‘Sweet Rein’ – Manga REVIEW
Most everyone loves Christmas. Now, how about a manga centered around Santa, but this time Santa is a cute seventeen year old girl and her reindeer is her servant? Oh, and he is really cute! Sweet Rein v.1 opens with young Kurumi Sagara, who is about to spend Chistmas alone until she bumps into a handsome young guy named Kaito (who happens to be a magical reindeer!). An invisible (to humans) reign connects them to each other and Kaito tells Kurumi she is his master because she is now Santa Claus.
This manga has all the adorable/cutesy/ romantic bits you want in a shojo manga (manga mainly targeted toward 10-18 year old girls with a primary focus on relationships). I loved it! It is sweet, funny and has heart! You might even say it borders on cheesy but I enjoyed every second of it. The bond between these two characters is explored and not just taken for granted. Kurumi even asks, ” Aren’t you upset to lose your freedom?” She does not accept the whole master and servant relationship (at first) and I like that the author has the character ask questions I would have wanted answered.
Actually, the relationship between Kurumi and Kaito kind of reminds me of the relationship between Haruhi and Tamaki in Ouran High School Host Club. It is refreshing that Kurumi speaks her mind and does not swoon all over Kaito; he is the one doing the swooning. The art style is a little similar to Ouran High School Host Club too with its pretty characters, their wispy hair blowing in the wind and the super expressive moments where you know exactly how these 2D characters are feeling. The author/artist, Sakura Tsukuba, did an excellent job of conveying movement and expression and you almost see the scene move as you read it.
Yes, the plot is a little strange but what manga/anime isn’t? Sweet Rein is a delightful read that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside and gush over the romantic moments. If you like romantic stories or just want something playful to read, you should check this one out!
Sweet Rein is available starting 11/5 with VIZ Media’s November releases and will be retailing for $9.99. Cute holiday gift idea; just saying. Plus there is a vampire bonus short story at the end!
