A review by draagon
Getting Closer to You, Vol. 1 by Ruri Kamino

funny lighthearted relaxing slow-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? No

3.0

I'm torn on this first volume. On one hand, I think it's done quite humorously with the female lead being obsessed with (men's) muscles -- how they look and how they work. This is a unique premise in that the female lead is quite unabashed in her tastes and has no qualms sneaking looks at various sports teams around the school. But therein lies the problem -- it's quite voyeuristic in nature, and it's hard to ignore the double standard if roles were reversed, if it were a male lead obsessed with (women's) muscles, especially their chests. While this does happen in countless shonen series, it's not exactly something celebrated in general, and two double standards don't make a right. At the same time, the male lead doesn't seem to mind being carressed by the female lead's gaze at every turn, and in fact encourages it because he has feelings for her. It's a conundrum, and I'll tentatively continue to see where it goes.