Manga That Should Be Translated: Level E
In between YuYu Hakusho and Hunter X Hunter, Yoshihiro Togashi created another series entitled Level E. It ran long enough in the original Shonen Jump to have three tankobon published. The story revolves around Ouji, an alien that freeloads on Tsutsui Yukitaka (an average high-school student). When the government comes to track Ouji down, Yukitaka hesitantly helps him hide, with the help of his new neighbor Edogawa Miho. Unlike YuYu Hakusho and Hunter X Hunter, Level E is almost strictly a comedy, so each situation is genuinely hilarious.
Unfortunately, it didn't seem to take off in Japan, so the series was canceled after just three volumes. However, that doesn't make it a bad series. It just means Japanese kids have no taste (I'm joking. I love Naruto!) Read why Level E should be brought to our shores after the jump.
First off, the characters. Make no mistake. Ouji is the main character of this book. Most of the series is spent with every other character reacting to some weird, dumb, or flat out malicious thing Ouji has done. He's a bastard, plain and simple. It's ok though. He's a lovable bastard. You can't help but laugh when he abducts elementary school children and turns them into Power Rangers, making them fight the evil overlord (himself). There's just something about a book where every other character hates the main character that makes you tingle a little.
Next, the comedy. The book is funny. It's not a typical Shonen Jump manga with humor interspersed throughout. The series is all about off-the-wall humor. There is a chapter or two that's a bit serious, which is just as good because it somehow sits well with the theme of the rest of the manga.
Finally, it has closure. I would have liked if there was another volume or two, but Togashi was actually able to give it a proper ending. The series is genuinely funny, but it's only a matter of time before any manga ends up repeating itself. That's one of the charms of Level E. It doesn't overstay its welcome.
Hopefully, someday Viz will come to its senses and release Mr. Togashi's "lost work." it may be a bit too grown up for the Shonen Jump crowd, but never say never. Hey, they released Zombie Powder, didn't they?
Il Palazzo
Posted to Other on 23 June 2008
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