Iceland might seem like an unconventional setting for a Japanese manga, but Go with the Clouds, North-by-Northwest is anything but conventional. Penned by Aki Irie and serialized in Harta, this captivating series—spanning seven volumes and counting—seamlessly weaves together elements of mystery, adventure, and the supernatural against the stark, rugged beauty of the Icelandic landscape. With an anime adaptation officially announced, there has never been a better time to lose yourself in the quiet, immersive allure that makes this narrative so compelling.
At the center of the story is Kei Miyama, who functions less like a traditional protagonist and more like a guide through this windswept, expansive world. A 17-year-old who left high school behind to live with his grandfather at “land’s end,” Kei makes a living as a private investigator. You’ll often find him navigating odd jobs, from tracking down lost items to reuniting people with estranged loved ones, portraying a kind-hearted soul drifting through life without a strict roadmap.
Despite his unconventional education, Kei is remarkably sharp and resourceful. He possesses a pragmatic skillset far beyond his peers—capable of picking locks, surviving harsh wilderness conditions, and trusting his own instincts. Unlike the larger-than-life heroes common in manga, Kei is grounded and human, his stoic demeanor a result of years spent navigating independence at a young age.
Beyond his sharp wits, Kei possesses a peculiar, seemingly innate gift. What begins as an eccentric habit—conversing with his Suzuki Jimny as if it were a long-time friend—eventually reveals itself as a form of technopathy, allowing him to interact with machines in extraordinary ways. It is a trait that runs in the family, mirroring his grandfather’s uncanny, near-supernatural ability to attract birds.
While the story largely explores Kei’s serene life in this remote corner of the world, a shadow is cast when his brother, Michitaka, arrives following the tragic and suspicious deaths of their extended family in Japan. Michitaka appears to be a charming, angelic youth, illustrated with an ethereal glow that suggests utter innocence.
Readers familiar with Naoki Urasawa’s Monster may recognize echoes of Johan Liebert in Michitaka—a character regarded as one of manga’s most chilling antagonists. Behind that radiant facade, a palpable darkness lurks, injecting an unsettling tension into the narrative. As we travel through Iceland’s rich, evocative culture, Michitaka’s murky past serves as a lingering, ominous mystery.
Go with the Clouds, North-by-Northwest operates with a dreamlike, offbeat rhythm reminiscent of Yuki Urushibara’s Mushi-Shi. However, rather than leaning heavily on supernatural phenomena to drive the plot, the story feels more like an organic, observational journey. We follow Kei as he uncovers his world, one layer at a time, until the distinction between his professional duties and his personal life begins to dissolve, making Iceland itself a central character in the mystery.
This atmosphere is the true hook of the series. More than a straightforward mystery, it is a nuanced slice-of-life study exploring themes of aimlessness, family legacy, and quiet intimacy. It is not a series in a hurry to provide easy answers; instead, it invites the reader to linger in the spaces between, letting the landscape, the protagonist, and the enigmas of his past blur into a haunting, unforgettable experience.
Source: Polygon
