I re-read this for a YouTube video. This is also the first time I read it after reading the original story. It’s a fantastic retelling and I highly recommend it.
I’m mainly writing this because I need to work through some stuff.
While reading this, I realized the little mermaid doesn’t have a name. Here, Mech6.0 doesn’t either until he names herself. The fact that she’s able to transform herself and name herself is so moving. It’s a small thing, but part of being an individual/human.
The original is very complex and I think this is, too. Both show a girl/womance/person seeking love and being disappointed/heartbroken. But I think it’s more complicated than that. I think Mech 6.0/Star thinks it’s love she wants, but it's really humanity and perhaps the ability to feel. ITsn’t that something we can all identify with.
I actually liked that the guy isn’t a bad guy. He is just attracted to and in love with someone else. That other woman, Miko, is also not a villain. She actually is very kind to Star and ultimately views her as a friend. I think this adds to the tragedy of the story.
Speaking of tragedy-that ending. It’s sad, but also has a hopeful element like the original. It shows the complexity of human life and emotion. Star was able to experience this complexity and I think it brought her some level of joy or peace.
If you read this whole thing, thanks for listening to my rambly thoughts. I really just needed to vomit out my experience.
Thanks for reading!
Holly