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Maki Yoko: SoraSora (in Ribon)
First impression: Wow, Maki Yoko surely had improved her art since this ... Second impression: Wow, she sure has forgotten how to construct a plot since this ...
Maki Yoko is drawing Aishiteruze Baby in Ribon right now, and I think, quite frankly, that it sucks. The art is pretty, oh yes, but nothing much happens in it, and what little that does happen doesn't lead anywhere. I think Baby could have become a great manga if the Yuzuyu episodes and the Kokoro episodes had inter-connected in some way to reach a solution about what a family ought to be, but it never really happened, and I can't really see what the point of the story is.
Anyway, SoraSora. I like the two protagonists, because they're silly and stupid and don't take school seriously, which reminds me of myself. I also like the teacher, because I admire him for actually caring about those two. The plot is ... err ... typical. The heroine gets picked on by some bitchy girl who hides her true nature in front of the hero -- been there, done that. Seriously, this theme goes way back to shojo manga of the 50s and 60s. I've never liked it, because I'm not really the type to identify with the heroine and wallow in the pleasures of self-pity.
The good thing about this manga, though, is that the heroine doesn't entirely wallow in self-pity: she counter attacks, both verbally and physically. Way to go, Sorako! And although the plot itself could have been resolved in one installment, the various small episodes about the school life of the protagonists are funny and adds to the total product. Unfortunately, in Baby, these side-episodes are so numerous they completely cover up the main plot, but here, the balance is right.
Over-all, a good read. I have hope for Maki Yoko yet.
Category: Shojo/ladies | Posted by Alicia at October 1, 2004 11:54 AM