Qualia the Purple

‘Qualia the Purple’ presents unique and engaging concepts throughout the story. The writing style is at the top-level of what is typical for light novels. The prose is clear and easy to follow, and the scientific concepts were explained well without straying from the voice of a young woman. The illustrations showcase a beautiful 2000s art style which is full of character and movement. The character relationships are endearing and the heart of the story. The devotion of the protagonist, Manabu, to the deuteragonist, Yukari, is depicted in a heartfelt and believable way. Yukari is a unique and ‘quirky’ character without relying on overused tropes orfalling into absurdist or ‘annoying’ territory. Manabu’s defining quality is her love for Yukari, and willingness to accept her unconditionally despite Yukari’s unique way of seeing the world. Yukari’s uniqueness is accepted by Manabu, and the story, without depicting it as something that must be ‘fixed’ for her to be loved. Manabu accepts Yukari as she is. The romance between them is subtle, and maintains the innocence of teenage first love. The two supporting characters, Nanami and Alice, have distinct personalities and relationships with the leads. They don’t exist as one-dimensional love rivals, and add unique elements to the story. The characters’ struggles with helplessness, strength of will, and obsession, feel like realistic responses to the events of the story. While the happenings are fantastical, the character reactions are human.