A review by morebedsidebooks
Seven Days: Monday → Thursday by Venio Tachibana

  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
Seven Days is an adored and memorable title in the boys love genre, with a nice live-action adaptation to its credit as well. The two-volume comic series features popular first year high school student Touji, who dates the first person to ask him out on a Monday but only for the week. Until, instead of a girl, the handsome upperclassman Yuzuru on a whim asks him out. The story written by Venio Tachibana may have a corny proposal of falling in love in only one week but, the execution is methodical, subtle, and appealing. Over the course of the week readers learn about both beyond the pretty boy images the characters have, with a little glimpse at their different home lives too. Both have reservations about love. Touji from a wealthy family with a complex home life. Yuzuru with a more average family including a little sister but, is often told his looks don’t match his personality, and rejected. Takarai’s first comic, her art likewise showcases an expressive touch, from faces to backgrounds, and pivotal picturesque kisses, all adding an ambience. Plus, nice paneling at the archery club that also ties the two characters together. 

Taking three years to complete in Japan it was first brought over in English in 2010 and 2011 from Juné Manga. Please note however an English reprint (2016 on) suffers from severe printing errors. There is the digital edition translated by Melissa Goldberg by which to still experience this classic. That is unless you can track down an old copy, an endeavor which may be both difficult and expensive. How such defects are acceptable in any circumstance is beyond me. Fortunately, in 2019 another North American publisher SuBLime Manga licensed the series in a new edition as an omnibus format with translation by Adrienne Beck. 

Seven Days is still a lighthearted, and charming comic where love does exist. Great for teenagers as well. Or for anyone who wishes to explore m/m Japanese comics this series is a good entry point.  
Even better if you've read the YA novel Date Me, Bryson Keller. Further, it could also be refreshing for those familiar with the genre. 
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