Japanese Title: Dosei Mansion
Author: Hisae Iwaoka
English Publisher: VIZ Signature
Volume(s) Reviewed: 1-2
Genre: Manga; Young Adult Sci-Fi
Rated: Teen (thematic elements)
Summary: Far in the future, humankind has evacuated the earth in order to preserve it. Humans now reside in a gigantic structure that forms a ring around the earth, 35 kilometers up in the sky. The society of the ring is highly stratified: the higher the floor, the greater the status. Mitsu, the lowly son of a window washer, has just graduated junior high. His father assumed dead on the job, Mitsu takes on his father's occupation. As he struggles with the transition to working life, Mitsu's job treats him to an outsider's view into the living-room dioramas of the Saturn Apartments.
Art: Full black & white; somewhat simple, sometimes cutesy but mostly just passable. (I'm more one for "cuter" art. ;)
Story: Simple and slow (a good slow, mind you), but fun and engaging. A good, quiet read.
Characters: Simple and homey, yet realistic and interesting.
Comments: It's an interesting premise, something straight out of Doctor Who, except it doesn't need rescuing - yet. It's a very calm read, but has its gasp moments - they do have a highly dangerous job. I am definitely curious to see what happens to Mitsu - will he ever make it down to Earth to find his father?
Favorite Bit: A cat in space! In a spacesuit!
Recommend?: Definitely
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