MeruPuri by Matsuri Hino

Posted by : Deborah Takahashi Thursday, July 18, 2013

Plot Summary:
Airi Hoshino is a romantic. Not only is it her goal to marry the man of her dreams, she truly believes that if she arrives at school for, on time, for two years, the magic mirror she inherited will grant her wish to marry her true love. When not watching romantic dramas, Airi dreams about her prince and vows to keep her first kiss just for him. However, all of that changes when Aram emerges from her mirror. Aram is a prince from a magical kingdom who was thrust into the mirror by his faithful servant because Prince Jelie, his eldest brother, cast a spell on him. When Aram arrived, Airi's life was lonely and it was nice having him him around until she realizes that Aram turns from a cute little boy into a gorgeous man overnight. The only way to save Aram is the "Maiden's Kiss" and Aram asks Airi to be his maiden. Caught between her vow to save her kiss for her soul mate, Airi doesn't know what to do because she cares for Aram even thought he's absolutely clueless when it comes to taking care of himself. In this series, Airi and Aram go on a journey where they will learn a lot about one another and each other, which leads to many revelations and disasters.

Critical Evaluation:
This manga is yet another one of my guilty pleasures. Not only is it funny, but it's super romantic because Airi and Aram needed each other in so many ways. For years, Aram hasn't known kindness because his half-brother has made his life miserable. The only person who cares about him is his guardian, Lei, but Aram needed more than just him. Airi, a romantic herself, has built this ideal man because she, like Aram, is on her own and needs something, or someone, to look forward to. Although Airi has built this elaborate fantasy, all of that changes when she realizes that love isn't straightforward like it is in her soap operas. Love is more than just having a home and family, but it takes work, requires a lot of patience, and sacrifice. The more time she spends with Aram, the more she realizes how complicated love is, especially because of great great great great great grandmother's "betrayal" that sent the mirror that brought Aram to her realm. There is plenty of magic and mystery in this story so any Shojo fan who is looking for a fun read where "Happy Ever After" really does exist.

Information about the Author:
According to Wikipedia:

Matsuri Hino is a Japanese manga artist born in Sapporo, Hokkaidō. She made her professional debut in the September 10, 1995 issue of LaLa DX with the one-shot title Ko no Yume ga Same Tara (この夢が覚めたら, When This Dream is Over) . Hino Matsuri is also well known for her anime/manga series 'Vampire Knight.'