RuriDragon, the manga series by Masaoki Shindo, has captured the attention of readers with its unique blend of the mundane and the fantastical. Volume 1 introduces us to Ruri Aoki, an ordinary high school girl whose life takes an unexpected turn when she wakes up one morning with dragon horns sprouting from her head. This isn’t a typical shonen manga filled with epic battles and world-shattering events; instead, it’s a charming slice-of-life story that focuses on Ruri’s journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
The Premise: A Dragon’s Tale, Subverted
The premise of RuriDragon is simple yet intriguing. Ruri’s transformation isn’t the start of a grand adventure or a comedic disaster. Instead, it’s treated with a surprising level of nonchalance, especially by her mother who calmly reveals that her father was a dragon. This sets the tone for the rest of the volume, a world where fantastical elements coexist with everyday life. Ruri doesn’t immediately transform into a powerful dragon warrior. She is still a teenager navigating the trials and tribulations of school, friendships and family, while having to adjust to her new draconic heritage.
A Focus on the Ordinary
What sets RuriDragon apart is its commitment to portraying everyday life with realism and charm. Ruri’s initial reaction to growing horns is more of an inconvenience than a horror. Her mother’s reaction, or lack thereof, adds a touch of humor to the narrative. The manga excels at depicting casual conversations and interactions among characters, capturing the nuances of daily life in a relatable way. The story unfolds at a relaxed pace, focusing on Ruri’s attempts to integrate her new reality into her ordinary life.
Humor and Heart
The humor in RuriDragon is subtle and dry, which might not appeal to all readers. It’s not a series that relies on over-the-top gags or slapstick. The comedic elements often come from the absurdity of the situation and the characters’ reactions to it. Despite its laid-back approach, the series is heartwarming, and it explores themes of identity and acceptance. The manga showcases how Ruri’s friends and classmates react to her new appearance. They are more curious than frightened. Ruri quickly finds that her uniqueness is something that makes her stand out rather than makes her an outcast.
Characters: A Cast of Quirky Personalities
Ruri Aoki is the heart of the story. She’s an earnest and relatable depiction of a modern teenager, trying to navigate her identity and accept her unexpected draconic heritage. Her reactions are often understated, making her all the more endearing. While Ruri is the protagonist, the supporting cast is equally essential to the manga’s appeal.
Ruri’s Mother: The Calm in the Storm
Ruri’s mother is one of the most intriguing characters. Her nonchalant attitude towards her daughter’s transformation is both hilarious and a little bit mysterious. She treats the revelation that Ruri is half-dragon as if it’s just another everyday occurrence. Her reaction is a stark contrast to what one might expect from a parent in such a situation. This adds a layer of intrigue to the story and makes readers wonder if there are other secrets and hidden truths within the world of RuriDragon.
Classmates and Friends: Acceptance and Curiosity
Ruriās classmates are also well-developed and react to her transformation with a mix of curiosity and acceptance. Instead of fear or ridicule, they are interested in her uniqueness and it allows Ruri to form new connections. Characters like Yuka, who actively encourages Ruri to return to school, add a layer of positivity and warmth to the manga. They highlight that the world of RuriDragon is more accepting of differences than one might expect, reinforcing the idea that the manga is a warm story that accepts diversity without hesitation.
Art and Style: A Blend of Cute and Slick
The art style in RuriDragon is both adorable and slick. Masaoki Shindo brings forth character designs that are unique and appealing. It is not as detailed or polished as some of the more popular manga series, but it possesses a certain charm that is fitting for both a manga and an indie comic. The art style effectively captures the charm of everyday life and conveys its themes through casual conversation. Ruri herself is particularly cute, adding to the manga’s overall appeal. The character designs are not overly complex but they are expressive and add to the overall charm of the manga. The art perfectly complements the manga’s tone and themes, making it a visually engaging and enjoyable read.
Reception and Popularity: A Slow Burn Success
RuriDragon has garnered significant attention, both in Japan and internationally. The series has received positive reviews for its unique take on the slice-of-life genre, its relatable characters, and its charming art style.
Critical Acclaim
The manga has received praise from critics for its focus on solid storytelling and its unique premise. Many have lauded its ability to blend the ordinary with the extraordinary and its subversion of typical genre tropes. The manga’s emphasis on realism, even with the fantasy elements, has made it stand out from other Shonen Jump titles. Critics have also noted the series’ ability to portray everyday life with such great charm and detail.
Reader Response
RuriDragon has also been a hit with readers. The first volume debuted at number seven on Oricon’s weekly manga chart, with recorded sales of 74,874 copies. By October 2022, it had 200,000 copies in circulation. It was ranked first in the “Nationwide Bookstore Employees’ Recommended Comics of 2023” survey. The series also ranked ninth in the 2024 edition of Takarajimasha’s Kono Manga ga Sugoi! list of best manga for male readers and was nominated for the 2023 eBookJapan Manga Award. Readers appreciate its unique atmosphere, characters and overall feel.
Publication History and Availability
RuriDragon was initially published as a one-shot in Shueisha’s Jump Giga magazine in December 2020. It then began serialization in Weekly ShÅnen Jump in June 2022. Due to the author’s health issues, the manga went on hiatus for over a year. It returned to the magazine for a few chapters before moving to Shonen Jump+ in April 2024. The first English volume was released by Viz Media on January 7, 2025. New chapters of the manga are released on the Shonen Jump+ app and Viz Mediaās website, with the most recent three and first three chapters available for free. A subscription is needed to access all the available chapters. Chapter 28 will be available on January 27, 2025.
Conclusion
RuriDragon Volume 1 is a refreshing take on the slice-of-life genre. Its unique premise, relatable characters, and charming art style make it a delightful read. The series doesn’t rely on over-the-top action or comedy. Instead, it focuses on the nuances of everyday life, making it both heartwarming and engaging. The manga’s ability to find humor and heart in the mundane is what truly sets it apart, making it a must-read for those who appreciate character-driven stories with a touch of fantasy. For anyone looking for a manga that’s both unique and relatable, RuriDragon is definitely worth picking up.
