Everyone's Getting Married Vol. 1by Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Publisher
Credits Grade: 9 Asuka is a successful businesswoman, who dreams of becoming a housewife to provide a loving oasis like the one she grew up in. Her boyfriend of five years dumps her, and she ends up falling for a guy who isn't interested in marriage. Her friend and his friend also become an item, and are also opposite on the marriage front (with him wanting it and her not)! Can they make it work?This is a fantastic first volume! I love how it's tackling the issues of careers, marriage, and that being a housewife is actually hard work! There are definitely some (Japanese) cultural aspects, and readers need to acknowledge that or some things may seem strange. However, you can also substitute other things that couples can be opposite on and get a similar discussion with, so, chances are, you can identify with at least one of the characters in this story. I like that we get to see two couples -- though one couple is definitely the focus -- and I like that the gender opinions on marriage are swapped between the couples! I love that Asuka is very serious about her job and her dream. She finds it difficult to be honest about it with just anyone, though, because her coworkers and potential dates are all on the more modern path of no-marriage-relationships and women working (at jobs). She's not pushy about it, either, so it was definitely surprising that her serious relationship ended -- the timing and the words he said both hurt. Ryu is an unusual choice for her, but one I actually hope works. He's completely against marriage for himself, but he's willing to conceded that being a housewife is actually work and that it's not a bad dream for Asuka. At the same time, he sees marriage as pointless and not something that works in the long run ... says the guy who was previously sleeping with a married woman. His brief words on that relationship and both of their words about love regardless of marriage add some depth to things. It seems like Asuka's definitely got him thinking, and by the end of this volume, he asks her a few questions that get her thinking. I can't wait to see how they try working things out and what further insights, epiphanies, and discussions they have! Ona and Rio are a great comparison couple. Asuka actually knows both of them, and Ona is roommates with Ryu, which is how things between him and Asuka really get started. Ona (the guy) is the one that wants to get married; his words to Rio are wonderful and give Asuka something to think about (though, he's not planning to quit work and be a house-husband, so the parallel isn't exact). There's a short extra at the end that gives some insight into Ryu, including his way of waking up (trying to kiss whoever is waking him). This is hilarious since Ona is his roommate and often the one trying to wake him up! It's nice to see that they have a relaxed, just-friends relationship. I also agree with Ona that it can be a dangerous habit, though it is nicely used at the beginning of this volume. Excellent art with attractive characters who are easy to tell apart. I also love that they are all twenty-somethings will full time jobs, making this more relatable to older readers. Written: June 8, 2016
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