“Poison princess Raffy and immortal knight Loren—there never was a pair more suited to be star-crossed lovers, right? Because, well, most of the time when people are around Raffy, they kinda just…die…from her poison emissions naturally. Still, Loren only married her to safeguard humanity as part of a peace treaty with demons, so there's no way he LIKES her. As in, like-likes her. Because even if he never gets killed off forever, when he dies, it must be painful…So why does he keep acting like he absolutely adores her…?” (Yen Press)
An episodic comedy series will be hit or miss, relying on the mangaka's ability to keep to a theme with skill or present an exciting story that works being told in short intervals (comic strip format). Chihiro Sakutake's “My Princess Poison is Still Cute” manages to appease both these approaches and is one of the rare cases where the total three-volume run gives more reason to think the series will remain consistently entertaining.
The work is a joke repeated repeatedly with slight variations from the situation or characters around the scenario. That is the death of an immortal knight, Loren, when he elicits a strong emotional reaction from the poisonous demon, Raffy, he is courting. Able to respawn in the nearest clothes available, the manga constantly returns to the exact punchline of the prince re-entering the room in absurd outfits. There are other gags, but the repetition will leave it as the radiating joke when one walks away from the series.
For those who like repetitious comedy, the book will remain continuously humorous. Yet, this approach will also sour a portion of readers looking for grander stories, especially those wanting a more meaningful romantic angle. “My Princess Poison is Still Cute” undoubtedly lacks depth, and while entertaining, not much radiates past that initial reaction. As a casual read, the book is exemplary, but not everyone will be looking for that experience.
Chihiro Sakutake's visual approach is also simple in execution. Still, Sakutake can nail the characters' comedic elements and personality. Images between chapters also show a more refined artistic flair/skill than in the panels. The overall impression for most will be ‘passable' regarding the art. However, with the focus on comedy, the vital elements of art are competently executed, allowing the book to work in the genre.
“My Princess Poison is Still Cute” will be a welcome addition to the library for those who like quick moments of absurdity that require little engagement. It is also ideal for a three-volume run that won't overstay its welcome with its repetitious approach to comedy. Yes, it is one joke ad nauseam, but it stays consistently cute and entertaining from the opening pages. There is nothing wrong with some fun fluff, as long as that is what you want. If you want depth of story and variety, look elsewhere.
