The Manzai Comics, Vol. 1
written by Atsuko Asano
illustrated by Hizuru Imai
ISBN: 978-1934496503
Manzai Comics starts off very silly, with one boy (Takashi) asking another boy (Ayumi) to be his partner in a manzai act (as manzai stars two people doing standup). However, Ayumi misunderstands and believes Takashi is asking him out. He flatly refuses, and the scene continues with a flurry of more misunderstandings, double entendres, and overall silliness.
Finally, Ayumi understands what Takashi really wants. However, Ayumi wants to be “normal” and thinks he couldn’t be part of a comedy duo because there’s nothing special about him. His need to be “normal” is a real obsession, understandable to readers his age or anyone who’s ever been his age: the need to be what’s “acceptable.” He’s shy and sensitive and had to skip school because he couldn’t handle it. Through The Manzai Comics opens itself on a humorous note and is about a comedy act, the story actually takes a more serious turn from here on out. This happens as more is revealed of Ayumi’s life, including a family tragedy he recently suffered.
Of course, to move things along, Takashi and Ayumi do end up starting their own manzai duo. Their first big break comes when their class has to put on some sort of performance with Romeo and Juliet. Why not a manzai performance? In this new take on the Bard’s work, Takashi is Romeo and Ayumi is Juliet, both in front of a microphone and sending vocal jabs at each other. The students love it…but the teachers don’t.
While The Manzai Comics ends quietly, it promises things will get shaken up in the next volume. It’s curious to wonder whether this comedy-themed manga will continue on its serious note (Ayumi’s past) or stick with more humorous things. One of its most noticeable details, however, would be Ayumi’s insecurity, because it makes him so easy to relate to. His readers will want him to overcome his fear of not being “normal” and see where manzai can take him. Another detail that might be discussed more in future volumes would be the nature of Ayumi and Takashi’s feelings for each other. While Ayumi initially rebuffs Takashi when he thinks Takashi is asking him out, there are hints that maybe these two would like to be more than friends. For now, that’s only hinted at. It’s also interesting to note that manzai, though not well-known in America, might become more popular among fans of this manga.
