Omamori Shimasu, Dokomademo

Edit

What would you like to edit?

SynopsisBackgroundAlternative TitlesPictureChapters/VolumesPublishing DatesRelationsTypeExternal Links  

Childhood friends, a prominent family, bodyguards, tentative romance, a strange living situation, a bad social life, job problems, kidnapping, a message sent in a balloon...is this starting to sound like a little bit too much for a manga that's just barely seven chapters long? Well, that's because it is, and that's the main problem with Omamorishimasu, Dokomademo.

Let's start with the story. It's all over the place and can be very confusing at times. There's too much happening, and it never really makes that much sense. It might be an interesting story in a longer manga with more chapters to flesh out the plot and time ... to find out about side characters, but this isn't that manga. Consequently, it feels rushed and not very satisfying. The story kept wanting to be something more, but it's very obvious that it couldn't quite reach the heights it was trying to attain.

The art, however, is wonderful. I've read all of Junko's other work that's been translated in full, so this was no surprise. She has a really clean, nice looking style that’s easily recognizable. Her characters are distinctive and emotive and she has a great grasp on movement. Whenever reading something by her I have to stop at least once to admire something in a chapter, and this manga was no exception. There are times where she gets a little sloppy, but those times are far and few between, and aren’t very noticeable.

The characters suffer as a product of the wishy-washy plot. Because there are so many side characters and plot threads being introduced we barely have time to get to know our main characters. We're told a lot about them, but it's a lot of tell and very little show. In the end, I really don't feel like either of them had anything to them beyond a few basic character traits. They weren't terrible, just underdeveloped and unexplored. Junko has a talent for writing fun, likeable characters despite her mangas being short, so the seeds are there, they just aren't sewn properly in this one.

As for enjoyment, it’s solid, but average. Honestly, I expect more out of a manga by Junko, so I was disappointed, but it wasn't a complete waste of time. There are a few moments that make a read worth it, but in the end it sort of feels like a lot of rising action with no real climax or resolution. Again, this was a manga that really would have benefited from either more time to tell its story or a story more befitting of the length it was prescribed.

Overall, what I'd recommend to anyone looking to read this is to read everything else Junko's done first. As I said, I’ve read most of her other works and I would call myself a fan of hers. This manga got a 5/10 from me, but everything else she’s done I’ve scored with a 7 or above. In general, her other stories are simpler than this one and the main characters are focused on more so that the reader can get to know them and care about them despite the small amount of chapters devoted to each story. This is a rather lackluster sample of her work and, as such, I would not recommend it being the first thing you read by her. However, if you've already read all of, or most of, her other mangas and enjoyed them, then there's really no reason you won't like this one at least a little bit. It still has that Junko spark, it's just not her usual fireworks.

TL;DR: 6/10

Copied from Tumblr Review

At first, you might think it’s fluffy, but Junko has a surprising way of inserting dark elements without breaking the tone... The story has it’s equal parts and Junko doesn’t try to hit you too hard with tension and it all seems very natural. I really like how Chihiro’s perception of Akira is a bit exaggerated around the edges about certain events that happened in their childhood (like what children do) and how the two of them both have to take a closer look at themselves so they could see the other better.

There are some flaws, the story line of the ... characters is very much a cliché. So cliché things happen a lot and the story is predictable, but it’s still rather enjoyable.

The characters are well designed and a have a unique look to them. I mean other than her uniquely fresh style, she doesn’t have what I like to call Yuu Watase Syndrome, where all the characters look the same even if they are not the same at all. Though, in regards to style, they don’t look their age. Chihiro is going to University, but they look very much like the two of them would be going to high school together.

Overall, it’s a good manga to spare the time, I don’t know if I’ll read it again, but I might if it crosses my path.

It was interesting to read, but the main issue is that it's too short, and that the plot is not very gripping. When things start to get rolling... the manga ends ;~; There is not a lot of character development in my opinion, but I was surprised to see that Akira was reasonably strong compared to most other MCs in the same kinds of situations.. Now let me comment on the art... to be honest Akira looks like a highschool student, and Chihiro a person with a job which is actually the opposite. Like.. HUH?!


Overall I give this manga a 7, because it was good, ... but not satisfying enough. I do however recommend reading other works of Junko's :)

Chihiro's character is a bit bland, but this may be due to the story being from Akira's perspective. Akira is a very fun character who felt well fleshed out and drew plenty of chuckles from me.

The pacing was lacking a bit at times, but was overall pretty good. Tone was set up well and I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat in suspense a few times. I also really liked how Junko took a cliche and overdone concept and added multiple unique twists to it! Also, lots of yaoi manga have a weird issue where they are kind of forceful or rapey- ... this one is pretty good with boundaries and stuff! Not perfect, like that one part at the end, but far better than the standard.

Not perfect, but personally one of favorite Junko works. Off topic, but I really think Junko should try her hand at a more action heavy or superhero focused story, she did great with the little bits in this one!