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gwenolabarr 's review for:
The World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 1, Volume 1: The Case of Ritsu Onodera
by Shungiku Nakamura
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This series is still ongoing, and my review is subject to change. I am also not putting individual reviews or thoughts in beyond the first volume as it will be an overview of my thoughts on the whole series.
The World’s Greatest First Love is a classic in the BL genre, blending romance, workplace drama, and plenty of complicated feelings. One of the most fascinating aspects of this series is the change in art style over time. It’s heartwarming to see how the artwork evolves as the series progresses, shifting from its more traditional early BL style to something more refined and expressive. The development in the art feels like it grows with the story and characters, giving a sense of progression and deepening emotional resonance.
That said, this series isn’t without its issues, particularly the early volumes that engage in the problematic tropes of fetishisation and non-consensual moments. These are very cringe to revisit in your 30s when you read this as a teenager and thought it was *TrUe LoVe*. The initial handling of boundaries between the characters, especially in Takano and Ritsu’s relationship, is often uncomfortable to read. Fortunately, later volumes seem to address this more thoughtfully, attempting to retcon some of the more concerning moments by focusing more on mutual respect and clearer communication. It’s not perfect, but it’s clear the series is trying to be more mindful of boundaries.
Takano is absolute bae and the emotional core of the series. His persistence, charm, and unwavering love for Ritsu make him the standout character. Takano’s devotion and growth throughout the series are what keep me hooked. He’s mature, knows what he wants, and even when Ritsu is frustratingly oblivious, Takano’s presence keeps the romance grounded. BUT let’s be real, his devotion borders on obsession. Like, who lets a high school romance destroy their life forever? Seriously, Takano, get a grip! Yet, despite all that, I still love him so much.
Speaking of Ritsu, yes, he’s a pretty cringe MC, constantly in denial about his feelings, running away from confrontation, and generally a bit clueless. But despite all that, we love him anyway. There’s something endearing about his awkwardness and his struggle to accept his own emotions. Ritsu’s journey from stubborn avoidance to realising his true feelings is messy, but that’s part of his charm. He’s cringe, but we’re rooting for him.
The switch in relationships and different case stories throughout the series adds variety. While Takano and Ritsu’s story is central, the side couples offer fresh dynamics and drama. Characters like Kisa and Yukina bring their own set of complications, keeping the series interesting and giving readers multiple relationship styles to engage with. Each pair deals with different struggles, whether it’s balancing work and love, navigating insecurities, or coming to terms with past baggage.
Overall, this is a classic for a reason. It's a history lesson for new readers, particularly those who need to see how writing and storytelling has evolved to be more mindful in these spaces. As have many of us ol' BL readers who were just young whipper snappers in the mid-00s.
The World’s Greatest First Love is a classic in the BL genre, blending romance, workplace drama, and plenty of complicated feelings. One of the most fascinating aspects of this series is the change in art style over time. It’s heartwarming to see how the artwork evolves as the series progresses, shifting from its more traditional early BL style to something more refined and expressive. The development in the art feels like it grows with the story and characters, giving a sense of progression and deepening emotional resonance.
That said, this series isn’t without its issues, particularly the early volumes that engage in the problematic tropes of fetishisation and non-consensual moments. These are very cringe to revisit in your 30s when you read this as a teenager and thought it was *TrUe LoVe*. The initial handling of boundaries between the characters, especially in Takano and Ritsu’s relationship, is often uncomfortable to read. Fortunately, later volumes seem to address this more thoughtfully, attempting to retcon some of the more concerning moments by focusing more on mutual respect and clearer communication. It’s not perfect, but it’s clear the series is trying to be more mindful of boundaries.
Takano is absolute bae and the emotional core of the series. His persistence, charm, and unwavering love for Ritsu make him the standout character. Takano’s devotion and growth throughout the series are what keep me hooked. He’s mature, knows what he wants, and even when Ritsu is frustratingly oblivious, Takano’s presence keeps the romance grounded. BUT let’s be real, his devotion borders on obsession. Like, who lets a high school romance destroy their life forever? Seriously, Takano, get a grip! Yet, despite all that, I still love him so much.
Speaking of Ritsu, yes, he’s a pretty cringe MC, constantly in denial about his feelings, running away from confrontation, and generally a bit clueless. But despite all that, we love him anyway. There’s something endearing about his awkwardness and his struggle to accept his own emotions. Ritsu’s journey from stubborn avoidance to realising his true feelings is messy, but that’s part of his charm. He’s cringe, but we’re rooting for him.
The switch in relationships and different case stories throughout the series adds variety. While Takano and Ritsu’s story is central, the side couples offer fresh dynamics and drama. Characters like Kisa and Yukina bring their own set of complications, keeping the series interesting and giving readers multiple relationship styles to engage with. Each pair deals with different struggles, whether it’s balancing work and love, navigating insecurities, or coming to terms with past baggage.
Overall, this is a classic for a reason. It's a history lesson for new readers, particularly those who need to see how writing and storytelling has evolved to be more mindful in these spaces. As have many of us ol' BL readers who were just young whipper snappers in the mid-00s.