In the 23rd-century girl, Neo Takigawa, doesn't fit in with society's view on women as being modest, quiet and gentle in every way; instead, she wants to listen to loud music, act energetic and outgoing and wear tantalizing clothing, all of which go against the cultural norms. Fortunately for her, she accidentally gets transported to the 21st-century where she can, but at the cost of not being able to return to her friends in the future. In an effort to get back, she starts a band, Clap = ☆ and attempts to sign a CD deal from an anonymous tipster all the while enjoying her road.
Mikansei No.1 volume 2 continues the story as Neo manages to wrench a deal from the extremely greedy production label's president, Ebisu, with some help and then gets another anonymous tip telling her to sell CDs. Meanwhile, her former teacher, Miss Kitaouji, has been searching for her and finally finds a lead with the CD cover; at the same time, Neo meets up with her childhood friend, the feminine Nanato, also from the future, but now that Miss Kitaouji has found Neo she must decide if she wants to return to the future or risk being stranded in the 21st-century forever.
Overview:
Mikansei No.1's title may confuse some new readers as it isn't a volume one title. While it does clearly state this is volume 2 on the cover, if it is the only copy in the store for a first-time reader the size and placement of the text, much smaller font than the title and off to the right, may cause some readers to confuse this as a first volume title; it would have been better had either been changed. Fortunately, the storyline is not hard to get into and flashbacks help alleviate the problem of missing volume one to an extent, though not enough to leave a reader with all the relevant info, just enough for the basics.
Volume 2's plot centers mostly around the decision by Neo on whether to stay or go back to the future. It was pretty obvious what the final outcome would be, and as it is only volume 2 and there are a number of dangling plot threads, I feel the manga stretched this out a little too far. It was clear from the beginning what Neo wanted; she was just unwilling to admit it. In the future, she was much more restricted to the point she could not function properly and in the 21st-century her tendencies are more of the norm. While I think Majiko! needed to take some time here, almost half of the volume wasn't necessary and made her look indecisive rather than having any real dilemma of the heart.
On the artwork, Majiko! does a great job. His artwork is clear and detailed. He was also able to pull off Nanato, a guy, dressing as a girl well enough that I had to take several double takes, as Nanato really is a trap. The only real problem I have with the artwork is with the production president, Eribu. I realize he is supposed to be a gag character, but I feel the afro has been overused and it doesn't seem to add anything to his particular character like it does Pedro in the Excel Saga anime.
Mikansei No.1 volume 2's extra strips were definitely worth reading. Some of the best, and most disturbing, gags are in the second strip. I'm glad TokyoPop includes them.
Volume 2 of Mikansei No.1 continues to top the hilarity charts with its great sense of humor. If you missed volume 1, it is still quite easy to get into.
ComicsOnline gives Mikansei No. 1 volume 2 2.5 out of 5 company presidents with afros.
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