Mar 3, 2017
Teisou Kannen Zero is a very interesting manga that focuses on the theme of family and sharing. When I first read it I was confused as the plot starts out of nowhere, but as soon as we get to delve into the inner politics of the Souma family the series took an interesting turn.
The thematic resonance of this series is strong as it is meant to break the sociological prison that is the institution of marriage. This is seen in one of our main protagonists Mitsuko as she does her best to rebel against this unfair practice of marriage by liberating herself and her
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body as she pleases. Truly a revolutionary. But not only is she participating in breaking the norms set by society, but is sewing the seeds of revolution inside of her 3 daughters. However, one of them is very adamantly against her actions, that is Kurumi-chan. She comes from the other side of the philosophical dilemma and is in favor of monogamy however she ends up turning to Mitsuko's side eventually. The other two sisters Sayoko and Souko have a lot of parallels with their mother and share her rebellious streak wholeheartedly.
It's unfortunate that women this chivalrous, bold and independent do not exist in real life. Despite being cheaters, every single woman in the Souma household is wife material, would marry and get cheated on. TFW there's no Kurumi at school, TFW there's no Souko in your workplace, TFW there's no Sayoko as your tutor, TFW there's no Mitsuko as your mother in law.
However the best character of the series is probably Newcomer Kun. He is an innocent cinnamon roll who needs to be protected. He's a simple man with a cute disposition and no ulterior motives. In a series full of the detestable, unpure, and the morally grey, Newcomer Kun stays true to himself through it all and stays humble. He is the hero that this manga always needed and is a stark contrast to the Souma family.
Aside from the main family and Newcomer Kun, there are various sidestories with minor characters. These don't offer much in terms of characterization, but do wonders for worldbuilding and setting the tone of the series. Yumi-Chan for example shows the flaws of the education system of Japan and just how corrupt it can be. But the theme of corruption throughout the series is shown as she falls into the same traps as her fellow educators.
The art quality of Teisou Kannen Zero in general is really good, although during the latter third of the series there are some slight stylistic changes, however it is still competently drawn. It really comes down to personal preference whether these changes are in your favor or not.
The final dialogue of the series is an epic meeting of ideologies on par with the Banquet of Kings in Fate/Zero (The subtitle of "Zero" being indicative of a deep series is a meta commentary I might make in the future). The various characters give their wildly varying thoughts on the construct of marriage and the debate is one to behold. What it means to be a man, what it means to be a woman, how relationships are maintained, it's really complex how wide the opinions on this topic is and the series does not try to force a consensus answer on the viewer.
However the one major problem I have with this manga is the ending, it leaves so many plot threads unresolved and it makes me hope for a sequel, maybe in the future.
Overall, Teisou Kannen Zero is a gripping story with a healthy main cast and vibrant side characters with a plot that is nonlinear in fashion and truly makes you think. I fully reccomend it and score the series with a final 9/10.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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