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Reviewed by Ysabet Reinhardt MacFarlane Once again, I'm giving the newest volume of B.O.D.Y. a (slightly) different grade than the volume before it, this time moving up to a C+. Here's the first reason: I don't think Ryoko told a single lie in this volume. I'm shocked and pleased by this development. And speaking of things that don't happen this time around, Ryoko and Ryunosuke's relationship doesn't face a single major crisis. (Gosh, I wonder if those two non-events are connected?) It's actually quite nice to have the pressure taken off the two leads a bit; they're both still around for the entire book, so this isn't one of those cases where whole chapters are spontaneously devoted to supporting characters. But it means that we get a chance to see them just as a couple going about their business, and in this series I find that a lot more pleasant than their usual fare. As for what does happen in this volume, well, there's still fallout to deal with after Kousuke (the host who sees Ryunosuke as competition and cheerfully manipulated Ryoko's friend Asuka into falling for him) realizes that his ploys really just aren't working, and may even be having a change of heart about being a complete and unabashed jerk, especially after Asuka discovers the truth about him. And in a quieter moment, Ryoko and Ryunosuke have just started talking about meeting each other's parents when a conveniently-timed visitor arrives at Ryunosuke's apartment. I'm not very attached to the arc with Kousuke and Asuka, personally, but I really liked the scenes where Ryoko and Ryunosuke were talking about their families. They're much more likable characters with the drama dialed down, which is a bit unfortunate since this series seems to rely so heavily on unexpected (or sometimes "unexpected") plot twists. The constant fluctuation in how much the story appeals to me makes it hard for me to rate some individual volumes significantly higher than others--even when I'm enjoying it I'm constantly suspicious about how long it'll be before the story veers off in another direction. Still, I'm continuing to like it more than I originally expected I would, and I still think it may be just the thing for readers who prefer this style of shoujo. Volume 6 of B.O.D.Y. includes a page of editor's notes and several bonus pages from the creator. 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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