Kamisama Kiss Volume 3 cover image is courtesy of barnesandnoble.com.

Rated “T” for “Teen”

Homeless and abandoned, teen Nanami Momozono is tricked into taking a job as the local god or kami of the Mikage Shrine.  Now, Tomoe, a fox yokai who is her shinshi or familiar, is keeping Nanami from enjoying her youth.

As Kamisama Kiss, Volume 3 begins, Nanami and Tomoe are preparing for their trip beneath Tatara Swamp, where they will visit the palace of Himemiko, the catfish princess.  However, Nanami’s mind is suddenly on her feelings for Tomoe.  She doesn’t want to admit it, but she’s in love with him.  Later, Nanami rescues a white snake that wandered onto the school grounds, but she later discovers strange markings on her wrist.  Little does she know that this means she is about to be married…. to a snake!

THE LOWDOWN:  I enjoy reading the pretty art and glistening graphics of Kamisama Kiss.  This is yet another shojo manga about a human teenaged girl who finds herself caught up in the world of the supernatural.  The fantastic voyages upon which these tales of teen romance and young love take us are fun to read.  Despite this series’ familiar subject matter, creator Julietta Suzuki hits all the right notes with a sprinkle of comedic zest.  I want more.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE:  Fans of yokai-themed shojo manga will like Kamisama Kiss.

B+