What do you think?
Rate this book
めぞん一刻 ワイド版/文庫版 [Maison Ikkoku Wideban/Bunkoban] #1
Maison Ikkoku Collector’s Edition, Vol. 1
Acclaimed author Rumiko Takahashi’s classic romantic comedy about finding your path in life.
Yusaku Godai didn’t get accepted into college on the first try, so he’s studying to retake the entrance exams. But living in a dilapidated building full of eccentric and noisy tenants is making it hard for him to achieve his goals. Now that a beautiful woman has moved in to become the new resident manager, Godai is driven to distraction!
Yusaku Godai didn’t get accepted into college on the first try, so he’s studying to retake the entrance exams. But living in a dilapidated building full of eccentric and noisy tenants is making it hard for him to achieve his goals. Now that a beautiful woman has moved in to become the new resident manager, Godai is driven to distraction!
344 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1992
65 people are currently reading
2744 people want to read
About the author
Rumiko Takahashi
1,581 books2,132 followersRumiko Takahashi (高橋留美子) was born in Niigata, Japan. She is not only one of the richest women in Japan but also one of the top paid manga artists. She is also the most successful female comic artist in history. She has been writing manga non-stop for 31 years.
Rumiko Takahashi is one of the wealthiest women in Japan. The manga she creates (and its anime adaptations) are very popular in the United States and Europe where they have been released as both manga and anime in English translation. Her works are relatively famous worldwide, and many of her series were some of the forerunners of early English language manga to be released in the nineties. Takahashi is also the best selling female comics artist in history; well over 100 million copies of her various works have been sold.
Though she was said to occasionally doodle in the margins of her papers while attending Niigata Chūō High School, Takahashi's interest in manga did not come until later. During her college years, she enrolled in Gekiga Sonjuku, a manga school founded by Kazuo Koike, mangaka of Crying Freeman and Lone Wolf and Cub. Under his guidance Rumiko Takahashi began to publish her first doujinshi creations in 1975, such as Bye-Bye Road and Star of Futile Dust. Kozue Koike often urged his students to create well-thought out, interesting characters, and this influence would greatly impact Rumiko Takahashi's works throughout her career.
Career and major works:
Takahashi's professional career began in 1978. Her first published story was Those Selfish Aliens, a comedic science fiction story. During the same year, she published Time Warp Trouble, Shake Your Buddha, and the Golden Gods of Poverty in Shōnen Sunday, which would remain the home to most of her major works for the next twenty years. Later that year, Rumiko attempted her first full-length series, Urusei Yatsura. Though it had a rocky start due to publishing difficulties, Urusei Yatsura would become one of the most beloved anime and manga comedies in Japan.
In 1980, Rumiko Takahashi found her niche and began to publish with regularity. At this time she started her second major series, Maison Ikkoku, in Big Comic Spirits. Written for an older audience, Maison Ikkoku is often considered to be one of the all-time best romance manga. Takahashi managed to work on Maison Ikkoku on and off simultaneously with Urusei Yatsura. She concluded both series in 1987, with Urusei Yatsura ending at 34 volumes, and Maison Ikkoku being 15.
During the 1980s, Takahashi became a prolific writer of short story manga, which is surprising considering the massive lengths of most of her works. Her stories The Laughing Target, Maris the Chojo, and Fire Tripper all were adapted into original video animations (OVAs). In 1984, after the end of Urusei Yatsura and Maison Ikkoku, Takahashi took a different approach to storytelling and began the dark, macabre Mermaid Saga. This series of short segments was published sporadically until 1994, with the final story being Mermaid's Mask. Many fans contend that this work remains unfinished by Takahashi, since the final story does not end on a conclusive note.
Another short work left untouched is One-Pound Gospel, which, like Mermaid Saga, was published erratically. The last story to be drawn was published in 2001, however just recently she wrote one final chapter concluding the series
Later in 1987, Takahashi began her third major series, Ranma ½. Following the late 80s and early 90s trend of shōnen martial arts manga, Ranma ½ features a gender-bending twist. The series continued for nearly a decade until 1996, when it ended at 38 volumes. Ranma ½ is one of Rumiko Takahashi's most popular series with the Western world.
During the later half of the 1990s, Rumiko Takahashi continued with short stories and her installments of Mermaid Saga and One-Pound Gospel until beginning her fourth major work, InuYasha. While Ran
Rumiko Takahashi is one of the wealthiest women in Japan. The manga she creates (and its anime adaptations) are very popular in the United States and Europe where they have been released as both manga and anime in English translation. Her works are relatively famous worldwide, and many of her series were some of the forerunners of early English language manga to be released in the nineties. Takahashi is also the best selling female comics artist in history; well over 100 million copies of her various works have been sold.
Though she was said to occasionally doodle in the margins of her papers while attending Niigata Chūō High School, Takahashi's interest in manga did not come until later. During her college years, she enrolled in Gekiga Sonjuku, a manga school founded by Kazuo Koike, mangaka of Crying Freeman and Lone Wolf and Cub. Under his guidance Rumiko Takahashi began to publish her first doujinshi creations in 1975, such as Bye-Bye Road and Star of Futile Dust. Kozue Koike often urged his students to create well-thought out, interesting characters, and this influence would greatly impact Rumiko Takahashi's works throughout her career.
Career and major works:
Takahashi's professional career began in 1978. Her first published story was Those Selfish Aliens, a comedic science fiction story. During the same year, she published Time Warp Trouble, Shake Your Buddha, and the Golden Gods of Poverty in Shōnen Sunday, which would remain the home to most of her major works for the next twenty years. Later that year, Rumiko attempted her first full-length series, Urusei Yatsura. Though it had a rocky start due to publishing difficulties, Urusei Yatsura would become one of the most beloved anime and manga comedies in Japan.
In 1980, Rumiko Takahashi found her niche and began to publish with regularity. At this time she started her second major series, Maison Ikkoku, in Big Comic Spirits. Written for an older audience, Maison Ikkoku is often considered to be one of the all-time best romance manga. Takahashi managed to work on Maison Ikkoku on and off simultaneously with Urusei Yatsura. She concluded both series in 1987, with Urusei Yatsura ending at 34 volumes, and Maison Ikkoku being 15.
During the 1980s, Takahashi became a prolific writer of short story manga, which is surprising considering the massive lengths of most of her works. Her stories The Laughing Target, Maris the Chojo, and Fire Tripper all were adapted into original video animations (OVAs). In 1984, after the end of Urusei Yatsura and Maison Ikkoku, Takahashi took a different approach to storytelling and began the dark, macabre Mermaid Saga. This series of short segments was published sporadically until 1994, with the final story being Mermaid's Mask. Many fans contend that this work remains unfinished by Takahashi, since the final story does not end on a conclusive note.
Another short work left untouched is One-Pound Gospel, which, like Mermaid Saga, was published erratically. The last story to be drawn was published in 2001, however just recently she wrote one final chapter concluding the series
Later in 1987, Takahashi began her third major series, Ranma ½. Following the late 80s and early 90s trend of shōnen martial arts manga, Ranma ½ features a gender-bending twist. The series continued for nearly a decade until 1996, when it ended at 38 volumes. Ranma ½ is one of Rumiko Takahashi's most popular series with the Western world.
During the later half of the 1990s, Rumiko Takahashi continued with short stories and her installments of Mermaid Saga and One-Pound Gospel until beginning her fourth major work, InuYasha. While Ran
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
September 21, 2020
I was really happy to see that this edition has a new English translation. The older version was inconsistent between the beginning and ending, as styles of translation changed along the way. This one is more readable, and feels more accurate to its source material culturally, with the odd exception of changing values in yen to dollars.
This has been a favorite of mine for decades, but I could easily see some parts of it not sitting well with modern readers. It mellows out quite a bit and ditches the creepy fixation on Kyoko's ass and boobs as it goes along...
This has been a favorite of mine for decades, but I could easily see some parts of it not sitting well with modern readers. It mellows out quite a bit and ditches the creepy fixation on Kyoko's ass and boobs as it goes along...
December 27, 2023
This adorable sitcomic comedy by the inimitable Rumiko made for diverting reading. I will be continuing with the series. While lacking in supernatural elements, I was at once taken by the cozy atmosphere. Most of the scenes take place in the eccentrically populated titular rooming house, where the quintessential collegial ronin has ensconced himself amid a lech, a loose woman, a precocious boy, and the lovely and charming landlady, who seems oddly obsessed by her shaggy dog named after her dead husband. Continually warm in tone, the nostalgic art possesses a gentleness and a quirky Sunday morning funnies-type feel. In the Rumic cannon, this is by no means a minor work. Fans of Ranma will be able to luxuriate in a more mature narrative. While it does resemble the harem manga Love Hina, this work is less wacky and more subdued. It is well-grounded and believable.
October 9, 2025
I picked this up in part knowing I would get to see some Takahashi originals at the current Art of Manga exhibit at the De Young museum in San Francisco (fall 2025). I'd never read this series before and was interested in trying some of Takahashi's earlier work before seeing some pages of Ranma 1/2 and Inu Yasha in person. This series didn't capture me as strongly as some of her others but it was interesting to see the very strong through-line in terms of character types, sense of humor, pacing, and art style. This is a very well executed comic but it doesn't have any of the flashy action sequences or splash pages of her later series- the pages are denser, with smaller panels and generally smaller characters within those panels. I might keep reading but sadly my library only has two volumes.
May 13, 2023
This was both a fun and interesting read. If I'm not mistaking, this is my first time reading Rumiko Takahashi and it did not disappoint. Masion Ikkoku is a classic manga that follows the romance between Yusaku Godai and Kyoko Otonashi. Before diving into this, I did not realize that this was written in the 80s so it was amazing seeing the work that Takahashi was doing with manga 40 years ago. This definitely has all of the elements of a fun romantic comedy that has some outlandish and crass moments that I rather enjoyed. Yusaku is determined to enter a relationship with new house manager Kyoko, but is foiled by everything and everyone when he repeatedly attempts to confess his love. There are some more serious back stories associated with Kyoko that I didn't expect, but appreciated. They create a more robust set of characters and storyline. The artwork is definitely different than what I'm used to seeing in more modern manga, but I LOVED it. The detail, the emotions that are captured with each character are absolute perfection. I'm really excited to follow the rest of this story slowly and I'm looking forward to reading more from Takahashi.
October 18, 2020
A classic light romance manga. This and Takahashi's classic Ranma 1/2 (a martial arts romance farce) were the two first manga I read, borrowed from my college roommate way back at the dawn of the digital age. Because of that, any rating will be inexorably affected by affectionate nostalgia, but while the art is rounder and more cartoonish than the current manga style and the romance plot is verrrrrry stretched out, it's still a sweet, fun, and even funny story.
**Thanks to the artist, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
**Thanks to the artist, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 7, 2020
Rumiko Takahashi is one of the most prolific mangaka’s of all time, and another of her manga’s was my very first. So the artwork felt like coming home from the first page. Open and expressive, the artwork seamlessly blends together to take you to a place you’ll swear you’ve been before.
Maison Ikkoku is a comedy manga, and the outrageous situations the characters constantly find themselves in are at times ridiculous, but the characters are so ernest that you are still swept away in a sweet, slow romance.
I’d recommend this manga, and any by this author, to anyone trying manga for the first time. Takahashi makes you feel a connection to her characters like none other. This manga may not be set in a place where you live, but you know these people, these neighbors. They are the friends in your own life.
5/5
Maison Ikkoku is a comedy manga, and the outrageous situations the characters constantly find themselves in are at times ridiculous, but the characters are so ernest that you are still swept away in a sweet, slow romance.
I’d recommend this manga, and any by this author, to anyone trying manga for the first time. Takahashi makes you feel a connection to her characters like none other. This manga may not be set in a place where you live, but you know these people, these neighbors. They are the friends in your own life.
5/5
November 4, 2022
Considering this is a genre I don’t particularly like (slapstick romcom) I had such a good time with this. Rumiko Takahashi is an artist who’s work is definitely dated and problematic etc, but her style of comedy and comics are a guilty pleasure for me! I have a lot of respect for her as a woman making such crass and goofy comics in the early 80s I find myself laughing out loud at things I’d find annoying and weird in other comics??? I’m more interested in a young woman telling silly and horny (if sometimes uncomfortable) romance stories than an old man doing it, and Takahashi just does it like no one else!!! This is just a really goofy comic about a perfect but emotionally repressed woman falling for some random horny dumbass for no conceivable reason and it’s really funny and charming if you happen to be as charmed by takahashis work as I am
March 16, 2024
4/5
Ho trovato l'intera serie ad un mercatino dell'usato per 35€, e se penso a quanto si trova in realtà in giro mi pare di aver fatto davvero l'affare del secolo come si suol dire.
Il punto di forza di questo manga è sicuramente la narrazione e l'atmosfera di quotidianità che trasmette. Non abbiamo un trama specifica che ci indica una via che si potrebbe percorrere, si seguono semplicemente le giornate di questo gruppo di personaggi che si troveranno per svariati motivi ad interagire tra di loro.
Siamo solo all'inizio ed è difficile dare un parere specifico, sicuramente ci troviamo di fronte ad un manga calmo e leggero da leggere a perditempo che non richiede particolare impegno e concentrazione.
Nota per il tratto di disegno che ho apprezzato molto e trasmette molta nostalgia essendo "vecchio stile".
Ho trovato l'intera serie ad un mercatino dell'usato per 35€, e se penso a quanto si trova in realtà in giro mi pare di aver fatto davvero l'affare del secolo come si suol dire.
Il punto di forza di questo manga è sicuramente la narrazione e l'atmosfera di quotidianità che trasmette. Non abbiamo un trama specifica che ci indica una via che si potrebbe percorrere, si seguono semplicemente le giornate di questo gruppo di personaggi che si troveranno per svariati motivi ad interagire tra di loro.
Siamo solo all'inizio ed è difficile dare un parere specifico, sicuramente ci troviamo di fronte ad un manga calmo e leggero da leggere a perditempo che non richiede particolare impegno e concentrazione.
Nota per il tratto di disegno che ho apprezzato molto e trasmette molta nostalgia essendo "vecchio stile".
August 26, 2021
I’m probably not the best qualified to review this book in its own genre, i.e. rom-com, since I do think it’s the first I’ve ever read in my life which hardly makes me an expert.
Well, I’ll try anyway but be warned there’ll probably be spoilers all along the way.
The story in a nutshell: Yusaku Godai a shy and loser-type student falls in love at the first sight of Kyoko Otonashi, the new manager of Maison Ikkoku, where he resides. Problem is the beautiful young woman is a fresh widow- after a 6 months marriage with her first love- and she can’t come over it. The indecisive young man will have the greatest difficulties – 5 years in all!!!- to achieve his goal of marrying the love of his life.
I suppose the book has all the elements of a classic rom-com (I don’t read them but, hey! I’ve got a TV set!). A beautiful young woman with a failure in her heart (Kyoko) , a poor shy young man too indecisive to declare his feelings (Yusaku), a handsome and socially elevated rival (Shun), a satellite love interest (Kuzoe), and parasitic elements that create more mischief than they help (Ichinose, Akemi, Yotsuya, Ibuki).
I obviously liked many things in this book though it’s not flawless.
First the characters – Kyoko and Yusaku are the shining stars of course. Far from perfect both of them: Though fundamentally a nice person Kyoko can reveal herself very jealous and temperamental, stubborn and uptight to the highest degree. Yusaku is the nicest guy around but so pathetically indecisive and a bit of a coward you want to kick his ass to help him make his move all the time. But I’ll tell you what: I LOVED them.
The other residents (Ichinose, Akemi, Yotsuya) are of the highest nuisance but so fun you forgive them. Easier if you’re not Yusaku though, eternal subject of their teasing.
Nikaido, entering stage later, has no particular use.
Shun the rival is not particularly interesting and honestly not a real threat to Yusaku. His gentlemanly manners towards Kyoko and in the end Asuna truly save the character. He is a rival, not a villain.
Kozue and Asuna are cute and all but so dense in their own ways they fall from the mark to be totally credible. Both will be very important to lend to the conclusion though.
Ibuki is the wildcard of the lot. Her storyline is not really great but its conclusion is interesting because she confronts Kyoko with her fears.
So I think there’s more than meets the eye with this wild bunch. Beyond the stereotypes they either show more personality than expected or finally add something to the plot in an interesting way.
More plot-wise: Rom-com equals gags of course and I’ll say I’ve been wonderfully surprised by how many times I smiled, sometimes even laughed a bit, reading it. If you knew me you’d know that’s no small feat because I’m usually considered as a particularly bad audience when the term “comedy” is used. So I smiled. A bit of heavy-handed slapstick humor but not too much and so improbable and stupid situations and quid pro quos that I couldn’t help it. I actually found it funny. I’m still surprised myself.
Rom-com equals romance. The question is not to see if Kyoko and Yusaku will get together but how -through trials and ordeals – and when - FIVE fuckin’ years later!! Considering the span of time you can tell there are lengthy and not useful passages. Kyoko’s true inclination between Shun and Yusaku becomes more and more obvious around 1/3rd of the book (160 chapters). Shun comes and go from the plot after a while so he’s not a constant threat (same goes for Kozue by the way). Around chapter 100 no doubt is permitted anymore so his later insistence on proposing Kyoko falls a bit flat because the reader already knows it’s too late for him. As I said earlier the whole Ibuki line is nothing but delay toward the inevitable. She is never a threat to Kyoko and only serves to show Kyoko’s own indecisiveness and incapacity to definitely mourn her late husband. It could have easily been halved.
Instead Kozue is not used enough in her potential capacity to actually be a threat. True, her role (and Akemi’s) is determining in setting off the final series of events but she came so out of left field it felt a bit irreal.
As for the run of Nikaido, his childish fights with Yotsuya are rather funny but don’t help the plot progress one bit.
So, if overall very good the plot has some issues and the 160 chapters could easily be reduced of a quarter to better focus on the main plot.
I wouldn’t want to forget mentioning the terribly conservative view of love relationships: Any relationship must end in marriage – No relationship can be envisioned if the man doesn’t have a situation (which explains the 5 bloody years). Shun actions towards Asuna in the end are stupefyingly noble. Is it all due to a specific Japanese culture? And more so in the early 80’s ? I don’t know. Some peculiarities in relationships are probably typically Japanese but the marriage/situation thing is worldwide I think.
Anyway, I really appreciated the way Kyoko and Yusaku finally become lovers. You’d think these two would fail to the very end. I found the way they each deal with their own failures, frailties and insecurities very touching and sensible.
Just a note for my fellows French readers: I happened to skim-read key moments of the book in the French translation and it’s simply ATROCIOUS. I can’t judge from reading the book in Japanese of course but compared to the English version some key dialogues are terribly mitigated when not meaning something completely different. The last moments before Kyoko and Yusaku finally make love simply don’t have the same intensity and poignancy. I honestly wonder if French editors didn’t dampen the translation because the book was targeted for female teenagers. The English version is more mature and credible so if you can, go for it.
When the Maison Ikkoku anime series was first released in France I was a teenager, strongly leaning into punk and metal and already an amateur of violent noir and horror. Yet, for some improbable reason, I got hooked by Juliette (Kyoko) and Hugo (Yusaku) and their romance at the Pension des mimosas (Maison Ikkoku) and I would do my best not to miss an episode every wednesday at 16:30. And after all this years the old rom-com magic still worked even though I already knew the end. That arguably makes this series a must-read.
So yes, this review is probably biased from teenage memories. But I’m not a teenager anymore, I have thousands of books and comics and mangas under the belt so I’ll assume I also appreciated it for what it is: A perfect example of good rom-com which is going to be my standard-meter if I ever happen to read another one.
Well, I’ll try anyway but be warned there’ll probably be spoilers all along the way.
The story in a nutshell: Yusaku Godai a shy and loser-type student falls in love at the first sight of Kyoko Otonashi, the new manager of Maison Ikkoku, where he resides. Problem is the beautiful young woman is a fresh widow- after a 6 months marriage with her first love- and she can’t come over it. The indecisive young man will have the greatest difficulties – 5 years in all!!!- to achieve his goal of marrying the love of his life.
I suppose the book has all the elements of a classic rom-com (I don’t read them but, hey! I’ve got a TV set!). A beautiful young woman with a failure in her heart (Kyoko) , a poor shy young man too indecisive to declare his feelings (Yusaku), a handsome and socially elevated rival (Shun), a satellite love interest (Kuzoe), and parasitic elements that create more mischief than they help (Ichinose, Akemi, Yotsuya, Ibuki).
I obviously liked many things in this book though it’s not flawless.
First the characters – Kyoko and Yusaku are the shining stars of course. Far from perfect both of them: Though fundamentally a nice person Kyoko can reveal herself very jealous and temperamental, stubborn and uptight to the highest degree. Yusaku is the nicest guy around but so pathetically indecisive and a bit of a coward you want to kick his ass to help him make his move all the time. But I’ll tell you what: I LOVED them.
The other residents (Ichinose, Akemi, Yotsuya) are of the highest nuisance but so fun you forgive them. Easier if you’re not Yusaku though, eternal subject of their teasing.
Nikaido, entering stage later, has no particular use.
Shun the rival is not particularly interesting and honestly not a real threat to Yusaku. His gentlemanly manners towards Kyoko and in the end Asuna truly save the character. He is a rival, not a villain.
Kozue and Asuna are cute and all but so dense in their own ways they fall from the mark to be totally credible. Both will be very important to lend to the conclusion though.
Ibuki is the wildcard of the lot. Her storyline is not really great but its conclusion is interesting because she confronts Kyoko with her fears.
So I think there’s more than meets the eye with this wild bunch. Beyond the stereotypes they either show more personality than expected or finally add something to the plot in an interesting way.
More plot-wise: Rom-com equals gags of course and I’ll say I’ve been wonderfully surprised by how many times I smiled, sometimes even laughed a bit, reading it. If you knew me you’d know that’s no small feat because I’m usually considered as a particularly bad audience when the term “comedy” is used. So I smiled. A bit of heavy-handed slapstick humor but not too much and so improbable and stupid situations and quid pro quos that I couldn’t help it. I actually found it funny. I’m still surprised myself.
Rom-com equals romance. The question is not to see if Kyoko and Yusaku will get together but how -through trials and ordeals – and when - FIVE fuckin’ years later!! Considering the span of time you can tell there are lengthy and not useful passages. Kyoko’s true inclination between Shun and Yusaku becomes more and more obvious around 1/3rd of the book (160 chapters). Shun comes and go from the plot after a while so he’s not a constant threat (same goes for Kozue by the way). Around chapter 100 no doubt is permitted anymore so his later insistence on proposing Kyoko falls a bit flat because the reader already knows it’s too late for him. As I said earlier the whole Ibuki line is nothing but delay toward the inevitable. She is never a threat to Kyoko and only serves to show Kyoko’s own indecisiveness and incapacity to definitely mourn her late husband. It could have easily been halved.
Instead Kozue is not used enough in her potential capacity to actually be a threat. True, her role (and Akemi’s) is determining in setting off the final series of events but she came so out of left field it felt a bit irreal.
As for the run of Nikaido, his childish fights with Yotsuya are rather funny but don’t help the plot progress one bit.
So, if overall very good the plot has some issues and the 160 chapters could easily be reduced of a quarter to better focus on the main plot.
I wouldn’t want to forget mentioning the terribly conservative view of love relationships: Any relationship must end in marriage – No relationship can be envisioned if the man doesn’t have a situation (which explains the 5 bloody years). Shun actions towards Asuna in the end are stupefyingly noble. Is it all due to a specific Japanese culture? And more so in the early 80’s ? I don’t know. Some peculiarities in relationships are probably typically Japanese but the marriage/situation thing is worldwide I think.
Anyway, I really appreciated the way Kyoko and Yusaku finally become lovers. You’d think these two would fail to the very end. I found the way they each deal with their own failures, frailties and insecurities very touching and sensible.
Just a note for my fellows French readers: I happened to skim-read key moments of the book in the French translation and it’s simply ATROCIOUS. I can’t judge from reading the book in Japanese of course but compared to the English version some key dialogues are terribly mitigated when not meaning something completely different. The last moments before Kyoko and Yusaku finally make love simply don’t have the same intensity and poignancy. I honestly wonder if French editors didn’t dampen the translation because the book was targeted for female teenagers. The English version is more mature and credible so if you can, go for it.
When the Maison Ikkoku anime series was first released in France I was a teenager, strongly leaning into punk and metal and already an amateur of violent noir and horror. Yet, for some improbable reason, I got hooked by Juliette (Kyoko) and Hugo (Yusaku) and their romance at the Pension des mimosas (Maison Ikkoku) and I would do my best not to miss an episode every wednesday at 16:30. And after all this years the old rom-com magic still worked even though I already knew the end. That arguably makes this series a must-read.
So yes, this review is probably biased from teenage memories. But I’m not a teenager anymore, I have thousands of books and comics and mangas under the belt so I’ll assume I also appreciated it for what it is: A perfect example of good rom-com which is going to be my standard-meter if I ever happen to read another one.
July 27, 2020
Advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Maison Ikkoku Collector's Edition comes out on the 21st October 2020.
I requested this book because I was intrigued by the cover. I had no idea what the manga was about when I started reading it, but I started to enjoy it after the first chapter. I did find it difficult to get into the manga in the beginning, but that was overcome quickly after I made time to read the manga, and I ended up reading about 95% of it in one go.
The main plot of this manga is based on the relationship between Kyoko Otonashi, the new manager of an apartment building, and Godai. Godai is infatuated with Kyoko as soon as he sees her, and the plot is them getting closer, developing feelings, but also having obstacles in their path. I liked the story but I didn't like the romance and that was the main focus on the plot. Kyoko has a lot going for her, and she treats Godai more of a son than a man, and I just think that she wouldn't be attracted to Godai. I don't think she is in this volume, but she does have her feelings hurt because of Godai. I don't see anything appealing to Godai's character as a woman, so I didn't really support the romance.
I don't think I would recommend this manga, but it's not a bad manga. It was still an enjoyable read, but I won't be continuing on with the series unfortunately.
I requested this book because I was intrigued by the cover. I had no idea what the manga was about when I started reading it, but I started to enjoy it after the first chapter. I did find it difficult to get into the manga in the beginning, but that was overcome quickly after I made time to read the manga, and I ended up reading about 95% of it in one go.
The main plot of this manga is based on the relationship between Kyoko Otonashi, the new manager of an apartment building, and Godai. Godai is infatuated with Kyoko as soon as he sees her, and the plot is them getting closer, developing feelings, but also having obstacles in their path. I liked the story but I didn't like the romance and that was the main focus on the plot. Kyoko has a lot going for her, and she treats Godai more of a son than a man, and I just think that she wouldn't be attracted to Godai. I don't think she is in this volume, but she does have her feelings hurt because of Godai. I don't see anything appealing to Godai's character as a woman, so I didn't really support the romance.
I don't think I would recommend this manga, but it's not a bad manga. It was still an enjoyable read, but I won't be continuing on with the series unfortunately.
May 15, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley, VIZ Media, and Rumiko Takahashi for the opportunity to read Maison Ikkoku Collector's Edition Volume 1 in exchange for an honest review.
As a lover of Takahashi's Inu-Yasha in my teens, I tried to explore with some of her other works and couldn't quite get into them the same way. Now that I am older and have more experience with life, trying Maison Ikkoku again was more than enjoyable. This volume is a wonderful revamp of the original VIZ print run.
This manga is a bit dated in terms of style, as it was originally serialized in 1980, but that sure doesn't change the hype and meaning behind the events in the story. This slice-of-life novel falls into relevant categories for new adults today, such as getting into college, paying rent, and falling in love.
I loved the characters and find that this is an incredibly strong start to the series and has me eager to read more. Thankfully, there are some old out-of-print English versions I can find if I truly cannot wait, but these collector's editions are gorgeous and perfect for any manga collector! So maybe I'll wait...we'll see how my patience is tested....^_^'
As a lover of Takahashi's Inu-Yasha in my teens, I tried to explore with some of her other works and couldn't quite get into them the same way. Now that I am older and have more experience with life, trying Maison Ikkoku again was more than enjoyable. This volume is a wonderful revamp of the original VIZ print run.
This manga is a bit dated in terms of style, as it was originally serialized in 1980, but that sure doesn't change the hype and meaning behind the events in the story. This slice-of-life novel falls into relevant categories for new adults today, such as getting into college, paying rent, and falling in love.
I loved the characters and find that this is an incredibly strong start to the series and has me eager to read more. Thankfully, there are some old out-of-print English versions I can find if I truly cannot wait, but these collector's editions are gorgeous and perfect for any manga collector! So maybe I'll wait...we'll see how my patience is tested....^_^'
July 31, 2020
This was a really fun title!
I think a lot of people will end up relating to various characters throughout the story, especially Godai and Kyoko. They both have their own struggles within the story, and you see them trying to move forward. One is stuck in their past, and the other is stuck under the pressures of others.
I love the art as always from this mangaka. It has a particular charm that is a product of its time, and I mean that as a compliment. You see nods to some very classic shoujo art within this volume, as well as other popular series of the time, such as Sailor Moon. The Bishoujo art style of this series is truly beautiful and well executed.
I am looking forward to more of the boarding house antics within the series as time continues, and as the series evolves! Can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy!
I think a lot of people will end up relating to various characters throughout the story, especially Godai and Kyoko. They both have their own struggles within the story, and you see them trying to move forward. One is stuck in their past, and the other is stuck under the pressures of others.
I love the art as always from this mangaka. It has a particular charm that is a product of its time, and I mean that as a compliment. You see nods to some very classic shoujo art within this volume, as well as other popular series of the time, such as Sailor Moon. The Bishoujo art style of this series is truly beautiful and well executed.
I am looking forward to more of the boarding house antics within the series as time continues, and as the series evolves! Can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy!
February 19, 2022
I have mixed feelings on this one! It’s a reissue of an old manga first published in the ‘80s written by a beloved female mangaka. I love the art and slice of life pace, getting to know a bunch of weird and quirky characters.
There is, however, quite a lot of outdated issues, such as objectification and sexism that are played up as the main comedic gags throughout.
The story overall still has a fair amount of charm, and I am interested in the characters, especially Kyoko. And I found it to be quite a relaxing read. I think I’ll read one more volume and see how it develops to decide if I want to continue with the series.
On a purely superficial note, the Collector’s Edition by Viz is a beautifully produced book.
There is, however, quite a lot of outdated issues, such as objectification and sexism that are played up as the main comedic gags throughout.
The story overall still has a fair amount of charm, and I am interested in the characters, especially Kyoko. And I found it to be quite a relaxing read. I think I’ll read one more volume and see how it develops to decide if I want to continue with the series.
On a purely superficial note, the Collector’s Edition by Viz is a beautifully produced book.
December 10, 2012
Qué talento para hacer reír que tiene esta mujer. Ahora que me leí de prestado el tomo 1 y la pasé bárbaro en cada una de sus páginas, sé que hice bien en comprarme los dos siguientes de oferta. Con suerte, después vayan cayendo los otros.
November 27, 2024
giggling and kicking my feet from how sweet this is. it is so lovely i can't stop smiling! having a crush can feel silly, ridiculous, and life-changing all at the same time and takahashi captures all of these moods really well.
i adore this strange cast of characters especially miss chismosa ichinose trying to be matchmaker. she is me i am her. i LOVE to gossip it's in my genes. this manga is cozy, it's funny, and illustrated beautifully i am just having the best time.
i adore this strange cast of characters especially miss chismosa ichinose trying to be matchmaker. she is me i am her. i LOVE to gossip it's in my genes. this manga is cozy, it's funny, and illustrated beautifully i am just having the best time.
June 5, 2024
Was a cozy read, would maybe continue the series if the mood strikes.
December 26, 2024
Kyoko’s a baddie
4.5 in my slice of life szn 😂
4.5 in my slice of life szn 😂
November 1, 2023
c-cute.... :^) i like romance
Read
July 21, 2021A slice of life coming-of-age romantic comedy. Not exactly my first choice (or second) while browsing the shelves of manga. My interest with this specific manga came about through sheer curiosity in the author’s work. Rumiko Takahashi has created critically and commercially successful manga for almost 44 years (!), and I had yet to read a single page.
Starting at what was essentially the beginning of her career, Maison Ikkoku seemed like a fairly reasonable place to start. Publisher Viz Media had recently released deluxe editions totaling four volumes, attractive in french flaps in a creamy hue, with a pleasant watercolor of the landlady heroine on the cover.
For all intents and purposes I fully expected to buy and read the first volume, put it away on the shelf satisfied that I had given it a try, respected the surely accomplished work and return to my regularly scheduled manga.
We should never underestimate charm. The ability of an artist to charm the reader is underrated and unexpected. I’m sure many people fall in love with the characters that live in the apartment building which is the main setting for this book. My pleasure, however, was in the impeccable comedic timing Takahashi displays at this early stage of her career.
There are love interests; curmudgeonly old woman with a child; a peeping Tom; and a shallow semi-sex kitten, along with a host of side characters that dip in and out of the chapters. Hijinks naturally ensue: it’s an episodic comedy that hinges on the young struggling student and the gorgeous, semi-mature landlord just managing to never hook up.
I’m eager for the second volume.
Starting at what was essentially the beginning of her career, Maison Ikkoku seemed like a fairly reasonable place to start. Publisher Viz Media had recently released deluxe editions totaling four volumes, attractive in french flaps in a creamy hue, with a pleasant watercolor of the landlady heroine on the cover.
For all intents and purposes I fully expected to buy and read the first volume, put it away on the shelf satisfied that I had given it a try, respected the surely accomplished work and return to my regularly scheduled manga.
We should never underestimate charm. The ability of an artist to charm the reader is underrated and unexpected. I’m sure many people fall in love with the characters that live in the apartment building which is the main setting for this book. My pleasure, however, was in the impeccable comedic timing Takahashi displays at this early stage of her career.
There are love interests; curmudgeonly old woman with a child; a peeping Tom; and a shallow semi-sex kitten, along with a host of side characters that dip in and out of the chapters. Hijinks naturally ensue: it’s an episodic comedy that hinges on the young struggling student and the gorgeous, semi-mature landlord just managing to never hook up.
I’m eager for the second volume.
March 24, 2021
I could not get past the first chapter. Extremely sexist and just plain unpleasant. I know the genre and it doesn't have to be like this...
Read
March 5, 2022This is one of the first manga series I ever read many years ago. I'm getting the beautiful collectors editions, so I thought it was a good time for a reread. I'm happy to say I'm enjoying it just as much as the first time. It's always nice when a favorite holds up!
Godai is a student living in a boardinghouse full of oddballs. Kyoko is the new resident house manager and Godai's crush. She is a widow who still hasn't gotten over the death of her husband. Comedy ensues in typical Takahashi fashion, as the pair are put in a slew of compromising positions, almost have a tender moment, and then are sabotaged by one of the quirky residents. I'm excited to relive the enjoyment of this slice-of-life comedy series all over again.
Godai is a student living in a boardinghouse full of oddballs. Kyoko is the new resident house manager and Godai's crush. She is a widow who still hasn't gotten over the death of her husband. Comedy ensues in typical Takahashi fashion, as the pair are put in a slew of compromising positions, almost have a tender moment, and then are sabotaged by one of the quirky residents. I'm excited to relive the enjoyment of this slice-of-life comedy series all over again.
May 14, 2020
This was pretty funny.
The story is a slice of life romance. It's enjoyable and flows well, although slow. I can see the characters as people in real life in a show or something. They're all funny but also relatable.
This is drawn in Takahashi's iconic style. It actually is more cartoony looking than her later popular works, such as InuYasha and Ranma 1/2. I found it enjoyable and saw the basis of many of her later characters.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoyed any of her works!
The story is a slice of life romance. It's enjoyable and flows well, although slow. I can see the characters as people in real life in a show or something. They're all funny but also relatable.
This is drawn in Takahashi's iconic style. It actually is more cartoony looking than her later popular works, such as InuYasha and Ranma 1/2. I found it enjoyable and saw the basis of many of her later characters.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoyed any of her works!
June 4, 2021
Hilarious romantic comedy about a young man studying to get into college while beset by the variety of eccentrics that reside in his building. He's also in love with the house's new manager, who is wrapped up in longing for...her dog?? I read this series back when Viz first published it in the 90s and it is just as good as I remembered!
June 22, 2021
I used to watch the anime when I was a kid with my mom, it just brings me back. The manga is also so funny, Rumiko Takahashi is one of my favourites for that.
Yes, it's from the 80s so a bit dated, yes it's set in a very patriarchal and sexist society, but I find the characters still come through strong and loud, and I'm actually quite fond of all of them.
Yes, it's from the 80s so a bit dated, yes it's set in a very patriarchal and sexist society, but I find the characters still come through strong and loud, and I'm actually quite fond of all of them.
January 15, 2025
Romantična komedija iz 80-ih sa "forama" that didn't age well, npr. seksualno uznemiravanje i implicirana pedofilija i zoofilija.
Stil crtanja mi se dopada, ima i simpatičnih delova priče, ali su previše cheesy, pa mislim da neću nastaviti da čitam serijal.
Volela bih da je priča napisana iz ugla glavnog ženskog lika Kyoko, umesto što su je samo iskoristili za svaku koricu.
Stil crtanja mi se dopada, ima i simpatičnih delova priče, ali su previše cheesy, pa mislim da neću nastaviti da čitam serijal.
Volela bih da je priča napisana iz ugla glavnog ženskog lika Kyoko, umesto što su je samo iskoristili za svaku koricu.
April 23, 2021
Eihän tämä ihan minun teekuppini ollut, mutta ehkä annan toisen osan verran tilaisuutta tälle sarjalle ennen kuin dumaan tämän.
May 7, 2021
Manga rom com - highly rate this book, laugh out loud funny, and shown me what a romantic I am at heart.
May 21, 2021
Cute and funny but that male romantic lead is a dweeb.
August 18, 2022
i am so happy they reprinted these into the most BEAUTIFUL editions—just want cry every time I lay my eyes upon them :,,,,,.
October 23, 2023
Yeah, it shows its age but man I am invested in finding out what happens. Love the art style, too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews