The Way of the Househusband Volume 5 is written and drawn by mangaka Kousuke Oono and published by Viz Media. This best-selling comedy series continues with its non-linear storytelling and packs each page with mighty laughs and endearing relationship moments. In previous volumes, it focused less on emotional beats between ex-yakuza member Tatsu and his wife, Miku. However, The Way of the Househusband Volume 5 brings back the sweet love that makes this story not only hilarious but also so sentimental by providing an extension of the strengths of Volume 4.
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For starters, the artwork in this volume is the most dynamic and expressive in the whole series thus far. There are moments between characters displaying excitement or joy and Oono captures them perfectly. This is best shown in the chapter where Tatsu and Miku go to a sake tasting fair. The warmth and happiness that radiates from their exchanges of love, their flustered faces from the alcohol, and their giggles are infectious to say the least. My absolute favorite panel in the whole book captures Tatsu, Miku, and a friend of theirs in arms throwing their heads back while laughing together in a moment of fun. It’s breathtaking in its simplicity but helps engage readers into caring about these characters. Not to mention that Oono has a great hold on lettering to make the experience of reading the manga easy and quick.
The writing sees the comedic moments hit stronger than in the previous volume. There are more thought-out jokes that don’t feel so dependent on Tatsu being an ex-yakuza member. A lot of the comedy in The Way of the Househusband Volume 5 stems from character interactions. Whether Tatsu is making sure he is getting the perfect gift for Miku, making the best dinner at a chef’s class, or playing video games with his friend, the comedy feels more personalized to their characters. In previous volumes, the comedy landed on the fact that he is perceived as scary and violent whereas now it is mixed with character growth.
One of the best reasons why The Way of the Househusband stands out is because Oono writes Tatsu to never be afraid of engaging in household activities to help his wife. It’s refreshing to read an ongoing that never has its main character so utterly in love with his wife that he would get into a competition over who can make the best dinner just to impress her. Readers are never laughing at Tatsu but always with him.
This book was one of my personal favorites out of the whole series. I laughed out loud so many times at how human comedy can be. Despite The Way of the Househusband Volume 5 being about an ex-yakuza member, there is nothing but tender care and endearment shown in the presentation of his marriage to Miku. The zany situations and great character writing make Volume 5 an absolute blast to read. It is incredibly rewarding for long-time readers to engage and witness character development within the last two volumes and with Oono’s superb artwork, you cannot go wrong reading The Way of the Househusband Volume 5.
The Way of the Househusband Volume 5 is available now wherever manga is sold.
The Way of the Househusband Volume 5
TL;DR
This book was one of my personal favorites out of the whole series. I laughed out loud so many times at how human comedy can be. Despite The Way of the Househusband Volume 5 being about an ex-yakuza member, there is nothing but tender care and endearment shown in the presentation of his marriage to Miku. The zany situations and great character writing make Volume 5 an absolute blast to read. It is incredibly rewarding for long-time readers to engage and witness character development within the last two volumes and with Oono’s superb artwork, you cannot go wrong reading The Way of the Househusband Volume 5.
