To-Love-Ru is back! After an ambiguous end to the original series due to outside circumstances, I find it commendable that both Yabuki-sensei and Hasemi-sensei have he balls to pick up this series where they literally dropped it off in the summer of 2009. Based on the three chapters currently out, I feel that Yabuki-sensei and Hasemi-sensei are pouring much more time and effort into this sequel. There are new characters, a new storyline, great art, and (I'm not kidding) potential PLOT!!!.
Before I begin, I realize that it is quite premature to write a review on a series with only three chapters published. Rather than reviewing the actual manga, consider this a review of the manga's potential, based on conjectures and projections from the three chapters published, the original series, and a little bit of optimism.
Story:
To-Love-Ru Darkness: 9/10
Original To-Love-Ru: 7/10
I begin with perhaps both the selling point of this new series as well as the most projection-based and questionable rating I will make in this review. I have absolutely no hard evidence that To-Love-Ru Darkness' story line is that good. All I know is that it seems to be much more existent than the storyline in the original work, which garners it a higher rating than the original. Based on foreshadowing made in the first three chapters, as well as the epicness of Yabuki-sensei's previous series Black Cat, I suspect there may be a fair bit more action, drama, and maybe even conspiracy theory than there was in the original To-Love-Ru. I also have the feeling that some of the orignal Black Cat cast might make an appearance here or there. At the first least I give the story a high-probability of being non-episodic. But even that is a huge step up from the original, plotless series, and I believe the inclusion of story could be the biggest change, the biggest improvement, and the biggest selling point of this new series.
Also, it seems like the main cast of the series has been swapped. We all know that La-La and Haruna both crush hard on Rito; now its time for some of the other characters to shine. It seems like the focus here is on this new girl named Mea, Momo, and Yami. Since Yami-chan has been a favorite character throughout the two Yabuki series she has appeared in, I find this fact a major plus. (In my loli-Yami-chan-loving heart, the story is 10+/10.)
One final thing about the story is that there seems to be a lot less comedy than there was in the orignal series. I don't find that a bad thing, which is why I overlooked it, but I am aware that this may actually turn off a lot of viewers, as the original series was mainly comedy.
Art:
To-Love-Ru Darkness: 10/10
Original To-Love-Ru: 9/10
Holy Shit Yabuki-sensei is a God. His skill at drawing has been improving steadily throughout both Black Cat and the original To-Love-Ru. Black Cat, being a tradition shounen-action manga, nurtured his ability to draw seamless and awesome action while To-Love-Ru gave him plenty of time to practice drawing naked bodies. Based on the conjectures I made about the story, I believe both skill sets will serve him well in this series. There hasn't been too much action to judge on, but the ecchi scenes were steamy. I mean...holy god...look at him squeeze those nipples...O.O. The ecchi and the ecchi humor has gone up a serious notch in my opinion, as there is less “KYAAH DON”T LOOK!” and more serious, serious seduction going on. On that note, Momo scares me shitless.
Characters
To-Love-Ru Darkness: 9/10
Original To-Love-Ru: 9/10
Once again, I don't have any foundation for this rating, which is why it received the same score as its predecessor. The same cast of colorful, some coercive, some kind, girls (I was tempted to use a different word to add to the alliteration) returns with their main and supporting roles switched. The older sister La-La has had her chance to shine; now its time for the voyeuristic, younger sister to take over and plot in the darkness. Although its not enough to warrant a bump in points, I feel that there is increased capacity for character development in To-Love-Ru Darkness than there was in the original series due to the (potential) presence of drama and plot.
Enjoyment
To-Love-Ru Darkness: 10/10
Original To-Love-Ru: 8/10
Being the evil bastard I am, I enjoy the darker, more dramatic storyline of To-Love-Ru Darkness more than the light-hearted episodic comedy of the original series. As mentioned before, the ecchi scenes and the ecchi jokes have been notched up a level, and I would consider it at the level of seinen, aimed at older males. These girls are seriously trying to seduce Rito's pants off, and some of their methods are crazy hot and aggressive. Finally, since its a Yami-centered series, the enjoyment on my part has been boosted up a level. Now if only Yui were be a main gal as well.
Overall Rating:
To-Love-Ru Darkness: 9.5/10 mean
Original To-Love-Ru: 8.25/10 mean
I feel like To-Love-Ru Darkness has serious potential to outshine the original series. As the name implies, Rito's days will be much darker and steamier time than were in the original series. A suitable analogy for the relationship between To-Love-Ru and To-Love-Ru Darkness would be that of the first few chapters of Mahou Sensei Negima with its latest epic chapters and arcs.
I welcome questions, comments, criticisms and compliments whether you found this review helpful or not.
