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Title: Pearl Pink Vol 3 & 4

Author:  Meca Tanaka

Publisher: Tokyopop

ISBN: 9781598167771 & 9781598167788

May Contain Spoilers

Being the love child of a popular actress is tough!  Tamako Momono wants to be recognized for her own talents and effort, instead of being constantly compared to her mother.  Worse, when she’s given the chance to audition for a part in her mother’s TV series, she’s accused of being a leach and riding on Shinju’s coattails.  How can Tamako prove to everyone, especially Kanji, that she’s got what it takes  to make it to the top?

Pearl Pink was fun series with very quirky characters and a sweet sense of humor.   Tamako, helplessly in love with Kanji for as long as she can remember, is determined to become the kind of woman he can love back.  In her quest to become the perfect woman for Kanji, she becomes the perfect woman for herself.  She learns that she can accomplish so many goals if only she’ll put all her effort into making her dreams come true.  When the last page was turned, the story was more about Tamako maturing into a stronger, more confident person, and finding the strength to stand up for what she believes in.

During the entire run of the series, the gentle humor is never forgotten.  Tamako possesses a very forceful personality, and she brings it to bear against Kanji and his reluctant heart.  Kanji at first believes that Tamako is only an unruly child, and in the beginning, he is correct in his assessment.  As the series progresses, both of them learn more about themselves, and they form a comfortable relationship that allows them to support each other and believe in each other’s abilities.  Their courtship proceeds at a slow and gentle pace, and the subtle changes in their relationship are very believable.  Because they are there for each other, they have the confidence to stretch  their limits and grow as individuals.

Like the story, the art is very soft and understated, made up of feathery lines and lighter screentones.  Meca Tanaka’s characters are so expressive and each possesses a unique personality.  And everyone is so attractive, but as the series is about showbiz, that’s a given.  Still, all of that eye-candy dazzles, and makes you want to keep reading.

Pearl Pink is a fun series with convincing romantic humor and clean, pretty illustrations.  At four volumes long, it’s not too painful on the wallet.  The characters are charismatic and likeable, and you’ll soon become swept up in Tamako’s campaign to win Kanji’s love.  Poor guy never knew what hit him.

Grade: B+