Ranked #5587

Handmade no Oujisama (Manga)

I wouldn't review this manga unless I thought it deserved a bit more attention - I've seen more popular manga that are actually worse than this, but with todays' criteria, it is not much of a surprise. This offer a sweet short story that is unfortunately brought down by lack of better art, characterization, and shortness. In fact, this would make a quite nice long-termed romance manga.


~Story~ (7)

The story begins when a young woman, who happens to look good, live good, have a nice job, and is able to do it perfectly well, is dumped by her boyfriend because she is not 'feminine' enough. As en example, he mentions button sewing, which, after she accidentally meets a young tailor, inspires her to do more feminine stuff.
The main problem with this is that our main heroine IS feminine already. The fact that she doesn't know how to sew, for example, is a downright silly reason to dump someone. Oh, you Japanese men you, all wanting a perfect housewife. You monsters.


~Art~ (5)

There isn't so much to say about art, because honestly? - there isn't much of it; the only work in on the characters themselves, who are, naturally, all shoujo-ish, although with a recognizable style, which is a plus; but unfortunately the total lack of scenery or any details other than plush teddy bears is bringing the rank of art to 5.

~Character~ (6)

There is several ups that could make it a 7, but too many downs - enough to make it a 6.
Now, I'm pretty convinced that if any girl got dumped for "not being able to sew a button" would laugh into guys face, and be happy that they realized what kind of A-hole he is. While our heroine doesn't really get too emo about it, the manga IS about her trying to be feminine because she "isn't". (SHE IS.) Then there is this over dramatic approach of the A-holes' new girlfriend who is for some reason convinced heroine is trying to steal him back. There are just some illogical holes that need to be filled.
On the other hand, it is a refreshing breeze without too many tears, with no "I like you/I don't" reverses, and is pretty down to earth at times.


~Enjoyment~ (7)

A lot of enjoyment came from Mr. Tailor, who is a very honest and very open minded character who very clearly shows that he is interested in heroine, which is cool - usually, it is all about a game of hide-and-seek with emotions. It is also a bit different of a story line than usual.
A special bonus to this 3-chapter story are two one shots coming with it. One is about a ghost of a dead girl who haunts her living friend to give a message to the one she loved, and is in fact better than this manga. I can say the same for the other one, where one girl, after a long chase after one guy, comes to realize she should have a life of her own, without chasing around the unattainable.


~Overall~
Seeing as this is a review for Handmade no Oujisama and not for one shots included, I will rate it by its qualities, and it comes out as an average 6.
There are several characters introduced, who looked like they could be fun, but not used (memebers of sewing club), the art is a bit poor, and the story is just too short - there was obviously a lot of potential with a sweet love story, an ex-boyfriend who doesn't know what he wants, and the most important - the sewing progress! I mean, the point is NOT about her learning how to sew like a master, but heck, it had to be called "Handmade Prince" for more of a reason than his title. For such manga name, I expected more.
And while it is worth a quick read, I wouldn't specially recommend it. read more