My first impression of The Failure at God School was that it was like a crossover between Cardcaptor Sakura and My Hero Academia. Now I am obsessed with CLAMP, so I can find ways to connect any series I encounter to a work by CLAMP. However, the essence of the story and the main character Nagi just scream Sakura to me. This coupled with how witty, charming, and funny the first volume was, locked me in to this story.
You may have heard about The Failure at God School recently, as it was just published by Yen Press. A big draw to the series is that the original story is by Natsu Hyuuga, who also wrote The Apothecary Diaries. The Failure at God School manga is by Modomu Akagawara, with character designs by Seikaisha.
An interesting thing to note is that according to the creator afterward, Modomu Akagawara and Natsu Hyuuga collaborated together on the manga. Akagawara has been involved with plot planning and more. According to Akagawara, the light novel has more that does not make it into the manga, so everyone should read both! (The light novel is not licensed in the United States yet.)
Worry not, this entire review won’t be a comparison to The Apothecary Diaries. However, I will point out a big key difference. The Failure at God School is a shojo, as it’s publishing in Hana to Yume maganize, whereas The Apothecary Diaries manga is a seinen, publishing in Monthly Big Gangan.
The story centers Nagi, the daughter of a family who owns a shine. In this world, there are Gods and also peple who possess divine powers, called himikos. Nagi’s family hasn’t had a God in their shrine for ages, and her older twin brother Takeru, is a recluse who refuses to leave his room. Nagi doesn’t have spiritual powers so she can’t do anything about the situation either.
One day Nagi rescues a young boy who they believe has been to “spirited away” and unbeknowest to her, is discovered by a god named Tsukuyomi. This leads to Kannagara Academy recruiting Nagi. Kannagara Academy is a God school where young himikos receive training. Here Nagi creates a little crew of himikos, varying in powers, and navigates her own “powerlessness.”
Right off the bat, I love Nagi. While she is seemingly powerless, this is not a detterent to her. She will use whatever she can to help someone or overcome a situation. She’s thrown into this new world at God school, she makes the best out of the situation. She is failing all the tests meant to showcase her divine powers, but she’s trying hard anyway. Her charm, spirit, and attitude reminded of Sakura. Plus, her brother pocessing a plushie to talk to her? Instant Kuro vibes.
The school setting and comraderie with the classmates gives it that My Hero Academia feel, which I really enjoy. I’ve always loved the idea of speciliazed schools and it’s just a great way to put together people that otherwise may not have grouped up. Nagi is around an interesting group of students, who are funny and all charming in their own ways. My favorite so far is Monaka.
There is a lot of intrigue surrounding the series, the overall plot, and the handsome God on the cover, Tsukuyomi. We learn that Tsukuyomi is 18 years old and a graduate of the academy. He seems isolated which may play a role in the story later on. There’s not much on him yet but we know there is more to come.
Aside from the Cardcaptor Sakura and My Hero Academia reminders, this story has Lisa written all over it! I am a SUCKER for anything dealing with Japanese mythology! I am so excited to play in this universe and see where the God elements take us here.
Thank you to Yen Press and Net Galley for a reviewer copy.
The Failure at God School, Vol 1
Mangaka: Modomu Akagawara
Original Story: Natsu Hyuuga
Character Design: Seikaisha
Translation: Yumi Tanaka
Letterrer: Madeleine Jose
Publisher: Yen Press
The Failure at God School, Vol 1 is available now.
A main character like Sakura from the author of Apothecary Dairies?! Count me in! This manga sounds awesome. I really need to keep up on Yen publications, they have some really good series.
Yes, Yen Press has been hitting it out of the park with their new licenses!