The Way of the Househusband, Vol. 3 by Kousuke Oono
Series Name: The Way of the House Husband
Genres: Comedy, Contemporary, Slice of Life
Intended Age Group: Older Teen
Publisher: Viz
Edition: Paperback
ISBN: 978-1-9747-1346-2
Rating: 3.5/5
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Description from the Book
The Immortal Dragon, once the fiercest member of the yakuza, is now a married man devoted to supporting his loving wife – as a househusband! But when the gangster-turned-homemaker needs to make some quick cash to buy her a present, he turns to the only skills he knows – and gets his first part-time job! The cozy yakuza comedy continues!
Personal & Info
This is a three and a half, and while some might think that’s low, it’s actually decent. Based on the system I use, it’s a good score. I use this score for things that are above average, but not outstandingly good.
This volume is funny enough to make me giggle, but the particular slice of life stories in the volume are not as great as the ones in the first volume. The fact it makes me giggle gets it that half score. If it were to excite me as much as, say, that one chapter in volume one where Tatsu criticizes the Roomba and the cat gets into shenanigans making a mess of everything, then it would earn that four.
Characters
Tatsu and Miku are the primary characters for each volume.
Masa appears to be a regular. He’s a “sworn brother” to Tatsu from his days as a yakuza.
Various other housewives make appearances at least once per volume.
Story & Thoughts
There appears to be a running theme of retired yakuza showing up with various generic jobs. They all take everything super seriously. Like the guy from volume two who has a crepe truck. It’s pretty great. We see two more in this book.
It looks like a possible overarching plot is being introduced. In a couple different chapters, there are people talking about something going on with the yakuza. Tatsu is not relevant to it as of yet, but it’s in his periphery.
Tatsu seems like a great husband. He tries hard to take care of all Miku’s needs, even if he doesn’t quite know how to handle it effectively sometimes. Falling for TV ads certainly is not helpful. It’s pretty amazing how he can do something in practically two seconds that neither Miku, nor Masa, seem to be able to. I think Miku would live in filth without him, and probably not eat nearly as well.
Masa seems to be taking some lessons to heart. His skills are more that of a beginner, so he needs more practice. He always wants to “guugle” things, which can be helpful, but this is often brought up at inconvenient times.
There are bonus chapters in every volume. Each one, so far, has at least one starring Gin, their family cat. I think those are the best ones.