Ranked #1234

Orange Yane no Chiisana Ie (Manga)

A divorced man, with two sons. A woman who wants a divorce, with two daughters. Put them together inside a single house given an accidental circumstance, and what do you get? Noriyuki Yamahana's take on slice-of-life, with a twist. It's a barrel of laughs, sweetness and genuine fun.

Little House with an Orange Roof (more popularly known simply as 'Orange Roof') is a story about how two people got tricked by a conman into living in one house, and the development that followed. A really simple, mundane plot that's been used since forever. But there's a rarity of finding a work telling the goodness of being a family on a manga. Orange Roof does not boast of deep philosophical views, nor of complicated characters and good-morals-preaching. Then again, that's what makes it unique.

Natchi and Shoutarou - both funny, loving, and caring. Each of them has weaknesses. However, they try to overcome what's blocking their way with the help of one another. They understand they can't do things alone. What truly amazes me is how they complement each other; when one cannot take it all, the other supports. Isn't it wonderful? This is the charm of Orange Roof - selflessness, coated in comedy (well, it seems that everyday is fun inside the house).

Is it a love story? Yes. But it doesn't just throw its love story onto you and leave the supporting cast completely devoid of any character. Actually, they're pretty interesting at some point. There's more to Orange Roof than the two main protagonists. You have the four children and their issues, for starters. How two teenagers, a soccer boy and a primadonna girl, would get along (even if it looks impossible that they will); how they would take living without the other 'original' half of their respective parents, things like that.

Enter MORE people: Natchi's younger sister (who appears more mature), her old husband's family, her mother; we've also got Shoutarou's old wife, his parents, and his co-workers. Then, there's the gossip-starved neighbors, the children's friends, and of course, the rivals of love. You can say that 64 chapters are not enough to develop all of them, but it's handled quite all right. Artwork's pretty much same-old Yamahana style. There's some nudity in here, however, even though it looks like it's your typical Rated-G for-the-family story.

Full of humor, lightheartedness, and, at some points, emotional heartwarming scenes, Orange Roof lets you take a breather and appreciate familial love and tight personal bonds. Natchi and Shoutarou proves that having that special someone by your side can make all the difference in the world. But before you can witness its magic, be prepared for wacky situations and hilarious interactions. Guffaw, smile, sit back, and enjoy. read more

You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them. (Desmond Tutu)

PLOT: -

This is perhaps one of the most common plots that has been used in movies, drama and literature. But the best thing about this particular series is that it gathers an average plot, a fairly decent cast and everyday life situations and combines them in to a great family manga.

In order for a building to become a house, it needs a family. And a family is a group which not only shares a roof but shares the good and hard times together as well. These are the messages portrayed by this manga.

CHARACTERS: -

The characters of this series may appear to be common and easy going, but that’s the beauty of this series. They might not be special individually but together they form a great cast. Their development as a family has been portrayed beautifully. Each characters plays a decent role in this series, especially the adorable kids ^_^

ART: -

The art of this manga is very good and refreshing. It is very easy to follow and it enhances the beauty of characters.

Target Audience: -

Those who like easy going, slice of life and light heart family manga will love this series.

TIPS: -

* Don’t expect too much from this series. It is more of an appetizer rather than being a main course.
* Don’t read it in one go. The best way to enjoy it is to read it bit by bit with some high paced manga. read more