Tokyo Mew Mew (Manga)

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Name: Tokyo Mew Mew
Type: Manga

Author: Mia Ikumi, Reiko Yoshida

Books: 9
Genre: Magical girl, romantic comedy, superhero
Age Rating: 11+

Review:
Ichigo Momomiya along with five other girls, are mysteriously infused with the DNA of endangered species that gives them special powers and allows them to transform into the "Mew Mews." Along with maintaining a job at a cafe, the girls save the earth from aliens and protect the public from evil.

The reason I didn't give it highers stars is because personally, I liked the anime more; it had a better detailed story and each of the characters were given more face time. It was cute and similar to the show, but because of the length it went at a faster pace than the anime, and the character development and storyline was abrupt and didn't flow as well. I also didn't really like the idea that Ichigo was so young and claiming to be "in love" already, and though the show didn't make her that much older, it did make her older than in the books.

There are so many funny elements in this book--like Ichigo's awkward personality, and the way she always fumbles around Aoyama. I will say that the authors do a superb job of staying in the age-range. All of the characters delightfully act their age. Still in the process of developing maturity, while feeling awkward and strange during the process of it. They each deal with their newfound powers in a different way, and I found it very realistic and relatable.

I didn't feel as connected with the characters in the manga as I did in the show. Still, I loved the characters and their quirks and personalities. The fighting is fast and doesn't get too violent and is not scary, which is really nice. The romance is done in a polite way, and the couple only kisses once at the end. They do say "I love you" a lot, but it is sweet and unoffensive. This manga is great for girls.

For more on Tokyo Mew Mew, click here.

Mature Content:

• Sexual References- Kissu kisses Ichigo against her will, and calls her "his toy" and refers to her as "mine," "kitty-cat," "honey," and "sweetie-pie"
• Evolution- References to the way endangered species have "evolved"
• Violence- Non-intense battle scenes (there is no blood)
• Magic- The Mew Mew team possess magical powers they use to fight aliens

Personal Note:
You should read the manga before watching the show, otherwise, it's just not as good. Take it from me, who read one book, then watched the show and couldn't really get back into the books.