Now here’s something familiar – gather a group of school kids, put them together in a club, throw in a series of adventures, and top it off with a love triangle. Alright, I was being sarcastic – let’s be honest, it’s a theme that’s been done so many times, the carpet is worn through to the floorboards. However, that’s not to say Yui doesn’t try his best to bring something fresh to the genre, and in a way, he succeeds, resulting in an enjoyable little adventure.
Personally, I appreciate the use of the two contrasting Kagomes (yes, those are their first names) – Nishino, who wants to see ghosts but can't, and Kasuga, who can see them but really wishes she couldn’t, nor does she want to join the club. That changes when she sets her sights on Masami, seeing him as a possible solution to her predicament. You see – how do I put this delicately – Kasuga’s ability to see spirits stems from the fact (as with all good shrine maidens) that she’s still a maiden. If she were to lose her maidenhood, she would theoretically lose her abilities too. Hence her *ahem* interest in Masami, who, of course, has feelings for Nishino and isn’t quite as responsive as she’d like. The last thing Nishino wants is for Kasuga to lose her skills, as she’s the club’s only connection to the spirit world, leading to an amusing dynamic between the three main characters throughout the story.
As for the rest of the plot, it’s fairly standard fare, as Masami finds himself haunted by the disembodied head of his deceased mother (Freud would have a field day analyzing him, I think), and the quest for the source and solution to the mystery kicks off at a rapid pace. It’s generally well-executed and covers everything from creaking cupboard doors, possession, long-forgotten creepy shrines, to family secrets. The story becomes increasingly intricate as more secrets about Masami’s family are uncovered, along with the ties connecting the two Kagomes. Unfortunately, it does get a bit far-fetched as the story progresses, especially once Masami discovers his own "powers," but I suppose that’s to be expected in a shounen-style storyline. Yui more than makes up for it with a refreshingly surprising conclusion.
Another element that pleasantly surprised me – artistic philistine that I am – was how much I enjoyed his character design and artwork. The girls’ designs in particular convey a sense of spunkiness, exuberance, and fun, and I must admit (at the risk of sounding like a dirty old man) that played a significant role in my decision to dive into this manga. Yui isn’t afraid to switch frequently between "normal" and "deformed" character styles, using this technique effectively to enhance the comedic moments.
In the end, if you’re looking for a fun little story that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still manages to add a little something new to a well-worn formula, Kagome Kagome is an enjoyable, and brief, read.
Popular Reviews
Personally, I appreciate the use of the two contrasting Kagomes (yes, those are their first names) – Nishino, who wants to see ghosts but can't, and Kasuga, who can see them but really wishes she couldn’t, nor does she want to join the club. That changes when she sets her sights on Masami, seeing him as a possible solution to her predicament. You see – how do I put this delicately – Kasuga’s ability to see spirits stems from the fact (as with all good shrine maidens) that she’s still a maiden. If she were to lose her maidenhood, she would theoretically lose her abilities too. Hence her *ahem* interest in Masami, who, of course, has feelings for Nishino and isn’t quite as responsive as she’d like. The last thing Nishino wants is for Kasuga to lose her skills, as she’s the club’s only connection to the spirit world, leading to an amusing dynamic between the three main characters throughout the story.
As for the rest of the plot, it’s fairly standard fare, as Masami finds himself haunted by the disembodied head of his deceased mother (Freud would have a field day analyzing him, I think), and the quest for the source and solution to the mystery kicks off at a rapid pace. It’s generally well-executed and covers everything from creaking cupboard doors, possession, long-forgotten creepy shrines, to family secrets. The story becomes increasingly intricate as more secrets about Masami’s family are uncovered, along with the ties connecting the two Kagomes. Unfortunately, it does get a bit far-fetched as the story progresses, especially once Masami discovers his own "powers," but I suppose that’s to be expected in a shounen-style storyline. Yui more than makes up for it with a refreshingly surprising conclusion.
Another element that pleasantly surprised me – artistic philistine that I am – was how much I enjoyed his character design and artwork. The girls’ designs in particular convey a sense of spunkiness, exuberance, and fun, and I must admit (at the risk of sounding like a dirty old man) that played a significant role in my decision to dive into this manga. Yui isn’t afraid to switch frequently between "normal" and "deformed" character styles, using this technique effectively to enhance the comedic moments.
In the end, if you’re looking for a fun little story that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still manages to add a little something new to a well-worn formula, Kagome Kagome is an enjoyable, and brief, read.