Manga Review: Othello Vol. 2+3

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Yaya and her brash alter-ego Nana return for two more volumes of Ikezawa's angsty teen drama. Question is, can she expand her schizophrenic premise or are we in for more of the same?

Well, the story certainly picks up a little pace with these 2 volumes, with Yaya still under the heel of her classmates, despite (or perhaps, because of) Nana's dispensation of justice. But the finale of the last volume, which saw Nana take over the vocals at her friend Moriyama's gig have landed her in trouble... and in love? Throw in the appearance of her idol Shohei and it's a recipe for disaster.

Othello is at it's best when it deals with matters of substance rather than Nana's impromptu ass-kicking sessions (funny as they are) and these two volumes really manage to convey a sense of urgency. Yaya begins to become aware of her extroverted alter ego, and it scares her. This small twist lends an element of reality to the fantasy and that, above all else, hooked me.

Moriyama's kindness is sure to win him fans, but the supporting characters are also starting to develop, leading to a nicely rounded story. Lets hope that Othello manages to maintain focus on its leads, unlike School Rumble, which seems has diversified to the point of mislaying its lead characters.

If you're looking for something with a little depth, great artwork and a plot that lasts more than 2 chapters, you could do far worse than follow the continuing adventures of Othello.

- Ross Liversidge

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