IWGP/Ikebukuro West Gate Park Mini Review (manga)
September 27th, 2007 by Lianne
PG-18 for violence, sex, sexual violence, nudity, language, etc.; official series website
Based on the novel-turned-drama, this adult manga is about a bunch of punky youths and the mysterious goings-on in their risque neighborhood. The story here is decent so far, and the character designs are each blissfully different and uniquely cool, but the cavalier use of artistic perversion and the double-standard of the fanservice is a bit insulting. Not only is the female body flashed far too frequently for it to be considered “plot,” the artist can’t even claim s/he’s using it to reinforce the sexual nature of this manga–since the sex scenes are quick to show the girl naked but are always careful to conserve the boy’s modesty. Maybe shounen pr0n can get away with that crap, but not a high-profile series like this. Those who are offended by sex, violence, and sexual violence should also beware.
Initial impression: Possibly worth a try if you’re over 18 and don’t offend easily. (Lianne)