What seemingly begins as a typical Shounen-style opening where the protagonist awakens to new power associated with their unknown genetics/heritage, is placed and integrated into a mundane setting of school life and very nicely fits to depict the feelings of anxiety, isolation and estrangement experienced by many adolescents transitioning toward adulthood. This story is executed in a very wholesome manner where despite the difficulties our main character undergoes for being different from her peers, she remains, for the most part, accepted by the majority. This makes Ruri Dragon a light and pleasant read that will surely lighten anyone's mood. Luckily for those adverse to tragic elements, you won't be finding much Shuzou Oshimi depression here.
Yet, it is precisely because Ruri Dragon has developed its story in such a wholesome direction, that the manga so far feels a little flat in its narrative for lacking a strong conflict apart from the social anxieties and uncertainty faced by the protagonist as she unlocks more of her Dragon genetics (an anxiety that was quickly and mostly resolved by her classmates' acceptance of her differences). Luckily, Masaoki Shindou is a keen artist and writer and he makes up for this with exemplary panelling and strong interactions between the characters, particularly between the protagonist and her mother - one chapter has the duo playing video games, and the sequence was rendered wonderfully. I am also aware that likely the story will eventually heighten in tension as these dragon traits will likely make it difficult for Ruri to continue school - the manga has already forebode this in its few chapters released.
Overall, this is a series with much potential! Looking forward to seeing how the story develops.
Edit: It got dropped... this had potential. I am sad.
