She’s a hot robot in high school! What’s the worst that could happen?
Introduction
We all remember the story of Pinnochio. A toy maker decides to make a wooden puppet, which one day comes to life. He then takes care of the puppet as his own son and tries his best to raise him as if he was a real boy. Basically, Karakuri Odette is the same concept, but instead our main character is a female android. Created by Dr. Yoshizawa, Odette Yoshizawa asks him to enroll her into high school in hopes she can learn what it takes to be a normal girl. From there, we see her try to understand various emotions and life lessons that may help her discover what it truly means to be human.
Summary
For those who haven’t read the previous volumes before this one, it basically continues Odette’s adventures; dealing with school and life in general. In the first chapter, Odette searches for a missing cat with her android friend, Chris. After finding the cat, however, she realizes that things don’t always go as planned. Though she wishes to bring happiness to others, she soon learns that sometimes getting involved with other’s problems may not always be good. The next chapter, Odette tries to understand the meaning behind “liking” someone. She observes her friend Yoko performing a love ritual where you put the name of the one you love on an eraser and if you use it up by yourself, then you are destined to be with them. She doesn’t quite understand the concept, nor the actual feeling that one experiences when they “like” someone, but she decides to try it anyway. She eventually meets a boy named Yukimura who does like her and tries his best to get her to notice him, but obviously she is oblivious to this. This continues on as she suddenly begins to have trouble keeping her batteries charged; they are drastically draining. It becomes so much of a problem, that she has to carry a large power charger back pack in order for her to even function at school. Through some awkward circumstances with her backpack and some helpful advice from a friend, she eventually becomes closer to Yukimura. In the next chapter, Odette buys a cute hat and begins to learn that when people “like” someone, they try to be more appealing. The last chapter deals with Odette going on a double-date with some friends, including Asao, where she learns to consider others’ feelings.
Highlights
Julietta Suzuki is the writer and artist behind the manga. Her artwork is very simple and cute, with charming looking characters. The style seems familiar and very comforting to the eye. However, the true strength in this sci-fi shoujo is definitely the storytelling. Suzuki decides to avoid the simple slapstick of just placing a robot with humans and letting hilarity ensue. Here we get a deep understanding of various human emotions and behaviors through the eyes of an android. It’s balanced with enough humor, drama, and subtleness that make this enjoyable for any reader. Odette is unlike the typical android that question their existence even though she is very determined to become as human. She is very childlike yet she’s a very strong individual that knows what she wants and will do whatever it takes to achieve it. The other characters such as Yukimura and Asao are also interesting characters; interactions with Odette are always entertaining and often quite funny. Suzuki has also added on some comments to some of the chapters and at the end of the volume. They’re fun to read; you get to learn a bit about her personality, which I think shines well within the manga.
Overview
From the look of the cover, I must admit I was a bit turned off. The style, at first, was not my “cup of tea,” but after giving it a chance, it starts to grow on you. There’s also not much attention to detail when it comes to backgrounds, but as I said before, the story is what helps it move along. It’s great to see Odette’s adventures and what she’ll get herself into next, but it will also be nice to get some insight on some of the other characters as well. Of course, it’s not perfect, but it has plenty of personality and potential to become something great. This is recommended for both fans and new comers alike.
Star Rating
ComicsOnline rates Karakuri Odette, Volume 3, 3.5 power charger backpacks out of 5.
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