This early work from one of the greatest living manga artists, author of Ranma 1/2
and Maison Ikkoku
, is now back in print. A talented boxer is defeated by his overeating and complete lack of self-control. His only inspiration is Sister Angela, a young nun who encourages him to overcome his sin of gluttony. The repetitive story formula has Kosaku doing something stupid, the nun inspiring him (often by yelling at him), then he unbelievably wins through. But he never learns his lesson, or there wouldn't be a series. (And a lengthy one, running for 20 years in Japan.) The appeal is Takahashi's art, especially her top-notch storytelling. Her Disney-style open faces capture the characters' innocence, especially in the nun, all face-framing wimple and huge eyes. The reader is yanked from comedy (“I will win,” vows Kosaku, as he orders noodles from a passing street vendor) to boxing action, devout faith (Angela prays sincerely for Kosaku's success) to heartbreak (loving a nun is a recipe for disaster). The mix here can be uneven, and a drunk nun is uncomfortable to watch. The simple conflicts make for a lightweight read, easy to pick up and put down. (June)
