A Vampire in the Bathhouse is so charming and funny, even if over-reliant on that one screen tone. From its comical cover to the thought put into its contents page and its cotton candy bed, there’s a lot of care on display here. The characters are all so expressive in their own ways. Especially poor, put-upon Sakura. He’s so beautifully deadpan. I love how over he is with all of the supernatural shenanigans suddenly thrust upon him. His exasperation with Luka is funny and their friction is enjoyable, with moments of genuine affection that keep things light. But they were outshone by the adorable Umenosuke and his new pal, the demon familiar Pequeño. His immediate curiosity about this stranger makes a welcome contrast to Sakura. The surprise stars of the manga, they are a delight. They’re also where the manga is most focused – or, less kindly, where the manga is least confused.

It’s easy to see why Luka is so fond of where he’s ended up – both with the Full Moon Baths, then with the town itself. But even in those moments A Vampire in the Bathhouse crumbles under its own weight. Luka’s arrival, splashing down into the spa, is pure rom-com. And from that awkward but funny meet-cute it stumbles from romance plot point to romance plot point. Sakura is unable to go to his brother’s sports day so Luka steps up and into the family dynamic. They have what can only be seen as a date. A mystery threat from Luka’s past rears its head and of course he’s the perfect complication thrown in to be the third point in a love tangle.

A Vampire in the Bathhouse is not a romance. And it can’t help but disappoint because of that. All of these romance beats. All of this build-up. All of it unresolved. Little helped by the abruptness of the ending. And so the story hangs like a too-small coat on a too-big hanger. However, it was hilarious, and I’m curious to see what this mangaka will make with more time and experience.

With thanks to Netgalley and Kodansha, I leave this review voluntarily.