PART 15 of 52 ONESHOTS in 52 WEEKS
修行コウタ×小東のらの『骸骨と恋はできるのか？』 “Gaikotsu to Koi wa Dekiru no ka?” by SHUGYOU Kouta & KOHIGASHI Nora
Gaikotsu to Koi wa Dekiru no ka? (known as Can You Fall in Love With a Skeleton? in English) began as a rough oneshot published on Rookie Jump by light novel author Nora Kohigashi in 2021. It gained recognition as one of the best new original manga, leading to a collaboration by artist Kouta Shugyou and the original author Kohigashi to create a fully illustrated version, which was published in Jump Plus magazine in 2022.
The oneshot follows the original very closely, opening on Arwen, an adventurer who slays monsters for a living. After clearing an ancient castle, Arwen comes across a coffin in the throne room. Curious, he opens the coffin, and finds a living skeleton inside! The skeleton jolts upwards and professes its love for the adventurer; announcing that if Arwen can return this love, the skeleton’s curse will be lifted and they will turn back into a beautiful princess.
Despite encompassing many fairy tale staples (the princess, the adventurer, the curse, the spell-breaking kiss, etc.) the oneshot’s playful tone and engaging character dynamics help to shape a story that feels sufficiently distinct, taking a largely humourous but nonetheless moving approach to the age old question: when it comes to love, is it appearance or what’s inside that matters most?
The independent Arwen and Luria the skeleton are a memorable pair, with many a comical exchange had regarding their compatibility. The manga takes place over the course of a week and spans 54 pages in total. The length is utilised well, opening with a light-hearted quality before introducing mystery and drama. Nora Kohigashi’s background in light novels shines through; divulged not only by the descriptive title, but the premise is easy to envisage as a much longer written project. Yet the author has condensed the concept well, with the connection between Arwen and Luria largely convincing despite the manga’s short duration.
Kouta Shugyou’s artwork follows author Kohigashi’s original sketches to a tee, bringing the story to life with a much more refined and detailed style than the simplified version before it. Arwen and the castle setting are quite typical in appearance, but Luria’s design is a highlight; her skeletal starkness contrasted with an overly lively and emotive expression.
Can You Fall in Love With a Skeleton? concludes as a rather polished work that is effective in both its comedy and drama. It brought about an exciting match, with Nora Kohigashi and Kouta Shugyou continuing to collaborate. The pair published another Jump Plus oneshot this year titled Future Magic Bride — a romantic comedy about a school girl who can see the future.
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Morning, Roo 