"Peach Girl" is perhaps one of the most interesting modern day and down to earth romance mangas that I have come across. This is dramatic romance comedy that focuses on the trial and tribulations of four characters. However, there is only one main protagonist in the story. While the story is comedic and subtle, Peach Girl does present the one moral lesson: "Never judge a book by its cover."

The manga's original run was in 1997 and had stopped in 2004. A year later, it would be adapted into a twenty-five episode anime series. In the same year that Peach Girl was finished, a sequel called "Peach Girl: Sae's Story" would be printed out for three volumes. However, that story has yet to be adapted into an anime series.

Overall, Peach Girl is a manga story that should be appealing to most females. If you are into chick flicks, you may like reading Peach Girl.

Storyline: A

One would deem this story be a "slice of life." However, Peach Girl does have a set story. So far, this is a character driven romance. In that respect, it is the characters that drive the story of Peach Girl. Also, the characters drive the romance element of Peach Girl as well. This is something that I had found quite appealing with Peach Girl.

Characters: A

The main character is Momo Adachi. Despite her looks, Momo is the underdog of the story. She constantly gets ridiculed by her peers at school for her "Gangoro Style" appearance. Momo's hair is incredibly light and her skin is tanned. It is already revealed that her appearance is from constantly swimming in chlorinated pools when she was on the swim team. But, it does not stop people from calling her some "beach bunny." Overall, Momo is easily misunderstood. She tends to drive the story as she has feelings for Toji and eventually develops feelings for Kairi Okayasu. Also, the name Momo is a play on her hair which is a peach color. Momo is Japanese for "peach."

Sae Kashiwagi is the antagonist of the story. The ironic part is that Sae is Momo's "best friend." So far, she is responsible for spreading the bad gossip about Momo. She is by far one of the most interesting antagonists. Her appearance contrasts that of Momo's. Sae looks "innocent." In reality, Sae is a malicious and insecure individual.

Kairi Okayasa is dragged in the middle as he has the reputation of being a playboy. He is the only guy to see through Sae's faade. Kairi acts as a very important support character for Momo.

I would have to say that the character dynamics of Peach Girl were very well done. All of the characters were realistic and convincing in the story.

Illustrations: A

I have to say that I enjoyed the way the pictures were illustrated. The characters for the most part look convincing enough. I liked the way Sae's "innocent" veil and malicious personality was portrayed. Overall, the graphics were very impressive. The graphics and illustrations were just right.

Overall: A

Peach Girl is perhaps one of the best stories I had come across. If you are into romance series, you may enjoy reading something like Peach Girl. If you are into chick flicks and chick fights, you will enjoy this manga.

Learn more about this author, Can Tran.
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