Teru Teru x Shonen

STORY: I decided to read this manga for two reasons: I like ninjas and I liked the mangaka's work in Issho ni Neyou yo. Teru Teru x Shounen is very slow-paced. Although, there are some ninja moments most of the story revolves around politics, heritage and freedom. The cliché 'bird trapped in a cage' analogy is referenced often in later chapters. The writing was predictable but interesting. I found myself making a bunch of educated guesses about the identities of the characters. I would think, “I bet someone so will be evil” and I would be right, but said character's reason for evil would surprise me. The pleasantthing about this manga is wrongdoing isn't black and white, even heroic characters partake in deceitful actions. All of the lies, backstabbing, and family problems make this manga play out as a melodrama/soap opera. Personally, toward the fifty chapter mark the mangaka jumped the shark BIG TIME. I literally had to roll my eyes. I don't mind a pinch of fantasy, but the manga had been mostly realistic (minus animal-user) until that point. Thankfully, there were no other 'out of left field' moments. Much like Issho ni Neyo yo the story got very confusing in climatic points. I found this to be too much of a downer at times, which didn't help keep my interest. This story is actually nicely written but just not captivating to me. CHARACTERS: I liked the characters though I wouldn't call any of them my favorite. If I had to choose I did like Shou a great deal more than anyone else. I disliked Chiyo until she showed herself to be the most level-headed and capable of all. Saizou was also a sweetener to the cast. Since he was a ninja, he obviously could fight and protect others and himself well. I liked that Saizou got tougher without getting meaner. Shinobu I found was just a catalyst for the events around her. I am very neutral with her. I don't like or dislike her. Her parent situation was sad though. Sasuke was a strong character. I am glad he was Saizou's friend. The twins, Harumi and Kenzou(?), were forgettable but decent. I liked the ninja kids Daisuke and Rokuta! Yuuri was unreasonable. The villains (if you can really call them that) were a unique bunch. ART: I liked the art a lot. Saizou and Shouko are gorgeous to look upon. I like how the character's faces gradually mature. I am not sure if that was a conscious decision on the mangaka's part, but it was a great addition. RELATIONSHIPS: There wasn't much time for romance probably due to that pesky 'shounen' in the title, and life-threatening trouble for Saizou and Shinobu. I am glad there were no true love rivals (Chiyo seems to just be the teasing type). The few kisses and hugs from Saiozu and Shinobu are quite 'aww-worthy.' Now, the romance between Shouko, Shinobu's mother, and 'that guy' was adorable to watch. It's a shame that a series of events turned Shouko into an affectionless butt. OVERALL: Would you believe all 65 chapters have been translated except the last one? I can not judge the final chapter, but from what I did read this was alright. It was a struggle for me to finish, but the story's good