A new love comedy from Mayu Minase featuring Tokushima, nonhuman entities and, of course, love! The son and heir to an indigo dyeing shop, Riku, has dreamed of going to university outside his prefecture with his childhood best friend and girl he loves but is instead forced to marry a girl named Miyo because of some promise his family made in the past. However, just what is Miyo’s incredible secret?! Tokushima’s very own Mayu Minase sets the stage in her hometown for this youthful love fantasy.This series has been published in Japan since 2013 which Japanese title name is “Himesama Tanuki no Koizanyou”

This comic book introduces an intriguing premise but ultimately struggles to deliver a cohesive and engaging narrative. While the concept behind this comic book of blending folklore with modern life holds potential, the execution falls short in several areas.

The story in this comic book follows a protagonist who encounters tanukis, mythical creatures from Japanese folklore known for their shapeshifting abilities. While this setup promises whimsy and cultural depth, the narrative lacks clarity and focus. The plot feels disjointed, with abrupt scene transitions that make it difficult for me personally to fully engage with the characters or the unfolding events.

The character development in this comic book is pretty minimal, with both the protagonist and the tanukis appearing one-dimensional. Their motivations and personalities are not sufficiently explored, which has left me personally without a clear understanding of their dynamics or individual journeys. This lack of depth makes it challenging to connect with the characters on an emotional level, reducing the story’s potential impact.

The artwork itself in this comic book, while visually appealing, cannot fully compensate for the narrative shortcomings. The illustrations capture the playful and mystical nature of the tanukis, with expressive designs and dynamic compositions. However, the art alone isn’t enough to elevate the story, as the absence of strong storytelling and character work undermines the overall impact.

The pacing of this comic book is pretty uneven, with scenes that either drag without purpose or rush through potentially engaging moments. This inconsistency affects the narrative flow, preventing the story from building momentum or emotional resonance. Key plot points are introduced abruptly, which has left me personally without a clear understanding of the stakes or significance of the events unfolding.

Despite its shortcomings, the concept of merging folklore with contemporary themes holds potential for future development. With more focused storytelling and robust character exploration, subsequent chapters could delve deeper into the rich tapestry of Japanese folklore and offer more satisfying narrative arcs.

I Give This Book 2 / 5