“Oreimo†is one of the most relatable manga for any geek. That is one of the main reasons why it is so popular. Of course, like many manga, there has to be a sequel, prequel or spinoff. “Oreimo: Kuroneko†is one such spinoff and it’s not as amazing as its original.
This new series is about one of Kirino’s friends Kuroneko. Here we delve deeper into the character, her world and her feelings for Krino’s brother Kyosuke.
As with many spinoffs, they are not as entertaining as their main series. This first volume does not have much in the way of interesting storytelling. We do go into her family a little bit so that is interesting. The only real storytelling comes in chapter four when the characters meet a former editor at a manga publisher. Here Kuroneko decides to try to show the publisher the manga she’s been working on.
This may be a slice of life manga, but there has to be something for the characters to do. “Azumanga Daioh†had the characters get summer jobs, vacation and a sports day. “I Don’t Understand What My Husband is Saying†shows what happens when a normal person marries a geek. Here, it just seems so mundane that it’s forgettable.
The main series does have its fair share of ecchi material, but it’s mostly downplayed and rare. Here, every chapter has ecchi material. Every girl wears super short skirts and the manga comes very close to showing panty shots. This series is not that type of manga.
The art is the same as the main series. There are times where Ikeda shows her talent. One of the biggest is a scene in a school hallway. That one scene is the most detailed background scene in any manga. It is a rare sight and this shows that manga can be excellent.
“Oreimo: Kuroneko†tries to give the reader a look into the lives into a minor character, but the end result is only mildly interesting. The events are too mundane even for a slice of life manga, and the only major plot points do not hold the reader’s interest for very long.
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