Astro Biologist Pratess: Slice-Of-Life And Out-Of-Body Experiences [Extended Preview]

Written and art by Sarami. Published by Alien Books.

Many people read slice-of-life stories as a way to unwind. It’s enjoyed for its slower pace of storytelling, exploring the mundanity of life through low-stakes drama. Instead of saving the world or competing against a rival, slice-of-life focuses on interpersonal relationships or characters going about their day. However, that’s not to say that it can’t have fantasy elements too. Just look at the manga I want to show off – Astro Biologist Pratess.

Nagi is bored out of her mind. She’d rather be sleeping through class waiting for the last summer break before ending high school than pay attention. However, her life gets some much-needed stimulation when she has an out-of-body experience and meets Pratess, a cosmic being from another plane of existence. Can Pratess show Nagi that the mundanity of her life is exciting from another point of view?

Astro Biologist Pratess’ cover grabbed my attention immediately. There’s a calming aspect with the puffy clouds, blue ocean, and lush greenery. However, simultaneously, the floating gloopy objects give it a sense of weirdness and intrigue. The Alien Books edition has a reversible dust jacket, so you can pick which artwork you want to display.

Mangaka Sarami implements a relaxed style for the interiors. As you’ll see in the preview below, the environments have been drawn with loose lines with an absence of rigidity that reflects the slowness of life. The characters are drawn with tighter strokes. But not to the point of stiffness. This is highlighted by watercolours that add depth and detail. It makes for a calming read fitting of slice-of-life and fantasy.

Astro Biologist Pratess is perfect for anyone looking for a bit of the fantastical in their slice-of-life. This single-volume manga series may scratch that itch, showing you a different side to mundanity.

Astro Biologist Pratess is available at all good comic book shops, online retailers, and Amazon on 19th November, 2024.

Read a 28-page (!) preview of Astro Biologist Pratess, containing the first chapter, below. (Don’t forget to read the panels right-to-left.)

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