Ningyo Ouji
Mermaid Prince

Edit

What would you like to edit?

SynopsisBackgroundAlternative TitlesPictureChapters/VolumesPublishing DatesRelationsTypeExternal Links  

I was drawn in by the art, like I am for most of the shorter mangas I read. This art reminded me strongly of the Studio Ghibli artstyle--simple to the eye, but detailed enough to hear the background noises.

The writing in this series is very floaty in the sense that while ten or so plot lines are opened, only one is officially solved. The other plot lines are resolved subtly or in ways where the audience feels half-satisfied with the way things turned out. This idea applies to the first and third story the most, while the second story is a melancholy oneshot.

I ... don't think reading this would result in absolute hatred unless the reader desires truly satisfying endings, but you probably won't be satiated reading this because of how open-ended each of the stories are.

Well, enjoy either way whatever your choice is!

Ningyo Ouji (Mermaid Prince) is three chapters about a troubled boy searching for a mermaid who can grant wishes. Mugi and Madori, his classmate who very obviously likes him, have an interesting dynamic. Mugi struggles to cope with depression brought on by the loneliness and frustration he feels on the island. He says and done things that concern the people who care about him, all while trying in his own way to reach out to them and close the gap he feels in his heart. Madori is willing to go anywhere with him to make him happy and so he'll know he isn't really alone. ... These two kids have big hearts even if they don't always show it in the best ways. I would recommend reading this one to anyone who doesn't mind an ending that doesn't get resolved but tries to be slightly hopeful.

Yuki no Hi (Snowy Day) is one chapter about a librarian who has a passing encounter with a man and his child who loves the library and looks forward to spring. Here is where the art really shines, creating beautiful scenes that are easy to fall into where the story is lacking. This is the one story out of the three that I wish got more development because it presents interesting characters and hints at potential world-building, but then it ends abruptly with so much left unsaid. Still, it was my favorite out of the lot and I would recommend reading it for the cozy atmosphere it provides.

Ametsukigahara is the most confusing two chapters of the entire anthology about a high school girl who is truly unhinged. The story revolves around the theme of high school students struggling to figure out their future - who to date, what schools to attend, what careers to pursue, what waits after death - and touches on how they act out when the image they are supposed to uphold doesn't make them happy. Akari starts out as an adrenaline junkie with a wild imagination, an implied crush on her female best friend, and a disinterest in school, but when her friend starts dating a boy her behavior takes a turn for the bizarre and that's where it started being difficult to follow. If dubcon, sexual harassment/assault, and child predators are the deal-breaker for you, skip this one.