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4.26 AVERAGE
4.26 AVERAGE
Solid 4/5 stars for me.
To me, this feels a little mislabeled as a shoujo or romance - it feels solidly like a slice-of-life with episodic glimpses into everyday life, with some romance and relationships thrown in. And this is a huge positive - Horimiya's cast is funny, memorable, and heartwarming in their interactions with each other. There were many moments when I thought back to my own small funny moments with friends with a wry smile. The premise of the manga starts like a romance - popular girl and unpopular boy fall for each other, both of them seeing the person behind the everyday-persona they wear at school. But refreshingly, the romance is never the main stakes of the storyline - there's no convoluted love triangle, will they won't they, or dramatic almost-breakups. Instead, the love is there mainly to highlight the relationship between Hori and Miyamura and how they bring out expressive and comedic sides of each other. And in turn, their relationship helps to highlight the relationships of all the side characters, too. There's some small dramas and miscommunications, but its in the gentle teenage "we're still figuring ourselves out" rather than the dramatic CW TV show teen drama.
However, even though I enjoyed the relaxed and comedic pace, and definitely felt myself feeling nostalgic, I do think that the plot can sometimes be lacking. It's not the kind of deep-reaching series like I'd label Kimi ni Todoke, and I wish that there was more focus on life continuing and changing past school. There are some stereotypical gender roles and the "pervy high school teacher looking at high school girls," but I'll write it off as a sign of the time. There are some hints at deeper topics (like Miyamura's tendency to self-harm or hinting towards everyone's goals after school), but ultimately it never really feels fully explored as a serious topic as much as it's painted as a fun "quirk". It feels more like a soft memory than a full journey.
Overall, really enjoyed it and it was a refreshing read because of the healthy romance and relationships in comparison to typical shoujo. Really enjoyed the art, too, and the humor/small life moments reminded me a lot of Yotsuba or Azumanga Daioh in the best way.
To me, this feels a little mislabeled as a shoujo or romance - it feels solidly like a slice-of-life with episodic glimpses into everyday life, with some romance and relationships thrown in. And this is a huge positive - Horimiya's cast is funny, memorable, and heartwarming in their interactions with each other. There were many moments when I thought back to my own small funny moments with friends with a wry smile. The premise of the manga starts like a romance - popular girl and unpopular boy fall for each other, both of them seeing the person behind the everyday-persona they wear at school. But refreshingly, the romance is never the main stakes of the storyline - there's no convoluted love triangle, will they won't they, or dramatic almost-breakups. Instead, the love is there mainly to highlight the relationship between Hori and Miyamura and how they bring out expressive and comedic sides of each other. And in turn, their relationship helps to highlight the relationships of all the side characters, too. There's some small dramas and miscommunications, but its in the gentle teenage "we're still figuring ourselves out" rather than the dramatic CW TV show teen drama.
However, even though I enjoyed the relaxed and comedic pace, and definitely felt myself feeling nostalgic, I do think that the plot can sometimes be lacking. It's not the kind of deep-reaching series like I'd label Kimi ni Todoke, and I wish that there was more focus on life continuing and changing past school. There are some stereotypical gender roles and the "pervy high school teacher looking at high school girls," but I'll write it off as a sign of the time. There are some hints at deeper topics (like Miyamura's tendency to self-harm or hinting towards everyone's goals after school), but ultimately it never really feels fully explored as a serious topic as much as it's painted as a fun "quirk". It feels more like a soft memory than a full journey.
Overall, really enjoyed it and it was a refreshing read because of the healthy romance and relationships in comparison to typical shoujo. Really enjoyed the art, too, and the humor/small life moments reminded me a lot of Yotsuba or Azumanga Daioh in the best way.
A great fast read for long-term manga lovers and those new to the genre looking for their first read. The story is easy breezy and fun and the illustration is perfect for the setting.
This is a cute and funny with the 2 main teens quickly learning that people aren't always what they seem and acquiring an ever expanding group of characters to round out the storyline.
As a non-Japanese person I always enjoy manga and dramas set in Japanese high schools as it gives me a glimpse into a very different experience than the one I had growing up, but the themes of friendship, love and a little teen angst are universal and super charming in this book.
Can't wait to read the next volume
This is a cute and funny with the 2 main teens quickly learning that people aren't always what they seem and acquiring an ever expanding group of characters to round out the storyline.
As a non-Japanese person I always enjoy manga and dramas set in Japanese high schools as it gives me a glimpse into a very different experience than the one I had growing up, but the themes of friendship, love and a little teen angst are universal and super charming in this book.
Can't wait to read the next volume
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
This was pretty cute! I lke that it's simple but not fussy so far; I hate when shoujo manga gets too ~le dramatic.
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I read this after watching the anime, I wish it had been reversed order because the anime has me in a chokehold more than volume 1.
Hori and Miyamura are classmates that accidently become besties when he helps out Hori’s little brother. Miyamura has two sides, his shy side he uses at school and his badass alt side outside of school.
Hori is popular but outside of school she’s taking charge of all the household duties and taking care of her little brother.
It’s nice they are able to share their true selves with each other and begin a good friendship. Can’t wait for them to blossom into something more.
Hori and Miyamura are classmates that accidently become besties when he helps out Hori’s little brother. Miyamura has two sides, his shy side he uses at school and his badass alt side outside of school.
Hori is popular but outside of school she’s taking charge of all the household duties and taking care of her little brother.
It’s nice they are able to share their true selves with each other and begin a good friendship. Can’t wait for them to blossom into something more.
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced