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With "Monthly in the Garden with My Landlord", I would like to introduce you to a girls' love manga that might be worth a look, especially for fans of slow-burn romances. The series was penned by mangaka Yodokawa and has been published in Japan under the name "Maitsuki Niwa-tsuki Ooya-tsuki" since June 2021 in the newtype magazine published by Kadokawa Shoten, which is aimed primarily at male readers.
How was "Monthly in the Garden with My Landlord"?
Manga editor Asako Suga has just ended her relationship and feels numb. She can't return to the apartment they shared, so she decides to look for a new place to stay where she can be alone and get her life back on track. During her search, she comes across a charming house with a garden and spontaneously decides to sign a tenancy agreement. After moving in, however, she discovers that the contract states: "Monthly rent includes garden and landlord", which means that the solitude she was looking for is not part of the agreement.
Her landlady, Kitano Miyako, is also clearly facing a turning point in her own life. It comes to light that Miyako has an unusual past - she was the former lead singer of a pop idol group and has recently left. Together, Asako and Miyako begin to reshape their lives. They grapple with how they can live together and how they want to shape their existence.
"Monthly In The Garden With My Landlord" presents a heartwarming and awkward story of two adult women. The manga skillfully balances between the genres of slice-of-life, romance and light situation comedy. Despite some criticisms, the story manages to create a relaxed atmosphere and surprise readers with its charm. The first volume is particularly notable for the way the basics are laid out.
The manga takes its time to develop the relationship between the main characters. The focus is on relaxed and casual interactions. The first volume recognizes the characters' need for self-discovery before plunging into romantic developments.
However, there are concerns about a possible childization of Miyako. Her character comes across as very awkward, and in the first few pages Asako is mainly preoccupied with cooking for her and taking care of her, which hinders the development of any real romantic chemistry between the two characters. However, this could change in the next volumes, as a slow development of Miyako towards more independence can be seen.
In my opinion, the manga also fails to explore deeper storylines. Although there are situations such as a stalker incident surrounding Miyako, they are resolved so quickly that one wonders why they were included in the first place. The reasons why Miyako leaves the idol industry are also only superficially explored so far. The mangaka seems hesitant to fully engage in more intense storylines here, despite the potential that exists. Despite some weaknesses, I still see the possibility that the manga will develop further in this respect in the subsequent volumes.
But what really sets this story apart and conveys it brilliantly is its coziness. The two main characters don't do anything particularly exciting; they hang out together in an enchantingly charming way. It feels like two people just getting what they need from each other. The yuri aspect develops slowly - the only hints, aside from Asaka being openly lesbian, are only found in the volume's bonus chapter.
Yodokawa's drawings are clear and modern. The panels are generously proportioned and the mangaka manages to convey a cozy atmosphere. The characters' facial expressions and gestures are well depicted and convey the situations well. Yen Press publishes the series in large format.
Conclusion
The first volume of "Monthly in the Garden with My Landlord" is particularly convincing with its cozy atmosphere, which makes it possible to overlook minor points of criticism. For those who appreciate calm and relaxed yuri stories, this series should definitely appeal. However, it remains to be seen whether the series will develop further in the coming volumes and also address deeper themes.
Monthly In The Garden With My Landlord GN Vol 01
€11,25
€15,00
Asako Suga needs a change to get over her recent breakup and decides moving to a new home would be just the thing. She finds a great little place a little removed from the city with a lovely garden, but… read more
