Review by Ian Keogh

The Way of the Househusband begins by introducing a heavily tattooed young man carefully preparing a lunch bowl for his partner, who then leaves home without it. He’s put considerable effort into the lunch, and what follows is a hectic cycle ride as he attempts to catch her, ending with him being stopped by the police. They recognise him as the Immortal Dragon, a Yakuza gangster with a formidable reputation, but he claims he’s just a househusband.

What emerges over nine chapters is that both identifications are true. He was the Immortal Dragon, and now he’s a househusband, looking after domestic duties while his partner works. He’s dispensed with his previous identity and is content with his new state, dismissing former colleagues who come his way, while reader knowledge of his previous career generates a simmering tension when he encounters problems in his new role.

Kousuke Oono has hit on an idea delivering pretty well instant success, with sixteen English language volumes issued to date, and animations and a live action TV show produced in Japan. While the concept certainly has wings, there’s nothing in this opening volume to indicate why it’s been so successful. It’s a pleasant enough comedy drama, but very much the single note joke of a man who was once very dangerous having to face standard domestic annoyances such as the salesman knocking on the door, looking after one of the neighbour’s kids or chasing after the cat. Stick with it. The series improves.

There are occasional intrusions from his former life, but these just lead to Tatsu reiterating his purpose after a brief action scene. As would be expected from a Japanese series, Oono’s art is excellent, and he adheres to the school of producing detailed backgrounds rather than relying on the figures alone, which gives a more rounded experience even if what’s shown is largely the apartment and shops.

Three bonus stories round out the selection before heading to Way of the Househusband 2, and they’re all shorter than the regular material, Tastu only appearing in the final one. A chapter featuring the cat strays into What’s Michael style comedy, but all three are the same gentle humourous drama of the main content.