Minami's Lover by Shungiku Uchida (Fantagraphics)

Minami’s Lover

Writer/Artist: Shungiku Uchida (the pen identify of Shigeko Uchida)
Translator: H. Paige 
Publisher: Fantagraphics
Publication Date: June 27, 2023
Rating: Mature
Genre: Mature Romance, Comedy, Slice of Life, Fantasy

In the opening chapter of Minami’s Lover by Shungiku Uchida (the pen identify of Shigeko Uchida), revealed by Fantagraphics, we’re instantly thrust into the bizarre relationship of the highschool couple, Chiyomi and Minami. It’s uncommon as a result of Chiyomi has shrunk to 6 inches tall!

There isn’t any point out of how Chiyomi got here to that miniature state; it’s one thing you merely settle for. She is, nevertheless, thought of “missing” by everybody else. The police have been alerted, and her dad and mom are frightened. Because of an outdated entry in Chiyomi’s diary that states they’re courting, Minami is grilled about her disappearance, and their classmates marvel why he isn’t extra upset by her sudden absence.

Rather than returning house and even going to a physician, Chiyomi secretly moved in with Minami, dwelling in his bed room—in a doll’s home, no much less. Not solely have they got to adapt to this new hurdle of their relationship, however in addition they have to make sure Chiyomi just isn’t swatted by the home cat, squashed below Minami in mattress, or seen or heard by his dad and mom or others as he slips her in his pocket whereas at college, or on a stroll. But the burning query on each their minds: can they nonetheless have intercourse? They strive outlandish methods to fulfill their sexual wants with one another and with themselves. And because the story progresses, I’m left questioning whether or not issues will return to regular for these two.

Although the black-and-white and screen-tone illustrations are simplistic, free, considerably cartoonish, and childlike all through, Uchida doesn’t draw back from depicting the sexual needs of pubescent teenagers right here in any respect. She additionally attracts consideration to the duties that may come up from a relationship, who’s nurturing who, and the dependence one associate can have on the opposite. In this case, Chiyomi feels responsible for counting on Minami in all points of her on a regular basis survival: consuming, bathing, going to the bathroom, and so forth. She is each a burden and a handy intercourse toy when Minami feels attractive. Given the circumstances, it’s unhappy to see how little selection Chiyomi has, though it’s not all the time one-sided; she additionally has her wants!

Uchida weaves these problems with gender dynamics and stereotypes seamlessly with out being overbearing. And I’m wondering if this story is a refined commentary on Japan’s patriarchal society.

More Manga by Shungiku Uchida, Please

This is my first encounter with Uchida’s works. After studying Minami’s Lover, I wish to learn extra by her! I found she is a celebrated manga-ka who wears many hats: novelist, essayist, actress, and singer. She is understood for her frankness on problems with female sexuality and sexual violence. The latter was explored within the semi-autobiographical novel, Fatherfucker, which particulars the sexual abuse she skilled from her stepfather. This e-book and her manga sequence, We Are Reproducing, about being pregnant and single motherhood, each gained a Japanese literary prize.

Minami’s Lover was initially serialized within the different journal Garo within the Eighties. Over the years, it has additionally been tailored right into a tv sequence many occasions.

Overall, I discovered the story fairly amusing. Despite the absurdist tackle the scenario, the dialogue between the couple felt trustworthy and honest. I felt for these two. Even although I used to be typically aggravated with Minami for his disregard for Chiyomi, their devotion to one another got here by way of in some ways. The story culminates in a conclusion I used to be not anticipating. I gained’t spoil it, however it left me a bit emotional.

While Minami’s Lover presents a pronunciation information on the finish, I’d have beloved an essay introducing Uchida, as it will’ve been good to have a primer for these unfamiliar along with her work. But that’s one thing I can even analysis by myself. A small flaw in a really daring, entertaining, and heartbreaking e-book that explores themes of connection and intimacy no matter age (or dimension) between a pair simply figuring issues out.

This e-book got here to me at a time after I’ve been discovering and studying extra different manga by Japanese feminine artists, like Nazuna Saito, Kuniko Tsurita, and Murasaki Yamada, and I’m blissful so as to add Uchida to this listing.

Here’s hoping extra of Uchida’s work might be translated into English.

Minami’s Lover is out now in print kind from Fantagraphics.