Manga
Sumomomo, Momomo Volume 7
By Chris Zimmerman
February 25, 2011 - 13:30

Yen Press
Writer(s): Shinobu Ohtaka
Penciller(s): Shinobu Ohtaka
Letterer(s): Terri Delgado
ISBN: 978-0-316-07318-9
$11.99 US



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Sumomomo, Momomo is a series that I am indifferent to. I don’t hate it but there isn’t really anything about it that leaps out at me. It just doesn’t do all that much to set itself apart from the other titles I’ve read dealing with similar material. I don’t mind that the story is zany, but rather that it veers off course and begins to resemble someone with ADD. This volume is the perfect example of that.

The volume kicks off with Momoko and Koushi set for home economics class. However, a substitute teacher arrives whose lesson plans conflict with Momoko’s disgust of hardboiled eggs. If things weren’t bad enough for the poor sub, he finds himself ignored by many of the girls, who can’t take their attention away from Inuzuka. Hijinks ensue and the before long, the sub is battling Momoko for the fate of the class.

A sizeable chunk of the volume is used to focus on Shintarou. The character is a highly accomplished martial artist and respected by everyone. The only thing is, he is really a she, and her family would appreciate it if she showed more of an interest in boys. If it sounds convoluted, it is. Other series have used the same plot thread of a child masquerading as the opposite sex to varying degrees of success. Sumomomo, Momomo plays it up as a serious affair in certain instances and a joke in others. The series just can’t make up it’s mind  as to whether it wants to take the subject matter seriously or not.

Sumomomo, Momomo’s biggest flaw is its inability to stay focused. If you’ve kept up with the series up to this point, I can’t see any reason why you wouldn’t want to add volume 7 to your collection.


Rating: 7/10

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