Jul 18, 2015
The main reason I'm writing this review is because I'm honestly surprised that this series isn't more popular.
If you want to read an adorable, heartwarming and funny slice-of-life then this manga is for you. It's easy to make comparisons to Yotsuba; it's a story about childhood, learning about the world and making friends, all told from the perspective of Yokai, which are essentially monsters rooted in Japanese folklore. It's not an uncommon concept, but by using the weird and wonderful elements of Japanese mythology the story gains a unique spin that adds a whole new dimension to the characters and their adventures.
Unsurprisingly, this story
...
takes a more friendly look at said monsters. If you read about Yokai online, you're bound to come across some descriptions that certainly don't make them sound 'cute', but Ike has provided his own take on traditional Yokai concepts that for the most part are more child-like in appearance, and certainly work well with the tone and setting of the series.
Despite being a relatively unknown artist, Ike's art style is a real treat for the eyes, with fantastic character design and some brilliant, detailed environments that at times border on murky in their appearance, something which accommodates such a monster-centric story and provides a curious perspective on rural Japan and its supernatural inhabitants.
If you get into reading this series, you'll likely quickly fall in love with the character's fun and quirky personalities. Cat-girl Kurona is the star of the show, and seeing her curious personality interact with all kinds of different monsters and dilemmas in each chapter is a lot of fun. Despite this, she in no way diminishes the role of her fellow Yokai, ranging from the perverted yet caring Kappa to the aggressive but dependable temple guardian Koma; the characters are truly better experienced than described, but I can safely say that their personalities bounce off each other really well, and the sense of a 'Yokai community' living in a rural Japanese town is warming to experience. Interactions with humans are equally interesting, with a handful of mainstay characters bridging the gap between the human and Yokai worlds, yet in no way grounding the creativity and mystique of the Yokai's existence.
My main issue with the series is the reoccurrence of ecchi moments that feel forced and generally out of place in the series, and whilst these are regularly played for laughs and can be overlooked, it could potentially reduce the appeal and demographic of the series, which is a real shame.
Overall, I definitely think this series is worth a read if you want a simple, relaxing slice-of-life tale with a twist. Fun characters, cute storylines, all culminating in some beautifully illustrated settings, this is definitely one you shouldn't miss out on!
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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