Sarazanmai: Reo and Mabu Volume 1 Review

Read our review of Sarazanmai: Reo and Mabu Volume 1, a heartwarming manga exploring the themes of parenthood and family bonds. Discover the pleasant diversion it offers, but don’t expect the same depth as the anime adaptation. Find out if it’s worth a read for fans of light-hearted cop comedies or stories about parental relationships.

Sarazanmai: Reo and Mabu Volume 1 – A Heartwarming Dive into Parenthood and Family Bonds

Sarazanmai: Reo and Mabu Volume 1 is a heartwarming manga that explores the themes of parenthood and family bonds. Serving as a prequel to the anime adaptation, it provides readers with an introduction to the characters and ideas that would later be explored in the series. Written by the experienced and knowledgeable MangaMania, this review delves into the pleasant diversion the manga offers.

The manga revolves around two police officers, Reo and Mabu, who not only work together but also live in a small police box. Their lives take an unexpected turn when they find an abandoned baby and decide to raise her as their own. Throughout the manga, the focus lies on the relationship between Reo, Mabu, and the baby named Sara, presenting different scenarios that delve into the nature of family bonds and the challenges of fatherhood.

While the manga approaches these themes in a heartwarming and lighthearted manner, it falls short of the depth and complexity typically associated with the works of Kunihiko Ikuhara, the creator of Sarazanmai. Unlike the anime adaptation, which delves into intricate symbolic systems and tackles challenging themes, the manga opts for a more straightforward and fluffy narrative. It aims to evoke warm and fuzzy feelings rather than provoke deep thought, which may disappoint those expecting Ikuhara’s signature complexity.

A Fluffy Narrative with a Lackluster Portrayal of Reo and Mabu’s Relationship

One of the most disappointing aspects of Sarazanmai: Reo and Mabu Volume 1 is the portrayal of Reo and Mabu’s relationship. Despite being published in a BL (Boys’ Love) magazine, there is little indication of their romantic love for each other. In contrast, the anime adaptation presents their relationship as a poignant and heartbreaking aspect of the story, exploring the complexities of their bond. Unfortunately, the manga fails to capture the same level of emotional depth, leaving readers longing for more.

While the artwork by Misaki Saitoh is decent, it lacks the energy and originality of the character designs by miggy. The backgrounds often take a minimalistic approach, with blank panels dominating the pages. However, when the characters find themselves in real-world locations such as the Azuma-bashi bridge or Sensoji temple, the art becomes more detailed and captures the essence of Asakusa, the setting of the series.

A Pleasant Diversion, But Lacks the Complexity of the Anime Adaptation

Sarazanmai: Reo and Mabu Volume 1 offers a pleasant diversion for readers interested in exploring the theme of parenthood and family bonds. It provides a glimpse into the lives of Reo and Mabu before the events of Sarazanmai, allowing fans to further understand their characters. However, it falls short in providing significant insights into the anime’s world or its complex themes.

If you enjoy stories about parental relationships or light-hearted cop comedies, this manga may be worth a read. The heartwarming moments and exploration of family dynamics are sure to bring a smile to your face. But if you’re seeking a deeper understanding of Sarazanmai’s intricate symbolism and thought-provoking themes, you may find yourself disappointed by the manga’s more straightforward and fluffy narrative.