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Reviewed by Ysabet Reinhardt MacFarlane The short review: I liked B.O.D.Y. vol. 3 noticeably better than vol. 2. Why? Well, it still has a premise that isn't my thing at all, but the constant onslaught of implausible plot points has slowed down enough that the characters can process what's going on, and actually talk to each other and try to figure things out--at least occasionally. Ryoko (now in full Gutsy Heroine mode, where my impression of her in vol. 2 was more in the vein of Good-Hearted Heroine In Over Her Head) and Ryunosuke are trying to make a serious go of their relationship, which includes sorting out their respective emotional and practical issues about Ryunosuke working in a host club (i.e., dating for money). Things might even go a bit smoothly if Ryoko weren't so fascinated Jin, by the president of the club where Ryunosuke works, but she is. Common sense and her boyfriend's entirely reasonable concern aside, she spends an awful lot of this volume focused on unraveling Jin's past, which isn't the safest hobby ever. (I did say the over-the-top aspect had slowed, not disappeared.) My other main frustration with B.O.D.Y. is how often things revolve around misunderstandings that could be cleared up in about two minutes if the characters really sat and talked, or made a real attempt to figure how the other person might be feeling, but that's hardly unique to this series, or even to this genre. This volume has changed my impression of the series slightly for the better, then, but it's still not really to my taste. But again, if you're a fan of this flavor of shoujo, go on and give it a shot. Volume 3 of B.O.D.Y. includes a page of editor's notes. Review copy provided by VIZ Media. Interested in writing for MangaLife? We're always looking for talented reviewers and columnists, so drop us a line! Charles Webb Editor-in-Chief, MangaLife.com |
1 September 2010
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