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カラクリオデット [Karakuri Odette] #1
Karakuri Odette Volume 1
What does it mean to be truly human?...Odette is a lovely android built by Professor Yoshizawa. Curious to find out what it's like to be human, she convinces the Professor to enroll her in high school. And thus, with a new group of friends in tow, Odette sets out to discover the true meaning of life as a human, where even the simple stuff is an adventure! A touching slice-of-life comedy, Karakuri Odette does nothing If not uncover the incredible possibilities of the "human" spirit!
192 pages, Paperback
First published June 19, 2006
5 people are currently reading
407 people want to read
About the author
Julietta Suzuki
81 books704 followers鈴木ジュリエッタ
Suzuki Julietta is a Japanese manga artist born in the Fukuoka Prefecture. Her pen name comes from a character named Julietta Sakamoto from the seinen manga series, Air Master.
She likes cats, koalas, and sharks. According to an interview with Hakusensha, she first started drawing when she was in her second year of elementary school in a sketchbook of Japonica.
During her free time, she meets her friends, goes for a drink, or out for a meal. She states that although she doesn't read much, she enjoys works by Junji Itō. Her favourite character is Ashia and mentions that male characters are easier to draw in general.
Suzuki Julietta is a Japanese manga artist born in the Fukuoka Prefecture. Her pen name comes from a character named Julietta Sakamoto from the seinen manga series, Air Master.
She likes cats, koalas, and sharks. According to an interview with Hakusensha, she first started drawing when she was in her second year of elementary school in a sketchbook of Japonica.
During her free time, she meets her friends, goes for a drink, or out for a meal. She states that although she doesn't read much, she enjoys works by Junji Itō. Her favourite character is Ashia and mentions that male characters are easier to draw in general.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
February 16, 2014
I am totally in disagreement with the last reviewer. Not only is Karakuri Odette worth your money, but Chobits is highly overrated ecchi. Why not give your money to an artist just starting out, who happens to be a strong teen writer, rather than to CLAMP who has so much money they own their own line of kimono?
Karakuri Odette reads similar to most any shoujo comedy, but where it lacks in originality it makes up for in thematic devices. Odette is an android trying to live as a human girl going to high school. She is concerned with making friends, helping others and having fun. Obviously pretty universal. However, the author uses Odette to comment on: sticking up for your friends and the way people treat each other; emotional maturity; depression and dealing with life’s tragedies; embracing what you don’t understand; keeping your friend’s secrets; the list goes on. Speaking as a librarian, Karakuri Odette makes for a wonderful addition to any young adult collection.
Speaking as a manga reviewer, the art is not fabulous (this is Julietta Suzuki’s first series) and is somewhat experimental between the story arcs. Naturally, being TokyoPop, I take issue with the translation at times. The worst insult being the inclusion of a direct translation Japanese idiom, “Chickens shouldn’t cluck in their sleep,” with no explanatory note. Boy that’s very meaningful, thanks TokyoPop. If anyone has the original tankoubon, I’d be interested in knowing what that phrase is in Japanese.
Karakuri Odette reads similar to most any shoujo comedy, but where it lacks in originality it makes up for in thematic devices. Odette is an android trying to live as a human girl going to high school. She is concerned with making friends, helping others and having fun. Obviously pretty universal. However, the author uses Odette to comment on: sticking up for your friends and the way people treat each other; emotional maturity; depression and dealing with life’s tragedies; embracing what you don’t understand; keeping your friend’s secrets; the list goes on. Speaking as a librarian, Karakuri Odette makes for a wonderful addition to any young adult collection.
Speaking as a manga reviewer, the art is not fabulous (this is Julietta Suzuki’s first series) and is somewhat experimental between the story arcs. Naturally, being TokyoPop, I take issue with the translation at times. The worst insult being the inclusion of a direct translation Japanese idiom, “Chickens shouldn’t cluck in their sleep,” with no explanatory note. Boy that’s very meaningful, thanks TokyoPop. If anyone has the original tankoubon, I’d be interested in knowing what that phrase is in Japanese.
May 27, 2016
It was worth my time and money, and I will probably read it again (and again). It's about a girl-android "Odette" (named after "swan lake", I'm assuming) who wanting to be human convinces her maker to let her go to high school. There she ponders after what it means to be human, and tries her best to fit in.
It starts off a bit rough. As though the author is either unsure of where her story is going, or whether the magazine hadn't quite decided to serialize her. I was surprised by the first volume, as it fails to really establish the character, or purpose. But, it was easy to read, and therefore easy to continue -- and it becomes a delightful, and engaging story.
I've read online that a few people were comparing it to Chobits by CLAMP, and certainly the android girl aspect is comparable. But, I personally think the story is more closely comparable to Cheeky Angel by Hiroyuki Nishimori -- about a boy who wishes to be the coolest & strongest ever, and subsequently is turned into the coolest & strongest girl ever. He learns what it means to be a girl, and even has a love interest in the school gang leader. This parallels well with Karakuri Odette, with Odette's friends and persona becoming quite different than she was hoping -- in the best possible way.
I recommend it!
It starts off a bit rough. As though the author is either unsure of where her story is going, or whether the magazine hadn't quite decided to serialize her. I was surprised by the first volume, as it fails to really establish the character, or purpose. But, it was easy to read, and therefore easy to continue -- and it becomes a delightful, and engaging story.
I've read online that a few people were comparing it to Chobits by CLAMP, and certainly the android girl aspect is comparable. But, I personally think the story is more closely comparable to Cheeky Angel by Hiroyuki Nishimori -- about a boy who wishes to be the coolest & strongest ever, and subsequently is turned into the coolest & strongest girl ever. He learns what it means to be a girl, and even has a love interest in the school gang leader. This parallels well with Karakuri Odette, with Odette's friends and persona becoming quite different than she was hoping -- in the best possible way.
I recommend it!
July 5, 2019
Rating: 4 stars for the series
I don't read that many shoujo but Karakuri Odette is highly adorable. It's sweet, fun and a little bit sad; the story of an android that wants to be a real girl. I wish it never ended.
I don't read that many shoujo but Karakuri Odette is highly adorable. It's sweet, fun and a little bit sad; the story of an android that wants to be a real girl. I wish it never ended.
August 25, 2025
I want to re-read this. I remember liking how human behavior was analyzed and explained.
October 26, 2024
3.5/4 stars. Pacing between chapters is odd, like a series of vingettes rather than a cohesive story. I like the android angle.
November 30, 2018
Great drawings, unique story!! Love it!
July 14, 2016
--- Android Odette 1-6 ---
Plot: Ok.
Penokohan: ...Ok.
Gaya bercerita: Cerita berjalan dengan baik dan... yah ala cerita shoujo (iyalah).
Seorang android bersekolah sambil menutupi jati dirinya?
Nah, tapi pertanyaan yang lebih penting adalah bisakah android itu beradaptasi? Inilah Odette sang android dalam kehidupan sekolahannya. Pertemuan dengan banyak orang, perasaan sayang dan cinta, persahabatan yang erat, semua mengajarkannya banyak hal sebagai android dan manusia.
...Meski kata-kata saya terkesan ringan, saya toh tidak akan merekomendasikan komik ini untuk teman-teman saya^^. Pasalnya saya hanya merekomendasikan yang menurut saya benar-benar bagus (atau cocok untuk mereka). Adroid Odette ini menurut saya so-so. Tidak jelek, tapi ya tidak menawan juga. Biasa saja.
Jadi saya membutuhkan waktu untuk menimbang-nimbang sebaiknya apa yang kutuliskan untuk komik ini. Plotnya tidak berulang dan juga tidak melupakan kejadian lalu-lalu. Saya senang dengan itu^^. Tapi makin kebelakang, saya makin merasa agak... dull. Entah kenapa saya merasa seperti tidak ada tarikan plot yang membuat saya makin menyukai komik ini. Malahan sebaliknya, saya malah bisa makin tidak menyukai buku ini.
Mungkin juga alasan terbesar adalah karena tokoh utama makin lama makin menjengkelkan pada tokoh yang saya sukai. Tokoh minor yang saya sukapun nasibnya seperti dibiarkan begitu saja. Rasanya berbanding terbalik dengan tokoh minor yang saya sukai di NodaCanta (yang endingnya mampu mengangkat jiwa ke awan //eh). Smack down paling parah yang membuat saya makin kesal dan kecewa dengan komik ini adalah... ungkapan mangaka mengenai ending pasangan Odette. Ini malah membuat saya bertanya-tanya: 'sampai sejauh mana mangaka akan mengikuti kemauan "fans terbanyak"?'
Baiklah, itu saja. Mungkin cuma saya saja yang kecewa seperti ini (haha), maka dari itu... kalau kalian mau mencoba membacanya, bacalah tanpa mengingat review saya. 2.5 bintang, saya bulatkan keatas dengan berat hati.
[7.3/10]
Plot: Ok.
Penokohan: ...Ok.
Gaya bercerita: Cerita berjalan dengan baik dan... yah ala cerita shoujo (iyalah).
Seorang android bersekolah sambil menutupi jati dirinya?
Nah, tapi pertanyaan yang lebih penting adalah bisakah android itu beradaptasi? Inilah Odette sang android dalam kehidupan sekolahannya. Pertemuan dengan banyak orang, perasaan sayang dan cinta, persahabatan yang erat, semua mengajarkannya banyak hal sebagai android dan manusia.
...Meski kata-kata saya terkesan ringan, saya toh tidak akan merekomendasikan komik ini untuk teman-teman saya^^. Pasalnya saya hanya merekomendasikan yang menurut saya benar-benar bagus (atau cocok untuk mereka). Adroid Odette ini menurut saya so-so. Tidak jelek, tapi ya tidak menawan juga. Biasa saja.
Jadi saya membutuhkan waktu untuk menimbang-nimbang sebaiknya apa yang kutuliskan untuk komik ini. Plotnya tidak berulang dan juga tidak melupakan kejadian lalu-lalu. Saya senang dengan itu^^. Tapi makin kebelakang, saya makin merasa agak... dull. Entah kenapa saya merasa seperti tidak ada tarikan plot yang membuat saya makin menyukai komik ini. Malahan sebaliknya, saya malah bisa makin tidak menyukai buku ini.
Mungkin juga alasan terbesar adalah karena tokoh utama makin lama makin menjengkelkan pada tokoh yang saya sukai. Tokoh minor yang saya sukapun nasibnya seperti dibiarkan begitu saja. Rasanya berbanding terbalik dengan tokoh minor yang saya sukai di NodaCanta (yang endingnya mampu mengangkat jiwa ke awan //eh). Smack down paling parah yang membuat saya makin kesal dan kecewa dengan komik ini adalah... ungkapan mangaka mengenai ending pasangan Odette. Ini malah membuat saya bertanya-tanya: 'sampai sejauh mana mangaka akan mengikuti kemauan "fans terbanyak"?'
Baiklah, itu saja. Mungkin cuma saya saja yang kecewa seperti ini (haha), maka dari itu... kalau kalian mau mencoba membacanya, bacalah tanpa mengingat review saya. 2.5 bintang, saya bulatkan keatas dengan berat hati.
[7.3/10]
October 27, 2012
Odette Yoshizawa-android built by professor Yoshizawa
Yoko-a human friend odette makes at school
Odette each day comes home with a request like "make me less stronger so I can be like an average human girl". In a way she's getting closer to having human abilities.
Kurose(Asao)-delinquent,likes yoko but yoko likes odaka
Odette saves this guy Kurose, who finds out she's a robot(cause a nurse told him).
Asia- an android who gets sent to Professor and he has to take care of her for a week.
This book is about a robot girl who wants to be like humans, and live their fun life. She convinces her professor to talk to the principal and enroll her in school, thus beginning her journey observing humans and collecting data. She makes new friends, and meets new people(including robots).
To me, I thought this book was different than other manga(s), but in a way it was a great book to read. Lets us see a robot's perspective when they look at humans and observe them. Odette tries to fit in, and tries to help out with problems that others have, which makes her a great robot:D
Asia has no human emotions, so odette gets scared of her.
Histaro- a baby boy that only odette can see, turns out he's a computer virus to odette, a sweet child who sacrifices himself in the end to protect odette from himself, he feeds off odette robot to grow bigger each and everyday
Yoko-a human friend odette makes at school
Odette each day comes home with a request like "make me less stronger so I can be like an average human girl". In a way she's getting closer to having human abilities.
Kurose(Asao)-delinquent,likes yoko but yoko likes odaka
Odette saves this guy Kurose, who finds out she's a robot(cause a nurse told him).
Asia- an android who gets sent to Professor and he has to take care of her for a week.
This book is about a robot girl who wants to be like humans, and live their fun life. She convinces her professor to talk to the principal and enroll her in school, thus beginning her journey observing humans and collecting data. She makes new friends, and meets new people(including robots).
To me, I thought this book was different than other manga(s), but in a way it was a great book to read. Lets us see a robot's perspective when they look at humans and observe them. Odette tries to fit in, and tries to help out with problems that others have, which makes her a great robot:D
Asia has no human emotions, so odette gets scared of her.
Histaro- a baby boy that only odette can see, turns out he's a computer virus to odette, a sweet child who sacrifices himself in the end to protect odette from himself, he feeds off odette robot to grow bigger each and everyday
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2017
A somewhat dull first book, but the series shows promise. Picked this up because I'm still riding the high from Julietta Suzuki's other series, Kamisama Kiss, and I thought this would help. Well, it has become very obvious that these books were written at very different points in this manga-ka's career, and while Kamisama Kiss was deep and rich with emotions, Karakuri Odette is considerably weaker. However, on its own, it's not a bad book. The series is only 6 volumes long, so I can easily continue, but I'm definitely not as invested in this one.
April 18, 2020
This review covers volumes 1 through 3. I thought this series would be enjoyable -- an android girl trying to fit in at high school with a mystery thrown in. The mystery disappeared early in volume 2 and the android girl was just doing girl stuff the rest of the time. None of the characters were very likable, so I lost interest. I have volume 4 somewhere and I'll probably read it when I find it, but I expect to be sorry I did.
May 20, 2024
I really enjoyed this!! It’s weird but it’s unique! I love Kamisama Kiss so I wanted to read the mangaka’s other works and here I am!
I hope it gets a little less “episodic” but I do like the characters already. Odette is funny without trying and Asao might be my favorite lol.
I hope it gets a little less “episodic” but I do like the characters already. Odette is funny without trying and Asao might be my favorite lol.
June 16, 2017
I read it a number of years ago too, but it's still a good series
September 29, 2017
Very clinical.
November 28, 2017
Cute Robot Girl Story.
January 18, 2018
I read so many books just looking for that next great series to discover. I collected about 30 ongoing series at the highlight of my manga days and waiting between releases was painful!
March 9, 2018
I liked it but it was a really short read and it didnt really give a lot of detail but the story line is really amazing and the drawings are also really good
June 11, 2019
I absolutely love this series! She's so vivacious and funny.
June 15, 2019
Interesting concept.
June 27, 2019
This was a delightful book! I liked Odette, and it was fun to see a science fiction/slice of life sort of story. Not my usual fare. Anyway, I'll be continuing the series.
April 21, 2020
3.5 stars
December 23, 2023
I liked her
January 9, 2011
The first volume in this series introduces Odette, a beautiful android girl bent on exploring what it means to be human by attending school and interacting with her new human classmates. It may be an old theme (fish-out-of-water/otherworldly-being-wanting-to-become-human) but author Julietta Suzuki knows how to spin out a story with a lot of charm and heart in spite of her sidebar confession that school stories aren't her strong suit. All the characters from Odette's caretaker, the cranky but affectionate young professor, to bashful Yuko (her first human friend) and the simultaneously prickly yet vulnerable Asao are easy to love and root for. As an artist Suzuki is far more character-focused than scenery/background focused, which for me wasn't such a bad thing although some of the layering effects and mesh gradiations that were used for variety came off a bit oddly I thought--almost to the point of being a distraction here and there. Overall a solid 4 for content but maybe a 2.5-3 for the art. Definitely an enjoyable read. Upbeat without feeling inconsequentially fluffy.
Mature Themmes (based on vol. 1) ages 10+
This android girl thing could be interpreted all sorts of ways (and it's an old enough device that is probably has been), but as far as this volume stands at least there's absolutely nothing even close to scandalous. Odette comes off as a bit naive, and although some of Asao's crowd (even Asao himself at times) are a bit rough-around-the-edges, no one takes advantage of her and her relationship with the professor is portrayed as a true guardianship without any untoward insinuations or double entendres. There's a little violence (Odette rescues Asao from being beat up and there's some hinting about bullying incidents in his past) that's quickly resolved, and that's the extent of it.
Overall, innocent enough it could almost have been set in an elementary school or junior high.
Mature Themmes (based on vol. 1) ages 10+
This android girl thing could be interpreted all sorts of ways (and it's an old enough device that is probably has been), but as far as this volume stands at least there's absolutely nothing even close to scandalous. Odette comes off as a bit naive, and although some of Asao's crowd (even Asao himself at times) are a bit rough-around-the-edges, no one takes advantage of her and her relationship with the professor is portrayed as a true guardianship without any untoward insinuations or double entendres. There's a little violence (Odette rescues Asao from being beat up and there's some hinting about bullying incidents in his past) that's quickly resolved, and that's the extent of it.
Overall, innocent enough it could almost have been set in an elementary school or junior high.
November 28, 2011
Karakuri Odette is a six volume series by Julietta Suzuki. This is the series she concluded just before staring Kamisama Kiss, and since I've been biding my time until the next volume of that series comes out next month, I decided to give this earlier series a try.
Karakuri Odette is definitely a less polished series than Kamisama Kiss. What was interesting about this series for me was being able to see the dramatic change in art, storytelling ability, and character development from the beginning of the series to its conclusion. This is the first time I've read a manga series that demonstrated such growth in maturity in storytelling, and it was kind of fun to see (and also made me glad that she's improved so much such that her current series is absolutely delightful).
This story is about a robot - an android, I guess - who wants to know what it's like to be human. She asks her creator to let her attend school so that she can observe and learn from the humans around her. What follows is a sweet story that's really about a girl finding her place in the world.
Start of the series - solid 3 stars.
End of the series - solid 4 stars.
Yay. :)
Karakuri Odette is definitely a less polished series than Kamisama Kiss. What was interesting about this series for me was being able to see the dramatic change in art, storytelling ability, and character development from the beginning of the series to its conclusion. This is the first time I've read a manga series that demonstrated such growth in maturity in storytelling, and it was kind of fun to see (and also made me glad that she's improved so much such that her current series is absolutely delightful).
This story is about a robot - an android, I guess - who wants to know what it's like to be human. She asks her creator to let her attend school so that she can observe and learn from the humans around her. What follows is a sweet story that's really about a girl finding her place in the world.
Start of the series - solid 3 stars.
End of the series - solid 4 stars.
Yay. :)
August 11, 2016
Summary: Odette is a sophisticated android/robot who wants to learn to be human. Her creator allows her to go to high school under the condition that no one will know she isn't human. In this volume, the main characters are introduced, Odette learns that being herself can be better than being human sometimes, and she and her creator must face a reluctant suicide bomber.
Yay!: This manga is cute, sweet-but-not-saccharine, and thoughtful. While the premise is hardly unique, it doesn't feel worn out. Also, the maturity level is low enough for mid-grades and younger teens. You won't find a ton of fan service here, folks.
Nay!: Because it's not an original premise and because the writing is on a lower level, older teens and adults may not get into the story.
Yay!: This manga is cute, sweet-but-not-saccharine, and thoughtful. While the premise is hardly unique, it doesn't feel worn out. Also, the maturity level is low enough for mid-grades and younger teens. You won't find a ton of fan service here, folks.
Nay!: Because it's not an original premise and because the writing is on a lower level, older teens and adults may not get into the story.
July 18, 2014
**This review is for the entire series (finished or unfinished). I started only adding the first volume from manga titles because, well, do you realize just how many volumes of One Piece there are?!**
There are some manga that you pick up and immediately understand that you've going to love them. This manga was one of those manga.
Basically anything that I've ever read by Julietta Suzuki has been nothing short of stellar. Her crazy good drawing skills, her strange universes and oddball characters...I just fall in love with them before I can stop myself.
Like Akuma to Dolce, Karakuri Odette ran a LOT shorter than I would've liked. I mean, come on, it's about a robot girl! So much coolness *_*...
But it was beautiful while it lasted. If you're into sci-fi, check it out :)
There are some manga that you pick up and immediately understand that you've going to love them. This manga was one of those manga.
Basically anything that I've ever read by Julietta Suzuki has been nothing short of stellar. Her crazy good drawing skills, her strange universes and oddball characters...I just fall in love with them before I can stop myself.
Like Akuma to Dolce, Karakuri Odette ran a LOT shorter than I would've liked. I mean, come on, it's about a robot girl! So much coolness *_*...
But it was beautiful while it lasted. If you're into sci-fi, check it out :)
April 10, 2011
Very enjoyable manga. It took me forever to get my hands on a copy (none of the libraries I could access via interlibrary loans had one). However, my friend bought it for me for Christmas. And I'm just now reading it (curse you, AP history!)
I really like the plot and the artwork. I think Asao is my favorite character so far.
My actual rating for this volume is 4.5, but I didn't want to give it a 5 because it just feels like there's something missing. I just can't put my finger on it...
Can't wait to read the next one!
I really like the plot and the artwork. I think Asao is my favorite character so far.
My actual rating for this volume is 4.5, but I didn't want to give it a 5 because it just feels like there's something missing. I just can't put my finger on it...
Can't wait to read the next one!
December 30, 2013
I like androids because I like the Lunar Chronicles. So when I read the description for this, (my reaction was something like, "CINDER IN MANGA VERSION! BOOYA!") I just knew that it had to be my next manga series. It was cute and funny and enjoyable, but the artwork left something to be desired. After the incredible-ness that was A Bride's Story this art felt a little flat. It wasn't Cinder in manga version (a little more lighthearted) but it was still pretty enjoyable.
March 26, 2016
It was funny but at times felt kinda disjointed in a few places ,like there was something missing , it was a little choppy .
I still enjoyed the storyline about a Robot trying to find out the meaning of being a Human , Odette wants to know what it feels like to be human and seeing her try and learn about how humen's react to things was interesting .
I plan on reading the other books in the series :)
I still enjoyed the storyline about a Robot trying to find out the meaning of being a Human , Odette wants to know what it feels like to be human and seeing her try and learn about how humen's react to things was interesting .
I plan on reading the other books in the series :)
June 11, 2011
There's something amazingly sweet, funny, and heart tounching about this series and its characters. I really love Suzuki's writing style, which is what makes the story for me. The story line has been done and redone, but Suzuki manages to make it unique.
If you haven't looked at Suzuki's other works, then you'd better, because they're just as wonderful!
If you haven't looked at Suzuki's other works, then you'd better, because they're just as wonderful!
Read
July 28, 2011An enjoyable book about a robot who is trying to be more human. While Chobits was still a better version of this story, this is an enjoyable and cute read without being too cutesy. The characters are smart and unique and they are fun to read. Recommended to any manga fan looking for a light read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews