“Kaoru Minaguchi is a “no-lifer” who sucks at school, can’t play sports, lacks any real talent, definitely doesn’t have a girlfriend, or even a remote desire to change his ways…until a certain grim reaper pays him a visit. Turns out, she’s a reaper of “no-lifers” and if Kaoru can’t find a way to become a true “real-lifer,” he’s as good as dead…” (Yen Press)
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Falling under the genre of ‘harem’, “Grim Reaper and 4 Girlfriends” is pretty typical of the genre. Humor is derived from the awkward balance of different female personas, each of them offering a challenge to an overwhelmed and awkward protagonist. Additionally, there is a focus on certain female ‘features’ and the majority of the humor is derived from ‘fan service’ driven peculiarity. Consequently, the release will fail to offer much in the way of originality or surprises for fans familiar with the structure. However, the duo is still able to inject some charm into the series while proving to have a strong handle on the elements that can make the genre entertaining.
The story of “Grim Reaper…” succeeds off the back of an endearing protagonist who manages to keep his humanity in the absurd situation of maintaining and placating four very different personas. This task, the crux of deciding his fate, is less about him picking a ‘best girl’ and more about him balancing the emotions of each. Karou is a kind and sensitive personality, and while he does get his fair amount of ‘lewd’ confrontations, his focus is towards nurture, based off the manga characters he idolizes. Is he clueless and awkward? Certainly, but his respectful and kind hearted approach towards everyone makes him an endearing protagonist. Overall, the character of Karou helps to push an upbeat comedic tone and sincerity in conflict.
The artwork of CHuN helps compliment the narrative, excelling at capturing both the comedic timing and the ‘kawaii’ aesthetic of the various romantic interests. However, it is within the larger panels that his work shines, offering a glorious double page spread highlighting his aesthetic. These panels are few and far between, but help to highlight the skill throughout. Ultimately, Shin Suyama and CHuN act as an ideal pairing on this particular project.
Released in a single volume omnibus from Yen Press, at a whopping 745 pages, the work is favorably presented instead of a multi -volume series. In addition, the extra size allows the large panels of CHuN that are striking to command a more deserved presence. The length and visual flair works to draw in the audience that may have struggled to keep interest in the mostly generic and familiar plot.
“Grimm Reaper…” is a competent entry into the ‘harem’ genre, checking all the right boxes and not falling short in any regard. Fans of this particular brand of humor are likely to love the omnibus. In comparison, newcomers may want to look elsewhere before grabbing a completed set like this to test the waters, there are many classics of the genre that will better initiate the reader into the particular mix of drama and comedy.
