From the lackluster reviews here I can only imagine the translation from Asian text to English did not properly carry the context, which is not only reasonable, it's expected. The humor from this series contains a lot of play on words, absurdity and quirkiness. Even with such absurd settings, this manga manages to keep everything in perspective and allow its physical possibility despite the best judgment of common sense. Silently poking fun at many real-life issues and accepted social conduct, the comedy in this series is not only highly relatable, it may just be as realistic as it gets - however absurd that sounds.

The art takes a 'lazy/informal' approach, which may be odd at first but it quickly becomes clear the mangaka is superbly talented. Not only does it not suffer from "sloppiness", it will probably grow on most readers, and become endearing.

Highly recommended for Asian readers. English scanlations should approach this project with an openess and readiness for improvement and dedication.

I really like the cover art for Arakawa Under the Bridge and the story sounded intruiging enough, so I bought the first volume. Unfortunately, the main character seems like he'd be really annoying and uselses. Everyone else looks interesting enough (t-the male nun?! Not to mention that Buddha and Jesus apparently make appearances and be the best of pals), but the main character's really ruined it for me.

Perhaps the other volumes will improve or kill off the main character, but I won't be buying them. However, I would read further if it were licensed or scanslated. So. This series may have hope, but I was a little dissapointed.

After Kou settles in, this manga lost all sense of direction. Just, I am not that hung up on plot, but a general something would be nice. It banks too much on readers falling in love with the characters, and I'm feeling nada for Kou and Nino. Their individual antics are cute, but after the first scenes, they have little chemistry together. Other characters had to be in there for them to shine. I enjoyed the wackiness for a while but it just keeps getting weirder. Jesus, work with the characters you already have, don't bring so many new ones into the cast. That really detracts from who readers may already love and the new ones smack of trying too hard anyway.

Getting into the manga was kind of hard. It's a gag manga, and I love them a lot (cuz they're so funny xD), but for some reason, I can't read much of this. I did good and read up to, like, chapter 200. The really interesting parts are... well... when it seems to show a "significant plot-line". Even then, the plot lasted like 3-4 chapters. Every other time, it's just random gag here, random gag there.

... Last updated on July 12th, 2013, 2:13pm

Some super duper high society type is usually what women in shoujo manga want. In this manga though, all of that is stripped away. Such a character willfully abandons it all because a woman he has a compulsion to pay back wants him to. Leaving only these two people at their barest.

But it's okay cause its a funny manga right. I just wanted to point out that interesting set up. Usually people hate the whole average guy thing nowadays but the reason its important in the first place is because men like the idea of a women not using outside peripheral stuff like money or whatever to make her choice.

This manga manages to do that while using a guy that was born rich, earned it anyway, so he proved himself but still has nothing and the girl doesn't want that from him.

Well I've managed to not talk about the what most people will probably like about this manga. Which is the humour. It's funny, crazy, but still grounded to some extent. By that I mean the kappa character is just a guy in a suit ect. I think I've done a horrible job of getting people interested in this manga but it's really worth trying, check it out.

... Last updated on May 24th, 2011, 5:38am

This is over the top crazy and freaking hilarious.
However, it lacks plot and mostly consists of comedy. The romance, the only hope of a plot, is very slow paced but adorable. The main couple is hilarious due to their clueless and naive (weird) personalities.

This is great for killing time and a good laugh, but if you're looking for something with a plot or don't like over the top nonsense humor then this probably isn't for you.

I often wonder why some people so easily accept the "common sense" that is set up by society. They hold tight to that common sense like it's their lifeline (so it looks like they wont be much different from others) then, from that position, all of them, holding tight to the rope, they laugh at people who would not live by society standards - in other words, "People without common sense".

Seems like they are the ones that are without a self to me. They are all afraid of losing their shape once their common sense is lost. Why dont they create their true selves in the first place?

Personally I admire those without common sense, those that always question why they have to go by rules of others. And this manga totally beats up the common sense that I really hate. So, it's a 10, it keeps me laughing all the way. Go, amazingly bravery characters!

... Last updated on September 13th, 2010, 3:09am

Though I haven't read to far in yet, only as far as the scanlations go, the idea is pretty clear. The male lead represents the attributes of men and male society while the female represents the feminine mystique. A story about a man whole stood above others suddenly lost in a womans world were he is taught what is really important by the clearly insane people living there. This is pretty much "Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus" turned gag manga.

high iq? i really enjoy this story- does the fact that i liked it mean i'm unintelligent? hm. and because i enjoyed it i have low 'EQ'. i'm not going to even touch that one except to say insulting those who've enjoyed something you hadn't is ridiculous.

it *is* absurd. the story is about a pant-less man saved by a self-proclaimed Venusian living under a bridge. 'nough said. if you can stick with it, there are layers here- the only way a story with such an outrageous premise could do well in the seinen section.

... Last updated on April 21st, 2011, 4:58pm

There's a line between the lack of common sense and utter stupidity, and I don't exactly know if this series actually crosses into the latter at times haha. It is not as funny as other gag series such as Gintama but I enjoy it nonetheless.

I especially appreciate the managaka's philosophical viewpoint on modern society and human culture, and how she puts it into context using these oddball characters. They are original and interesting in their own way, and they work well together to form a lovable cast that keeps you smiling and/or laughing out loud when you read.

I recommend this series to anyone who can handle utter randomness and absurdness with a splash of humour. Oh, and not having any common sense would also help!