No real major events in this volume of Maison Ikkoku, but of course it is still a wonderful read. The main events in this book are Godai recovering from a cold and the "care" that his fellow housemates spread upon him. Yes, as you can guess there will be alot of drinking. Even Mitaka fixes him some chicken soup. We also get to see a little adventure when Akemi comes home drunk and only kisses Godai, but Kyoko as well, hehe. My favorite chapter of the book has to be when the gang dresses up in different outfits and have a party. As already stated no new ground is really broken here, but it is fun to flip through these pages again and again.

"Good Housekeeping", Volume 4 of the international masterpiece of romantic comedy, "Maison Ikkoku", continues the great comedy and touching romance seen in the previous volumes. Although a uniquely Japanese story, the appeal of this timeless classic is universal.

Maison Ikkoku is a run down apartment building in Tokyo. Living there is struggling and wishy-washy college student Yusaku Godai, who has fallen head over heels in love with the beautiful, young manager of the building, Kyoko Otonashi. Kyoko has some feelings towards Godai, but she's a widow, and still is not over the death of her beloved husband, Soichiro.

Complicating matters between the two are rich, suave, hysterically dog-phobic, and handsome tennis coach Shun Mitaka, Godai's rival for Kyoko; and Kozue Nanao, a sweet, cute, and naive girl, who accidently has become Godai's platonic girlfriend. Kozue is clueless that Godai is in love with Kyoko.

But the crowning touch is the 3 other residents of the apartment building: hard drinking, hard partying and hard gossiping Mrs. Ichinose, who lives with her young son Kentaro; Akemi, a sexy party animal who is the bar hostess at local hangout ChaChaMaru, and who wears her see-through negligee around the building; and then there's the mysterious Yotsuya, who gets his kicks out of peeping, and breaking through Godai's wall so that he can mooch food from Godai. These characters would be at home in "A Confederacy of Dunces".

All 3 regard Godai as their personal toy, and they get their kicks from teasing him and holding their drinking parties in his room. They've also discovered that Kyoko is fun to tease as well.

With 9 chapters, Volume 4 picks up where Volume 3 ended: Godai is back home at Maison Ikkoku, but he's ill after the misadventures of the last volume. Too bad his nursemaids are Mrs. Ichinose, Akemi & Yotsuya. Christmas comes to Ikkoku once again. Godai's got his eye on the perfect present for Kyoko. Since this involves Godai & Kyoko, there has to be a string attached. New Year's results in two visits by Godai to the local shrine, first with Kyoko, then with Kozue. A drunken Akemi starts off a kissing chain reaction with Godai & Kyoko thinking about lips and the meeting thereof. Kyoko & Akemi buy leotards. Naturally, Yotsuya wants a peek. A trip home by Godai leaves Kyoko taking care of Godai's basket of flowers. Did anyone tell Kyoko that the flowers were a gift from Kozue? Speaking of Kozue, frustrated by Godai's lack of affection, she looks for some expert advice on the subject. The expert? Coach Mitaka! Welcome to misunderstanding city. Mrs. Ichinose's young son Kentaro has taken comfort that despite all the weirdos at Ikkoku, at least manager Kyoko's normal. This opinion might change after the results of an unplanned costume party, triggered by an innocent Kyoko. Finally, Kyoko's father-in-law gives Godai a package to give to Kyoko; Soichiro's diary. Can Kyoko get jealous of a dead man?

With no connecting story arc, this volume emphasizes humor and offers insights on both Japanese culture and the characters. The New Year's day chapter is especially rich in cultural references, showcasing the most important of Japanese holidays. Note that Kyoko & Kozue's kimono's have different length sleeves. Kyoko's sleeves are short, since she's been married. Kozue's sleeves are long, since she's stll young and single.

A good example of character insight is offered in this conversation between Kyoko & Mrs. Ichinose:

KYOKO: Do you think I'm the jealous type? MRS. ICHINOSE: You sure are. KYOKO: Couldn't you at least have hesitated a little? MRS. ICHINOSE: But it's true!

Better than "Oh! My Goddess!", with humor ranging from gentle to hysterical, this wonderful romantic comedy continues forward in "Good Housekeeping".

Every Maison Ikkoku graphic novel ive read so far has been nothing short of 5 star... heck they should increase the ratings to 6 stars just for this book! Its definatley the best thus far, if your into subtle romance and the twists that go along with it!!

Mitaka's uncle continues his plot to get Shun to marry Asuna Kujo, but Mitaka doesn't want to go through with it. He and Kyoko's mother arranges a meeting with his parents and her husband to talk over their future "marriage: Of course when Kyoko arrives she has no idea what to be expecting. She thought she was going to her father's birthday party, and was very confused when Mitaka showed up to pick her up. Why she really didn't know that it was not her father's birthday is beyond me. Godai runs after her with a baby that he was tricked into taing care of. It goes on and on read the book to find out what happens.

THis volume of Maison Ikkoku is very very good. As we all know Godai is in love with his Apartment Manager, Kyoko Otanashi, except he's got people to deal with. There's Shun Mitaka, the Tennis Coach with the glinting teeth, with feelings for Kyoko, and the other tenants of Maison Ikkoku- Mrs. Ichinose (short loud, round, and a big gossip) Mr Yotsuya (demented pervert... probably watches Hentai...) and Akemi (Girl who doesn't dress decent). All these people dwindle with the budding love of Kyoko and Godai. So in this volume, Shun deals with his arranged marriage but can't quite stop it... yet. Godai, being the kind person we all love, takes care of 2 very cute kids while their mama is off chasing after someone, Shun tries to embrace Kyoko's heart, Godai get's ready for his teacher's licsense, and Shun and Asuna get very "close" Of course more happens but I won't spoil it for you.

Rumiko has a unique way of making charcters have lives that just get more complicated everyday. If it is not one thing it is another. The story captured me from the minute I started to read it. Godia tries his hardest to be determined to pass a test. Life and everyone at Ikkoku are determined to get in his way. The coach has to face his fears of dogs in order to tell Asuna to take a hike. This entire series is a must for those interested in a wacky love comedy. The graphic novel after this one called Game Set Match is also a great one. Godia moves out for a while, the coach gets married, Kyoko gets jealous(what else is new), Kozue comes along and we see what happens when Kyoko quits as a manager.I can't wait until the next volume where this story comes to an end.(sigh)

I always love it when I can get my hands on more Inu-yasha volumes. Once again, there's a "the story thus far" section and a section explaining the main characters, just in case you need a refresher. I thought this particular volume was a lot of fun. We get to see that Naraku has something to fear from Kagome. There's also a storyline with a half-breed (demon father, human mother) named Jinenji - I thought his crush on Kagome was kind of cute. Also Kikyo is back, although she's the more demonic Kikyo we saw several volumes ago. The whole series is fun to read, and this book is no exception.

I started collecting this series about 2 years ago, and surprisingly (for me at least), i'm still going. Inu Yasha is great. Plain and simple. It literally has everything to keep you interested; action/adventure, comedy, romance, and one heckuva plot! Almost every volume has some litle twist that makes you think, "Uh-oh, now what?" It's the best! The only problem is that it's gonna be a loooong time until this story's finished, and I'm very impatient!

you should defenently buy this series!!!... their the best mangas ive EVER read , and trust me i have alot !!i cant wait untill they have the rest of the series so i can find out what happens next!!!...

This book is grate, and its so funny. It starts off by a guy named Ukyo trying to beat up Ranma but to Raman's surprise Ukyo turns out to be a girl and another one of his many fiancée's--go finger. Oh well, if that wasn't enough Akane and Ranma swallowed love pills, but which one has Akane swallowed the Day pill which makes fall in love with the first guy she sees for a day or the life-time pill which you guessed it, would make her fall in love with the first guy she sees for her life-time . Oh well, then you got Ryoga's and Akane's big date, yay. Last but not least well Ranma stop mousse before he sprays Akane with water from the legendary spring of the drowned duck!!!!---read it and find out

...now I've seen it all. (Of course, knowing Takahashi, there is probably a LOT more that is stranger than this!) Ukyo Kuonji was a childhood friend of Ranma's, but when he left for China, Ukyo wanted revenge. Armed with flour bombs, deep dish glue, rubber yakisoba noodles, and a human-size (literally) spatula, Ukyo tracks down Ranma and changes him to a fight on a ring surrounded by a hot plate.

But Ukyo is hiding something, and there is something else that Genma Saotome forget to mention to his son...

And Ryoga gets a fiancee!

By this point in the series, we have seen many bizarre types of martial arts. Ryoga fights with an incredibly heavy umbrella, Azusa and Sanzenin fight and figure skate at the same time, Kodachi uses the tools of rhythmic gymnastics to beat up her opponents, and who could forget the take out race? Well, here's another one to add to the list--fighting with Japanese pizza!

Yep, you heard me. Ukyo Kuonji fights with a special batter that acts like glue, and rubber yakisoba noodles that wind around the opponent, and tempura flakes mixed with gunpowder, and flour bombs. The preferred weapon is a giant spatula, which stands taller than a person, although Ukyo also uses small spatulas almost like ninja stars.

More proof that the mind of Rumiko Takahashi must be a very interesting place!

Get this and read it! You won't regret it!

ALrighty then. Rumiko-san has to have the oddest sense of humor there is. The plot line for Ranma 1/2 goes something like this; boy-hating girl has a father, who say's she's to marry the son of an old friend. Old friend shows up (as a giant panda) and brings a girl along. old friend explains that his son turns into a girl when splashed with cold water (and turns back when splashed with hot water). From this point on, some of the craziest whacks pop in and out of the story. There's Ryoga, Ranma's arch rival with no sense of direction (and lots of Bandanas and umbrellas). Shampoo, the chinese amazon who wants to kill the girl form of Ranma, and marry the boy form. Kuno, the girl obsessed overdramatic moron who runs around with a BIG sword, and his twin sister, Kodachi the black rose, who is equally insane and dramatic. Happosai (can't spell his name, sorry) the panty stealing perverted midget man, and Pantyhose! the love triangles (and quadrilaterals and pentagons, aw hell, everyone want's to marry someone, except Akane and Ranma of course) might confuse you of at first, but you'll get use to it. And the best part is the fact that cold water will turn up in the oddest places (you'd never believe how many old ladies will be washing they're houses before school). And then of course there's the odd assorment of weapons that the characters use (spoons, umbrellas, bandanas, anything can be a lethal weapon when Akane's involved) you just won't be able to stop laughing. If you're a fan of Clamp, Sailor Moon, Dragon Ball Z or Slayers (Xellos-sama!) you'll love Ranma 1/2! And even if you have no idea what i just said, and are just nodding your head to keep me from talking anymore (just humor the crazy people they say) you'll like it! P-chan!

Even though it may be volume 13 the good stuff keeps on coming! it all starts with Ryoga getting this crazy mark of the gods, that whenever someone charges him it triggers this involuntary spasm so that even Ranma is no match for him (GASP), but Ranma takes care of that! Then the little panty-stealing pervert Happosai *CRINGE* gets some new disciples (who thinks this won't end well)The next part is Ranma may just have a way to get rid of his curse, but it would mean a date with Kuno! Finally, never bet your life! If your a Ranma fan you'lle reheheheally be a fan of this book!

Just too funny for words, Ryoga, my favorite character. Gets the mark of the Battling God, which makes him unbeatable in a fight, and makes him look soooooo stupid in front of the woman he loves, Ranmas Fiance. The only way he can get it off is to lose a fight. But... Isn't he supposed to be unbeatable? Next Kuno inherits a magical wish bringing sword that could be the answer to Ranma's curse. As anyone who knows this series knows, Ranma will do anything to free himself from his curse. And I DO mean ANYTHING! It just so happens that kuno has wished for a date with That mysterious Pig tailed girl. Happosai the panty stealing, perverted master of Soun and Genma poses as Santa Claus and takes on two little children as "Santa's Disciples." and last the weakest of this books four stories. Ranma's Childhood nemesis, the gambling king returns to collect the debt that ranma lost to him as a child. That debt just happens to be The Tendo Dojo. You just gotta know that Soun is gonna throw a few classic hissy fits before Ranma can get the Dojo back. Hilarious, funny, terrific, wacky, imaginative, even the weakest story had me laughing out loud. Forget Shakesphere or Fitzgerald. Rumiko Takahashi is the true literary great of the millenium.

Yagami, the little school girl who loves Godai, now has forced Godai to be her tutor, but to her dismay Kyoko gets in the way everytime that Yagami tries to make advances on her "Mr.G." Also, Yagami once again confronts Kyoko about her feelings for Godai, but Kyoko in her fashion cannot be true with her feelings, which angers Yagami. Yagami then begins hurling names at Kyoko. Another wonderfil volume of Maison Ikkoku.

If you are feeling sad and depressed, Maison Ikkoku will cheer you up. If you are in the mood for a laugh, it will have you rolling on the floor. If you're in a romantic mood, it will bring tears of joy to your eyes. And if your a broke college student like me, it might just give you some ideas for living cheaply! In other words there is something for everything in this touching and immensely funny series which just gets better with age. The story is, in some respects, very Japanese, but in a larger sense it is universal--this could happen to you, or me, or anyone. The chracters are great, the story is great, the series is just great! Go buy it now! ^_^

Okay, If you have never read a Maison Ikkoku story, go back and start somewhere aroud Bedside Manners to cut your teeth on. Basically this series puts alot of serials like Party of five and 90210 (is that still on?) to shame. It's Melrose place meets Ranma 1/2 to put it simply. You got your love triangles. Character growth, conflict and conflict resolution, and more laughs then a Ranma 1/2 marathon. This latest volume involves The return of Yagami with a vengence. If you thought the hostage crisis she caused way back in Learning Curves was way out of control. Wait until you see the chaos caused when she declares war on Kyoko for the love of Mr.G. If that wern't enough to merit reading this. Mitaka is back and he's not afraid of dogs anymore. Too bad this makes him even more available to that Dog girl, and his uncle isn't above trying to bribe Kyoko to say "see ya" to Soun. But, is she still interested in him? Godai is let go from his part time job at the preschool, but never fear, Sakamoto has connections that can get him a sweet little PR gig. At a Cabaret. What will Kyoko do when she finds out? Will she find out? Will Mitaka ever work up the nerve to call off his engagement to Asuna? Will Yagami ever get the hint? Will you ever stop reading this Reveiw and just get this book?

Takahashi-sensei I love you!! Takahashi-sensei in my humble opinion is one of the greatest manga writers/artists of all time. I know this isn't revolutionary information for the millions who have read her books, but wow! what stories she creates from such simple Ideas. In this volume we finally meet the ever elusive Mr. Ichinose, and let me say he might match his wife physically, but he is much more like our favorite wishy washy student than Godai would like him to be. The main attraction of this particular graphic novel is Kyoko's jealousy. Oh it has made itself evident in several earlier novels, but in this one it really boils over. It begins when Godai's platonic girlfriend Kozue knits Godai a sweater. Godai brings it home and Kyoko almost explodes with jealousy. Godai finally confronts Kyoko and demands that she tell him how she really feels about him, but before any answer can be had. Kyoko almost falls off of the roof of Maison Ikkoku, Godai saves her, but winds up breaking his own leg. This leads to Kyoko and Godai getting closer to each other in the hospital, but the goon squad keep anything from formulating. Also, we get to meet Godai's couin Akira!! Good stuff.

This is a GREAT graphic novel! It managed to almost make mecry the first time through, but there was also a good lot of humor init. Even if you haven't read the others before it, the book would still make sense, but familiarity with the series helps, because this book is all about its characters. And what characters! This book really cliches their personalities well! Rumiko Takahashi is great as always, and I would recommend it to anyone who likes humor, drama, graphic novels, or just good books in general!

Although it was Ranma 1/2 that got me started reading manga, it's Maison Ikkoku that keeps me at it! For a while, Takahashi's stuff was all I read. Now I like things like Evangelion and Rayearth as well, but I haven't liked any other series as much as Maison Ikkoku. That's funny, since I don't like TV soap operas, and this series IS a comedy/drama/soap opera. It's so great though! I'm completely wrapped up in it and totally care about the characters, and am always waiting impatiently for the next book to get translated. This is one is REALLY sweet; you can finally see that Kyoko almost knows who she likes better, and there are some very nice moments between her and Godai. If you've made it this far into the Maison Ikkoku series, keep going! The later books have less comedy than the first few, but tweak your emotions more. They make me cry and I can't help but read on! You should read on too!

...she also has a major grudge. Naraku has tricked her into believing that it was Inu Yasha that murdered her village, and she is out for revenge. Using her incredibly big boomerang (it's taller than she is!), she attempts to slay the innocent dog demon. But when wounded, she is cared for by her prey. Of course, when she finds out Naraku's plans, she is none too happy. After telling the group a story, she joins up with them.

Things will definitely get more interesting from here on out...

KONICHI WA ANIME FANS! And those of you who aren't, Konichi Wa anyways! I LOVE this book (I love almost any anime...but that's besides the point). This book is probably the 2nd best in the Inu Yasha books that have come out. It's great because Lord Inu Yasha and the gang are joined by Sango. Miroku's thrilled about that, as well...BUT let's not get into that, hm? ANYways, Kagome rocks (as always) and Sango is soooo cute! There's a lot of action in this one (not half as much as some of them...but oh well). I suggest you read this because it's a mix of adventure, comedy, and a lil romance (none for Miroku, unfortunately for him, but let's not get into that...ANYways...) So, it starts off where they left off. Sango going to get her revenge on Inu Yasha. Afterwards, They meet up w/ the Water God, who's a big meanie in my opinion. SAYONARA! P.S. Read other books by Rumiko Takahashi!

Konnichiwa minnasama! I really liked this book, especially because Inu-Yasha, Kagome, Shippou, Miroku, Myoga, and Sango all get together for the first time!!! The first part of the book goes through Sango, and who she is, etc. She then joins the group as the last new main character, finishing Inu-Yasha-tachi! The second part is about a "Water God" who orders children to be killed and generally is very bitchy (Oops, am I allowed to say that....). Inu-Yasha, being Inu-Yasha, tries to defeat the "god" and save the kids.... Viz hasn't come out with number 11 yet, so you can't go read an episode summary, what to do??? Noooo! Anyway, it's a really good book, one of my favorites. You should buy it. Heeheehee.

In the first half of this book you learn what is up with that braided pigtail that Ranma is always sporting, and why he/she rarely takes it down. In the second half, several of the group end up winning tickets to a hot springs obstacle course. The prize is a trip to any hot or cold spring in the world. Guess where Ranma and co. want to go... Partners are switched a dozen times and Ryoga actually makes it to where he wanted to go--sort of. Avid fans of Ranma, you will like this book! But it does get very confusing very quickly.

Well, I've finally read the entire Ranma 1/2 series (if you want to know where I read the untranslated novels, e-mail me). All I can say is wow. I love Takahashi-sensei more than ever now, but I can't help feeling a bit sad about it. This review is just to tell all you folks out there that have never read Ranma, (or have only read a little bit of it and disliked it) it's truly a great accomplishment. A few reasons why I like it. First, it's very, very funny - it appeals to my sense of humor exactly. But here's the interesting thing - Takahashi-sensei doesn't just leave it at that. In some of the later novels, Ranma is positively dramatic, and I'd be lying to you if I said I didn't cry on more than one occasion. Of course, I think perhaps the main reason that I like Ranma 1/2 is the romance, which is Takahashi's forte. Ranma and Akane's relationship goes so slowly, Takahashi just gives you little momments between the two, yet ultimately it is enough. Another huge part of Ranma - the action, of course! This is what draws many people in to reading Ranma, what first appealed to me. Takahashi is so fantastic with her action scenes, it makes you wonder where she gets it from! She can do a love scene, a comedy scene and an action scene all rolled into one. I haven't even mentioned the art-work yet. At first when I picked up Ranma, I made the mistake of thinking it overly simplistic, which I've come to realize is not the case. It's true that Takahashi goes for a simple style, but it's beautiful in it's simplicity. Takahashi truly communicates with her art in a way that others miss.

To conclude: read Ranma 1/2. Trust me when I say it's worth it. There will always be a special place in my heart for Ranma 1/2. Thank you Takahashi-sensei, for sharing your gift.

O.K. so you want a funny manga? Get a Ranma book! This halarious series will make you laugh until your sides are aching. Rumiko Takahashi is genious, she adds enoug confusion to make this book funny but you can still understand it. If you haven't read a Ranma book before the story line is a little like this: so you've got a hot guy right, well the only problem is that he and his father have a little...well, accident... so when ever he is splashed with cold water he turns in to a girl, on top of that he's forced to become engaged with his dads best friends daughter. Confused? Just read the books. In addition to awesome drawings Rumiko Takahashi creates a hot of halarious and twisted (Kuno, Hopposai ^^) characters. I really recomend this book. P.S. sorry about my spelling heh heh heh ^-^'

i am somewhat of a student of japanese culture and i found this novel to be a fun way of gently showing the japanese in everyday life. not only that, but it was enjoyable to read. if you are interested in japan or just enjoy a good manga collection, this is a good one to pick up.

I love this book "Rumic Theater", it's the best work of the manga artist Rumiko Takahashi. The stories are funny and interesting and the art is great, full of cute little details, I love the way she draw. If you are a fan of Takahashi and never read this manga buy it you would love it and if you don't know about her and love manga or even if you don't know what manga is well I am pretty sure you will love this book. It's my favorite of this manga artiste. This manga of hers is better then Ranma 1/2, Lum and Maison Ikkoku but they also very good but Rumic theater is sure the best of her work!

Rumiko Takahshi has been referred as the 'Queen of Romantic Comedy.' This is a title that works such as 'Ranma 1/2' and 'Maison Ikkoku' proves that she richly deserves. 'Rumic Theatre' certainly displays many of the touches that her fans love, but it also shows that she is capable of creating far more sedate stories that might well in some cases happen to those we know our even ourselves.

'Rumic Theatre' is a collection of six of the finest Takahashi stories that I've read so far. As always, the characters are likable and engaging, the tender moments touching, and the comedy top-notch. The stories are more down-to-earth than we are accostumed to, dealing primarily with the trails and tribulations of everyday people--all of whom are characterized in a believable and three-dimensional fashion--but that typical Takahashi magic is still very clearly evident on every page. What's more, the art in this collection is among the best she's produced.

My personal favorites in this collection are 'The Tragedy of P,' (which revolves around a pet penguin in an apartment building where animals are absolutely not allowed), 'Hidden in the Pottery (where reality, perception, and the dangers of gossip are examined), and 'Extra-large Happiness' (where a young wife sees her future happiness endangered by a gremlin that only she can see). The remaining stories are also of high quality, but the characters and situations in the three mentioned above are the ones that moved me the most.

Even those who don't typically appreciate the 'standard' style of Japanese comics (embodied by Takahashi and Shirow), you should consider buying this book. If you appreciate the art of comic books for more than just slam-bang superheroics, you won't be dissapointed.