Wolf Girl and Black Prince: An Underwhelming Inaugural Release
The highly anticipated English publication of Ayuko Hatta’s shojo manga, ‘Wolf Girl and Black Prince,’ falls short of expectations with uninspiring characters, problematic relationship dynamics, lackluster comedy and drama, and average artwork.
Uninspiring Characters and Storyline
The characters and storyline of ‘Wolf Girl and Black Prince’ fail to impress readers. The main characters, Erika Shinohara and Kyoya Sata, lack depth and fail to inspire any attachment. Kyoya’s narcissistic behavior and Erika’s dull personality make it difficult for readers to root for their relationship.
( Credit to: Asianmoviepulse )
The story revolves around Erika, a high school student who fabricates a boyfriend to counter her friends’ bragging. When her lie begins to unravel, Kyoya, a charming schoolmate, agrees to be her pretend boyfriend. However, it becomes clear that Kyoya is a blackhearted prince, and Erika must cater to his demands to maintain her facade.
( Credit to: Asianmoviepulse )
Unfortunately, the lack of compelling character development and the unbalanced dynamics between the two protagonists diminish the potential appeal of the series.
Problematic Relationship Dynamics
‘Wolf Girl and Black Prince’ embraces problematic relationship dynamics without offering any redeeming qualities or counterbalancing personalities. The story includes manipulation, gaslighting, and bullying, but fails to provide compelling elements to justify their use.
The ‘slave under contract’ trope in romance is not uncommon in the genre, but it requires careful execution and nuanced characters to make it work. Unfortunately, the manga falls short in this aspect, making it challenging for readers to overlook the questionable behavior and enjoy the series.
Lackluster Comedy and Drama
The comedy in ‘Wolf Girl and Black Prince’ rarely lands, and the dramatic moments become lost amidst the unlikable characters. The lack of attachment to the main and supporting cast makes it difficult to fully appreciate the intended humor and emotional impact.
As an inaugural release, it is disappointing not to feel any connection or investment in the story. The potential romance between Erika and Kyoya hinted at the end of the volume struggles to compensate for the overall indifference built towards their relationship throughout the story.
Average Artwork
Ayuko Hatta’s artwork in ‘Wolf Girl and Black Prince’ is serviceable for the shojo genre. The characters’ expressions convey their personalities, but there is no standout moment or visual sequence that showcases Hatta’s storytelling prowess.
In shojo manga, visuals often play a significant role in enhancing the reading experience. Unfortunately, the lackluster artwork in this series further detracts from the overall enjoyment.
Conclusion
The inaugural release of ‘Wolf Girl and Black Prince’ leaves readers underwhelmed and questioning whether to continue reading. Despite its success in Japan, the English publication fails to live up to expectations.
The uninspiring characters, problematic relationship dynamics, lackluster comedy and drama, and average artwork all contribute to the disappointment. While the series may have gained popularity in Japan, there are plenty of other engaging and competent shojo manga available that may be more worth readers’ time and investment.
