Creative Staff:
Writer/Artist: Machiko Sakurai
Translated by: Athena & Alethea Nibley
Adapted by: Athena & Alethea Nibley
What They Say
Nicori is an adorable toy who has come to life and given his owner-the shy, sweet Ame-a reason to believe in herself. But now that Nicori has become an international celebrity, a ruthless kidnapper is after him!
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
Ame is in danger! A shady lowlife wants to get his hands on Nicori, and he’s holding Ame hostage until Nicori hands himself over. Lesser toys might balk at this, but not Nicori! With the help of an unlikely ally, Nicori storms in on the kidnapper’s hideout. However, Ame’s captor’s reason for wanting Nicori is not anything Nicori expects.
At the end of the last volume, things looked pretty grim for Nicori. After all, he literally lost his head. However, the mangaka quickly turns Nicori’s headlessness from a source of horror into a source of humor. Nicori is a doll, not a living being after all. I suppose the way Sakurai handles the dilemma of Nicori putting himself back together is acceptable, but I’m rather glad she skips drawing the actual details of him reattaching his own head.
Ame’s rescue scene also starts out seemingly serious, involving blades, fighting, and fire. However, the “danger” is quickly defused after the head thug’s bizarre confession, and the conclusion to the kidnapping is neither serious nor very believable. However, this is a world where dolls come to life so I guess Sakurai can set up a situation where a couple of middle school students, a plushie, and a cat win out over six older punks if she wants. You would think the ringleader’s thugs would see the value in holding Nicori for ransom even after they abandon their boss, but they simply walk away instead. Not very ruthless henchmen in my opinion. As a side note, the panels illustrating the action in the warehouse fight are a bit confusing.
Content Grade: B-
Art Grade: B-
Packaging Grade: B
Text/Translation Grade: B
Age Rating: 13+
Released By: Del Rey Manga
Release Date: May 27th, 2008
MSRP: $10.95
