Peach Girl
By: Miwa Ueda
Genre: Romance/Drama
Rating: PG-13 Sexual themes and issues
Length: 18 Volumes
Year released: 1998
Reviewing: Volumes 1-10
Overall Rating: 93%
"What do you say? We could be a couple, then the rumors wouldn't be lies anymore!" - Kiley Okayasu
Reviewer: Chibiwonton
Synopsis
Beach-bunny...whore...slut...party-girl...that's what everyone thinks of Momo Adachi because of her dark tanned skin and her beautiful long blond hair. In her society, girls who have a dark tan symbolizes someone who 'plays' around a lot. To be suffering in such a harsh society, Momo really need a friend to support her. However, with friends like Sae, Momo's whole social life is in jeopardy when Sae found out Momo has a crush on her classmate, Toji. With her evil plans, Sae makes several attempts to steal Toji away from Momo and tries to turn her life into a living hell. But, things don't end so bitter yet when the most popular guy in school, Kiley, helps out Momo at times. At least he believes how everyone misunderstands Momo, but Momo's heart still belongs to Toji...
Story/Plot: 9
I started reading this manga in the middle of nowhere, but the plot totally grabbed me. The story is very beautifully written and very realistic when it comes to show the cruelty of the society. So many twists and so many turns...there wasn't any part that allows you to put down the book without losing your sanity because you are so curious about what will happen next. This isn't exactly some major action/adventure storyline, but the plot is incredibly deep, especially during the moody times. I love the length of this manga too, it's never too much to read.
Characters: 9.5
The characters are simply amazing. As the reader, you can directly associate yourself with Momo and totally understand her frustration and difficulties. She's actually one of the strongest girls I have ever seen, especially the way how she deals with her problems. Sae, on the other hand, is probably the most evil school girl I have ever seen. Her crave to ruin Momo's life seems to be endless, and I have the urge to throw her in a pit of hungry sharks and let her die in there. Overall, the characters are very well developed and enjoyable to read about.
Art: 9.5
Shoujo mangakas tend to have a special talent in drawing exceptionally well. Miwa Ueda is one remarkable mangaka who draws with originality. The art is incredibly realistic while the manga style remains. I love how she drew Momo and the variety of designs she made with her. The characters don't have crazy hair or fancy clothing, just perfectly normal. It's almost like you're watching them in real life. It was definitely enjoyable to look through her artbooks.
