Mieruko-chan Anthology Comic Review: A Mixed Bag of Stories

Explore the strengths and weaknesses of the Mieruko-chan Official Comic Anthology, featuring a collection of unique stories written by various manga creators. Discover standout highlights, such as Michiru Noroi’s chilling ‘Fright of the Fitting Room’ and Yakan Nabeya’s intriguing ‘One Who Knows the Girl Who Sees.’ Uncover the anthology’s varied art styles and themes, but be aware of some stories that miss the mark. This review is a must-read for completionists and avid fans of Mieruko-chan.

Mieruko-chan Anthology Comic Review: A Mixed Bag of Stories

The Mieruko-chan Official Comic Anthology offers a collection of stories written by various manga creators, each providing their own unique take on Tomoki Izumi’s Mieruko-chan series. While some stories capture the essence of the original work, others fall short, resulting in a mixed bag of storytelling. Let’s delve into the anthology and explore its strengths and weaknesses.

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Notable Highlights: Fright of the Fitting Room and One Who Knows the Girl Who Sees

One standout story in the anthology is Michiru Noroi’s “Fright of the Fitting Room.” Noroi’s contribution stays true to the horror elements of Mieruko-chan, as the protagonist finds herself in a haunted fitting room. The story takes a phantasmagoric turn, presenting a well-executed horror short that showcases Noroi’s talent for blending various horror subgenres.

Yakan Nabeya’s “One Who Knows the Girl Who Sees” offers a unique twist by narrating the tale from the perspective of a ghost. It explores the idea that not all supernatural beings are malevolent, portraying a ghoul who supports the protagonist and desires her well-being. Nabeya’s depiction of the ghost is particularly noteworthy, with a delightfully creepy blush adding to its appeal.

Weak Points: Missed Opportunities and Disconnected Stories

On the downside, some stories in the anthology miss the mark by either disregarding the series’ departure from fanservice or lacking the necessary depth due to their brevity. For instance, Yoshiyuki Nabei’s “Seeing Things is Rough” fails to leave a lasting impression due to its limited length, while Aki Mizuki’s “Bath Buddies” relies heavily on exaggerated, poorly drawn breasts, which may only appeal to a specific audience.

Themes and Varied Art Styles: Yuria, Rom, and Little Old Men

Several stories in the anthology revolve around specific characters like Yuria and Rom, providing interesting perspectives. Additionally, the recurring presence of the little male ghosts serves as a thematic base for multiple stories. Notably, Shikiji Sorakura’s “Little Old Man Day” stands out as an enjoyable blend of mild horror, humor, and delectable desserts. Imari Arita’s “Forgot Something” also utilizes the little old men as a lighter element, playing with the protagonist’s perception of the ghosts she encounters.

Artistic Variety and Inconsistencies: Diverse Art Styles and Hana’s Hair

The anthology’s artwork is diverse, showcasing a range of art styles that add to its appeal. However, there is inconsistency in depicting the character Hana, as different artists struggle to maintain consistency in drawing her hair.

Conclusion: A Mixed Bag for Completionists and Avid Fans

The Mieruko-chan Official Comic Anthology presents a mixed bag of stories, with some hitting the mark and others falling short. While certain contributions capture the essence of the original series and offer intriguing perspectives, others feel disconnected or lack depth. Overall, this anthology is more suited for completionists or avid fans of Mieruko-chan rather than casual readers.

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