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ホットギミック [Hot Gimmick] #7-9
Hot Gimmick (VIZBIG Edition), Vol. 3
Miki Aihara turned the manga world upside down with her salacious, outrageous, and funny hit series. If you think being a teenager in America is hard, wait until you read
Hot Gimmick
. These Tokyo boys and girls are really messed up!
560 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2009
About the author
Miki Aihara
99 books130 followersMiki Aihara (相原実貴 AIHARA Miki) is a Japanese female manga artist noted for creating the manga series Hot Gimmick and the series Tokyo Boys & Girls. She debuted with the series Lip Conscious in the manga magazine Betsucomi.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 12, 2024
Hatsumi looking pole-axed as revelation after revelation comes crashing down on her will never cease to amuse me. Maybe I'm a bad person. (Note to self: she's fictional.)
Shinogu and his agonized love for his sister used to be one of the more entertaining parts of the story for me, but now I think he's pretty stupid. This is the kind of story where emotion does its thing regardless of any sense, or maybe even sense of self-preservation, on the characters' part. Viva trash manga!
On the spoilers there: why should Mrs. Tachibana give a shit about that? I get it, tyrants in trash manga don't need to be sensical, either...
Akane and Subaru's story is a sweet counterpoint to "Hatsumi and Harem." Their major scene toward the middle of this volume came close to making me cry. Aihara did a good job showing the ups and downs of their relationship without making it the centerpiece of the story.
Shinogu and his agonized love for his sister used to be one of the more entertaining parts of the story for me, but now I think he's pretty stupid. This is the kind of story where emotion does its thing regardless of any sense, or maybe even sense of self-preservation, on the characters' part. Viva trash manga!
On the spoilers there: why should Mrs. Tachibana give a shit about that? I get it, tyrants in trash manga don't need to be sensical, either...
Akane and Subaru's story is a sweet counterpoint to "Hatsumi and Harem." Their major scene toward the middle of this volume came close to making me cry. Aihara did a good job showing the ups and downs of their relationship without making it the centerpiece of the story.
September 13, 2011
This third omnibus volume in the Hot Gimmick series is filled with romance, conflicts, and most importantly very sexy scenes with Ryoki.
Good to know where my priorities lie eh?
So this third volume was much more fun than the second, filler-filled-sort-of volume in this series. I won't go into the plot, that's spoilery!, but I really liked this one because so many things (and by things I mean plots) moved in this one.
One of them was the relationship between Hatsumi and Ryoki. While the first two volumes were really set-up for their developing feelings and relationship, this third volume really focuses on how they work as a couple, and the trials they face.
And kissing scenes. Lots and lots and lots of kissing scenes to appeal to and appease the romantic side in me!
Another was the whole Shinogu sub-plot thing (Which I'm NOT spoiling), which really started to move and create conflict for Hatsumi as well as me. And this might be spoilery, but I really don't know how this series will end. And what I mean by this is there is no bam!-that's-the-answer outcome I see really happening. I don't know who Hatsumi will end up with, I don't know what'll happen after the big conspiracy secret will be revealed, and I don't know what's going to happen next.
But that's okay, because I've placed my trust in Aihara, and I'm sure she'll give a good, even if it's not happy, appropriate ending for all of them. She transformed Hatsumi into a much more strong person, and Ryoki into a nicer guy, so I have faith.
In terms of all those other reviewy things, this 3rd volume in the series had fabulous art, great character moments and interactions, and a plot you'll zip through just so you can get to the end. 4.5-5/5
Good to know where my priorities lie eh?
So this third volume was much more fun than the second, filler-filled-sort-of volume in this series. I won't go into the plot, that's spoilery!, but I really liked this one because so many things (and by things I mean plots) moved in this one.
One of them was the relationship between Hatsumi and Ryoki. While the first two volumes were really set-up for their developing feelings and relationship, this third volume really focuses on how they work as a couple, and the trials they face.
And kissing scenes. Lots and lots and lots of kissing scenes to appeal to and appease the romantic side in me!
Another was the whole Shinogu sub-plot thing (Which I'm NOT spoiling), which really started to move and create conflict for Hatsumi as well as me. And this might be spoilery, but I really don't know how this series will end. And what I mean by this is there is no bam!-that's-the-answer outcome I see really happening. I don't know who Hatsumi will end up with, I don't know what'll happen after the big conspiracy secret will be revealed, and I don't know what's going to happen next.
But that's okay, because I've placed my trust in Aihara, and I'm sure she'll give a good, even if it's not happy, appropriate ending for all of them. She transformed Hatsumi into a much more strong person, and Ryoki into a nicer guy, so I have faith.
In terms of all those other reviewy things, this 3rd volume in the series had fabulous art, great character moments and interactions, and a plot you'll zip through just so you can get to the end. 4.5-5/5
July 6, 2012
4 stars. These three volumes are the boring portion of the series. Review to come.
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January 2, 2026***read somewhere in my teen years***
☀️1 - hated it with the passion of a Thousand Suns
In the days of reading fanscanlations I read Hot Gimmick. From what I remember was that I hated the love interest but also the main character!
I think this fell into what a lot of Korean comics were to me. Abusive main characters falling in love with abusive love interests. And so much crying about it.
Now I cannot actually remember what the story was about. Reading the blurb only vaguely triggers my memory. I do want to add it to my 'read' list because of my visceral reaction to it. Normally I will not buy stuff when I hated it but I also kept Akira despite having no nostalgia towards it, so...
☀️1 - hated it with the passion of a Thousand Suns
In the days of reading fanscanlations I read Hot Gimmick. From what I remember was that I hated the love interest but also the main character!
I think this fell into what a lot of Korean comics were to me. Abusive main characters falling in love with abusive love interests. And so much crying about it.
Now I cannot actually remember what the story was about. Reading the blurb only vaguely triggers my memory. I do want to add it to my 'read' list because of my visceral reaction to it. Normally I will not buy stuff when I hated it but I also kept Akira despite having no nostalgia towards it, so...
August 20, 2019
3.5 stars. I'm still invested in this guilty pleasure read. However, this volume really drives into an abusive relationship, and I didn't quite like how it was addressed with in the story. Still intrigued to see how the story progresses.
October 15, 2019
Erm... I don't think you're supposed to date that dude. Daddy doesn't approve my dear.
October 14, 2021
I want a Shinogu! ::laugh:: Open your eyes, girl! Or more giant book to go... gotta go.
May 6, 2025
He really slapped her man..couldn't like any part of the book anymore. ITS SO ANGST RN
July 13, 2010
I’ve become a manga fan only recently. It’s definitely a guilty pleasure, and most of the time I don’t have too many opinions about the manga I read. This is probably because I haven’t finished a series until now. Well, I actually have but I’ll be writing a review on that one as well. Anyway, it’s hard to have an opinion on something that hasn’t resolved yet. Since this one has, I’ll give my opinion.
The thing I enjoy about manga is the visual aspect. I love seeing it all laid out on the page for me. I think I’ve read enough of it at this point to form an opinion about the art. I like the art in this one. Sometimes the art in manga can become too “scratchy.” That’s the only word I can think of to describe it. This one is a little more defined. There’s no rough edges. I like that and I’ve noticed that in Aihara’s drawing in Honey Hunt as well.
As far as the plot and characters go, it’s not as strong. I feel like there’s this juggling act with all the boys in the series. Hatsumi never knows what or who she wants. She’s so indecisive and she lets Ryoki walk all over her. I spent most of the series wishing she would stand up for herself or Ryoki would get a grip. It never occurred to me that their relationship was meant to be funny until the last volume. I never found it funny until the end, and I’m not sure that’s a good thing. Azusa just wants revenge and toward the end I could honestly picture him standing over a girl tied to a railroad and twirling his mustache as he switched the tracks. Shinogu was the only character I truly liked. I mean, his situation was pretty messed up and weird, but I liked his character. He was caring and sincere and I felt sorry for him most of the time.
As far as the ending goes, it was pretty weak. Hatsumi and Ryoki have a pretty good ending, but I wish I could say that for the other two. I expected more out of the story for Azusa and Shinogu. I was unsatisfied by their lots. All in all, it was entertaining, but nothing special.
Read more reviews at Owl Tell You About It.
The thing I enjoy about manga is the visual aspect. I love seeing it all laid out on the page for me. I think I’ve read enough of it at this point to form an opinion about the art. I like the art in this one. Sometimes the art in manga can become too “scratchy.” That’s the only word I can think of to describe it. This one is a little more defined. There’s no rough edges. I like that and I’ve noticed that in Aihara’s drawing in Honey Hunt as well.
As far as the plot and characters go, it’s not as strong. I feel like there’s this juggling act with all the boys in the series. Hatsumi never knows what or who she wants. She’s so indecisive and she lets Ryoki walk all over her. I spent most of the series wishing she would stand up for herself or Ryoki would get a grip. It never occurred to me that their relationship was meant to be funny until the last volume. I never found it funny until the end, and I’m not sure that’s a good thing. Azusa just wants revenge and toward the end I could honestly picture him standing over a girl tied to a railroad and twirling his mustache as he switched the tracks. Shinogu was the only character I truly liked. I mean, his situation was pretty messed up and weird, but I liked his character. He was caring and sincere and I felt sorry for him most of the time.
As far as the ending goes, it was pretty weak. Hatsumi and Ryoki have a pretty good ending, but I wish I could say that for the other two. I expected more out of the story for Azusa and Shinogu. I was unsatisfied by their lots. All in all, it was entertaining, but nothing special.
Read more reviews at Owl Tell You About It.
April 6, 2010
Hatsumi has a complicated life. She has a boyfriend who is a control freak and want’s nothing but her attention. She can't even think about other boys, even if they’re really truly just friends. Her eyes always have to be on him. Then her best friend is trying to find out who killed his mother (she wasn't murder she was just waiting for the man she loved so long she died). And her brother has a very dark secret that could affect his relationship with Hatsumi. So Hastumi’s heart is tied on a string that is going to be taken by someone... but whom?
This book reminds me of a love triangle between couples. Because Shinogu loves Hatsumi but Ryoki loves Hatsumi also. Then Hatsumi loves them both. So who does she choose?
I give this book 5 stars because the story was twisted yet it was also innocent in the same way. I like this book because of all the conflicts the character is having.
This book reminds me of a love triangle between couples. Because Shinogu loves Hatsumi but Ryoki loves Hatsumi also. Then Hatsumi loves them both. So who does she choose?
I give this book 5 stars because the story was twisted yet it was also innocent in the same way. I like this book because of all the conflicts the character is having.
August 2, 2012
Lovely. This volume did an excellent job in developing relationships between the characters, Hatsumi and Ryoki mainly, but also Akane and Subaru. As well as introducing the Shinogu subplot and the newest additions to the crazy conspiracy with Asuza's mother. I think I've got a theory on what's happening there.
The art was absolutely gorgeous in this installment. It took all I had not to put the pretty coloured photos between issues up on my wall. Luckily I did not, else wise Keressa may kill me as it's her copy I'm reading.
Terrible review because it's 9am, but suffice to say while the Hot Gimmick series has some snags and issues it's definitely a good read.
The art was absolutely gorgeous in this installment. It took all I had not to put the pretty coloured photos between issues up on my wall. Luckily I did not, else wise Keressa may kill me as it's her copy I'm reading.
Terrible review because it's 9am, but suffice to say while the Hot Gimmick series has some snags and issues it's definitely a good read.
December 14, 2009
it's really tough for me to root for anyone in this story. i want to root for shinogu, but i understand hatsumi's sibling bond with him (even if he's adopted, and he doesn't see the sibling bond), want to root for ryoki, but he's a meanie, tyrant, abusive...
it's like, 'just go find some other people to know and like hatsumi!' still, will probably buy the next big pack of hot gimmick that comes out.
it's like, 'just go find some other people to know and like hatsumi!' still, will probably buy the next big pack of hot gimmick that comes out.
November 18, 2011
There are some real twists to this story. I was suprised by a few things but it adds to the goodness of the story . A good read
May 2, 2016
I'm only giving this 2 stars for the artwork and maybe for Shinogu, who other than Akane and Subaru, is the only light in this utterly dark and maddening series.
November 10, 2016
My ship, ugh! I didn't get to see as much of my ship as I wanted too! But there are only three books left in this series and I hope that all the problems get figured out, and that my ship survives.
August 21, 2021
Yahhhh, would not recommend this. I had read part of it 10+ years ago and it does not hold up. Pretty problematic themes.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews