Takane and Hana, Vol. 1

Spot-on comedic timing and saucy artwork enliven the familiar formula of romance across a class divide. Hana, a plucky tomboy, stands in for her valley-girl sister at an arranged marriage matchmaking meeting with wealthy suitor Takane. “He falls short on many levels, but I hope you can forgive him because he’s good-looking and rich” advertises Shiwasu in a character cheat-sheet. Their meet-cute goes horribly awry, as both parties sabotage the setup. But soon, they develop a flirty frenemies vibe over a series of dates, challenging each other to expect more from their lives, and to develop as individuals. This is a celebration of women with unbreakable spirits, questioning societal norms and the expectations of romantic relationships. With great depth, the narrative plays with aspects of class difference and character dynamics. This classy volume shows a lot of heart, intelligence, and crossover potential. (Feb.)