Ranked #2099

Imadoki! (Manga)

This is probably the simplest series by Yuu Watase: there's no fantasy, no magic, no adventure, no science fiction. Just a really heart-warming and moving story about a cheerful girl called Tanpopo who transfers to a very exclusive school where she expects to make friends and live happily. On her first visit there, she mets a boy who is taking care lovingly of a dandelion and seems to like gardening. Tanpopo thinks she's made her very first friend...

However, reality proves to be a lot harsher. Her new school turns out to be full of onnoxious people who care more about social status and money than friendship, and because Tanpopo lacks boths, she's soon tagged as a "weed". Not just that, the boy she had met the previous day is none other than Kouki Kugyou, the richest guy of the school, cold hearted and unapproachable and he doesn't want to do anything with her.

Tanpopo of course is not going to just sit there and weep. She's determined to make friends even if it means create something as outrageous as a gardening club to peak Kouki's interest.

Just because I said this story was simple, compared to other Watase's works, doesn't mean that its plot or characters are superficial. On the contrary, the gallery of people that fill Imadoki! is wonderfully drawn and developed. The characters are rich, complex and lovable. The story, about friendship, love and authenticity, is full of funny situations but also there's angst and pain as each character learns to bloom for whom they are and to trust in others.

The story is inspiring and hard to forget. I read this manga three years ago and still remember vividly how it made me feel once I finished it. I certainly recommend it for any shoujo fan out there. read more

After reading Fushigi Yugi by Watase, I have been captivated by her work. Not only is the art good, not only is the story good, and not only are the characters believable, but the very ideas she shares through her work are thought-provoking and inspirational. Imadoki is no exception to this.

The story might not be epical, might not work on as many levels as Watase's Fushigi Yugi, but it's just as charming and meaningful. It manages to remind us that we all have different ways of "blooming", of showing who we are, and different reasons to smile. It's not a long manga, so there are no fillers at all. The story is simple, works at a steady pace which keeps you wanting to read on. This is one to remember, despite not being totally unique.

The characters are all wonderful; Tanpopo is particularly individual within the story, and a typical Watase woman - very much like the main female in Absolute Boyfriend. She's hated, yet keeps on smiling, and you later find out why. Despite her hardships, she keeps on shining and blooming like the flowers she loves (I'm writing in a cheesy style like the one in the book, so you better not hate it. ;))

The art is possibly Watase at her best. All her characters are so different; to one another and to Watase's previous characters. There are some times where she even draws with a realistic quality.

I enjoyed every moment while reading this manga. I'd say more, but my vocabulary is currenly limited; don't ask me why. I'd recommend it to any Watase fan, and anyone who loves a deep, romantic plot with a charming moral and sweet main character. read more