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Title: Maison Ikkoku vol 2 (of 15)
UK Distributor: Gollancz Manga
Author: Rumiko Takahashi
Suggested Retail Price (SRP): £4.99
Number of Pages: 224
ISBN: 0-5750-7837-5
Reviewed: 23th February 2006
Reviewer: Rich (Webmaster)
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Gollancz have always released the
first two volumes of all their manga series at the same time, and in the case of
Maison Ikkoku it was a move that really pays off. The first volume
of Rumiko Takahashi’s romantic comedy was good, but only began to show signs of
greatness towards the end, and Maison Ikkoku vol 2 picks up the baton and
runs with it.
Things seemed to be going swimmingly for Yusaku Godai last time round, he passed
his college entrance exams and was rapidly growing closer to widowed apartment
manager Kyoko Otonashi, but the arrival of the dashing tennis coach Shun Mitaka
really put a spanner in the works. Now Godai has a rival who outdoes him
in nearly every area but Godai finds out a secret – Mitaka is afraid of dogs,
something he really wants to keep from the dog owning Kyoko. Meanwhile
Godai continues to tutor Kyoko’s niece and also becomes involved in a puppet
theatre group at college, he seems to have a knack for working with children and
this impresses Kyoko, but there is a big problem coming up. Somehow a
series of events ends up with him going out with Kozue Nanao, a girl he worked
with in one of his part-time jobs. His heart is with Kyoko but he doesn’t
want to hurt the sweet Kozue and is secretly scared he may lose both, however,
are his actions just going to send Kyoko into Mitaka’s arms?
As mentioned the story really began to pick up at the end of vol 1 when tennis
coach Mitaka was introduced. This new character added a whole new
dimension to the story, and as his character is explored things get even better.
The rivalry between him and Godai as they vie for Kyoko’s attention is what
drives the story and Mitaka, who at first seemed perfect, is given a human side
through his fear of dogs. Mrs Ichinose, Akemi and Yotsuya once again provide
most of the comedy but this time the other characters are explored in far more
depth. We get flashes of Kyoko and Godai’s past as well as plenty of
examples of their human sides, whether Godai’s drunken confession of love or
Kyoko’s road rage. These things are not only funny but make the characters
feel more real, and even though you are pretty sure you know how the story will
end (as usual for romantic manga), you are really interested to see how it’s
going to get there.
This volume is a lot funnier than the first - particularly during the chapters
in which the gang goes to the beach and Kyoko performs in Godai’s puppet play -
and the antics of the neighbours are still amusing. This comedy makes
Maison Ikkoku vol 2 a very entertaining read, and the drama and usual
misunderstandings are handled in a skilful and non-patronising manner.
Takahashi’s excellent writing is really starting to give the characters depth,
and she backs this up with superb, clear artwork that is very easy on the eye.
The story is picking up and she throws in another curve ball with the arrival of
Kozue Nanao, who adds another interesting element to the plot without
overcomplicating it. Again the problems come in the sheer 1980’s-ness of
it, which may make it harder to identify with for younger readers, and despite a
degree of originality there are still plenty of familiar romantic comedy
clichés.
This said, Maison Ikkoku vol 2 is a real improvement on volume 1, with
both the cast and story really fleshed out by some excellent writing from Rumiko
Takahashi. The artwork is simple but effective, being clear and
uncluttered but still retaining a high level of detail, and all the characters
are instantly recognisable. There is plenty of comedy and drama on offer
but I get the impression that Godai’s neighbours may start to get a bit annoying
after a while, and there is also the danger that if the clichés increase then it
may become a bit predictable. At the moment though Maison Ikkoku
remains a highly enjoyable read, with plenty of comedy and likeable characters
who become more interesting as the story progresses, and is definitely worth a
look.
Extras
Even less than last time, a biography of
Rumiko Takahashi and that's it.
Ratings
Feature:
Extras:
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