Reviews

Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku, Vol. 1 by Fujita

rereader33's review against another edition

5.0

This is easily one of my favorite romantic comedy manga of all time, packed with humor and heart. The romance is not as in your face as other series, but I think that's fine since it gives more screen time to the characters' personalities rather than watching them kiss or be romantic every single chapter. I know that this sounds odd, but I prefer romance stories to focus on their characters rather than the romance simply because I can't root for a romance if I can't root for the characters. Why should I care if two characters get together if either the characters are boring or are aren't developed at all? Focusing on each characters' interests and showing how they respond in certain situations gives me a clearer picture of who they are as well as helps me decide whether the couple in question are good for each other or not. In this case, I am completely down for both couples, despite how different they are. I like the fact that there is someone in both relationships for is trying to hide or keep quiet about their otaku habits because they fear judgement, while their partner isn't worried about it at all.

While I would prefer that each character be accepting of who they are and flaunt their hobbies without question, I can understand why some would be afraid to do so. And honestly, the fact that they can be themselves around each other and hang out as a group and totally nerd out is wholesome, delightful, and adorable. The last thing I want to mention about this manga is that the biggest selling point for me is the fact that each couples' relationships are solid because they have common interests. As much as the "polar opposites attract" trope is decent and can be interesting, the fact is that in real life most people seek out partners who have similar interests. Seriously, why would you date someone you have nothing in common with? In my experience, that's a recipe for disaster. It is so refreshing to see relationships, especially adult relationships, that built on a foundation of shared interests. It makes the relationships more believable and makes for better interactions between lovers. In conclusion, I love this series (forgot to mention this is a reread for me) and I look forward to reading the other two omnibus.

leafblade's review against another edition

5.0

Reseña 2024: idem 2021
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Si me muero pongan el opening de wotakoi y si no revivo me les fui de verdad

defenders_iris's review against another edition

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

A run of the mill otaku comedy manga. Tends to hit well-tread ground instead of anything new and the stereotypical characters aren't the best, but the passion the author has for the story and source material is noticeable and lends a charming veneer to the book. 

dembury's review against another edition

3.0

“Wotakoi” goes back and forth from being a very lighthearted, nerdy romcom of a story to one that’s pretty frustrating to read, primarily because of the casual yet constant body shaming and the vaguely uncomfortable relationship between the side couple (Koyanagi and Kabakura). Although the sweet moments were very good, and I enjoyed the simplicity of just friends hanging out, it was weird to have characters constantly calling their partner an “ugly hag” or criticize them for having a certain boob size. Maybe the writer was trying to be funny but it really didn’t work out. I mighttt read Vol. 2 but it’s not high on my priority list.

panda's review against another edition

3.0

Fun starter not a fan of a lot of Otaku stuff but still fun as an anime fan :)

mekachudrago's review against another edition

funny inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

jenniferip's review against another edition

funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

allygatr's review against another edition

3.0

I did not feel for the characters which docked the rating down a point. this would probably be more enjoyable if I was an otaku (mega weeb) but, as I am not, this was good, enjoyable, fun, light read, but not grand. I will be reading the series.

cielbear's review against another edition

5.0

An interesting story. Decided to read after watching the anime. Is it bad that I like the other couple more? Both couples are great. Love how they all interact with each other. Wish there were more adult focused romance manga out there.

jaelee's review against another edition

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5