Description:

High school delinquent Seiji Sawamura is famous for his "Devil's Right Hand." However, he's desperate to have a girlfriend, especially after being rejected by 20 girls as of late. It's the one thing that would make his high school life worthwhile, or so he thinks. Seiji's afraid that he will end his life with his right hand as his only companion. Apparently, that doesn't change much when one day he wakes up and discovers that his right hand has become a girl named Midori Kasugano, who confesses that she has had a crush on him for the last three years. Great news! Right?

Review:

Perhaps one of the single most disturbing plots I've ever encountered. And for manga, that's saying a lot. This, I believe, is based on a Japanese legend (as are most mangas). The story can be found in Mirage of Blaze OAV: Rebels of the River Edge. Haruie recognizes Araki as Shintarou, her lover from a former life. Shintarou loses his right arm protecting Haruie. He suggests she "become his right arm" to atone for the accident. I think this is the premise this modern manga has adapted.

Despite the possible historical/mythological connection, Midori's Days has an original concept with unique presentation. In Japan, romance comics aimed at shonen (boy) audiences are not uncommon. Luckily, they are slowly making their way to American shores.

A male protagonist in a romantic comic written by a male author typically behaves more naturally. There is a certain level of realism in their reactions and thought processes, absent from male protagonists written by women (who tend to idealize men). Seiji is violent, crude, and very funny. He's not a bad guy, in fact, he's amazingly altruistic and protective of the weak. Seiji remains manly throughout his adventures but does become sensitive and emotional towards the end. He's not annoying or wimpy.

The ultra bizarre relationship between a guy and his right hand might disarm (punny!) some people, but don't let the particulars weigh you down. The author never exploits the nature of their circumstances; some questions never go answered and that's fine. It's not supposed to be a realistic story. But the character development is genuine and the conclusion is thankfully elevated.

Kazurou Inoue's art style consists of very thin black line work with large panels of white. The screen tones are used with a minimalist touch, relying more so on the inking. Action packed fight scenes are well paced with dynamic angles. The comic does not completely submit to the trite fan service convention despite the occasional boob and nipple. However, it's not done as offensively as Love Hina or Ai Yori Aoshi, which is nice.

Each chapter is a new day with new issues and concerns for Seiji and Midori to tackle. Watch them work together, fight together and bond together. Everyday chores like cleaning the house, cooking and getting dressed become complicated by Midori's occupation as Seiji's right arm. Some of the funnier moments revolve around Seiji's porno collection and Midori's forbiddance of such material. Another hysterical scene takes place in the men's restroom. Midori singing, "Pee, come on, pee" is priceless.

Unfortunately, there are a few pointless characters and plotlines thrown in as filler. However, the comic remains fairly concise and heartwarming throughout. Midori's Days is certainly a comic that will appeal to men and women for its action and sincerity in character development.

Pros: One of the most unique plot devices of all time. Extremely genuine romance comic in the shonen genre.

Cons: Several unnecessary characters and some filler that could have easily been omitted.

Try: Love Hina, Ranma ½, Ai Yori Aoshi, Kimagure Orange Road, Girl Got Game, Inuyasha