Drops of God: Mariage Volume 8-10 Manga Review
A Palate Cleanser Before the Final Course: Review of Drops of God: Mariage Volumes 8-10
The latest installment of "Drops of God: Mariage" throws us headfirst into a whirlwind of culinary and oenological showdowns. Volumes 8 through 10 see Shizuku and Issei locked in a high-stakes battle to prove their worthiness of uncovering the legendary "Drops of God," with each volume bringing new challenges, eccentric characters, and of course, an overwhelming amount of wine descriptions.
Redeeming Chef Mikasa
The initial part of this arc focuses on the redemption of Chef Mikasa, whose career was tarnished by the misdeeds of her former sponsor. We follow her journey back to France, where she aims to revitalize the restaurant that sparked her passion for cooking. This storyline feels like a separate manga altogether, as Shizuku and Mikasa must win over the restaurant's stubborn owner, mend fractured family ties, and rediscover the joy of creating exceptional cuisine.
This detour serves as a welcome respite from the intensity of the main competition. The detailed descriptions of food preparation, particularly the meticulous process of crafting ratatouille, are both informative and, at times, a little overwhelming. This arc effectively cleanses the palate before diving back into the increasingly absurd world of the "Drops of God" competition.
The Absurdity of the Order
The story eventually returns to the Order of the Drops of God, a group of enigmatic wine connoisseurs who hold the final clue to unlocking the mystery of the "Drops of God." The judging process is reminiscent of an over-the-top elementary school presentation, where the delivery and conviction are just as important as the actual substance. Issei's dramatic "winegasms" are met with increasing skepticism, and Shizuku even rolls his eyes at one point, a sentiment many readers might share.
The introduction of Wang, the final member of the Order, further highlights the absurdity of the competition. His primary concern seems to be the sheer quantity of food and wine he can consume, echoing the infamous "Iron Chef" episode where Tim Zagat's judging came across as gluttonous rather than gourmand. This leads to a tie between Issei and Shizuku, and a major shake-up within the Order as one member steps down due to their excessive investment in the outcome.
Losing Sight of the Wine
This arc brings to light the series' core weakness: the increasingly convoluted and pretentious nature of the competition for the "Drops of God." Each test is layered with additional tests, creating an endless cycle of prerequisites and qualifications. The focus on incredibly rare and expensive wines, often costing thousands of dollars per bottle, shifts the narrative from a celebration of wine and food to an exploration of the obsessive world of wealthy collectors.
The original "Drops of God" manga was praised for demystifying wine and making it accessible to a wider audience. However, "Mariage" often falls into the trap of wine snobbery, emphasizing the importance of cost, terroir, reputation, and exclusive knowledge. This can alienate readers who are simply looking to enjoy the pleasure of wine without feeling intimidated by its complexities.
A Focus on Connection
Despite the ridiculousness of the competition, it is evident that both Shizuku and Issei are growing closer to understanding Kanzaki Yutaka's legacy. This connection is ultimately the driving force behind their rivalry, and the underlying message of the series seems to be that the journey is more important than the destination.
With only a few volumes remaining, the reviewer expresses a desire to see more of the heartwarming "food is fun, wine makes it better" stories that characterized the earlier parts of the series. The focus should be on the people and the experiences, rather than the pursuit of an unattainable ideal.
A Parisian Wine Discovery
During a trip to Paris, the reviewer discovered an exceptional Primitivo Puglia from Paololeo winery at a pizzeria in Châtelet. This unexpected find serves as a reminder that great wine experiences can be found in the most unexpected places.
Final Verdict
Overall, "Drops of God: Mariage" Volumes 8-10 offer a mixed experience. The side stories and character redemption arcs are engaging and heartwarming, but the central competition is increasingly convoluted and pretentious. While the art remains stunning, the series needs to refocus on the joy of wine and food, rather than getting bogged down in snobbery and elitism.
Grade: B
Story: B
Art: A
Pros:
- Appeals to collectors of expensive wines.
Cons:
- Exemplifies wine snobbery.
- The tests are increasingly unfair.
- Issei's "winegasms" are irritating.
- Deals with themes of alcohol-related family destruction and personal professional failures.
