Not quite sure what I just read, but I enjoyed the heck out of it.
Creative Staff
Story/Art: Go Nagai
Translation/Adaptation:
Lettering: Zack Davisson
What They Say
One of the most recognized super-heroines in manga history finally has her original story in print! Both volumes of Go Nagai’s 1973 cult classic are collected in this oversized hardcover tome.
Beautiful but unassuming schoolgirl Kisaragi Honey has a secret–she’s actually an android! Through her father’s amazing technology, she can transform into the unstoppable Cutie Honey. It’s a power that the nefarious criminal organization known as Panther Claw will stop at nothing to possess, even if it means destroying that which Honey loves the most. Experience the original saga of Japan’s iconic super-heroine by Go Nagai, the author of Devilman!
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
I really should have just set up a camera while I was reading this, because I think my facial reactions would have done a far better job of reviewing this than my paltry words.
So, let’s just dive right into it, shall we?
Kisaragi Honey is the daughter of the brilliant scientist Doctor Kisaragi. At least, that’s what she believes. In reality, Honey is an android the doctor created to house and protect his most incredible invention: the atmospheric element condenser, which actually takes air molecules and reshapes them into pretty much anything the user desires.
The doctor sends Honey off to an all-girl Catholic school run by perverts with a taste for bondage and S&M, but she’s not even there a day before he calls her back. See, the criminal organization Panther Claw wants the atmospheric element condenser in order to create an unlimited quantity of diamonds. The doctor fights them, but he needs Honey’s aid. Using her heart-shaped pendant, the young android only has to say “Honey flash!” and is transformed into the nigh-unstoppable Cutie Honey! She races to her father’s side, but is too late. He dies in her arms. However, he created a backup robot just for this eventuality and it explains to Honey who and what she is and how she can use the condenser to transform. Armed with this knowledge and driven by revenge, Honey vows to destroy Panther Claw.
Thankfully (maybe), she’s not alone in her fight. The reporter Hayami Seiji was present during the attack, and he vowed to help Honey. She refuses at first, and, in fact, uses him as bait for Panther Claw later. The two eventually join forces, but this also brings Seiji’s father and brother into the fold, and all I’ll say about them is in one scene they come across this bronze statue that looks like Honey (it is, actually, Honey in hiding. She used the condenser to turn her skin bronze). Overcome with lust, the two climb all over the statue, rubbing on it, licking it, and I’m going to stop here because I just about threw up in my mouth.
That’s the thing about this manga: it’s got great action, fun characters, and some great art, but it’s never afraid to go lowbrow. Sometimes it goes a bit too low for my taste, and I just want it to go back to the story of a cute, often nekkid girl fighting against the forces of evil. Really, isn’t that what we all want from life?
I have to admit, there were a few times when I skimmed through some parts—especially when the detective with awful hemorrhoids appeared and was constantly getting karate chopped in the taint by this big dude whose name I can’t remember. That part I could do without. The parts about Honey, though, are pure gold.
In Summary
Cutie Honey is ridiculous, lowbrow, fan service-y, and a hell of a lot of fun. Other than the title and its general place in manga history, I didn’t know too much about it, so reading this more-or-less clean was an experience and a half. For historical significance, I’d give this an A, but officially, Dr. J gives this a…
Content Grade: B-
Art Grade: A
Packaging Grade: N/A (I read a pdf copy)
Text/Translation Grade: A
Age Rating: Older Teen
Released By: Seven Seas Entertainment
Release Date: August 28th, 2018
MSRP: $27.99
