Merman In My Tub Story & Art by Itokichi
Official Synopsis:
CRAFTY SEA CREATURES! Wakasa wants to write a book! Before he can do that, he’s got to master a few rudimentary skills–like learning how to write the word merman. After that, things get dirty when Takasu and Wakasa decide to make mudballs. Meanwhile, Tatsumi’s uncle is cooking up his own crafty creations: romantic bath salts! And who better to test them out but the merman in Tatsumi’s bathtub?
Genres: Comedy, Fantasy, Monster Boys/Aquatic Boys, & Slice of Life
Book Style: Manga (Japanese Comics - Read Right to Left)
I decided to read Merman In My Tub Story & Art by Itokichi Vol.7 because I read volume 1-6 and loved it so I wanted to continue the series. Once I started reading I fell in love with the story again! This story follows a teenage boy named Tatsumi who saves a merman named Wakasa from a nasty river and takes him to his home into his bathtub. While Wakasa stays at Tatsumi's house he learns more about the human world and becomes friends with Tatsumi later Wakasa invites his other aquatic friends to meet Tatsumi. My favorite characters are Tatsumi (Human), Wakasa (Merman), Takasu (Octopus) & Mikuni (Jellyfish) because I really like their friendship even though they're all different they can get along very well and even help each other out. Another character I love is Agari (Shark) because he's very shy when it comes to actually talking and he's also very scary almost like the shark from JAWS! My favorite parts of the story are when Tatsumi and Wakasa switched bodies so they have to try to act like one another and make sure no one finds out that they're not themselves, this chapter is so funny because seeing them as each other is crazy! Another chapter I loved is when Tatsumi (Human), Wakasa (Merman), Takasu (Octopus), Mikuni (Jellyfish), Agari (Shark), Maki (Snail) & Goromaru (Starfish) are making a year book about their memories and friendship but it also kind of turns out to be a grimoire of sea monsters but it's so heartwarming. Also the chapter were they parody "The Little Mermaid" was very funny yet strange! There are 2 chapters were a Mad Scientist named Funaki and his Assistant try to take Wakasa away from Tatsumi but we find out that Wakasa has magical powers to fight off enemies! There are a lot of crazy chapters in this volume and emotional moments. The friendship is really growing between Wakasa and Tatsumi because they have a deep connection and he's also friends with Wakasa's aquatic friends. The artwork is interesting because it's goes from classic/modern manga style then to chibi manga style which works for this story. I can't wait to read Merman In My Tub by Itokichi Vol.8 because I can't wait to see how their friendship grows and what other aquatic friends that Wakasa brings into the tub! I really hope vol.8 gets published soon too because I hope the Mad Scientist's don't come back to take everyone. I would recommend this book to people who love Mermaids/Mermen, aquatic creatures or just want a good laugh.