By Kenji Tsuruta
Dark Horse, 152pp.
Rating: Not Rated

We’re digging into the archives for this one, folks. Initially released in 1998, Spirit of Wonder is a single-volume manga about a feisty restaurateur by the name of China; her two slacker tenants who just happen to be genius inventors, Doctor Breckenridge and his assistant Jim; and the wackiness that ensues between the three!

Despite the fact that Spirit of Wonder is a single-volume manga, there’s no real overarching story or plot to it. Instead it is made up of two shorter stories, each focusing on the various hijinks that arise between the three main characters. I suppose that’s not completely true as both stories in some way relate to the fact that Jim and China are in love with each other. This romantic aspect is most pronounced in the first story, which focuses firmly on Jim’s, and to a less degree Doctor Breckenridge’s, attempts to impress China with their various inventions. These range from a bizarre sort of telescope that allows one to influence and alter the object being viewed, to artificially created falling stars. The second tale revolves around Jim and Breckenridge apparently ditching China one night and leaving her high and dry for rent. This results in her falling into a bit of a depression, albeit a comical one, that adversely affects her restaurant business. It’s a bit of an odd tale, though it does ultimately have a happy ending.

Both stories contain a certain innocence and simplicity to them which is charming at times, but unfortunately this simplicity rubs off on the characters. All of them are pretty one note beings. China’s a feisty cook/chef/boss whose broken English and slim figure hides frightening strength and martial arts skill. Jim’s a good-natured, clean-cut genius who spends his time making impractical devices. Breckinridge is a bit of an eccentric, looking to use his inventions to make it rich and always looking for ways to get out of rent, talk down prices, and all that. They start off this way and they remain this way throughout. In fact, even the romance between Jim and China never really goes anywhere. It’s there, it’s outright stated that they both love each other, but sadly it never goes anywhere.

Tsuruta’s simple and straightforward stories are contrasted by his absolutely gorgeous and highly detailed artwork. The backgrounds and setting are lush and full of detail, which serves to give the book a firm time and place. A time and place which, when combined with the designs for Jim’s and Breckenridge’s fantastic inventions, brings to mind Miyazaki movies like Howl’s Moving Castle or Laputa. They all have that 19th century, European countryside, Jules Verne feel to them. The character designs are equally detailed and evocative and do a good job at capturing each character’s simple personality and summing it up in a glance. Breckenridge is clearly the old, eccentric professor, complete with spectacles and bushy mustache, while one look at Jim tells you that he’s clean-cut and good-natured. China’s design is a bit more deceptive, though, as her traditional Chinese dress hides her fighting prowess and strength. Speaking of China, there are a handful of nude scenes involving her which stick out like a sore thumb. Given the general tone and feel of the stories, they come across as fan service pure and simple. Their inclusion really surprised me because, frankly, if it wasn’t for the nudity this book seems like it would make a nice all ages read.

Ultimately, while Spirit of Wonder is a bit one note, there’s still a certain charm to it. I enjoyed it even though it’s not exactly the kind of thing I would have gone digging for on my own. The one note nature of the story, plus the high 90s era price point makes it a bit difficult to recommend, though it still might be worth a look if you can find it on sale or in the bargain bins.

Spirit of Wonder is available now.