Review: Mermaid Prince

12 Sept

Mermaid Prince Cover Art by Kaori Ozaki — Introduction

This manga collection features three emotional short stories by Kaori Ozaki, author of The Gods Lie and *Our Summer Holiday*, exploring themes like loneliness, growing apart, depression, but also the beauty of silence, kindness and friendship.

Ametsukigahara

*Ametsukigahara* is a moving story about a girl named Akari Umino whose life changes as she drifts apart from her best friend. It is a sad, captivating and ruminant tale which addresses the troubles and emotional turbulence of growing up. This one actually touched me the most and I was impressed by how slow, thoughtful and quiet the story felt. The panels convey powerful emotions and I was captivated by the beauty and blissfulness of the landscapes.

One Snowy Day by Kaori Ozaki — One Snowy Day

*One Snowy Day* is a tale about a librarian who shows kindness to two strangers while others dismiss them. As a homeless father and his young child sit in the library for hours while a white out covers the city in snow, she doesn’t shoo them away and instead picks up a children’s book and reads it to the kid. The story is about empathy and silence and that practising both can enrich our lives and fill us with joy. I loved the setting (who would have thought!), the character art and the stunning backdrops of a snowfall at night.

Mermaid Prince

In Mermaid Prince we follow Mugi, a young boy who has to adjust to the island life of Okinawa after moving there from Tokyo. Living with his older sister and her husband, who is an avid apnea diver, Mugi, who suffers from asthma and has fair skin, feels like the fifth wheel and wonders if there is room for him in a place like this. To Matori however, he is a prince and together they risk their lives in search of a legendary mermaid who grants a wish to those who are brave enough to defy death in order to seek her aid.

Final Thoughts

I was very touched and entranced by all of the three stories. The stunning artwork is mesmerising and I can recommend this collection to anyone who likes emotional tales with a touch of magic. The tales definitely left me pondering and are beautifully melancholic and profound, giving you food for thought. I give this collection five out of five stars and will definitely pick up more works from the author.

Rating

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐

Story: ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐

Art: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Big thanks to Kodansha Comics for providing me with this digital review copy!

*Beware that this manga deals with heavy themes like death, depression. Sexual encounters between the characters are depicted, but the portrayal is mild and not explicit or disturbing.