I picked up Kowloon Generic Romance without really knowing what it was about. Although I haven’t read Jun Mayuzuki’s previous manga, After the Rain, I did watch the anime adaptation and was captivated by its beautiful use of colors. This visual allure motivated me to delve into Mayuzuki’s latest work.
“Kowloon Generic Romance” is set in the distinctive backdrop of the Kowloon Walled City. The story masterfully blends elements of dystopia with retro-futuristic vibes, creating a unique and immersive world. I discovered that the Kowloon Walled City actually existed. According to various sources, it was a densely populated, largely ungoverned settlement in Hong Kong. Known for its labyrinthine alleys and closely packed buildings, it was a place where law and order were more suggestions than rules. Despite its chaotic nature, the city was a vibrant community until its demolition in 1993. The manga captures the essence of this real-life urban maze, bringing it back to life with stunning detail. Throughout the manga, Kowloon is often depicted as a place filled with nostalgia, evoking a longing for the past and a unique sense of community that once thrived there.
Kowloon Generic Romance, Episode 1. English translation: “Nostalgic?”
The main characters of this manga are Reiko Kujirai and Hajime Kudou, both of whom work at a real estate company in Kowloon. Reiko seems to have feelings for Hajime, who is older and more experienced in Kowloon. Initially, I thought this was just a love romance story between Reiko and Hajime, but the end of the first volume features an incident that made me realize this is not just a love story. It revealed itself as a sci-fi mystery romance. As of this writing, the manga has nine volumes, and the story has not concluded yet. I have read volumes 1-6, and I have to say that the more I read, the more intrigued and confused I become. As the story unfolds, it raises more questions and reveals deeper mysteries, making it hard to stop reading (I only stopped because I ran out of my manga allowance for this week). I usually provide more plot details in my reviews, but this manga has so many surprises that I don’t want to spoil them.
What truly sets this manga apart is its meticulous art style. The detailed illustrations not only bring the characters to life but also vividly recreate the essence of Kowloon. The background drawings are superb, with neatly drawn buildings and a sky that always looks beautiful. The manga starts with Reiko waking up to an alarm. She gets up, cuts and eats watermelon, goes to the balcony, and starts smoking. The scene progresses in a cinematic way, first focusing on Reiko, then the balcony, and finally revealing her surroundings, much like a camera slowly zooming out. The next scene is a two-page spread featuring the title “Kowloon Generic Romance” in a grand, movie-like manner. This cinematic approach is used throughout the manga, giving it a dynamic feel that is almost like watching an anime instead of reading a manga.
“Kowloon Generic Romance” is a must-read for those who enjoy a blend of romance, mystery, sci-fi, and a unique setting, all wrapped up in a beautifully illustrated package. And the food depicted in this manga looks really good. Now I’m craving watermelon!
