How do Tatsumi's short stories relate?

In class we discussed how the first story sets the scene, the aftermath of the atomic bomb. The image of the shadow comes into play, and a sense of loss and helplessness is created. The first story does a good job of showing how pervasive the bomb was to Japan. I think this helps tell the other stories. Even though the rest of the short stories follow individual people, there is a sense that all of it ties back to the bomb, and exists in Japan itself. Tatsumi does an excellent job telling the story of Japan and the atomic bomb that is complex and loaded with emotions.

In each of the stories, there is always a sense of loss: loss of respect, loss of purpose, loss of life: there is no love, nor passion, and many are just trying to survive and trying to forget the past. There is also a sense of isolation. I think it's very interesting to look at when shadows are used, and when things are clear. Often times the "taboo" scenes- ones that I must admit make me feel very uncomfortable- are the ones that are drawn the clearest. I think this is because Tatsumi is attempting to try and erase the shadows, and tell the truth as simple as he knows how. There is moral ambiguity, and the main characters are far from perfect- yet the simple way Tatsumi tells all leaves me in awe.