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Reviewed by Ysabet Reinhardt MacFarlane Honey and Clover's subplots of unrequited love really take center stage in volume 4: Morita has abruptly left Japan and headed to Los Angeles, leaving the rest of the characters to wonder what he's doing there and when--or if--he'll be back. (The between-chapters sketches of different characters' mental pictures of Morita in LA are a nice touch.) For Takemoto, Morita's absence has particular weight; he feels left behind in more ways than one, and when he asks Hagu if she wants Morita (who is, after all, his rival for her affections--although Hagu herself seems oblivious to that) to come back, he finds her answer less than comforting. (I have to admit that I find Morita kind of exhausting, so I'm perfectly happy with how little he's around in this volume.) Meanwhile, Mayama is settling into his new job and trying to get over his feelings for Rika, which is a bit difficult since everyone he works with knows her (and knew her late husband). On top of that, it's starting to become obvious that his feelings about Yamada, who's still helplessly in love with him, are more complicated than he's comfortable admitting--as he discovers when one of his co-workers begins to take an interest in her. This all sounds like pretty heavy stuff in a summary, but Honey and Clover doesn't really go that way. The characters' emotions ring as true as ever, but Umino continues to punctuate their heartaches and growing pains with lighthearted moments and different looks at their believable, evolving friendships. If you haven't yet taken a look at Honey and Clover, go check it out! This volume includes a short behind-the-scenes comic from the creator and two pages of cultural 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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