolescence.