There’s nothing cooler than a 10-year-old girl who can kick your butt!
About
Vegetable Sandwich is a manga series by Banjo Saitou, published in English by Manga Mavericks. Drawn in a classic 80s manga art style, the story revolves around a high school student named Tsukushi. He has the delinquent look: pompadour, earring, and cropped school jacket. The only thing he’s lacking is the delinquent attitude. Instead, Tsukushi is a weakling, scared of fighting, and he’d rather be doing magic tricks. When a lion runs away from a zoo and Tsukushi is rescued by a tough 10 year-old girl, he believes he’s finally found the answer to solve his weakling problems. The catch? The girl, Warabi, wants nothing to do with him!
My Thoughts
I wasn’t sure what to expect with a premise where a high school student wants to learn to get stronger from an elementary student, but I was pleasantly surprised here. The story is lighthearted— filled with a lot of comedic gags, wacky moments, and side characters who are larger than life. But what cemented my enjoyment and surprise was Warabi.
She’s the daughter of an actor and entertainment manager, which already separates her from most. Add on the fact that she’s super strong and as a result, her classmates spread rumors about her being scary and unapproachable. But the truth couldn’t be further, she’s lonely and sensitive and dreaming of making friends. Instead of being thrilled Tsukushi wants to become her disciple, she’s annoyed and notices its more of an inconvenience than anything else.
I love that although its funny Warabi is this insanely strong 10 year-old, the story never strays from the fact that she is a 10-year-old girl! Of course, she wants to make friends and to belong! She’s embarrassed by her parents and she thinks this high school guy is a loser. Her characterization is perfect and believable, and therefore makes the story so much more charming. I think Warabi gives the story a beating heart and I’m here for her.
I’m focusing on Warabi because I love her, but Tsukushi is a riot too. I found him endearing and love that beneath his attempts to be strong, lies a guy just trying to make his brother proud! I also love that him idolizing Wasabi’s strength isn’t the joke. He is truly in awe of her and thinks that’s what he should aspire to. I’m selfishly hoping he gives up the delinquent path and is able to follow the path to being a magician instead, but what’s the fun in that? We’ll have to wait to see what happens next!
Where to Buy
Vegetable Sandwich, Volume 1
Mangaka: Banjo Saitou
Translation: Michael Jokoh (Strict Algorithm LLC)
Lettering: Marcos Vinicius Ribeiro
Editing: Robert Harkins
Publisher: Manga Mavericks
Vegetable Sandwich, Volume 1 is available now.
Thank you, Manga Mavericks, for a review copy!
