I am not the type of guy who would usually go out of his way to check out a series like Marmalade Boy, but back when I started going out with my girlfriend, about six years ago, she was really into the Japanese import scene and eventually she discovered Marmalade Boy, an anime which she hyped up so much, I knew I would have to give it a try at some time or another.
TOKYOPOP already has had much success selling the manga of the popular series, which will be reviewed in these pages at a future date. Stemming from this success, it was a no-brainer that getting the rights to do the anime of the same name would be a very popular decision.
"Ever since we initially announced Marmalade Boy, we have been flooded with email, letters and phone calls from fans who are dying to see this unique series,” said John Parker, TOKYOPOP’s president and COO. “We were determined to do it right and have finally developed a DVD release so cool, it will be worth the wait.”
Well, I got my hands on a two-episode preview of the series and I can tell you, it will certainly be worth the wait when the special 19-episode, 475 minute, 3-DVD Marmalade Boy Ultimate Scrapbook Collection is released on April 26, 2004. They definitely took the time to make sure they got it all right, as I remember seeing bits and pieces of the Japanese version years ago, and this remains true to the characters and the plot.
Based on the Wataru Yoshizumi best selling manga, Marmalade Boy delves right into its story, as Miki Koishokawa’s world is turned upside down when her parents tell her they are divorcing, swapping partners and moving in with the swinging couple friends they met while vacationing, so both couples can be with the ones they really love, while still keeping the family units intact, including Miki and the other couple’s stepbrother Yuu. Yes, you heard it all right. It’s like the Brady Brunch for the new millennium, with fewer kids and more parents. Very odd, but strangely very acceptable and sweet in a day and age when parents divorce and forget about their children with ease.
Yet, the story isn’t only about the strange new family living arrangement. It also deals with Miki’s angst life in high school, her relationship with possible romantic lead and childhood friend, Ginta and a possible love triangle involving her stepbrother, Yuu, who actually kisses her very early into the series. You have your friends, your funny moments, romance, mystery and tears, so it isn’t any wonder why some have dubbed this the Tokyo 90210. The name seems to fit.
I enjoyed this series. Normally, a show like this would be filled with nudity, sex and no story whatsoever, but Marmalade Boy is just a funny, interesting complex story with wonderful animation, witty dialogue and a concentrated effort to truly entertain the viewer. I laughed quite a bit as I watched the show, especially when the parents made their odd announcement and when Miki compares Yuu to marmalade, hence the show’s title. I needed the laugh.
This is feel good anime, the kind with characters you end up caring about, but be warned; once you take a look, you will be hooked.
Send comments and questions about this article to JMinners@ybfree.com.