Customer Reviews

Othello 7 (Othello (Del Rey))

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When it was revealed to Yaya last volume that she had been living a double life unbeknownst to herself, as usual, she couldn't handle it and retreated into her shell, allowing Nana to take full control of her body. Moriyama worries that Yaya might never resurface and the girl he loves will be lost forever. Shohei, the ex-lead singer for Juliet, has offered a batch of hand-written songs for her to record and is even going to produce the sessions himself! As the recording begins, the more raucous rock songs are completely on fire and full of energy as Nana hits her stride. The conflict begins when the music calls for a more introspective and softer side and Nana finds it impossible to interpret the lyrics properly. She realizes that only Yaya can handle the material, but even Moriyama has found it impossible to coax her out. If Yaya can't make herself more assertive, her dream of being a pop idol will end in this last and seventh volume of Othello!

I liked the characters in Othello but I have to say I'm glad this series ended with this volume. The conflict of Yaya and Nana had run out of steam after 7 volumes of identity shifting, which by the way, was never a very original concept. Ikezawa got by mainly on charm and wistfulness. Another thing that dragged down the series was the bad art. At first it just seemed to be Ikezawa's style, but after a while the art seemed rushed and unconcerned, as if the artist just sketched out the scenes and never went beyond the first or second draft. This really comes out especially in the hair of all the characters. They all have white hair delineated only by long lines. The backgrounds are practically non-existent, making Yaya inhabit empty space most of the time. I guess in the end, poor plot and art overwhelmed the characterization that I enjoyed from the beginning. While the series is adequately wrapped up it leaves room for a sequel.