I Want Your Mother to be With Me! Volumes 1-2 Manga Review

I Want Your Mother to be With Me! Volumes 1-2: A Surprisingly Mature Manga

Synopsis

Ryo Ishizuka is a young man with two ambitions. He studies diligently to become an accountant while working a part-time job. His other goal is to confess his feelings to Yuzuki Tachibana, a widow and coworker at the pawnshop. Despite their good rapport, Yuzuki rejects Ryo's confession, stating her priority as a single mother. The manga explores how their relationship evolves after this awkward turn of events.

A Deep Dive into Single Parenthood

Being a single parent presents numerous challenges. Raising a child demands considerable time, money, and responsibility, which are often difficult for even two parents to manage. Single parents face the added burden of fulfilling these demands alone, inevitably leading to sacrifices. Social life suffers, work hours increase, and attending to a child's needs becomes difficult. "I Want Your Mother to be With Me!" explores these difficulties rather than simply using Yuzuki's "MILF status" as an obstacle for Ryo to overcome. The manga focuses on interpersonal struggles more than romance, which is a great strength.

Beyond Initial Expectations

The first chapter is somewhat misleading. It sets a specific expectation for the story that the manga quickly subverts. After Yuzuki's rejection, the narrative becomes slower and more realistic, portraying two adults navigating their personal struggles and learning the importance of relying on others. It's not just about a single mother learning to embrace happiness but also about a young man discovering his purpose in life, both professionally and emotionally. The romance is clear, as the characters possess amazing chemistry, but a wall exists between them due to various circumstances.

Yuzuki's Perspective

Yuzuki prioritizes motherhood, relegating her own desires. Glimpses of her wanting something more reveal her resignation. She loves her son and dedicates everything to his happiness, seeming hesitant to depend on others. Kind and compassionate, she is also stubborn, refusing help even when necessary. This stems from the fear of relying on someone who might eventually leave, a realistic concern.

Ryo's Transformation

Ryo initially appears as an optimistic young man who believes he can handle everything independently. However, Yuzuki's reality check forces him to acknowledge his uncertainty. He realizes that it's okay to ask for help, which doesn't diminish his efforts. Instead, it allows him more time to understand himself.

Mature Themes and Revelations

The story is surprisingly somber and mature, with each chapter containing profound revelations, even those involving children. It doesn't shy away from mature burdens faced by children in such situations. Some act childish, while others try to be more mature than the adults, lending a sense of realism. The manga is commendable for its thoughtful approach. Answers are not always positive, and the second volume doesn't offer definitive solutions. However, it promises that the characters will find their way by supporting each other.

Unnecessary Fan Service

The mature tone clashes with random moments of fan service, which feature Yuzuki in airheaded situations. These moments are unnecessary and disrupt the story's tone, often occurring after mature revelations or sad scenes. They could be removed without affecting the plot. The story already has moments of levity that fit the tone better.

Presentation and Art Style

The presentation is somewhat bland, lacking stylistic flair outside of the comical depictions of children. Strong facial expressions convey deep contemplation, but the character designs and layout are less interesting.

Overall Impression

"I Want Your Mother to be With Me!" is a pleasant surprise. The story likely won't be overly long, given the setup at the end of the second volume. The reader anticipates the characters' individual journeys and how their mutual support will lead them to their conclusions. Strong chemistry and clear messaging make it worthwhile. The occasional fan service moments should not deter readers. Ultimately, it's a story about accepting help and recognizing that one doesn't have to face everything alone. People exist who are willing to provide love and support.