Strawberry Marshmallow, Volume 3

By Barasui

In this volume of 'Strawberry Marshmallow', the girls are still up to mischief at every opportunity Join in on the fun as they have a sleepover, play ninja and even add a hilarious and cute twist to the classic fairytale of Cinderella.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1598164961
• ISBN13: 9781598164961
• Release Date: March 2007
• Publisher: TokyoPop
• Length: 184 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.3" x 0.5" x 5.3"
• Age Range: 14 to 17 years
• Grade Range: Grades 9 to 12

Customer Reviews

Cute Is Justice!

In Volume 3 of Barasui's "Strawberry Marshmallow" five cute little girls play ninja, have a sleepover at Nobue's house, have a good time at a summer festival and become the characters of a slightly changed version of Cinderella (adapted by energetic Miu). This is a delightful slice-of-life comedy about five girls Nobue, Chika, Matsuri, Miu and Ana and their life goes on with a bit of mayhem as before: Episode 21: Part-Time Pain Episode 22: The Green-Eyed Monster Episode 23: Unstoppable Ninja Techniques Episode 24: Speak No Evil Episode 25: Dweams Episode 26: Miu's News Episode 27: The Matsuri Episode 28: Cinderella Episode 29: Mind Control Episode 30: The Doll House Barasui's laidback style in storytelling doesn't change, but it is also notable that Ana Coppola who first appeared in the previous volume has given the series much needed opportunity to develop the girls' characters more. Miu's rivalry with her Ana (and misguided attempt to "defeat" her) not only provides hilarious moments, but gives Miu's character a depth we had not seen before. [BOOK] Tokyopop' edition's front and back covers are basically the same as the Japanese original except the background. Sorry, but the original's color page (page 7) is printed in black and white. [TRULY TRIVIAL] As you know, some of the places shown in the manga are based on the real locations (for example, the restraint "Sunmaruku" where Nobue is doing a part-time job as waitress is actually "Sanmaruku" or Saintmarc). I know it is inevitable, but some of the cultural references have been removed in translating the language. Miu's joke "Eat my face" (p.116) is a famous line from a hugely popular comic "Anpanman" of which hero has a face made of bread. Also, the seemingly strange line "I brought you a mammoth. It's fully chilled" (p.89) is in fact a joke based on the (intentional) misuse of the word "mammoth" once popularized in the late 80s by pop singer and actress Noiko Sakai. English translation is good, but all these interesting use of words and puns ("Matsuri" has another meaning "festival," for instance) by the girls must go. I prefer Volume 4 for its zaniness, but Volume 3 too is funny and delightful. In short, as the comic's tagline says, "Cute is justice" and what else should I say.