For some reason I had a sudden urge to review Nisekoi, the same time when I was writing my thoughts on Monster Musume Vol 4. With that, I gave into my urge.^^/
- SYNOPSIS
Fate works in mysterious ways especially when Chitoge and Raku meet for the first time. You will probably think, “oh, a classic shoujo moment when Chitoge bumps into Raku with a toast in her mouth!” Nope, none of that cliché stuff is involved. Their first greeting came in the form of a crash landing where Raku was acting as Chitoge’s P.E. mat.
No pun intended but the two literally got off on the wrong foot. To make matters worse, their respective families are Yakuza[1] gangs who are at odds with each other. The two leaders from the two Yakuza families negotiated a truce and were successful, but… with the request of the two leaders Raku and Chitoge had to enter into a “false” relationship to keep a war from breaking out.
It is most inconvenient for Raku. Our main hero is hoping to find the source of his promise, which lies with his memento (aka, his pendant). One day, he’s hoping to find his childhood sweetheart who holds the key that will fit the lock of his pendant.
- THEME
- REVIEW
WARNING: I MAY GIVE SPOILERS AWAY
This Shounen manga is quite different in many ways. The main plot is heavily build on romance with the main male breaking the mould. He’s not dense when it comes to the ladies, he’s into romance, and, he’s a good cook. In other words, he is the modern man… in a Yakuza world.
I like Raku. He’s a little rough around the edges since his upbringing is in a Yakuza environment, so, having a little temper and being blunt is not all that surprising. Still, I think he was a little harsh yelling at Chitoge though. If he hadn’t then I don’t think she would have hit him hard. She’s the type who will give as good as she gets, perhaps giving harder. However, by doing this, we find out the type of person she is quicker, so this was necessary. =D
I feel for Raku though… he’s head over heels in love with Kosaki, yet, he has to grin and bear his own situation. He can’t really confess to Onodera for fear that this will cause a war. He can’t exactly confide in her either, not with Claude breathing down his neck!
I can see why the Yakuza dads did what they did. It does make me wonder though if they could have agreed a truce in a different way. Oh well, what’s done is done. This situation does remind me of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Two families who loath each other but the boy and girl go out with each other, with one difference though… Raku and Chitoge can’t stand each other. So, in a way, that comparison is invalid! Haha.
The key backbone of this story does literally lie with Raku’s childhood and his ancient pendant. Raku made a special promise with a girl when he was younger. He kept his pendant as a keepsake so that one day, when he meets this special girl, she will use her “key” to literally unlock Raku’s pendant. If that pendant never existed, then, I don’t think we would have a story to tell. It does make me wonder who this destined girl is. Will we ever see her? The young man is certainly determined to see her again, so it makes me think that we will.
I also have a feeling that Onodera will play a huge part as I think she is somehow linked to Raku’s pendant. I also suspect that she may harbour feelings for Raku. On what level, I don’t know. But having a picture of him in her room and getting flustered with her “key” does make my mind boggle with endless questions. I can easily say “she’s that girl from ten years ago!” but I feel that it’s too early to speculate.
At this moment in time Kosaki is my favourite character and I think she will make a very dashing girlfriend. I like very polite and gentle girls like Onodera and I’m not usually keen on happy-go-punching girls like Chitoge. Chitoge does have a nice side though; I just think that she’s in a similar situation to Raku. Due to her upbringing in a Yakuza environment she’s bound to be a little rough around the edges, so, I can easily overlook her violent tendencies. In some ways, she’s funny. Her headband is especially cute; it really does make her look like a rabbit.
- BONUS
We have short bonus chapters. We also have a biography page about the author with a picture showing his hair looking like spinach. =D I think it’s supposed to be spinach? Regardless, he’s fun to look at. =)
- CONCLUSION
This is a very funny romantic manga with many awkward moments, in a funny way. Raku has many good qualities but he does have his quirky points, due to his Yakuza connection. The romance is executed soundly. Two people, who don’t want to be other each other, are doing their best for the sake of their families. Raku, who wants to be with another girl, has to endure his pain and be part of a “false” relationship. In a way it’s like a sort of love triangle but not quite. We don’t know how Onodera feels about Raku and if her feelings will reciprocate Raku’s. I have a hunch that it won’t take too long to find out.
Oh! The art is nice too. I especially liked the comedic reactions of some of the characters. They are funny and cute.
I give this, One Thumb’s-Up and a Pinky. (My Rating System)
THANKS FOR READING
This really is easy to read. It’s interesting to note that the Nisekoi: False Love anime has announced its second season. I wonder if they will be able to cover enough of the manga materials. By reading some of the feedback on various anime sites, quite a few fans are asking the same questions. To me, it will depend on how many episodes this season will entail. Will it have 24 episodes, or, will it have 12 episodes? Perhaps it will be the latter this time around?
I’m becoming more and more tempted to write a full review of Non Non Biyori and Locodol. I’m also really keen on reviewing High School DxD. I’ll watch the Blu-ray, back to back, when the time is right. =D Coming up next will be Monster Musume Volume 4. =D
Thanks for reading.
Sayonara.^^/
Ryan
[1] Yakuza are a syndicate similar to Mafia or triads.
[2] Shounen translates to “boy” in Japanese. A Shounen manga is where the target audience are boys.
[3] Every day mundane life.