Introduction
Relationships are an integral part of the human experience, shaping who we are and how we see the world. However, relationships are complex and often troubled, as perfectly captured in the critically acclaimed graphic novel Shortcomings by Adrian Tomine. Through its nuanced exploration of the romantic relationship between protagonists Ben Tanaka and Miko Hayashi, Shortcomings provides profound insight into the struggles, failings, and ultimate shortcomings that characterize even the most intimate bonds. This essay examines the dysfunctional relationship between Ben and Miko as a broader commentary on the inability to ever fully know one's partner, the role of flawed communication in fracturing bonds, and the elusiveness of true intimacy. By analyzing the interpersonal dynamics between the central couple in Shortcomings, this essay reveals broader truths about the complexity of forging authentic connection in the context of our own limitations.
Adrian Tomine's 'Shortcomings': A Dive into Troubled Romantic Relationships
Adrian Tomine's Shortcomings, published in 2007, is renowned for providing an unflinching portrait of the problems underlying even the closest romantic relationships. The graphic novel focuses on Ben Tanaka and Miko Hayashi, a Japanese-American couple living in Berkeley, California. From the outset, it is clear their three-year relationship is troubled, plagued by poor communication, unmet expectations, and increasing emotional distance. While Ben and Miko care for one another, their bond is tested by Ben's insecurities, immaturity, and lack of self-awareness. Likewise, Miko's ambitions as an academic and budding social activism lead to frequent clashes with Ben's cynicism and seeming lack of direction. As their relationship deteriorates, Tomine highlights the ultimate inability to fully know one's partner and the elusiveness of true intimacy and understanding, even in the context of romantic love.
The Flawed Relationship Between Ben and Miko
From the beginning of Shortcomings, it is apparent that Ben and Miko's relationship is on shaky ground. Though they have been together nearly three years, fundamental incompatibilities strain their bond. Ben's immaturity, cynicism, and seeming aimlessness clash with Miko's drive, idealism, and commitment to social justice. Miko often expresses frustration with Ben's lack of direction, at one point asking, "Don't you think it's time you grew up and started taking life a little more seriously?" (Tomine, 2007, p. 17). Ben likewise complains of Miko's perceived self-righteousness and increasingly hectic schedule, lamenting she is becoming a "campus radical" (Tomine, 2007, p. 45). Their diverging values and frequent miscommunications lead to palpable tension and emotional distance in their day-to-day interactions.
However, their relationship is not merely suffering from external pressures. The more profound issue, as Shortcomings reveals, is that neither Ben nor Miko truly knows or understands the other, despite their intimacy. Ben frequently projects his own insecurities onto Miko, as evidenced through imagined dialogues in which she mocks him as a "loser" (Tomine, 2007, p. 115). Ben seems to have little insight into Miko's inner world and ambitions, admitting he tunes her out when she discusses her studies. For her part, Miko acknowledges the relationship lacks true intimacy, at one point lamenting, "You don't even know me" (Tomine, 2007, p. 96). Their inability to communicate authentically and truly see each other ultimately poisons their bond.
Societal Pressures vs. Inherent Incompatibilities: Analyzing Ben and Miko's Relationship
Some may argue Ben and Miko's issues stem less from themselves as individuals and more from broader societal pressures on their relationship. As an interracial couple, Ben and Miko face unique challenges in navigating familial and social expectations, given Ben is Japanese-American and Miko is white. Ben's parents make racially insensitive comments about Miko on several occasions, evidencing the disapproval they may feel about the match. Additionally, Ben and Miko's different socioeconomic backgrounds -- with Miko's upper middle class upbringing contrasted with Ben's working class roots -- arguably create an inherent disconnect in their worldviews and priorities.
However, while societal factors certainly exacerbate Ben and Miko's issues, the fundamental problems in their relationship stem from deeper incompatibilities regarding maturity, communication, and self-awareness. Even without racial or socioeconomic differences, Ben and Miko seem unlikely to have a healthy relationship given their divergent goals and personal limitations. Shortcomings makes clear that their interpersonal troubles run deeper than any particular societal barrier.
Conclusion
Through its sensitive portrayal of Ben and Miko's unravelling relationship, Shortcomings provides profound insight into the elusiveness of true intimacy and the suffering caused by our inability to fully know others. While Ben and Miko undoubtedly care for one another, their relationship is poisoned by miscommunication, projections, and a seeming incapacity to understand each other's inner lives. In the end, Shortcomings serves as a poignant reminder that even the closest human bonds are plagued by shortcomings, as no one can ever truly know the depths of another. Like Ben and Miko, we all struggle to forge authentic connection. Shortcomings captures this core human struggle beautifully, reminding us of the importance of patience, compassion, and self-awareness in nurturing relationships between fundamentally unknowable beings.
