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Otomen #18

オトメン(乙男) 18

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母のために友人やりょうを遠ざけたまま卒業式当日を迎えた飛鳥。ところが答辞にあの人物が乱入して大騒ぎに! さらに飛鳥の身に予想外の事態が──!? 飛鳥のため奮闘するりょうと乙男たちの未来は…? 急展開、感動の最終巻!!

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 18, 2013

6 people are currently reading
245 people want to read

About the author

Aya Kanno

66 books198 followers
Aya Kanno (菅野文; Kanno Aya) is a Japanese shōjo manga artist.

Former assistant of mangaka Masashi Asaki of Psychometrer Eiji fame, she made her debut in the January 2001 issue of Hakusensha's magazine "Hana to Yume" with Soul Rescue. Her works include Otomen.

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5 stars
245 (44%)
4 stars
183 (33%)
3 stars
93 (17%)
2 stars
18 (3%)
1 star
6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for Michael (Mai).
898 reviews104 followers
January 18, 2016
That ending! It was so cute *__* I loved every volume of this. I especially loved how it ended. Very Disney with everyone happy in the end. Just what I wanted.
Profile Image for Raven.
468 reviews40 followers
February 14, 2019
Komik yang penuh detail cute, terutama sang damsel in distress, Asuka sendiri.
Otomen >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> toxic masculinity

Arc terakhir agak lebay tapi bolehlah demi happy ending.

a manga character says that girls comic must have happy ending
Profile Image for Sesana.
6,300 reviews329 followers
May 13, 2014
It feels like I've been waiting forever for the last volume of this series to come out, which I know is a bit of an exaggeration. Sure, the ending was a little predictable. But at least it wasn't disappointing. I wish that the book hadn't resorted to the overused subplot to fully resolve issues between Asuka and his mother, but I admit that there might not have been any other way to redeem her. I was glad that we finally (FINALLY!) find out why Asuka's father hasn't been living as a woman, and it does make a certain amount of sense. And I'm glad that Asuka and Ryo's relationship wasn't fast-tracked to the wedding on the cover. It's a great ending to a series I've loved since the first volume, and I'm glad that the series wasn't made to drag on too long.
Profile Image for Ambur.
850 reviews514 followers
December 8, 2019
Gah...well that was one of the most adorable series that I’ve ever read! I loved Asuka and Ryo so much, and I love all of their friends, too! There were a few volumes I liked a bit less, but overall I thought it was a wonderful series and I’d highly recommend it to shojo manga fans! It was cute, funny, super silly at times, and had a seriously adorable ending! I loved it!!! 🥰🥰🥰
Profile Image for Marsha.
Author 2 books39 followers
November 8, 2019
Judging by the cover, it seems that sweet, adorkable Asuka does wind up with the lovely, tough Ryo in the end. But why does he look so startled? And…is she holding him up in her arms?!?

The terrific, offbeat series Otomen comes to an end. After years of hiding who they are and working out what they want, the various characters learn to reconcile their desires, talents and abilities with what the world expects of them. Secrets are revealed, demands are made and bullies get what’s coming to them.

We finally get more layers and nuance to Asuka’s controlling mother, Kiyomi Masamune, and witness the shocking destruction of her scheming and meddling. I was always annoyed at the way her character was handled. While she was so Procrustean in her definition of what constituted the typical gender roles for men and women, no one ever pointed out to her that her control of a major corporation and icy dictating to those around her were not representative of what we would expect from women. Aren’t women traditionally expected to be passive, quiet, retiring and obedient creatures staying in the home and taking care of household and children? Isn’t her behavior drastically opposite of that?

But that never comes up. Instead, we see a final showdown between her and her obedient son Asuka as he finally learns about her duplicitous behavior and all is revealed—on camera, no less. Ouch.

The drama, passion, excitement and exuberant joy of this scene play out beautifully in this closing installation of the Otomen series. Even as we get the expected happily-ever-after ending, we get one final, funny surprise from the creator. I liked this series immensely and, if some of it wasn’t always five-star material, it still managed to be a captivating look into a charming subculture and pleasing twist on gender-stereotypical roles.
Profile Image for Laura A. Grace.
1,986 reviews312 followers
April 29, 2024
A very dramatic ending to the series, but I LOVED seeing each of the otomen guys shine! I'm glad that Juta told the truth, that Asuka's mom's awful lies were revealed, and that ultimately Asuka was FINALLY able to freely be himself. That his MOM could see him be his real self and how happy that made him, even though the whole memory loss was…out there. LOL!

But it was a very happy ending and despite that I skipped almost the entirety of the series to see the end, I feel extremely satisfied! Everyone got a happy ending and that was the number one thing I wanted to see. 🥹🥹🥹

I LOVED how Asuka and Ryo's wedding unfolded because it was SO them! LOL! Absolutely wonderful!

Overall, I probably won't ever come back to this series but I'm grateful I read what I did because it made me happy. <3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Isabella.
838 reviews55 followers
March 17, 2020
Very cute buuuuut

I expected more from the romance. There's non-shoujo manga out there with a better development in the romance area. Hell, even in the shoujo demographic there's better romance out there!!

But still, this had its cute moments
1 review
October 30, 2019
A very feminin man who goes by the name of Asuka Masamune struggles with this masculinity while still wanting to stay true to himself. The most powerful quotation is "I'm sure there's a way your happiness can make everyone else happy too. Let's both be happy. Don't run away from your true self." This quotation is so powerful becuase the entire series is about allowing yourself to be happy even if it goes agenst gender norms. I think this sums up what the series is while snapping the main character back to reality and his true self again.
Asuka is very feminin and struggles with his masculinity with his mom being the main antaganist as his father walked out on them wanting to become a woman. I think the most intresting parts of the series is the main character going up against the teachers that his mom hired who are supposed to support her "fall into gender roles only" ideals. In the end he wins simply by encouraging everyone to be true to themselves and overall makeing everyone a lot happer in the process.
Three adjatives that describe the series is exciting, unique, thought-provoking. This series is thought-provoking becuase the series asks the question are you doing things only becuase you are a [gender]? While also maintaining the shojo manga theme. It makes you ask the question of "If we say a girl can do anything a guy can, why can't a boy do anything a girl can?" This is supported by Ryou's father. He is a very masculine man who at first thinks a man should only be masculine. In the chapter he learns that Asuka can do anything his wife could do that he and his daughter could not. In the end of Asuka's vist he tells Ryou "Ryou... Have Asuka-kun come as your bride." Asuka is feminin, however Ryou's father is of the belif that guys cannot be feminin. By relising the error of his ways and how perfect Asuka is for his daughter Ryou he accepts Asuka might someday mary Ryou and take over all of the bridal chores in the home.
I would recommend this book to a straight person struggling with gender-roles, or how a man or woman is supposed to be versus who they are. When they read it they know that they are not alone. They may be straight but be very tom-boy or tom-girl and that is okay. It shows a openness of accepting that you don't get out of most manga these days especially for staight people.
Profile Image for Mizu.
43 reviews2 followers
September 10, 2018
🌸SYNOPSIS
Are you ready to face the final volume?
Asuka has now given up basically everything for the sake of his mother but is there more to her illness that she leads Asuka to believe. He is now fully dedicated to the path of being a manly man but when he goes on stage to give his final speech, his friends step in with an intervention!
What will happen? Will Asuka be able to confront the truth or keep lying to everyone and himself? Or will he forget everything? Find out in this climatic volume of Otomen

🌸OPINION
Annnnnd this is where I mention that it felt even more rushed than 17, anti-climactic and kind of a major let down. Sure, I enjoyed the ending and how it all went but if it was stretched over half a volume or longer, it would be a pretty good climax to a series that started off son amazingly well.
One cliché in the ending made me just sigh and shake my head because it felt so unnecessary and the middle section very messy, which emphasises how rushed it was.

🌸PRO
It ended after 18 volumes
The ending was cute

🌸CON
Felt rushed
Kind of let down by how it was initiated
Clichés: the not so subtle killer of all things good

🌸FINAL SAY
“I will make you happy for the rest of your life”
Thus the ending of the Otomen series. Wish I could say I enjoyed it, but it was a very middle to low section of enjoyment compared to other series I have read. I enjoyed the concept, the characters and the art but it felt lacking everywhere else. Some fillers were good, most were okay, but the ending felt like it could have gone longer and how it was done, wish I could be more positive. I recommend this series to people who enjoy romances and cute little stories with cute characters but otherwise, it’s an okay series.
Profile Image for melhara.
1,867 reviews90 followers
April 7, 2020
3.5/5

*** #9 of my 2020 Book Riot Read Harder Challenge - Read the LAST book in a series ***

This review is part of a personal challenge to: 1) read more French books; 2) improve my French; 3) read all the French manga novels from my mom's manga collection. Seeing as I read this book in French, the actual review will be in French (duh).
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Cette critique fait partie d'un défi personnel: d’améliorer mon français!


Ceci est le dernier volume de la série!

L'histoire s'est terminée de manière très simple (et clichée) mais j'ai vraiment apprécié la surprise à la fin (spoiler: cela a quelque chose à voir avec le père d'Asuka).
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Note moyenne de la série: 4.1/5
Critiques pour le reste de la série:
Tome 1 | Tome 2 | Tome 3 | Tome 4 | Tome 5 | Tome 6 | Tome 7 | Tome 8 | Tome 9 | Tome 10 | Tome 11 | Tome 12 | Tome 13 | Tome 14 | Tome 15 | Tome 16 | Tome 17 | Tome 18
Profile Image for Gabby.
274 reviews2 followers
September 10, 2025
4.75 stars. Review for vol. 10 - 18 (END)

Hilarious, fluffy, cute, and emotional. I don't think I'll find something quite like this series anytime soon. Gender role reversal is already rare, but this one is also done so well with plenty of comedic moments and enough emotional impact when the story needed it. The art was beautiful and very clean. The panels were clear and easy to follow.

Asuka is a pure cinnamon roll. I could relate to Ryo regarding her feelings of protectiveness and adoration toward Asuka. This man is just way too adorable, and as a reader I felt protective of him as well.
Profile Image for Jamie.
1,569 reviews1,244 followers
July 23, 2023
The last volume. It all comes to a close here. Asuka is in such a bad place at the start of this but what Juta does to help is amazing! Yet Asuka's mom STILL won't back off. But things go astray. Another last minute curve ball is thrown, plus Asuka's parents must finally confront one another. I wish that had more depth than it did. We do get a good ending but we have to take a leap for it. How time works in this series really is, by far my biggest gripe. But I loved the last page!
Profile Image for Heather Freeman.
163 reviews12 followers
July 19, 2024
I am crying. Seeing the MC's dad walk him down the aisle, finally OUT as the woman she is, and having the MC say "Dad...you're so beautiful"?!?! So fucking affirming!! Ok, so parts of this were silly as hell (amnesia), and I hate that the main girl becomes a cop like her dad. But that ending made up for it! Aya Kanno does such beautiful things deconstructing gender norms, I can't deal.
Profile Image for Annie.
374 reviews14 followers
September 10, 2017
Ah I finally finished it.... I LOVE THIS SERIES!!!
The ending was sort of abrupt but that seems to be a common thing in manga (at least the ones I've finished).
PS. I'm really glad Asuka's dad is living as she pleases <3
Profile Image for Kristina.
568 reviews36 followers
January 14, 2019
Kind of sad I finished this series. Love the characters and the random story line. At least there was a happy ending and hope the author brings them back perhaps to see what they are like as adults.
Profile Image for Pinky.
7,043 reviews23 followers
June 27, 2020
The otomen reveal themselves at the Ginyuri graduation ceremony in front of live television. Asuka gets amnesia after a fall while saving his mom, he doesn't remember anyone at all. He gets his memory back because of Ryo and they get married ten years later.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Rici.
546 reviews
June 4, 2017
Ende der Serie und ein Happy End! Natürlich war die Mischung von Zukunft und Gegenwart zum Schluss schlecht gewählt, aber freut mich, dass alle glücklich geworden sind.
Profile Image for Mary-Jean Harris.
Author 13 books55 followers
August 4, 2018
I can't believe the series is over! It was definitely one of the best mangas I've read, plot-wise and the artwork. Please, Aya Kanno, write more!
Profile Image for Flannery.
78 reviews5 followers
January 12, 2019
Oh my god, wholesome turned up to 11. I LOVED this whole series from beginning to end. Lifetime fav, for sure.
Profile Image for L.
576 reviews43 followers
May 10, 2021
A happy, albeit cliched tropes, for the ending. It has been a very engaging and thoughtful manga series exploring manliness and womanliness.
Profile Image for chex.
20 reviews
April 3, 2025
WTFREAK i love this series so FREAKING much!!1!1!!11!!!1!!
2 reviews
December 10, 2014
This is not a review. every single sentence in this SUMMARY is a SPOILER. this is for my class thing so yea.

Asuka's mom found out and got him to confess that he has been an otomen( guy who loves girly things) for a long time. His mom then gives trouble to all his friends which are all otomen including his girlfriend who is the opposite of an otomen. That plan results in everyone being separated. Asuka then realizes he is causing many people pain like his mom by being an otomen so he told his mom that we will act manly for the rest of his life as a trade to free his friends from being troubled by his mom. His friends weren't told this plan but then found out and decides to help him even though Asuka doesn't know and doesn't want any contact at all with them because of the deal he made with his mom. AHHHHHHHHH i just finished it this second... lots of stuff happened ( too lazy to write it all, too many things happened <3 ) but they had a 10 year flash forward and Asuka and Ryou got married <333
His mom accepted him for who he is, his dad finally became a girl(he didn't when he left Asuka and his wife because he was worried about them for ~10 years; then reunited) Juta came out to the public as a guy who writes shoujo mangas(mangas for girl audience), Kitora became the flower expert who was able to make the last of the legendary flower grow into millions, Tounomine is a pro make up artist, the Hanamase brothers are singing beautiful love songs, Yamato finally doesn't look like a girl anymore, achieving his dream looks where he is tall & handsome, and lastly Ryou ( the only girl in this group of friend) became a female police officer! The two gets married and EVERYONE LIVES HAPPILY EVER AFTER <333! THE END.

The whole series, the whole thing was pretty interesting but in the middle, the story started to drag and it wasn't as intriguing and when i just started the manga. I had to tell myself "just keep reading and finish it already" at some point but towards the end, it was interesting again and I could not stop smiling! I'd say it is one of my top shoujo mangas :D!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Judyth.
1,742 reviews41 followers
September 14, 2014
~4-4.5/5

[Read more at my blog, Geeky Reading!]

I am hugely impressed by this volume. I wasn’t quite sure how the series would end, although I suspected what did happen, and I’d been warned about what happened with Asuka. I was afraid that it would be too cliché, or cheesy, or overdone. But it wasn’t. Instead, it fit the series perfectly, I think.

Some people think that what happened with Asuka was cliché, but I honestly think it fits really well. Having that happen really brought home to his mother what she’d been doing. I think it made her change believable, especially given how horrible she’d been. Plus, Asuka was seriously adorable during that.

Now, the moment leading up to it was a little overdone, particularly Juta but really everyone (except Ryo). But I’ll let it pass, for how it all ended, and for Ryo’s part in it. Ryo is just amazing.

The one thing that really makes the ending so great to me, is that it takes place several years later. Having them wait so long (purposely or not) to do it, makes it seem more believable, and not like they were jumping the gun. I mean, they’re perfect for each other no matter what, but it means more that they waited, that they grew and are settled in who they are and what they’re doing. Also, what happened with Asuka’s dad makes me happy for him as well.

This was just a perfect ending to the series, and it really brings home how good it really is, and makes me happy that I read and collected it all the way through.
Profile Image for Lisa Price.
117 reviews2 followers
February 2, 2016
I'm probably alone in thinking this, but honestly this series could have been even longer. That seems insane because 18 volumes is a lot, but I swear they flew by. Don't get me wrong, there were a few slow parts (mostly I am thinking of ), but there were also some things left unexplored that I wish we had gotten to read about. The big thing keeping this from being a 5-star series: the fact that there is a legit transgender character (as opposed to the typical crossdresser trope frequently found in manga) and we know absolutely nothing about them. If that character and their relationship with Asuka (and especially Kiyomi!) were examined in more depth it would have been amazing. As it stands this series was adorable and often quite funny, and I'm looking forward to reading more from this mangaka (especially her weird ass retelling of Richard III, which looks bananas).
Profile Image for Bri.
32 reviews1 follower
June 30, 2016
One major complaint about the end of this series, hence the spoiler cover (which is hopefully working--can't tell on mobile, so my apologies if not...):

AMNESIA?

REALLY?!

At least it wasn't total amnesia--back to a young age? Fiiiiiine... Awkward enough that you're a little kid in an adult body, but amnesia, too?

Really, though. So clichè (cliché?).

Otherwise I enjoyed the ending very much. I didn't get a rushed feeling like I have from other series. The ending bonding with Kiyomi and Hiromi was nice (but wouldn't have happened if not forrrrrr...

(Am. Ne. Sia!).

The wedding was perfect for them--right down to Ryo rushing off for work. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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