Enter Kangoku Gakuen or as we Americans like to call it, Prison School. This manga started back in 2011 and has been on-going since with a weekly release schedule for chapters. I was recommended this manga by a couple of people and I was a bit skeptical at first. But after giving it a shot, I can say without a doubt that Prison School is comedy genius and I love it dearly! So what happens in a manga whose story revolves around an all-girl high school that recently allowed for boys to attend the school as well? The answer lies in five boys and utter chaos.
Prison School shines in how its comedy is utilized. Mangaka Akira Hiramoto's writing is fucking comedy gold. The characters in this manga feel equal parts real and unbelievable at the same time. Unlike other ecchi manga, Prison's School's characters are actually interesting and fleshed out. Their quirks are what make you come back for more. You can't help but sympathize with them as you slowly learn more and more about their personalities. Prison School pulls no punches in just how ridiculous certain events in the story can get as well as how down right stupid these children can be. Yet, Hiramoto does it all in a way that feels smart, clever, and genuinely enjoyable. Prison School is the first manga that I've ever read where I found myself actually laughing out loud.
As for its ecchi elements, Hiramoto approaches sexual humor in an interesting way. Most of the sexual humor is depicted in an exploratory manner, which in itself is different from other ecchi. Most of the characters in this manga have never had much luck or opportunities to experience/enjoy any form of relationship with the opposite sex. Hell, most of the women in the story think that men are just brainless creatures programmed to copulate with the opposite sex on sight. As such, readers are presented sexual humor in a way in which the characters really don't know what the hell they are doing or even what's going on. Thus, the sexual humor in this manga does not leave a bad taste in your mouth. The characters are only beginning to learn about the opposite sex, lending to the ecchi elements feeling believable and un-cliche; even when things get unbelievably insane. This approach was genius and ties in cleverly with the quirks, idiosyncrasies, and personality traits of our cast of young hooligans.
Artwork:
It can't go without being mentioned! Hiramoto's artwork in Prison School is amazing! I honestly would never have expected this master tier of art style ever being employed in a comedy/ecchi manga of all things! Hiramoto's grasp of detail, character design, and shading is stunning. There are times throughout the manga where the characters honestly look like photographs and not drawings. Prison School's writing already had me sold, but the amazing artwork only bolsters the experience to a greater level. I'm beyond impressed with the quality of work that Hiramoto is able to put out on a weekly basis. Someone give this man a medal!
Final Thoughts:
Prison School is unlike any comedy I've ever read. It's smart, real, and has a lot of heart behind it. While I honestly believe that it will mostly appeal to a male audience, I whole heartedly extend my recommendation of this manga to all readers. There's something to enjoy here for everyone; be it un-cliche sexual humor, well written characters, or even tear-jerking speeches about asses. Prison School is a manga that's changing up the game and it isn't stopping any time soon! I highly recommend giving it a chance! By the way, it's anime adaptation which is starting either this week or next is soon to be upon us! Here's to hoping it won't be censored up to hell...
Thank you for reading and have a wonderful day!
-Nights Off
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