The translated run of MAISON IKKOKU is fast coming to an end. The first volume of the graphic novel collections of issues made its appearence in 1994. Domestic Dispute and Learning Curves mark the eight and ninth published volumes of the series, with the latter appearing on the stands in early 1998. The series is now roughly two-thirds of the way to its completion, and with these two volumes, a turning point is reached. And it is a turning point in more ways than one.
Volume Eight, Domestic Dispute is the "Nikaido issue". A new tenant moves into Maison Ikkoku. His name is Nikaido Nozomu, a first year college student from a well-to-do family. Unlike Godai, Nikaido was able to get into college on his first try. As a reward, his parents get him his own place to stay. Unfortunately, a mistake has been made, and he has rented Room 2 of Maison Ikkoku. His mother wants to correct her error, but Nikaido decides to try the place for a while.
(Aside: Given his last name—it contains the Japanese kanji for "two"—it is unlikely that Nikaido will move out in the near future. In fact, most major characters in the MAISON IKKOKU world have a number-kanji of some sort in their surname. Tennis coach debonaire Coach Mitaka has the kanji for "three", and erstwhile girlfriend Kozue Nanao has the kanji for "seven". And as we will see in Volume nine, a new character, Ibuki Yagami, has the kanji for "eight".)
Nikaido is a revengeful, determined child with a knack for destructive carpentry. And he claims as his first target: Room 4, whose tenant is the man known as Yotsuya. From the start, he is welcomed with the same enthusiasm that Godai was when he first arrived at Maison Ikkoku. So it's natural to see why Nikaido wishes to seek vengeance on those who wrong him. And again, unlike Godai he is not so meek as to take all the less-than-good-natured abuse. Nikaido also has a tendency to be a bit thick-skinned, and it takes him several chapters to see the romantic tension surrounding protagonists Otonashi Kyoko and Godai Yusaku.
Volume Nine, Learning Curves is the "Yagami issue". The beginnings of this story arc take place at the end of the previous issue and span the entire course of Volume Eight. Godai has begun student teaching at Kyoko's old school. There he meets the irrepressible class representative, Ibuki Yagami. She initially does not have a very good impression of him, until she catches him one day looking through an old school photo album with a tear in his eye. From that point forward, she falls in love with the deeply romantic student teacher who lost his true love at the school. Actually, Godai was trying to find a picture of Kyoko's dead husband in the faculty section of the yearbook and had just yawned when Yagami caught him.
At this point, Godai must juggle the feelings of three women, finish his student teaching, make sure he graduates on time, and find a good job so that he can support the woman to whom he wishes to propose. Certainly, this is a major turning point in the plot. Godai is finally about to graduate from college and must turn to a new chapter in his life. And from here on out, readers should not expect the same type of stories that were presented earlier on. There are at most 5 volumes remaining in the translated series, probably less.
At the beginning of the series, Godai had not even gotten into college yet. So a little over 4 years has been told over these 9 volumes. Pacing like this cannot be seen in many series. And as the time and story progress, so too does Takahashi Rumiko's art style. The first volume of the series has very different art than what we have arrived at. It is truly amazing to watch Takahashi's style develop into what will ultimately be the art of RANMA 1/2 and INU-YASHA.
MAISON IKKOKU is, in my opinion, the definitive work of Takahashi. It has appeal to all ages and genders, and for a Takahashi work, has enjoyed a broader reader demographic than her other titles. It is the series where her style blossomed into the mature style that it is currently. Volume Nine is a strange departure from earlier material. Godai has to face real-world problems other than school and must eventually decide what to do with his life. Kyoko, too, must develop and finally decide which person she wants to spend her life with. She has been without a husband for over 4 years. Their story is told unlike any other, with a lot of humor and a grain of salt.

MAISON IKKOKU Copyright © Viz Communications Takahashi Rumiko Volume 8: Domestic Dispute Volume 9: Learning Curves English Adaptation by Gerard Jones $16.95 USA/$24.25 CAN