Behind-the-Scenes: Manga Chap 1 Opening Pages... (Patreon)

So, first things first—sorry for the out of order BTS posts! I'll eventually catch up to where the manga is! ;)

Let's go back to the first few pages of chapter 1 where we first meet Ren, assistant manager at Shibata Shoten. It doesn't take long for us to see that he's a fatherly-like figure to Hugo.

The fact that he tolerates Hugo's cardboard box shrine in the storeroom says a lot about Ren, and even hints to his special understanding (and appreciation) of his backstory and unique quirks.

Even going so far as to take Hugo's insults in stride.

But what could Ren's backstory be? Why is he so patient and understanding?

I work hard to make characters and themes deliberately connect.

To those paying attention: his little moment will mean something even bigger as the story moves along.