Oct 18, 2022
Let's Go Karaoke! is a short read with a strange kind of humor that I was definitely not expecting. We've got a dull and anti-social middle school kid who's as witty as he is immature, but in such a refreshing way that I love his reactions to the absurdity around him, and a yakuza who just goes with the flow while also being pushy, pestering the poor boy. I think the book did a great job showcasing yakuza shenanigans, reminiscent of the Yakuza games (now called Like a Dragon in America!).
Anyway, the pacing is pretty impressive for a one and done volume. The development
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between the two, and the atmosphere surrounding them (Satomi's household, school, and the karaoke joint) add more depth to the small world they inhabit. The art itself is pretty weird, being a mix of (what I personally believe is) old-school bishounen style and sketchy indie manga. I personally like it and think it goes well with the kind of story being told. Seeing Satomi's deadpan face really does it for me lol.
The final chapter is an "Extra" depicting Kyouji's past before he became yakuza. It's hands down my favorite chapter, and was an unexpected treat that ended the book nicely.
Oh, BY THE WAY, this manga isn't BL! I've seen it around places and thought as much (didn't matter if it was or not to me, but was definitely given the wrong impression based on stacks, etc). There are little scenes here and there you could call "endearing," but you'd have to use your imagination real hard to think what most fujoshi would. But yes, no romance whatsoever!
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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