Setting Up to Fail

Setting Up to Fail is a collection of short stories by Morita Masanori, an artist widely recognized for his kinetic, energetic illustrative style and his ability to capture the raw intensity of youth culture. Emerging from his experience as a prominent manga creator in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, this collection showcases a departure from his longer-form serials, offering a concentrated look at his thematic focus on the pressures, social struggles, and small-scale tragedies of his characters.

The design and narrative tone of the volume reflect Masanori's background in gritty, grounded storytelling. He aimed to explore the concept of the 'underdog' or those on the periphery, utilizing a visual language that emphasizes sharp lines and expressive character designs to convey emotional turbulence. Upon its release, the volume was received by his established audience as a testament to his versatility as a storyteller capable of balancing high-stakes drama with intimate, character-driven vignettes.