MANGA REVIEW | "I Wanna Do Bad Things with You" - Volume Four
Well, we saw this coming a mile away. The bad boy and his tall minion are starting to feel things for one another. As soon as Mamori first joined Soshi in his pranks and mischief, all signs pointed to them growing romantically closer. Even with the introduction of Soshi’s fiancé, Wataya, anyone could tell that she was merely a hurdle that Mamori would have to jump over. (Not a problem, what with her being so tall and all.) Now in the fourth volume of I Wanna Do Bad Things with You, a big accident results in those feelings coming to fruition.
After accidentally kissing Mamori in her sleep, Soshi has a complete freak-out over the situation. With the arrival of Kei, the third wheel, only causes for Soshi to fluster more and pass out. Mamori offers to help Soshi out, but it only adds more fuel to the fire. That’s when Wataya arrives, who aids in cooling down the situation.
Of course, it still leads to Wataya being angry over Mamori still being close to Soshi. The tall girl cannot apologize enough, and with enough sincerity, the two decide to let bygones be bygones. Finally, the time to study arrives, with Soshi still feeling under the weather. With the bad boy out of action, it gives the three girls plenty of time to study, bond, and even become best buds!
Okay, maybe “best buds” might be stretching it, but even Wataya ices down her cool heart to show that she enjoys having Mamori around. Knowing full well this is all about beating big brother Koichi in the school exams, it’s actually fun seeing Mamori, Wataya, and Kei bonding over grades, cooking, and — occasionally — Soshi. I Wanna Do Bad Things with You may be about getting revenge, but building friendships is a good way to find new allies for your fight.
But when the time comes for Soshi to tell Mamori what happened, things get adorably awkward. He reenacts the whole thing, with the two swapping roles for the purpose of…well, I have no idea. It was just really cute to watch! With the reveal that it was both of their first kiss, it adds more to the sweetness that this manga really is cooking up. Well…so long as Wataya never finds out, things might be okay…maybe?
However, the time for the exams has arrived. Everyone’s studied their butts off, including Koichi, whose father must be a member of the Asshole Club of Japan due to his comments towards his son. Confidence grows in Mamori’s heart, and even Soshi starts feeling good about what’s to come. And then, the grades arrive, with the results…erm…?
Volume Four of I Wanna Do Bad Things with You does an excellent job leaving the audience in suspense. We see the names, but we don’t see the full scores. For all we know, there could be a tie for the top spot. Then again, these sorts of things are a rarity in rom-com manga, so maybe we should prepare for a setback. In any case, whatever happens next, I’m certain I Wanna Do Bad Things with You will find a way to ease any tension, be it with mischief or an impromptu kiss.
FINAL GRADE:
Promotional consideration provided by Chantelle Sturt of VIZ Media.
