The GHZ Forum

I recently checked out the Maison Ikkoku. There are some moments that I found a little iffy (such as how Godai seems to have all the luck with girls other than Kyoko), but I found what I read so far to be an enjoyable experience. I really started getting into it around volume 5.

But I've noticed something similar to all the various bookstores I've been to- they all seem to have it only up to volume 10 (I've read volumes 1-10 on my free time). Does anyone know how frequently the manga gets published? Usually, I don't check a series out unless it's finished, and I thought Maison Ikkoku was finished like, at least twenty years ago, so I at least assumed the manga would be done by now, too. Guess I was wrong.

Yeah, Takahashi finished Maison Ikkoku in 1986 or 87 (it was actually the shortest of all her major serials). Viz published the whole thing over here in the mid-90's, but it was flopped and there were a few chapters removed (I assume because they felt they slowed the pace). A couple years ago they started rereleasing the series unflopped and uncut under their "editor's choice" label, which I assume is the one you're referring to. They're extremely slow releasing books, though... I think they release one every two months, and they're only up to 10 (out of 15, I believe) as of now. It's painful, because volume 10 ends on a real cliffhanger.


Remember: Brother Yotsuya is watching.

So like, what's it about? It looks like one of those "Guy goes after girl" type mangas that last to long for there own good.

So like, what's it about? It looks like one of those "Guy goes after girl" type mangas that last to long for there own good.

Heh. That describes ALL of Takahashi's work.

It's a soap opera, if that's what you mean. There's no sugar coating that fact, but it is the best soap opera ever. I guess it's because of all the wonderful characters, and it's all kind of light-hearted and 80's happy, but there's still genuine emotion... it's got heart and soul. The series does have its slow points, but it never gets stagnant because it follows a real timeline. Years pass, characters grow, situations change, etc. It takes place over a six year chunk (the actual six years of the manga's publication), and during that time the relationship between the two main characters really evolves.

Curiously, though it was originally a girl's manga, all the people I know who dig it are 20-something guys. I brought it up to a friend of mine who is also a fan, and he said it's because men are desperate for something sensitive that doesn't suck. It really is the only love story I've ever enjoyed, much less the only love story that is nothing but a love story.

Check it out. I highly recommend it, and I am a fan of neither comics, manga, or romance.

Well, I'll be sure to read some of it next time I go to Barnes & Nobles or Waldenbooks.

Actually, it wasn't a girls' manga. It was published in a men's magazine originally. Takahashi never does "girls" manga.

She's a man, baby.

She wears silk, she wears flannel!
She watches football, and the Lifetime channel!
What's that bulge under her nightie?
It must be, hermaphrodite...

It was published in a men's magazine originally.

Boy, now that's interesting. I wonder what kind of teenage boys would admit to reading Maison Ikkoku.

None likely... I think it was skewed more to 20s/30s.

GG!, I guess you haven't read GTO?

Does GTO gets better? I liked it at first, but got bored pretty fast.

Damn, if all you people like Maison Ikkoku that much, I'll have to check it out.

Nay, that I have not. Is it good?

Yeah, it's great. 25 volumes, but more than worth the long haul. Definitely the funniest series I've read.

Delphine wrote:Does GTO gets better? I liked it at first, but got bored pretty fast.

Depends what you're talking about. The anime is pretty crappy overall, apart from the opening theme, and the live action series is a different beast altogether. The comic, however, is definitely the best version. I thought it lulled a bit during the pre-Okinawa arc around volume 10-12, but it keeps getting better as it goes on. If I recall, the anime stopped just short of adapting one of the best arcs.

Oh yeah, I just got volume 10 today. I haven't read it yet, but I really loved volume nine. After that last chapter, I literally didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I can't wait to see where this goes.

Oh, and GG!, Spam tells me that you guys have gotten the first Samurai Champloo DVD. Have you checked that out?

Don't rush through volume 10, because if you thought volume 9 left you hanging... 11's supposed to be out in June, right?

Spam got the Samurai Champloo DVD and I want to see it, but he took it with him when he moved out, or at least I can't find it in his room...

Your brother's moved out now and you're still at home?

Free room and board = win

It's because he just moved out. I'm moving away. It takes more money.