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Reviewed by Lori Henderson Lucia and the five other mermaid princesses have witnessed the rise of the tyrant Michel, who wishes to transform the world into his twisted image-and it will take more attack power than the princesses possess to stop him! But Kaito, Lucia’s true love, is stuck in a self-made prison of guilt-and the seventh princess has yet to be born. Without the united forces of all seven princesses, and with their allies missing in action, how can Lucia and her friends hope to save the world? Alright, I’ll admit it. This series is a guilty pleasure for me. I know it’s written for 10-12 year olds, but the art is cute, and I’ve always liked mermaids. This series is a study in shojo, with magical princess girls who can become pop idols and who all have a wish to fall in love. This second-to-last volume is HUGE. Over 230 pages are dedicated to the Kaito raging with guilt over Michal, Hanon and Rina admitting they like the human boys that have been chasing them, Lucia worrying over Kaito, and the final big battle with Michel. There is plenty of teen angst and drama as the mermaid princesses try to balance their love lives with the battle against darkness, now in the form of Michel. He’s been reborn through Michal and starts wrecking havac almost immediately on the mermaid princess. They are saved by Seira, the unborn orange princess, who is then absorbed into Michel’s body, but her spirit continues on. The last half of the volume is dedicated to defeating Michel, which pretty much takes all 6 mermaid princesses, Kaito and Rihto of Panthalassa blood, Aqua Regina, the goddess of the sea, and Michel’s own people to finally end the battle. Because this is a story written for young girls, the themes of true love and friendship are laid on pretty thick. As the princesses are battered around, it is their bond of friendship that keeps them going. Kaito is able to shake off his guilt because of his love for Lucia. Michel is finally defeated when the princesses join their voices together to sing a song of love and hope for Michel, not to do battle. When they have learned to love those they would hate, then they have the power to win. This would seem too sugary to an adult, but a young girl would probably eat it up. This volume ties up all the loose ends with Michel, and does it fairly well. It ends with an “All right with the world” feeling and leaves the last volume for series wrap up. The romance is tailored for young girls with lots of blushing, and only kisses traded between couples, as it should be. It may seem really corny, but for the intended audience, it’s just right. Comment on this review of Pichi Pich Pitch Mermaid Melody v6 [II] on the Manga Life Forums. |
6 October 2009
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