Comics / Manga

Suzuka #9

By Avi Weinryb
November 27, 2008 - 23:51

The popular Suzuka manga series revolves around a young man, Yamato, and the mad crush he has for his lovely classmate, Suzuka.  The two of them share many classes at school together, and their apartments are right across from

Isn't Muku the dog cute?

one another. Their close proximity almost seems like fate - but there is one small problem. Suzuka is still very emotionally attached to her former love - Kazuki. And Kazuki is dead. Yamato can only hope that Suzuka can get over the past and notice his affection.

This manga seems to combine some of the best elements of romance manga in an organic and neat way. There is sincere love, improbable situations, cute animals, stupid but well meaning friends, and intense but comedic bickering between love interests. Decompressed storytelling means that conversations stretch on for a bit, but this lends some realism to the story's presentation.

I really don't understand why this volume was rated 18+. It's quite tame, and a 16+ rating would have sufficed.

Some solidly structured comedic moments provide rich laughs. When Yamato hands his love a good luck charm, he mistakenly provides her one with an inscription that reads "Safe Childbirth". She is not happy about this. Later, Yamato is suspected of stealing women's underwear. It turns out that it was not the fault of anyone but a certain... Well, you should read the book if you seek the punchline. I wouldn't want to ruin it for you.

The artwork is economical, simply allowing the story to unfold without any flourishes. Characters are expressive and emote well. Suzuka's sister's dog, Muku is a marvel. He is a cutely rendered pup even when he is viciously chowing down on Yamato's scalp. It's a contradiction the artist is able to manage with aplomb. This manga is not extraordinary - but it is definitely fun.

Rating: 7 /10

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12