Mio no Na no Moto ni
In the Name of the Mermaid Princess

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8.5/10
+Strong, well-rounded female heroine with agency
+Beautiful artwork and soft, heartwarming tone
+Great balance of external story elements and romance
-Lack of central antagonist and bolder stakes results in thin story structure

It’s easy to hate what we don’t understand. Yet if we find the courage to look closer, there is true beauty in one’s differences. In The Name of the Mermaid Princess, mermaid princess Mio is shunned for her race in a kingdom of humans. Her greatest wish is to restore harmony between magical creatures and humans. While it’s themes are simple and at times a little on the nose, fairy tale fans will eat up ... the gorgeous artwork, romantic setting, and cozy message about accepting one for who they are, regardless of their race or gender.

Mio truly carries the story and embodies what a modern female heroine should be: strong-willed, courageous, and kind, while still able to embrace her feminine traits. She’s not at all weak or a product of the plot. The books also do a great job of balancing romantic elements with the external story. There’s a reason why our differences should be celebrated: boy, girl, merman; no matter what you are, all that matters is what’s in your heart and what you do. Its lack of higher stakes and central antagonist, however, prevent it from fully embracing its deeper themes surrounding racism.

Despite this, there’s nothing more satisfying than reading about a “fool” who triumphs. Princess Mio shows us that one’s true strength comes from being yourself.