Many of you have likely heard of "Yakitate Japan," the famous manga centered around bread baking. In its shadow lies the lesser-known but equally enjoyable manga, "Addicted to Curry." This series focuses on curry instead of bread and offers an entertaining read, especially for curry enthusiasts like myself who enjoy cooking.
Story:
The plot in "Addicted to Curry" is straightforward and easy to follow, making transitions between chapters smooth. Each chapter features Makito preparing a new curry dish that looks absolutely delicious, often spanning over 10 chapters per arc. The recipes are even included, allowing readers to try them at home. My only critique is the predictability of the outcomes; if the prize involves the curry house's goodwill, Makito almost always wins. However, I appreciate the pacing and the variety of curries presented in each chapter.
Art:
I'm not a fan of vague or unclear art styles, which is why I love the strong, crisp lines in "Addicted to Curry." The characters are well-detailed, with Makito being quite handsome and Yui looking very cute. The backgrounds are sufficiently detailed without being overwhelming, except for the curry shop, which stands out. The mangaka deserves praise for their beautiful artwork.
Character:
There's not much to say about the characters. Makito has a pervy side, and Yui tends to cry a lot, but it doesn't detract from the story. Having read 60 chapters, Makito's past remains a mystery, promising complexity and intrigue. The mangaka does a good job developing all the main characters equally, which is a plus.
Enjoyment:
As a straight girl, fanservice isn't particularly appealing to me, but male readers will likely find plenty to enjoy. I thoroughly enjoyed the cooking aspects and the beautifully drawn, mouthwatering dishes. Every arc so far has been engaging, with no boring or filler chapters, earning this manga a 9/10 for enjoyment.
Overall:
"Addicted to Curry" is a solid, highly enjoyable manga, though it may not achieve classic status like "Cardcaptor Sakura" or "Bleach." It's more suited for boys due to the fanservice but can be enjoyed by girls too. If you liked "Yakitate Japan," you'll probably enjoy "Addicted to Curry." Even if you haven't read "Yakitate Japan," if you love cooking and curry, you'll definitely enjoy this manga.
To be frank, Addicted to Curry features a rather mediocre storyline, paired with forgettable (yet not unlikable) characters and slightly above-average artwork. Honestly, I feel it deserves a 5/10, but I rated it 6/10 due to my fondness for food/cooking manga.
Why didn't Addicted to Curry capture my interest?
In short, it's because of the stale story and almost non-existent plot development. My expectations were high due to its good ratings and the intriguing theme of cooking curry. However, as I read on, I was let down by how the story unfolded.
The plot was somewhat unrealistic, which isn't necessarily a deal-breaker. A story doesn't need to be realistic to be enjoyable. But beyond its lack of realism, it simply wasn't engaging. It felt cheesy, relying on the overused premise of an abandoned restaurant suddenly revitalized by a genius cook appearing like an angel from heaven. This chef uses his unmatched skills to bring the shop back to life (along with the fighting spirit of the cute, well-meaning owner).
Using a clichéd plot is fine, but to make it worthwhile, there must be elements that set it apart from similar stories. There needs to be a twist or a cast of strongly developed, unique characters. Unfortunately, Addicted to Curry lacked both, resulting in a subpar narrative.
Despite this, Addicted to Curry has redeeming qualities.
I genuinely enjoyed the depictions and descriptions of the curry dishes, both in preparation and consumption. They were delightful! Each episodic story concluded with the recipe of the featured curry, encouraging readers to try making it themselves. The breadth of curry-related information is truly commendable.
In summary: It's passively entertaining. Worth reading if you're a die-hard curry lover. If you also enjoy ecchi content, you'll likely find it highly enjoyable. However, if you're seeking a solid, interesting cooking manga, you might want to skip this one.
This is a very detailed and excellent food manga, especially for those who are into this genre. Although it predominantly focuses on curry-related dishes about 80% of the time, you can clearly see where Shokugeki no Soma drew inspiration from this series.
The characters are humorous and interesting overall, but as with many similar manga, it starts to introduce too many characters later on.
The series includes some romantic comedy elements, featuring a perverted main character and plenty of ecchi moments like panty shots. However, these aspects aren't the central focus of the story, though be aware of their presence.
I've read through the raws to the end, and while it does get somewhat over-the-top towards the latter part, with pseudo-magical cooking abilities and an increased emphasis on ecchi content, I was still satisfied with both the ending and the series as a whole.
Those eager to learn cooking or refine their culinary skills will find "Addicted to Curry" both fitting and captivating. Although this manga about curry hasn't been adapted into an anime yet, it surely holds potential for becoming an intriguing "curry anime" soon. However, the narrative extends beyond mere cooking and discussions on curry; it incorporates elements of combat, firearms, and knives, appealing to enthusiasts of weaponry. The manga has a slight ecchi undertone (implying minor inappropriate content), so I recommend that those uncomfortable with "a bit of gay" steer clear. Nonetheless, aficionados of curry, humor, battles, and cuisine will undoubtedly relish "Addicted to Curry".
The story revolves around Makito, whose ambition is to restore the Curry House to its former glory. Conversely, antagonists aim to acquire the Curry House to prevent its rise to fame. Will Makito Koenji, a top-notch curry chef, resurrect the Curry House's renown, or will he succumb to the antagonist's aspirations?
This has to be the one manga that I have fallen in love with. I've never experienced the same joy with another manga, and I hope I can be as unbiased as possible in this review. So here goes nothing...
Story 5/10
There isn't anything particularly new here; nothing groundbreaking. The title pretty much explains the entire plot: it's all about THE curry. To be fair, it’s about cooking curry in different circumstances, with a few pinches of sweet vanilla and bitter tragedy here and there. It’s a bittersweet story revolving around curry.
Art 7/10
Above average but quite simple.
Character 8/10
Now we get to the main dish, the strength of this manga lies in its characters. Each one is unique, like different spices in a meal (yes, this review will contain food-related comments). And when I say that, I really mean it—each character brings something unique to the table.
Enjoyment 9/10
Maybe it’s just me, I don’t know, but the situations the main characters find themselves in and the conversations they have are what make this manga special. It’s like a bittersweet dish you fall in love with despite the bitterness because, in the end, the essence of sweetness is stronger.
Overall 9/10
To conclude, I love this manga. The amount of passion and love it gives to curry and food, in general, sets it apart from other cooking mangas. This manga tells you the difference between cultures through food and even shares the stories behind those recipes.
There is ecchi content in this manga. If you're uncomfortable with that, just leave.
And if you’re into ecchi but expect something ridiculous like a girl reaching climax because she ate the MC’s food, well, go away with your bad taste.
Let's get into some criticism! First off, this manga gave me a GTO (Great Teacher Onizuka) vibe, so I stuck with it for 38 chapters out of the total 534. The only redeeming quality is its curry recipes. As for the GTO comparison, it felt like the author tried to recreate something similar but ended up producing absurd idiocy that made me uncomfortable.
By the way, I liked Shokugeki no Soma (though too much ecchi, agreed).
Below, I will write a spoiler-filled critique starting from chapter 25, where I began taking notes to remember this nightmare.
Story: 3/10
The story revolves around the culinary world, specifically curry. Our protagonist is a curry chef who travels to find a man with a secret while helping people with his culinary skills. Until chapter 38, he helps one specific girl who is also a main character. To be blunt, people in this manga are morons; the setting is absurd and whimsical despite being labeled as seinen. It feels more like shounen, but with panty shots instead of mature content. Don't expect romance either; even though they're adults, they act like blushing teenagers while everyone else is having casual sex.
The author touches on mature themes but makes everyone seem like characters from "Idiocracy." Check the spoilers below for more details.
Art: 7/10
Considering it was published in 2002, the art is good. Characters have distinct features and emotions, and there's plenty of movement captured. Backgrounds were sometimes lacking, but overall, the details in the curry scenes and backgrounds were quite detailed. Panel placement and speech bubbles are standard.
Characters: 4/10
Sadly, the characters are one-dimensional tropes. We have a perverted, skilled, and aloof male lead, and a crybaby, short-tempered female lead. There are supporting characters, but they're equally absurd and one-dimensional. Progression-wise, by chapter 117, the mains hadn't grown much besides their hair.
Enjoyment: 2/10 (MAL 2 = Dreadful)
Calling it dreadful is perfect. I almost immediately regretted reading it, especially after expecting something close to GTO. I started taking notes on the idiocy, over-the-top fiction, and absurdity between fantasy and reality.
Overall: 4/10
I cannot recommend reading this. Some reviews were positive, with one person saying the fan service would appeal to boys. Maybe, but panty shots and shower spying lean more towards creepy than average desire. Many pointed out it's great for cooking and curry, but why not just write cookbooks or focus solely on culinary manga?
Chapter 25 - Before this, an evil corporation wanted to buy a run-down curry shop for 60 million yen ($569,622.06). They refused and had a competition with the corporation's hired cook. They won despite dirty tricks like assaulting the main lead with a knife and bribing judges. However, the corporation didn't keep its word and set fire to the restaurant while the female lead was upstairs with animals. If not for the male lead, she and the animals would have died. The arsonist demanded another cook-off, and the corporation framed him for the crime. The police tried to arrest him without evidence, which doesn't happen in Japan.
Chapter 30 - The arsonist attempted assault, blaming our leads for not finishing curry at his restaurant. He vowed revenge. By now, I thought the author was deliberately making absurd situations to evoke emotional investment artificially. Afterward, we hear a sob story about the villain's father hanging himself after losing a cook-off. Despite knowing he was conspiring with his employer, the arsonist repented and confessed to the police.
Chapter 37 - As expected, the arsonist repents, and our male lead forgives him despite saying he wasn't Buddha or God. The author tried to create an Onizuka-like character but created a brain-dead moron doing idiotic things. He bummed around despite working in multiple restaurants and couldn't afford food. Wouldn't opening his restaurant and hiring a detective make more sense? But no, the author went with an artificial story.
Sorry for the rant, but the idiocy in this seinen manga is over the top. Even shounen rarely has this level of absurdity. This piece of trash doesn't compare to Shokugeki no Soma, which had a sense of purity and good absurdity mixed in. And you know why Shokugeki no Soma got an anime adaptation while this garbage didn't? Because despite having 500 chapters, it had a small viewer base, unlike GTO and Shokugeki no Soma, which were works of art with well-crafted scripts!
Popular Reviews
Many of you have likely heard of "Yakitate Japan," the famous manga centered around bread baking. In its shadow lies the lesser-known but equally enjoyable manga, "Addicted to Curry." This series focuses on curry instead of bread and offers an entertaining read, especially for curry enthusiasts like myself who enjoy cooking.
Story:
The plot in "Addicted to Curry" is straightforward and easy to follow, making transitions between chapters smooth. Each chapter features Makito preparing a new curry dish that looks absolutely delicious, often spanning over 10 chapters per arc. The recipes are even included, allowing readers to try them at home. My only critique is the predictability of the outcomes; if the prize involves the curry house's goodwill, Makito almost always wins. However, I appreciate the pacing and the variety of curries presented in each chapter.
Art:
I'm not a fan of vague or unclear art styles, which is why I love the strong, crisp lines in "Addicted to Curry." The characters are well-detailed, with Makito being quite handsome and Yui looking very cute. The backgrounds are sufficiently detailed without being overwhelming, except for the curry shop, which stands out. The mangaka deserves praise for their beautiful artwork.
Character:
There's not much to say about the characters. Makito has a pervy side, and Yui tends to cry a lot, but it doesn't detract from the story. Having read 60 chapters, Makito's past remains a mystery, promising complexity and intrigue. The mangaka does a good job developing all the main characters equally, which is a plus.
Enjoyment:
As a straight girl, fanservice isn't particularly appealing to me, but male readers will likely find plenty to enjoy. I thoroughly enjoyed the cooking aspects and the beautifully drawn, mouthwatering dishes. Every arc so far has been engaging, with no boring or filler chapters, earning this manga a 9/10 for enjoyment.
Overall:
"Addicted to Curry" is a solid, highly enjoyable manga, though it may not achieve classic status like "Cardcaptor Sakura" or "Bleach." It's more suited for boys due to the fanservice but can be enjoyed by girls too. If you liked "Yakitate Japan," you'll probably enjoy "Addicted to Curry." Even if you haven't read "Yakitate Japan," if you love cooking and curry, you'll definitely enjoy this manga.
This is a very detailed and excellent food manga, especially for those who are into this genre. Although it predominantly focuses on curry-related dishes about 80% of the time, you can clearly see where Shokugeki no Soma drew inspiration from this series.
The characters are humorous and interesting overall, but as with many similar manga, it starts to introduce too many characters later on.
The series includes some romantic comedy elements, featuring a perverted main character and plenty of ecchi moments like panty shots. However, these aspects aren't the central focus of the story, though be aware of their presence.
I've read through the raws to the end, and while it does get somewhat over-the-top towards the latter part, with pseudo-magical cooking abilities and an increased emphasis on ecchi content, I was still satisfied with both the ending and the series as a whole.
Those eager to learn cooking or refine their culinary skills will find "Addicted to Curry" both fitting and captivating. Although this manga about curry hasn't been adapted into an anime yet, it surely holds potential for becoming an intriguing "curry anime" soon. However, the narrative extends beyond mere cooking and discussions on curry; it incorporates elements of combat, firearms, and knives, appealing to enthusiasts of weaponry. The manga has a slight ecchi undertone (implying minor inappropriate content), so I recommend that those uncomfortable with "a bit of gay" steer clear. Nonetheless, aficionados of curry, humor, battles, and cuisine will undoubtedly relish "Addicted to Curry".
The story revolves around Makito, whose ambition is to restore the Curry House to its former glory. Conversely, antagonists aim to acquire the Curry House to prevent its rise to fame. Will Makito Koenji, a top-notch curry chef, resurrect the Curry House's renown, or will he succumb to the antagonist's aspirations?
This has to be the one manga that I have fallen in love with. I've never experienced the same joy with another manga, and I hope I can be as unbiased as possible in this review. So here goes nothing...
Story 5/10
There isn't anything particularly new here; nothing groundbreaking. The title pretty much explains the entire plot: it's all about THE curry. To be fair, it’s about cooking curry in different circumstances, with a few pinches of sweet vanilla and bitter tragedy here and there. It’s a bittersweet story revolving around curry.
Art 7/10
Above average but quite simple.
Character 8/10
Now we get to the main dish, the strength of this manga lies in its characters. Each one is unique, like different spices in a meal (yes, this review will contain food-related comments). And when I say that, I really mean it—each character brings something unique to the table.
Enjoyment 9/10
Maybe it’s just me, I don’t know, but the situations the main characters find themselves in and the conversations they have are what make this manga special. It’s like a bittersweet dish you fall in love with despite the bitterness because, in the end, the essence of sweetness is stronger.
Overall 9/10
To conclude, I love this manga. The amount of passion and love it gives to curry and food, in general, sets it apart from other cooking mangas. This manga tells you the difference between cultures through food and even shares the stories behind those recipes.
There is ecchi content in this manga. If you're uncomfortable with that, just leave.
And if you’re into ecchi but expect something ridiculous like a girl reaching climax because she ate the MC’s food, well, go away with your bad taste.
Let's get into some criticism! First off, this manga gave me a GTO (Great Teacher Onizuka) vibe, so I stuck with it for 38 chapters out of the total 534. The only redeeming quality is its curry recipes. As for the GTO comparison, it felt like the author tried to recreate something similar but ended up producing absurd idiocy that made me uncomfortable.
By the way, I liked Shokugeki no Soma (though too much ecchi, agreed).
Below, I will write a spoiler-filled critique starting from chapter 25, where I began taking notes to remember this nightmare.
Story: 3/10
The story revolves around the culinary world, specifically curry. Our protagonist is a curry chef who travels to find a man with a secret while helping people with his culinary skills. Until chapter 38, he helps one specific girl who is also a main character. To be blunt, people in this manga are morons; the setting is absurd and whimsical despite being labeled as seinen. It feels more like shounen, but with panty shots instead of mature content. Don't expect romance either; even though they're adults, they act like blushing teenagers while everyone else is having casual sex.
The author touches on mature themes but makes everyone seem like characters from "Idiocracy." Check the spoilers below for more details.
Art: 7/10
Considering it was published in 2002, the art is good. Characters have distinct features and emotions, and there's plenty of movement captured. Backgrounds were sometimes lacking, but overall, the details in the curry scenes and backgrounds were quite detailed. Panel placement and speech bubbles are standard.
Characters: 4/10
Sadly, the characters are one-dimensional tropes. We have a perverted, skilled, and aloof male lead, and a crybaby, short-tempered female lead. There are supporting characters, but they're equally absurd and one-dimensional. Progression-wise, by chapter 117, the mains hadn't grown much besides their hair.
Enjoyment: 2/10 (MAL 2 = Dreadful)
Calling it dreadful is perfect. I almost immediately regretted reading it, especially after expecting something close to GTO. I started taking notes on the idiocy, over-the-top fiction, and absurdity between fantasy and reality.
Overall: 4/10
I cannot recommend reading this. Some reviews were positive, with one person saying the fan service would appeal to boys. Maybe, but panty shots and shower spying lean more towards creepy than average desire. Many pointed out it's great for cooking and curry, but why not just write cookbooks or focus solely on culinary manga?
------------Spoilers----------------------Below----------------------------------------
Chapter 25 - Before this, an evil corporation wanted to buy a run-down curry shop for 60 million yen ($569,622.06). They refused and had a competition with the corporation's hired cook. They won despite dirty tricks like assaulting the main lead with a knife and bribing judges. However, the corporation didn't keep its word and set fire to the restaurant while the female lead was upstairs with animals. If not for the male lead, she and the animals would have died. The arsonist demanded another cook-off, and the corporation framed him for the crime. The police tried to arrest him without evidence, which doesn't happen in Japan.
Chapter 30 - The arsonist attempted assault, blaming our leads for not finishing curry at his restaurant. He vowed revenge. By now, I thought the author was deliberately making absurd situations to evoke emotional investment artificially. Afterward, we hear a sob story about the villain's father hanging himself after losing a cook-off. Despite knowing he was conspiring with his employer, the arsonist repented and confessed to the police.
Chapter 37 - As expected, the arsonist repents, and our male lead forgives him despite saying he wasn't Buddha or God. The author tried to create an Onizuka-like character but created a brain-dead moron doing idiotic things. He bummed around despite working in multiple restaurants and couldn't afford food. Wouldn't opening his restaurant and hiring a detective make more sense? But no, the author went with an artificial story.
Sorry for the rant, but the idiocy in this seinen manga is over the top. Even shounen rarely has this level of absurdity. This piece of trash doesn't compare to Shokugeki no Soma, which had a sense of purity and good absurdity mixed in. And you know why Shokugeki no Soma got an anime adaptation while this garbage didn't? Because despite having 500 chapters, it had a small viewer base, unlike GTO and Shokugeki no Soma, which were works of art with well-crafted scripts!