Gaba Kawa

December 22, 2008
The single-volume Gaba Kawa
manga had a complete run in Shojo Beat
magazine earlier this year. “Gaba Kawa” is “a made-up word that means someone is cute because they don't give up.” Although not giving up on your crush is tantamount to stalking by American cultural standards, in the world of shojo manga it's considered cute. “It's cute you're so persistent,” handsome love-interest Retsu says of Rara, a demon sent to the human world to commit evil acts. Rara has trouble telling the difference between mischief and evil, and quickly loses her powers as she breaks the only rule she's been given: “Never use magic on behalf of a human.” A lighthearted but disposable comedy follows, drawn in the distinct, attractive style typical of Takada's other works.