Drip Drip, created by Paru Itagaki with translation by Tomo Kimura and lettering by Stephen Dutro, takes nosebleeds to extreme levels. This manga from Viz Media follows Mako Higari, 29 years old, wants a normal sexual relationship. But getting laid is not simple for Maki. Every time she tries to have sex, she gets a nosebleed. This one-shot manga tackles issues of self-worth, loneliness, and trauma through Mako’s exaggerated condition. Drip Drip is graphic and hilarious but skims the surface of the deep-rooted trauma. Still, as a story that sends a message via entertainment, the manga is not easy to forgotten, thanks to Mako’s epic nosebleeds.
Drip Drip Gives Trauma A Light Touch
Maki works at a company where coworkers consider her “easy.” The truth is, despite trying, Maki cannot have a physical relationship. From her flashbacks with her mom, it is obvious where her issue originates. The mom’s partner had an affair; at least, Maki’s mom believed. Unresolved hurt can create abuse, and though there are never any moments where Maki’s mom physically abuses her, the lectures regarding cleanliness take a toll on child Maki.
Maki’s nosebleeds are severe. While in school, desperate to defeat her phobia of all things dirty, Maki buried her face in a garbage receptacle. The result was a geyser of blood, and she almost died. It is not only obvious dirt like trash, but money because her mom told her cash is dirty, and sex without love because her mom told her sex without true love would make Maki a dirty slut. The manga downplays the trauma, opting for matter-of-fact or laughs when Maki discusses her past.
Comical Journey To Get Laid
Some images make Maki appear out of a horror movie. Like in the beginning, when she chases down a man while naked to sanitize him with boiling water. You might think the manga is horror, then. Still, a few guys enter Maki’s life only to disappear, not in a body buried in a landfill sense, but fleeing in terror from Maki’s nosebleeds. With exaggerated nosebleeds, looking like an explosion in certain scenes, the hilarity increases with each page. The laughs supersede heartfelt moments.
Who Is The Story For? It May Not Matter
Drip Drip plays down trauma for laughs and makes you think the audience is children. However, the nudity makes it clear the audience is adults, so it feels confusing. Yet, the story shines with this avenue of humor, tackling a depressing subject with laughs. Exploring serious topics can take many forms. Maki’s condition and issues could apply to anyone struggling with self-acceptance, and thanks to the laughs, it does not feel heavy. Drip Drip is not one of those reads where you need to take a moment to brace yourself emotionally or mentally.
Maki’s issues do not magically resolve by the last page, but she does realize that her preoccupation with physical relationships and her trauma hold her back. Some may be rooting for her to find her true love; however, the love she needs is self-love. No one is perfect; love is about finding the person who accepts you, imperfections and all. All love starts there. Although a bit shallow, Drip Drip is entertaining, funny, and a quick read; one you might even revisit because it is humorous and memorable.
