Sprout manga review

English: Sprout

Type: Manga

Volumes: 7

Chapters: 28

Status: Finished

Published: Jan 13, 2006 to May 13, 2008

Genres: Drama, Shoujo, Slice of Life

Authors: Nanba, Atsuko (Story & Art)

Serialization: Bessatsu Friend

Sprout is not exactly a shoujo manga but it is really good. Its different from how the usual shoujo manga goes. there is a Japanese drama based on this manga.

Although her life isn't exactly like a shoujo manga, Miku Ikenouchi's friends are convinced that it's pretty close. They say Miku is "doing well in the spring of her life"... Miku, on the other hand, is a bit skeptical. Sure, she has recently started dating a third year, has a decent part-time job, and her home life is peaceful. In fact, you could even say that Miku is content... but, maybe, too content?

Unfortunately, Miku no longer has time to find out when she comes home to find out that her father has quit his job, and her parents are turning their home into a... boarding house? And, even worse, one of the new boarders is a guy from the her school?! Miku is quickly going to find her peaceful days a distant memory from the past...

I guess you could say that the manga is unique in a way that the main character isn’t exactly your typical girl: she already has what most shoujo leads strive for. And the story isn’t quite as clear-cut because the characters just aren’t typical shoujo. However, that doesn’t stop most people from hating Miku for ditching her dreamy boyfriend for a guy who already has a girlfriend (Yes, I’ll admit it, I was one of those people). But if you look at it more objectively, it really is kinda different.

The side characters made my day. Tanigawa, our closet otaku is probably one of my favourite characters in the manga, followed closely by Miku’s friend with the dark, short hair. Even if you hate Miku to pieces, the other characters will definitely make up for it, I think.

As for the art style… I like it. Why is that shoujo manga almost always has good art? Maybe because we’ll still read it just to drool over the bishies, even if the plot sucks  (in some/most cases). 

I think this one can be a hit or miss. Either you’ll stop reading it because of Miku, or you’ll see past it and appreciate a slightly different take on shoujo manga.