Going to a new school can be tough for anyone, especially if you are a newly-made robot still learning the concepts of humanity. Writer and artist Julietta Suzuki’s 2005 series “Karakuri Odette” is a heartwarming tale about the mechanical girl Odette Yoshizawa. Her “father” Professor Hiroaki Yoshizawa reluctantly enrolls her into the local high school to please her demands of becoming a student. Built by one of the best in the industry, the highly advanced android tries to blend in with her peers of flesh and bones. She will learn that reality is not like the drama she watched, and will have to face trials that may result in some interesting data for both her and the professor.
Suzuki is known for her hit fantasy series “Kamisama Kiss” which she started months after completing “Karakuri Odette”. There is a light feel in her storytelling while a number of times our robot protagonist’s adventures take a serious turn. Her art style is a bit simplistic, noticing that she uses little to indicate light and shadow. However, it fits her narrative and Suzuki then fills the space with a wide range of patterns and screentone filters. Unlike her current series “Kamisama Kiss” which publisher VIZ Media will be releasing its 19th volume in October, readers can find all six volumes of “Karakuri Odette” published by Tokyopop in various physical and digital bookstores. For those that enjoy a slice-of-life story with a sci-fi twist, this manga series is the perfect pick.