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楠木さんは高校デビューに失敗している [Kusunoki-san wa Koukou Debut ni Shippaishiteiru] #1
Kusunoki's Flunking Her High School Glow-Up Vol. 1
Keisuke Shizuki might have been an outcast in middle school, but not anymore. The trauma of being rejected by his first crush left Shizuki with a phobia of pretty girls and the drive to remake himself and start high school new looks, new friends, new confidence. That is, as long as he avoids the cuties and anyone who knows anything about his past. Unfortunately for him, the prettiest girl at his new school just happens to be his former middle school classmate and another ex-outcast, Shizuka Kusunoki. Unlike Shizuki, Kusunoki still lacks the social skills to make the most of her new appearance-and she wants Shizuki's help. But helping Kusunoki will mean spending a lot of time around a beauty, and drawing some not-so-welcome attention…
192 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 20, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
November 12, 2024
This was cute, with a SUPER evil villainess and bullying trauma, so be aware. I'm always one to root for the underdog, so I hope to see our MCs beating the bad guy and realizing that they are stronger than they know.
3, solid and interested in the next volume, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for an eARC of this book to read and review.
3, solid and interested in the next volume, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for an eARC of this book to read and review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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October 21, 2024tl;dr
A cute slice of life for fans of the high school glow-up and sweet nerds finding each other. A classic mean girl character promises future drama, but this volume remains light.
Thoughts
The high school glow-up plot isn't new by any means, but there's a reason people keep returning to it. It's fun! In this case, we have two bookish children doing their best to reinvent themselves for high school. The twist here is that they both knew each other before the makeover. While they never interacted in middle school, they did spend their hours reading beside each other in the library. That tenuous shared history is enough for Kusunoki to seek out Keisuke's help. She may have picked a new look for herself, but getting the courage to speak to people is bigger hurdle, and one that only he can help with. Shockingly, he discovers that his own phobia of girls doesn't activate when he's around her. Maybe they'll both be good for each other? (Of course they will.) There are very few surprises to be had in here. Keisuke starts out with a predictably dim view on girls as a whole due how he's been hurt, but his time with Kusunoki makes him reevaluate his stance. Meanwhile, Kusunoki's reasons for changing are little more hidden, with some hints towards bullying, but she's warming up quite a bit around Keisuke. Attractive artwork with clean lines and some exceptionally cute expressions pulls the whole thing together making for a mostly endearing read. The only plot point that keeps this from being entirely saccharine sweet is the girl who hurt Keisuke is also here, and... well, that's about it so far. Her presence and almost cartoonishly villainous name promise complications in the future, but so far she's done very little beyond stand around ominously.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for the review copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
A cute slice of life for fans of the high school glow-up and sweet nerds finding each other. A classic mean girl character promises future drama, but this volume remains light.
Thoughts
The high school glow-up plot isn't new by any means, but there's a reason people keep returning to it. It's fun! In this case, we have two bookish children doing their best to reinvent themselves for high school. The twist here is that they both knew each other before the makeover. While they never interacted in middle school, they did spend their hours reading beside each other in the library. That tenuous shared history is enough for Kusunoki to seek out Keisuke's help. She may have picked a new look for herself, but getting the courage to speak to people is bigger hurdle, and one that only he can help with. Shockingly, he discovers that his own phobia of girls doesn't activate when he's around her. Maybe they'll both be good for each other? (Of course they will.) There are very few surprises to be had in here. Keisuke starts out with a predictably dim view on girls as a whole due how he's been hurt, but his time with Kusunoki makes him reevaluate his stance. Meanwhile, Kusunoki's reasons for changing are little more hidden, with some hints towards bullying, but she's warming up quite a bit around Keisuke. Attractive artwork with clean lines and some exceptionally cute expressions pulls the whole thing together making for a mostly endearing read. The only plot point that keeps this from being entirely saccharine sweet is the girl who hurt Keisuke is also here, and... well, that's about it so far. Her presence and almost cartoonishly villainous name promise complications in the future, but so far she's done very little beyond stand around ominously.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for the review copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
September 4, 2024
This was cute, and I enjoyed my time reading it!
I'm not sure what to say because it was nothing groundbreaking, but I also appreciated how there was no fan service in two opposite-gender teens forming a friendship. With many other popular (shonen) series that are similar but would have a panty shot or some other sexualized scene that leaves me rolling my eyes, this one didn't have either or give me that kind of reaction. So I guess in that sense, it was refreshing!
I do really like the main leads and VERY much hope they will have a romantic relationship, even though I know the premise of the story is not even centered around that. LOL! I do think seeing them be friends is satisfying, especially with all the misunderstandings and reactions Keisuke has because it's pretty funny, but I so want more!
Overall, I'll give it another volume and see where it goes! I wasn't a huge fan of the other female character and I think it's because it's been revealed to the reader just what kind of person she is. In no kind of way do I want her to befriend Kusunoki!!
I would recommend this manga if you're looking for a lighthearted josei story that is easygoing with a little bit of humor and characters you easily find yourself cheering for!
I'm not sure what to say because it was nothing groundbreaking, but I also appreciated how there was no fan service in two opposite-gender teens forming a friendship. With many other popular (shonen) series that are similar but would have a panty shot or some other sexualized scene that leaves me rolling my eyes, this one didn't have either or give me that kind of reaction. So I guess in that sense, it was refreshing!
I do really like the main leads and VERY much hope they will have a romantic relationship, even though I know the premise of the story is not even centered around that. LOL! I do think seeing them be friends is satisfying, especially with all the misunderstandings and reactions Keisuke has because it's pretty funny, but I so want more!
Overall, I'll give it another volume and see where it goes! I wasn't a huge fan of the other female character and I think it's because it's been revealed to the reader just what kind of person she is. In no kind of way do I want her to befriend Kusunoki!!
I would recommend this manga if you're looking for a lighthearted josei story that is easygoing with a little bit of humor and characters you easily find yourself cheering for!
July 31, 2024
This was one of the most adorable things ever! Two highschool students, who used to be loners and introverts in junior high, have undergone a make-over in order to better fit in. The FMC, who has a lot of difficulty making friends, asks the MMC to become her first friend and help her practise talking to other people. She is the cutest and kindest creature ever and he is just so befuddled that she has approached him. I can't wait to see what happens next!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me this eARC to review!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me this eARC to review!
September 14, 2024
It was a cute little read but nothing groundbreaking . And I didn’t expected it to be .
Based on the synopsis I kinda guessed what was going to happen and it is normal for a first volume .
As for none specific opinion . I liked that the kids looked like kids . They are not portrayed older and the girls are not over sexualised which is pretty rare this days.
In this first volume we are following Keisuke Shizuki and Shizuka Kusunoki, both were outcast in middle school . Little introvert nerds that didn’t know how to make friends and were bullied by others.
But as they start highschool they decided to change their look to glow up and have the student experience they were denied.
As someone that was teased (I won’t call it bullying because back then I did not felt like a victim of bullying but the adult that I am now know that it was bullying) as a child by other kids, classmate and even teacher, I can relate to that feeling of wanting to come back someday to meet all those people with a new look and a new persona .
So the premise of this manga is suppose to fit me.
I expected a story about a girl that glow up and someone that new her secret kinda like True Beauty or Switch Girl . But the story don’t follow their path which was a good new.
Both of them changed the way they look and went to a school were they thought no one would know them .
They end up in the same class and they remember each other past. And that past actually never left them. They change their looks but not who they are.
Keisuke Shizuki is now an average guys but he still struggle because of the girl he thought like him . He’s not able to make eyes contact with cute girls.
And Shizuka Kusunoki , is still a dork . She can’t have a normal conversation. Like she have no communications skills . None.
Those issues wooed them into the idea of becoming friends to help each other.
Friendship that I think will lead to a more romantic relationship.
Based on the synopsis I kinda guessed what was going to happen and it is normal for a first volume .
As for none specific opinion . I liked that the kids looked like kids . They are not portrayed older and the girls are not over sexualised which is pretty rare this days.
In this first volume we are following Keisuke Shizuki and Shizuka Kusunoki, both were outcast in middle school . Little introvert nerds that didn’t know how to make friends and were bullied by others.
But as they start highschool they decided to change their look to glow up and have the student experience they were denied.
As someone that was teased (I won’t call it bullying because back then I did not felt like a victim of bullying but the adult that I am now know that it was bullying) as a child by other kids, classmate and even teacher, I can relate to that feeling of wanting to come back someday to meet all those people with a new look and a new persona .
So the premise of this manga is suppose to fit me.
I expected a story about a girl that glow up and someone that new her secret kinda like True Beauty or Switch Girl . But the story don’t follow their path which was a good new.
Both of them changed the way they look and went to a school were they thought no one would know them .
They end up in the same class and they remember each other past. And that past actually never left them. They change their looks but not who they are.
Keisuke Shizuki is now an average guys but he still struggle because of the girl he thought like him . He’s not able to make eyes contact with cute girls.
And Shizuka Kusunoki , is still a dork . She can’t have a normal conversation. Like she have no communications skills . None.
Those issues wooed them into the idea of becoming friends to help each other.
Friendship that I think will lead to a more romantic relationship.
August 6, 2024
I received this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange of an honest review.
Sadly. This didn't work for me. Mainly because of Kusunoki.
I loved the art. Loved the transformations both characters went through. See Shizuki make the best of his high school years. Some people may call him a dick and yes he had some moments but I actually found it refreshing how he tried to set boundaries because Kusunoki DOESN'T get it. I loved that both Kusunoki and Shizuki were big book lovers and found solace in the library.
Kusunoki was just WAY too irritating to me. She just didn't even get the most basic of basic social cues. When Shizuki tells her he wants to help her and be her friend... she immediately stalks him both inside and outside of school. When he doesn't want that she proposes they call EACH NIGHT, which thankfully Shizuki is able to get down to less. Oh and also during that talk about the friendship toning down in school (for good reasons as we can see that people are turning sour) she doesn't just tone it down, oh no she just completely ignores him at school and when he asks she states that this is what he wanted right? NO, girl. He just wanted you to not stalk him and be with him 24/7. I wouldn't mind if she was just a shy girl who has some issues with communicating, because that would be cute and I would root for her, but she is just empty inside. There is nothing in her brain. I am sorry to say. I just wanted to slap her at times to hope it instilled some sense of common sense. Oh, at one point there was a competition and afterwards she was surrounded by people and apparently EXPECTED our MC to save her because OMG people and she was about to faint. WHAT?
Not in the mood to write much more. So I will keep it at this.
Sadly. This didn't work for me. Mainly because of Kusunoki.
I loved the art. Loved the transformations both characters went through. See Shizuki make the best of his high school years. Some people may call him a dick and yes he had some moments but I actually found it refreshing how he tried to set boundaries because Kusunoki DOESN'T get it. I loved that both Kusunoki and Shizuki were big book lovers and found solace in the library.
Kusunoki was just WAY too irritating to me. She just didn't even get the most basic of basic social cues. When Shizuki tells her he wants to help her and be her friend... she immediately stalks him both inside and outside of school. When he doesn't want that she proposes they call EACH NIGHT, which thankfully Shizuki is able to get down to less. Oh and also during that talk about the friendship toning down in school (for good reasons as we can see that people are turning sour) she doesn't just tone it down, oh no she just completely ignores him at school and when he asks she states that this is what he wanted right? NO, girl. He just wanted you to not stalk him and be with him 24/7. I wouldn't mind if she was just a shy girl who has some issues with communicating, because that would be cute and I would root for her, but she is just empty inside. There is nothing in her brain. I am sorry to say. I just wanted to slap her at times to hope it instilled some sense of common sense. Oh, at one point there was a competition and afterwards she was surrounded by people and apparently EXPECTED our MC to save her because OMG people and she was about to faint. WHAT?
Not in the mood to write much more. So I will keep it at this.
August 3, 2024
This was a cute premise. I liked the characters and the idea behind it. It didn't have a big romance feel to it to me. It was very focused on popularity and friendships. I'm not sure if I will continue with this series but I would probably pick up more if I came across them. The illustrations were great!
July 26, 2024
[Thanks to Netgalley and Kodansha for an ARC of this manga in exchange for an unbiased review.]
Shizuki felt like a loser in middle school, so he gave himself a massive course correction for high school. Having changed schools, he’s now thrown together with the hot girl in his class, Kusunoki, who not only knows him from his last school, but has undergone a very similar change herself
Hmm. This is aiming for cute, but your tolerance is likely to be tested by how insufferable all the male characters are, including the male lead. It starts to spread its wings a little at the end, but it’s a turbulent flight to get there.
Shizuki had one bad experience with an attractive girl and suddenly he’s physically ill whenever he locks eyes with one. Besides being an overreaction worthy of a teenager’s mindset, it means that he doesn’t much care for Kusunoki when she asks for his help.
That nausea angle is one of those things that somebody probably thought was a funny quirk, but is just annoying in practice. Between that and literally leading with him “discovering the evil that lurks behind beauty”? It makes me miss the boring self-insert protagonist archetype.
This volume would probably fall even flatter if Kusunoki wasn’t pretty charming as a character. Once she finds a friend in Shizuku, to his dismay, she really turns out to be kind of great to him. Which makes his complaining all the more ridiculous. Also, why did he put all that effort in just to be mid-tier?
There’s a reasonable message in there about being yourself - Shizuki and Kusunoki are never closer than when they’re bonding over manga - but it’s cluttered with some borderline misogyny and the way Kusunoki is essentially a good looking fantasy for the nerdy male. You could be reading My Dress-Up Darling and getting the same thing, but better written.
As the story goes on, it does pick up some. Kusunoki gets a very welcome bit of fleshing out that makes her more interesting and Shizuki decides to backpedal on his more awful qualities and try being a decent human being. The trip there is a long one though.
I’m also incredibly glad they didn’t wait to bring back the girl who traumatized Shizuki to begin with. That was an obviously incoming plot development and by not dragging it out it lets her return cause problems early on.
The art’s solid, but these types of glow-up stories are a dime a dozen and something like I Want to End This Love Game is only marginally less mean but is written way better and is more engaging.
That said, yeah, I’ll check out a second volume of this because it does start to right a lot of its awful personalities and aims to be less edgy and more interesting. Little more depth to Kusunoki, little more actual romance, it could work.
2.5 stars - it’s not utterly awful, so no two stars, but it’s not a ringing endorsement here either. There are a lot of problems that take a little too long to solve and it only gets one more volume from me to fix them.
Shizuki felt like a loser in middle school, so he gave himself a massive course correction for high school. Having changed schools, he’s now thrown together with the hot girl in his class, Kusunoki, who not only knows him from his last school, but has undergone a very similar change herself
Hmm. This is aiming for cute, but your tolerance is likely to be tested by how insufferable all the male characters are, including the male lead. It starts to spread its wings a little at the end, but it’s a turbulent flight to get there.
Shizuki had one bad experience with an attractive girl and suddenly he’s physically ill whenever he locks eyes with one. Besides being an overreaction worthy of a teenager’s mindset, it means that he doesn’t much care for Kusunoki when she asks for his help.
That nausea angle is one of those things that somebody probably thought was a funny quirk, but is just annoying in practice. Between that and literally leading with him “discovering the evil that lurks behind beauty”? It makes me miss the boring self-insert protagonist archetype.
This volume would probably fall even flatter if Kusunoki wasn’t pretty charming as a character. Once she finds a friend in Shizuku, to his dismay, she really turns out to be kind of great to him. Which makes his complaining all the more ridiculous. Also, why did he put all that effort in just to be mid-tier?
There’s a reasonable message in there about being yourself - Shizuki and Kusunoki are never closer than when they’re bonding over manga - but it’s cluttered with some borderline misogyny and the way Kusunoki is essentially a good looking fantasy for the nerdy male. You could be reading My Dress-Up Darling and getting the same thing, but better written.
As the story goes on, it does pick up some. Kusunoki gets a very welcome bit of fleshing out that makes her more interesting and Shizuki decides to backpedal on his more awful qualities and try being a decent human being. The trip there is a long one though.
I’m also incredibly glad they didn’t wait to bring back the girl who traumatized Shizuki to begin with. That was an obviously incoming plot development and by not dragging it out it lets her return cause problems early on.
The art’s solid, but these types of glow-up stories are a dime a dozen and something like I Want to End This Love Game is only marginally less mean but is written way better and is more engaging.
That said, yeah, I’ll check out a second volume of this because it does start to right a lot of its awful personalities and aims to be less edgy and more interesting. Little more depth to Kusunoki, little more actual romance, it could work.
2.5 stars - it’s not utterly awful, so no two stars, but it’s not a ringing endorsement here either. There are a lot of problems that take a little too long to solve and it only gets one more volume from me to fix them.
February 15, 2025
Kusonoki was considered a loser middle school along with her library buddy Shizuki. Both of them were painfully shy, and because of this and other reasons, they were bullied to the point that unbeknownst to each other, they had a complete glow up for their first year in high school. Now, Shizuki is exactly where he wants to be in the high school hierarchy, and he assumed Kusonoki is feeling the same. Except she's not while Kunsonoki make look the part of a glow up, that's about it, she still can't talk to anyone and she's determined that Shizuki is going to be her first friend whether he likes it or not!
As a kid who was teased in middle school, I actually opted to get homeschooled because my last middle school had been awful. This was pretty spot on. Especially in terms of what Kusonoki goes through, guys think you're "hot," girls think you're stuck up, and now you are a pariah. When you are genuinely terrified of talking to people. And oddly enough, I actually met the human who is my husband today during this time frame, so this hit me right in all of the feels. I also wouldn't say I enjoyed but definitely understood Shizuki's getting physically ill when he had to talk to a girl, I had that level of anxiety when it came to talking to anyone really so again pretty accurate for me there too.
The art is definitely gorgeous as well, and I really loved the fact that the girl who pushes Shizuki over the edge has snake eyes. That definitely was a nice touch.
Overall, definitely recommend this one really for anyone who has been on either side of the bullying spectrum, but if you were a middle school geek like me this will probably hit you just the same as it did me. It's just relatable enough that you don't get too emotional over it, if that makes sense.
As always, thanks to Kodansha and NetGalley for the eArc
As a kid who was teased in middle school, I actually opted to get homeschooled because my last middle school had been awful. This was pretty spot on. Especially in terms of what Kusonoki goes through, guys think you're "hot," girls think you're stuck up, and now you are a pariah. When you are genuinely terrified of talking to people. And oddly enough, I actually met the human who is my husband today during this time frame, so this hit me right in all of the feels. I also wouldn't say I enjoyed but definitely understood Shizuki's getting physically ill when he had to talk to a girl, I had that level of anxiety when it came to talking to anyone really so again pretty accurate for me there too.
The art is definitely gorgeous as well, and I really loved the fact that the girl who pushes Shizuki over the edge has snake eyes. That definitely was a nice touch.
Overall, definitely recommend this one really for anyone who has been on either side of the bullying spectrum, but if you were a middle school geek like me this will probably hit you just the same as it did me. It's just relatable enough that you don't get too emotional over it, if that makes sense.
As always, thanks to Kodansha and NetGalley for the eArc
October 18, 2024
This is an unexpectedly enjoyable reimagining of your typical “ugly duckling” story.
Here, we’ve got two former middle school outcasts debuting in high school as new people.
Keisuke Shizuki is a loser no more. After a traumatic experience with a popular girl, he decided to change. He’s shed his old appearance and is ready to coast through high school as average as possible. Not super popular but not a loser anymore.
Unfortunately, his plans are quickly derailed by Shizuka Kusonoki.
Kusonoki and Shizuki went to the same middle school and were both fairly unpopular. Whereas Shizuki had a modest glow up though, Kusonoki is now a total pretty girl. But, appearances aside, Kusonoki still doesn’t know how to communicate or make friends. She never had any. So, she’s popular in theory but not practice.
Because of that, Kusonoki decides to enlist Shizuki to help her make friends—by becoming her first friend!
But, can Shizuki overcome his phobia of pretty girls well enough to actually help out Kusonoki?
It sounds kind of gimmicky and kind of like incel-bait. But, I promise you it’s not!
So far, this story is a lot more thoughtful and layered than your typical “mediocre, loser boy with no personality becomes popular and gains a harem for some reason” story. I’m pleasantly surprised by some of the commentary we’re getting on interpersonal relationships and “growing pains” here.
If it sounds even vaguely interesting to you, I definitely recommend picking it up~
Here, we’ve got two former middle school outcasts debuting in high school as new people.
Keisuke Shizuki is a loser no more. After a traumatic experience with a popular girl, he decided to change. He’s shed his old appearance and is ready to coast through high school as average as possible. Not super popular but not a loser anymore.
Unfortunately, his plans are quickly derailed by Shizuka Kusonoki.
Kusonoki and Shizuki went to the same middle school and were both fairly unpopular. Whereas Shizuki had a modest glow up though, Kusonoki is now a total pretty girl. But, appearances aside, Kusonoki still doesn’t know how to communicate or make friends. She never had any. So, she’s popular in theory but not practice.
Because of that, Kusonoki decides to enlist Shizuki to help her make friends—by becoming her first friend!
But, can Shizuki overcome his phobia of pretty girls well enough to actually help out Kusonoki?
It sounds kind of gimmicky and kind of like incel-bait. But, I promise you it’s not!
So far, this story is a lot more thoughtful and layered than your typical “mediocre, loser boy with no personality becomes popular and gains a harem for some reason” story. I’m pleasantly surprised by some of the commentary we’re getting on interpersonal relationships and “growing pains” here.
If it sounds even vaguely interesting to you, I definitely recommend picking it up~
August 25, 2024
4/5 Stars
This novel game me Komi Can't Communicate vibes, and I was really into it! Our story follows two high-school students who undergo makeovers after junior-high to better fit in. Kusunoki
Cute story of two high-schoolers working through their insecurities together. Shizuki and Kusunoki both used to be awkward outcasts in their previous school, but both have remade themselves for the high school. Unlike Shizuki though, Kusunoki hasn’t thought to improve her people skills too, just her looks. So she asks Shizuki to help her. He’s a bit of a push-over and reluctantly agrees to help until she finds real friends. Little does he know, she wants to be friends with him.
Fun and awkward stories about high school life with good illustrations. The friendship doesn’t get far in this first volume, and it would be fun to read more.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and Kodansha for an e-arc!
This novel game me Komi Can't Communicate vibes, and I was really into it! Our story follows two high-school students who undergo makeovers after junior-high to better fit in. Kusunoki
Cute story of two high-schoolers working through their insecurities together. Shizuki and Kusunoki both used to be awkward outcasts in their previous school, but both have remade themselves for the high school. Unlike Shizuki though, Kusunoki hasn’t thought to improve her people skills too, just her looks. So she asks Shizuki to help her. He’s a bit of a push-over and reluctantly agrees to help until she finds real friends. Little does he know, she wants to be friends with him.
Fun and awkward stories about high school life with good illustrations. The friendship doesn’t get far in this first volume, and it would be fun to read more.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and Kodansha for an e-arc!
August 9, 2024
Cute story of two high-schoolers working through their insecurities together. Shizuki and Kusunoki both used to be awkward outcasts in their previous school, but both have remade themselves for the high school. Unlike Shizuki though, Kusunoki hasn’t thought to improve her people skills too, just her looks. So she asks Shizuki to help her. He’s a bit of a push-over and reluctantly agrees to help until she finds real friends. Little does he know, she wants to be friends with him.
Fun and awkward stories about high school life with good illustrations. The friendship doesn’t get far in this first volume, and it would be fun to read more.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Fun and awkward stories about high school life with good illustrations. The friendship doesn’t get far in this first volume, and it would be fun to read more.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 17, 2024
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this e-book ARC!
4 stars
I really enjoyed the premise of this book, taking two characters who have high school glow-ups and tossing them together, with Shizuki succeeding but only aiming for mid-tier popularity and then Kusunoki, who appears to have nailed things to being super popular, but she is still her old self personality wise. It's overall pretty blah that they felt like they had to change so much, so it was nice that their bond really solidifies as they learn each other's true personalities under the glow ups. I hope it continues that way, because they should really be loved for who they are, not how they look. The art is very cutesy, and I'm very curious to see how stuff will develop, both with Kusunoki figuring herself out and Shizuki dealing with the girl who traumatized him. Hopefully can continue this manga at some point!
4 stars
I really enjoyed the premise of this book, taking two characters who have high school glow-ups and tossing them together, with Shizuki succeeding but only aiming for mid-tier popularity and then Kusunoki, who appears to have nailed things to being super popular, but she is still her old self personality wise. It's overall pretty blah that they felt like they had to change so much, so it was nice that their bond really solidifies as they learn each other's true personalities under the glow ups. I hope it continues that way, because they should really be loved for who they are, not how they look. The art is very cutesy, and I'm very curious to see how stuff will develop, both with Kusunoki figuring herself out and Shizuki dealing with the girl who traumatized him. Hopefully can continue this manga at some point!
August 19, 2024
This was pretty cute in the end. Basically two losers in middle school change up their image to make them much more popular in High School.
Except they're still the same inside. The girl here really attaches herself to this guy who is equally kind of a loser, and a bit of a dick, but he can't see she obviously likes him. So there's a lot of miscommunication, but in their hearts we know, they gonna fall for each other. Some cute situations, good art, fun all around. If want a laid back rom-com comedy this is pretty good!
Except they're still the same inside. The girl here really attaches herself to this guy who is equally kind of a loser, and a bit of a dick, but he can't see she obviously likes him. So there's a lot of miscommunication, but in their hearts we know, they gonna fall for each other. Some cute situations, good art, fun all around. If want a laid back rom-com comedy this is pretty good!
July 31, 2024
4.25🌟
(I received an e-arc from netgalley and am voluntarily leaving this review)
This was so fun.
Probably one of the best manga i have read (i haven't read that many though)
It was a simple, sweet and entertaining high school manga about two characters who have glow up and want to start a new school life without being bullied.
They become friends and honestly, i am loving them together.
I definitely want to read the next parts.
(I received an e-arc from netgalley and am voluntarily leaving this review)
This was so fun.
Probably one of the best manga i have read (i haven't read that many though)
It was a simple, sweet and entertaining high school manga about two characters who have glow up and want to start a new school life without being bullied.
They become friends and honestly, i am loving them together.
I definitely want to read the next parts.
August 28, 2024
The young female characters do not seem okay at all. They are the prettiest and the most popular but things are off about them.
The guy wants to stay average but these girls do not know how to leave him alone.
Get to know the history of one of these girls, why she wants the guy to be her only guy friend and why she confides in him only.
Love the art style and the pacing.
We will come to the actual plot from the next volume I guess.
Thank you, Kodansha Comics, for the ARC.
The guy wants to stay average but these girls do not know how to leave him alone.
Get to know the history of one of these girls, why she wants the guy to be her only guy friend and why she confides in him only.
Love the art style and the pacing.
We will come to the actual plot from the next volume I guess.
Thank you, Kodansha Comics, for the ARC.
September 7, 2024
A sweet and lighthearted manga about two highschoolers who have had a glow up. Both Shizuki and Kusonoki used to be outsiders in primary school and now they look so different they barely recognise each other. But while Shizuki has also managed to improve his social skills, Kusunoki is still struggling to make friends. Can Shizuki help Kusonoki to come out of her shell?
I love the fact that this manga is wholesome. That means no flashing panties or naive heroines. The story was wholesome and I really enjoyed the read. Please give me more manga with relatable characters.
Thank you to NetGalley for granting me access to the book. All my opinions are my own.
I love the fact that this manga is wholesome. That means no flashing panties or naive heroines. The story was wholesome and I really enjoyed the read. Please give me more manga with relatable characters.
Thank you to NetGalley for granting me access to the book. All my opinions are my own.
August 12, 2024
Rating: 4.31 leaves out of 5
-Characters: 4/5
-Story: 4.75/5
-Writing: 5/5
Genre: romance
-romance: 3.5/5
Type: Manga
Worth?: Yes
Hated|Disliked|Meh|It Was Okay|Liked|Really Liked|Loved
Want to thank Netgalley and publishers for giving me the chance to read this book.
Another manga I have a need to keep reading. Stayed up way too late to finish but worth it! The ML is a bit annoying at first, well for a good portion, but it gets better. Really need to see how this goes.
-Characters: 4/5
-Story: 4.75/5
-Writing: 5/5
Genre: romance
-romance: 3.5/5
Type: Manga
Worth?: Yes
Hated|Disliked|Meh|It Was Okay|Liked|Really Liked|Loved
Want to thank Netgalley and publishers for giving me the chance to read this book.
Another manga I have a need to keep reading. Stayed up way too late to finish but worth it! The ML is a bit annoying at first, well for a good portion, but it gets better. Really need to see how this goes.
August 6, 2024
✨𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐈𝐓:
Kusunoki’s Flunking Her High School Glow Up tells the story of Shizuka Kusunoki and Shizuki Keisuke, two introverted nerds who were schoolmates at their old school, where they faced bullying and trauma. This experience fueled them to transfer to a new school and change their outward appearances. However, Kusunoki finds it hard to change inwardly, especially with her interpersonal skills. Meanwhile, Shizuki is still haunted by his fear of Ririsa, who also transferred to their new school.
Kusunoki’s Flunking Her High School Glow Up tells the story of Shizuka Kusunoki and Shizuki Keisuke, two introverted nerds who were schoolmates at their old school, where they faced bullying and trauma. This experience fueled them to transfer to a new school and change their outward appearances. However, Kusunoki finds it hard to change inwardly, especially with her interpersonal skills. Meanwhile, Shizuki is still haunted by his fear of Ririsa, who also transferred to their new school.
After reading the first few chapters, I thought this would be another hackneyed high school romance, and in many ways, it was. But despite that, I found it surprisingly interesting. The dynamic between these two nerdy high schoolers, and the twist of them changing their looks to fit in, added a lot to the story. As a nerd and introvert myself, I could relate to Kusunoki’s struggle with communication from elementary school through college. I love how the characters felt authentic, and their struggles were portrayed in a way that resonated with me. However, it was frustrating to see Shizuki ignore and push away Kusunoki, who was trying her best to be friends with him, but I kind of understood his perspective. Another thing I didn't like about Shizuki was how he generalized all girls based on his bad experience with Ririsa. However, with the introduction of Hebikawa, I’m eager to see what happens next between Shizuki and Kusunoki. Will it affect their growing friendship? Will Shizuki overcome his struggles? Will Kusunoki be able to talk to others without stuttering and make new friends? Ughhh, I can’t wait to read the next volume.
Overall, I highly recommend this to fans of high school romance with cute characters.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for giving me a copy of this manga. I really enjoyed it.
💻 FULL REVIEW HERE: https://kimthebookdragon.wordpress.co...
Kusunoki’s Flunking Her High School Glow Up tells the story of Shizuka Kusunoki and Shizuki Keisuke, two introverted nerds who were schoolmates at their old school, where they faced bullying and trauma. This experience fueled them to transfer to a new school and change their outward appearances. However, Kusunoki finds it hard to change inwardly, especially with her interpersonal skills. Meanwhile, Shizuki is still haunted by his fear of Ririsa, who also transferred to their new school.
Kusunoki’s Flunking Her High School Glow Up tells the story of Shizuka Kusunoki and Shizuki Keisuke, two introverted nerds who were schoolmates at their old school, where they faced bullying and trauma. This experience fueled them to transfer to a new school and change their outward appearances. However, Kusunoki finds it hard to change inwardly, especially with her interpersonal skills. Meanwhile, Shizuki is still haunted by his fear of Ririsa, who also transferred to their new school.
After reading the first few chapters, I thought this would be another hackneyed high school romance, and in many ways, it was. But despite that, I found it surprisingly interesting. The dynamic between these two nerdy high schoolers, and the twist of them changing their looks to fit in, added a lot to the story. As a nerd and introvert myself, I could relate to Kusunoki’s struggle with communication from elementary school through college. I love how the characters felt authentic, and their struggles were portrayed in a way that resonated with me. However, it was frustrating to see Shizuki ignore and push away Kusunoki, who was trying her best to be friends with him, but I kind of understood his perspective. Another thing I didn't like about Shizuki was how he generalized all girls based on his bad experience with Ririsa. However, with the introduction of Hebikawa, I’m eager to see what happens next between Shizuki and Kusunoki. Will it affect their growing friendship? Will Shizuki overcome his struggles? Will Kusunoki be able to talk to others without stuttering and make new friends? Ughhh, I can’t wait to read the next volume.
Overall, I highly recommend this to fans of high school romance with cute characters.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for giving me a copy of this manga. I really enjoyed it.
💻 FULL REVIEW HERE: https://kimthebookdragon.wordpress.co...
September 10, 2024
---
🌸📚 **Kusunoki's Flunking Her High School Glow-Up Vol. 1** by Mitsuki Mii 📚🌸
*A quirky and heartwarming story about navigating high school, self-acceptance, and embracing who you are—flaws and all.*
🌟🎒 **Review:** 🎒🌟
*Kusunoki's Flunking Her High School Glow-Up* by Mitsuki Mii is a delightful and humorous take on the familiar high school experience, with a protagonist who feels all too relatable in her struggles to "glow up" and fit in. The first volume of this manga introduces us to Kusunoki, a high school student who, despite her best efforts, seems to be failing at the traditional expectations of becoming a polished and perfect version of herself.
The charm of this series lies in its lighthearted yet heartfelt approach to the pressures of adolescence. Kusunoki’s misadventures, insecurities, and her desire to reinvent herself are portrayed with a refreshing honesty. Readers will laugh, cringe, and root for Kusunoki as she faces the often awkward reality of trying to live up to unrealistic standards of beauty and popularity.
Mitsuki Mii’s art style perfectly captures the comedic moments as well as the more emotional beats of the story. The supporting cast adds depth to the narrative, offering both comic relief and meaningful friendships that help Kusunoki realize that growing up isn’t about perfection—it's about being true to yourself.
---
🌟 **Highlights:** 🌟
- **Relatable Protagonist**: Kusunoki's journey of self-acceptance and the pressure to conform is something many readers can relate to.
- **Humor & Heart**: The series balances lighthearted humor with touching moments, making it both entertaining and emotionally resonant.
- **Beautiful Art**: Mitsuki Mii’s illustrations bring the story to life, capturing the awkwardness and charm of Kusunoki’s high school experience.
---
💌 **Favorite Quote:**
*"I thought a glow-up would solve all my problems... but maybe all I needed was to see myself differently."* - A reminder that self-love and confidence come from within.
---
🌟 **Rating:** 🌟
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
---
*Kusunoki's Flunking Her High School Glow-Up Vol. 1* is a funny, heartfelt manga that speaks to the struggles of growing up and learning to accept yourself as you are. Mitsuki Mii creates a world where imperfection is celebrated, and Kusunoki’s journey will inspire readers to embrace their own uniqueness.
See more reviews at:
Casla Reads
---
*I received this book through NetGalley as an ARC reader. This will not in any way affect my thoughts or opinions on the book.*
🌸📚 **Kusunoki's Flunking Her High School Glow-Up Vol. 1** by Mitsuki Mii 📚🌸
*A quirky and heartwarming story about navigating high school, self-acceptance, and embracing who you are—flaws and all.*
🌟🎒 **Review:** 🎒🌟
*Kusunoki's Flunking Her High School Glow-Up* by Mitsuki Mii is a delightful and humorous take on the familiar high school experience, with a protagonist who feels all too relatable in her struggles to "glow up" and fit in. The first volume of this manga introduces us to Kusunoki, a high school student who, despite her best efforts, seems to be failing at the traditional expectations of becoming a polished and perfect version of herself.
The charm of this series lies in its lighthearted yet heartfelt approach to the pressures of adolescence. Kusunoki’s misadventures, insecurities, and her desire to reinvent herself are portrayed with a refreshing honesty. Readers will laugh, cringe, and root for Kusunoki as she faces the often awkward reality of trying to live up to unrealistic standards of beauty and popularity.
Mitsuki Mii’s art style perfectly captures the comedic moments as well as the more emotional beats of the story. The supporting cast adds depth to the narrative, offering both comic relief and meaningful friendships that help Kusunoki realize that growing up isn’t about perfection—it's about being true to yourself.
---
🌟 **Highlights:** 🌟
- **Relatable Protagonist**: Kusunoki's journey of self-acceptance and the pressure to conform is something many readers can relate to.
- **Humor & Heart**: The series balances lighthearted humor with touching moments, making it both entertaining and emotionally resonant.
- **Beautiful Art**: Mitsuki Mii’s illustrations bring the story to life, capturing the awkwardness and charm of Kusunoki’s high school experience.
---
💌 **Favorite Quote:**
*"I thought a glow-up would solve all my problems... but maybe all I needed was to see myself differently."* - A reminder that self-love and confidence come from within.
---
🌟 **Rating:** 🌟
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
---
*Kusunoki's Flunking Her High School Glow-Up Vol. 1* is a funny, heartfelt manga that speaks to the struggles of growing up and learning to accept yourself as you are. Mitsuki Mii creates a world where imperfection is celebrated, and Kusunoki’s journey will inspire readers to embrace their own uniqueness.
See more reviews at:
Casla Reads
---
*I received this book through NetGalley as an ARC reader. This will not in any way affect my thoughts or opinions on the book.*
November 18, 2024
3 1/2 stars rounded up
Summary:
Keisuke Shizuki was burned once by a popular and pretty girl, and he swore to himself that it would never happen again. He used his transition into high school as an excuse to overhaul his life.
First, he changed his looks and style, and last, he worked hard to come off as “normal” and “average” (and not nerdy) as possible. Everything was going according to plan until he bumped into Kusunoki, a girl from his old school. It seems like she had a similar plan but needs some help to achieve her goals.
Review:
Hooray, it's time for another manga with a long title! But seriously, Kusunoki's Flunking Her High School Glow-Up Vol. 1 is not what I expected. First, there's the obvious - I thought that Kusunoki would have been the main POV (the title and cover indicate that), but it's actually Keisuke Shizuki.
There's a reason for it, and the sort of twist works out. It's not the deepest manga out there, plus it has fun with the whole romantic comedy meets coming-of-age trope, with a high school overhaul twist.
I think I would have liked the story more if more of the characters felt…real or human? Keisuke Shizuki learns to hate women/girls because of one bad experience (which, okay, it was pretty bad, but still). This is one of many examples of girls behaving badly or just not acting like people. It's not the best look/take. Even Kusunoki seems helpless without a male lead. I don't know; maybe I'm reading too much into it.
Highlights:
Romantic Comedy
Coming-of-Age
High School Drama
Will I continue the series? Maybe
You Can Also Find Me On:
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy
Summary:
Keisuke Shizuki was burned once by a popular and pretty girl, and he swore to himself that it would never happen again. He used his transition into high school as an excuse to overhaul his life.
First, he changed his looks and style, and last, he worked hard to come off as “normal” and “average” (and not nerdy) as possible. Everything was going according to plan until he bumped into Kusunoki, a girl from his old school. It seems like she had a similar plan but needs some help to achieve her goals.
Review:
Hooray, it's time for another manga with a long title! But seriously, Kusunoki's Flunking Her High School Glow-Up Vol. 1 is not what I expected. First, there's the obvious - I thought that Kusunoki would have been the main POV (the title and cover indicate that), but it's actually Keisuke Shizuki.
There's a reason for it, and the sort of twist works out. It's not the deepest manga out there, plus it has fun with the whole romantic comedy meets coming-of-age trope, with a high school overhaul twist.
I think I would have liked the story more if more of the characters felt…real or human? Keisuke Shizuki learns to hate women/girls because of one bad experience (which, okay, it was pretty bad, but still). This is one of many examples of girls behaving badly or just not acting like people. It's not the best look/take. Even Kusunoki seems helpless without a male lead. I don't know; maybe I'm reading too much into it.
Highlights:
Romantic Comedy
Coming-of-Age
High School Drama
Will I continue the series? Maybe
You Can Also Find Me On:
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy
August 24, 2024
Shizuki has made his high school debut. From losing weight to wearing contacts instead of glasses, he is on his way to becoming an ordinary guy in high school and not an outcast anymore. However, it looks like he's not the only person who transferred to his new school from his old junior high school. Kusunoki is now a problem. Especially since she was also an unkempt outcast from their old school, and now she's the most popular and prettiest girl in their first year class. And she needs his help to talk normally to their classmates.
The plot on this was so interesting. It's actually nothing new. I read a one-shot manga before of two classmates moving unto a new school for a high school debut. But this is more interesting because it's a more fleshed out story, and the male lead just wants to have friends.
This first volume was such a good introduction of the characters and it already gives you a good idea into what the story of the manga will be like. I like that we get to understand the personalities of the character and their goals at the very beginning because readers would know that there will be a lot of things coming for these characters.
I'm very impressed with the art as well. It's very clean and you can't tell the difference if this is a shounen or shoujo manga. I really appreciate the speech bubbles because they made sure that you can differentiate how the voices may sound like. And just something funny and non-spoilery to add. It made me laugh about the losing weight montage because it only lasted one panel. It's just very cliche in manga.
For a start, this was super fun to read, and the story will not make you bored. Would love to read the rest of the series.
* I received an eARC of this manga
The plot on this was so interesting. It's actually nothing new. I read a one-shot manga before of two classmates moving unto a new school for a high school debut. But this is more interesting because it's a more fleshed out story, and the male lead just wants to have friends.
This first volume was such a good introduction of the characters and it already gives you a good idea into what the story of the manga will be like. I like that we get to understand the personalities of the character and their goals at the very beginning because readers would know that there will be a lot of things coming for these characters.
I'm very impressed with the art as well. It's very clean and you can't tell the difference if this is a shounen or shoujo manga. I really appreciate the speech bubbles because they made sure that you can differentiate how the voices may sound like. And just something funny and non-spoilery to add. It made me laugh about the losing weight montage because it only lasted one panel. It's just very cliche in manga.
For a start, this was super fun to read, and the story will not make you bored. Would love to read the rest of the series.
* I received an eARC of this manga
July 29, 2024
The art was lovely, the front cover is beautiful, and the facial expressions were just *chef's kiss*
A story revolving around two kid's high school glow-up.. I liked this a lot more than I expected.
The female MC wasn't stupid, she just hadn't been in enough social situations to understand certain things!
The male MC could be a little irritating on occasion:
Exhibit A : One cute girl screwed me over, they're all the same.
Exhibit B : Therefore, I will be rude to this one who is actively trying to be friends with me.
This didn't affect my overall review though as this does seem to resolve itself by the end of this first volume (though I can't speak for the ones that come after).
Sometimes stories that take place within a high school can be written in a way that isn't believable for that setting- I think this one did a good job of that, even Male MC and his friends were very 'typical high school boy'. The way other girl's talked about Kusunoki was sad but again, realistic for a high school setting while not being overdone.
From the start I predicted what would happen to be the ending of the first volume- but again this doesn't take away from my overall view of the story because sometimes manga and stories can be somewhat predictable and it definitely didn't take away from my experience.
Overall I really enjoyed this and became very invested in the story and characters- I will definitely be looking out for the next volume in this series !
Thanks to NetGalley, The publisher, author, and illustrator for the ARC.
A story revolving around two kid's high school glow-up.. I liked this a lot more than I expected.
The female MC wasn't stupid, she just hadn't been in enough social situations to understand certain things!
The male MC could be a little irritating on occasion:
Exhibit A : One cute girl screwed me over, they're all the same.
Exhibit B : Therefore, I will be rude to this one who is actively trying to be friends with me.
This didn't affect my overall review though as this does seem to resolve itself by the end of this first volume (though I can't speak for the ones that come after).
Sometimes stories that take place within a high school can be written in a way that isn't believable for that setting- I think this one did a good job of that, even Male MC and his friends were very 'typical high school boy'. The way other girl's talked about Kusunoki was sad but again, realistic for a high school setting while not being overdone.
From the start I predicted what would happen to be the ending of the first volume- but again this doesn't take away from my overall view of the story because sometimes manga and stories can be somewhat predictable and it definitely didn't take away from my experience.
Overall I really enjoyed this and became very invested in the story and characters- I will definitely be looking out for the next volume in this series !
Thanks to NetGalley, The publisher, author, and illustrator for the ARC.
August 8, 2024
I couldn't stop chuckling while reading this manga! Every chapter is just so entertaining that I devoured this volume so quickly. 😆
This story follows Keisuke Shizuki, an introvert and outcast in middle school, who is now determined to reinvent himself, overcome his trauma, and start fresh in high school. Unfortunately, he ended up in the same class with Shizuka Kusunoki, a former outcast that he knows from middle school. Unlike him, Kusonoki is having trouble with her high school glow-up so she turns to Shizuki for help.
I really enjoyed this book. The humor in this book definitely hits the mark! This manga series is marketed as a rom-com but the romance doesn't overshadow the story (which I appreciate). 💗 It primarily revolves around the themes of friendships, trauma, bullying, and identity.
My only issue with this manga is that the characters were lacking. I liked Shizuki because he is relatable and authentic. Kusonoki, however, could use some development. Her lack of social awareness often leads to inappropriate behavior, making her character unlikeable or frustrating to read. I don't think this was intentional though, so I hope we get to delve deeper into her character in the next volumes.
Kusunoki's Flunking Her High School Glow-Up is a delightful mix of humor and heart. It's funny, genuine, and unexpectedly sweet. If you liked Komi Can't Communicate and True Beauty, I recommend picking up this manga series. ✨
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
This story follows Keisuke Shizuki, an introvert and outcast in middle school, who is now determined to reinvent himself, overcome his trauma, and start fresh in high school. Unfortunately, he ended up in the same class with Shizuka Kusunoki, a former outcast that he knows from middle school. Unlike him, Kusonoki is having trouble with her high school glow-up so she turns to Shizuki for help.
I really enjoyed this book. The humor in this book definitely hits the mark! This manga series is marketed as a rom-com but the romance doesn't overshadow the story (which I appreciate). 💗 It primarily revolves around the themes of friendships, trauma, bullying, and identity.
My only issue with this manga is that the characters were lacking. I liked Shizuki because he is relatable and authentic. Kusonoki, however, could use some development. Her lack of social awareness often leads to inappropriate behavior, making her character unlikeable or frustrating to read. I don't think this was intentional though, so I hope we get to delve deeper into her character in the next volumes.
Kusunoki's Flunking Her High School Glow-Up is a delightful mix of humor and heart. It's funny, genuine, and unexpectedly sweet. If you liked Komi Can't Communicate and True Beauty, I recommend picking up this manga series. ✨
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
October 19, 2024
Kusunoki is Flunking Her High School Glow-Up
Release Aug 20
Volume 2 release oct 22
Volume 3 release December
Another cute manga Kodansha is releasing in August. It is a high school setting with both the ML and FL wanting to change their library lurking middle school self to someone more popular. Personally I’m not huge into the mindset of completely changing oneself and hiding their interests for others to like them, but I get it and I still enjoy the trope of it in manga/anime. I liked how their first phone call went and Kusunoki was super talkative about her favorite series resulting in Shizuki staying on longer. Kusunoki is so adorable and love how she unknowingly causes misunderstandings from her classmates.
Summary:
Shizuki was determined to change himself in high school and never trust a cute girl again. He decided on a high school no one knew his past self and on the outside it looks like he was successful. There is a small ripple in his plan. Kusunoki, someone he used to be fellow library lurkers with, attends the same school and is said to be the cutest in their grade. However, he learns she is having difficulty making friends and approaches him for help. Unable to say no to her, Shizuki becomes her temporary friend. Not long after there are already misunderstandings with his classmates based on what Kusunoki says and does. Shizuki tries to draw a line between them, but Kusunoki doesn't quite understand where that balance should be. On top of that, someone appears that Shizuki wishes never to see again.
Release Aug 20
Volume 2 release oct 22
Volume 3 release December
Another cute manga Kodansha is releasing in August. It is a high school setting with both the ML and FL wanting to change their library lurking middle school self to someone more popular. Personally I’m not huge into the mindset of completely changing oneself and hiding their interests for others to like them, but I get it and I still enjoy the trope of it in manga/anime. I liked how their first phone call went and Kusunoki was super talkative about her favorite series resulting in Shizuki staying on longer. Kusunoki is so adorable and love how she unknowingly causes misunderstandings from her classmates.
Summary:
Shizuki was determined to change himself in high school and never trust a cute girl again. He decided on a high school no one knew his past self and on the outside it looks like he was successful. There is a small ripple in his plan. Kusunoki, someone he used to be fellow library lurkers with, attends the same school and is said to be the cutest in their grade. However, he learns she is having difficulty making friends and approaches him for help. Unable to say no to her, Shizuki becomes her temporary friend. Not long after there are already misunderstandings with his classmates based on what Kusunoki says and does. Shizuki tries to draw a line between them, but Kusunoki doesn't quite understand where that balance should be. On top of that, someone appears that Shizuki wishes never to see again.
August 7, 2024
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for review.
Two middle school outcasts find solace in each other when they come to realize that although they can change their looks, sometimes their personality might not match.
Shizuki is living his mediocre high school glow up dream. He's got two whole friends, average grades, and sits right in the middle of social standing in his class. It's all he's ever dreamed of since getting rejected by the mean girl in middle school. However, Shizuki finds himself catching the attention of the only other student that attended his middle school- Kusunoki! Kusinoki's glow up reflects that of his own, however as the prettiest girl in their class Kusinoki struggles with making friends! Boys swarm her, girls hate her... she feels like she can't win. She makes it her duty to befriend Shizuki, the only person to know she is more than what she is on the outside. The two soon navigate a fast and new friendship together. However, between Shizuki's jealous friends and familiar face from the past, the two find themselves struggling to adapt easily into high school life.
This was so cute! I loved the premise of the story, where two "ugly ducklings" find solace in each other. Their friendship is something I can't wait to follow in future volumes, and the humor is unmatched. 5/5 solid stars.
Two middle school outcasts find solace in each other when they come to realize that although they can change their looks, sometimes their personality might not match.
Shizuki is living his mediocre high school glow up dream. He's got two whole friends, average grades, and sits right in the middle of social standing in his class. It's all he's ever dreamed of since getting rejected by the mean girl in middle school. However, Shizuki finds himself catching the attention of the only other student that attended his middle school- Kusunoki! Kusinoki's glow up reflects that of his own, however as the prettiest girl in their class Kusinoki struggles with making friends! Boys swarm her, girls hate her... she feels like she can't win. She makes it her duty to befriend Shizuki, the only person to know she is more than what she is on the outside. The two soon navigate a fast and new friendship together. However, between Shizuki's jealous friends and familiar face from the past, the two find themselves struggling to adapt easily into high school life.
This was so cute! I loved the premise of the story, where two "ugly ducklings" find solace in each other. Their friendship is something I can't wait to follow in future volumes, and the humor is unmatched. 5/5 solid stars.
August 22, 2024
With a lovely lightness, this is a cute romance, which tackles issues surrounding self-imaging and friendship.
Keisuke was at the bottom of the social ladder in middle school, but he's got things covered to hit high school with new zing. He might not be popular, and that's great. Middle ground all the way! This works nicely until the hottest girl in the class asks him for help. It turns out that she was the library nerd, who sat across from him in the library during middle school...and she's really changed to master high school. Now, she's about to mess up his middle-of-the-road bliss and he's not sure what to do about it.
This is a pretty straight forward read with a simple plot. And that's great. Keisuke is happy as a 'normal' kid in high school, which is refreshing to see. He carries a little bullying baggage from middle school, and it's this which marks the theme of the book: how to handle going from a nothing to normal and if it works. There's a little humor sprinkled in, and while this is a romance (I think), it definitely is slow burn. There are a couple of side characters, but this stays to the minimum and keeps the concentration on the two main characters.
It's an easy read with enjoyable graphics, and great for a lazy moment of relaxation.
Keisuke was at the bottom of the social ladder in middle school, but he's got things covered to hit high school with new zing. He might not be popular, and that's great. Middle ground all the way! This works nicely until the hottest girl in the class asks him for help. It turns out that she was the library nerd, who sat across from him in the library during middle school...and she's really changed to master high school. Now, she's about to mess up his middle-of-the-road bliss and he's not sure what to do about it.
This is a pretty straight forward read with a simple plot. And that's great. Keisuke is happy as a 'normal' kid in high school, which is refreshing to see. He carries a little bullying baggage from middle school, and it's this which marks the theme of the book: how to handle going from a nothing to normal and if it works. There's a little humor sprinkled in, and while this is a romance (I think), it definitely is slow burn. There are a couple of side characters, but this stays to the minimum and keeps the concentration on the two main characters.
It's an easy read with enjoyable graphics, and great for a lazy moment of relaxation.
October 29, 2024
This is a light high school drama about 2 former nerds that each have a high school glow up and end up in the same new school where only they know the other's secret. That is until Keisuke runs into someone from his past...
Keisuke and Kusunoki may have had external glow ups but they're both still pretty nerdy at heart and Kusunoki struggles with confidence. I loved how awkward they both were because it felt very realistic and innocent. Kusunoki was easily my favorite character because she's so genuine and just wants to be friends with Keisuke, while he struggles with what others will think. I think it's a good representation of the insecurities people have that don't just magically disappear because they've changed they way they look. There's a little bit of drama, some funny and embarrassing moments, miscommunication, and an ending that leads us to believe there will be bigger drama headed Keisuke's way in volume 2. I hope there's a bit more of a romantic connection between the two MCs too! Overall, it's a cute read and definitely a great manga to start with if you're new to this type of book.
Thank you Kodansha Comics for the DRC via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Keisuke and Kusunoki may have had external glow ups but they're both still pretty nerdy at heart and Kusunoki struggles with confidence. I loved how awkward they both were because it felt very realistic and innocent. Kusunoki was easily my favorite character because she's so genuine and just wants to be friends with Keisuke, while he struggles with what others will think. I think it's a good representation of the insecurities people have that don't just magically disappear because they've changed they way they look. There's a little bit of drama, some funny and embarrassing moments, miscommunication, and an ending that leads us to believe there will be bigger drama headed Keisuke's way in volume 2. I hope there's a bit more of a romantic connection between the two MCs too! Overall, it's a cute read and definitely a great manga to start with if you're new to this type of book.
Thank you Kodansha Comics for the DRC via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 3, 2024
This is good fun. Two nerdy students were unpopular in their junior high and practically invisible unless they were being made fun of. In high school, having worked on their outward appearance they are seen as normal and one of them has raced to the top of the popularity charts with the boys.
Keisuke Shizuki has successfully remade himself although he is on alert because two people from his old school are at his new school. Shizuka Kusunoki was his fellow nerd but has remade herself and is seeking his help because the outside is good but her inner self still lacks confidence. She wants Keisuke to help her with her social skills but he just wants to fit in and be anonymous and Shizuka has become far too popular for his liking. Can he help her and remain anonymous? Meanwhile, another former classmate who is spiteful decides she wants to be Shizuka’s friend.
This is a good story about inner values and outward appearance. I enjoyed this book, because this is a school setting it is also a story about life, and the race to be seen as successful whether you have integrity or not. It is an engaging story and I definitely want to read more from this series.
Copy provided by Kodansha Comics via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
Keisuke Shizuki has successfully remade himself although he is on alert because two people from his old school are at his new school. Shizuka Kusunoki was his fellow nerd but has remade herself and is seeking his help because the outside is good but her inner self still lacks confidence. She wants Keisuke to help her with her social skills but he just wants to fit in and be anonymous and Shizuka has become far too popular for his liking. Can he help her and remain anonymous? Meanwhile, another former classmate who is spiteful decides she wants to be Shizuka’s friend.
This is a good story about inner values and outward appearance. I enjoyed this book, because this is a school setting it is also a story about life, and the race to be seen as successful whether you have integrity or not. It is an engaging story and I definitely want to read more from this series.
Copy provided by Kodansha Comics via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
August 5, 2024
Shizuki and Kusunoki were antisocial, introverted, bottom-of-the-social-scene middle schoolers together. Unexpectedly, they find themselves in the same class in high school where they both had a glow-up. While Shizuki has worked on becoming more social and staying socially in the middle of the hierarchy, Kusunoki still can't speak to anyone yet has found herself dubbed the cutest girl in school. Kusunoki asks Shizuki to help her get better at speaking, and despite not wanting the attention she brings, he can't help but say yes.
It was so cute to see them learn how much they have in common, and how they are fine with each other while she is otherwise anxious around boys and he is nauseated by cute girls. They have so much potential and I can't wait to read more!
This definitely gave "Komi Can't Communicate" vibes, but these introverted sweethearts will have their own challenges to overcome (I'm worried about that one girl!). Definitely a great read for those a fan of two introverts finding each other with lovely artwork.
Thank you to Netgalley and Kodansha Comics for an arc in exchange for an honest review!
4 stars
It was so cute to see them learn how much they have in common, and how they are fine with each other while she is otherwise anxious around boys and he is nauseated by cute girls. They have so much potential and I can't wait to read more!
This definitely gave "Komi Can't Communicate" vibes, but these introverted sweethearts will have their own challenges to overcome (I'm worried about that one girl!). Definitely a great read for those a fan of two introverts finding each other with lovely artwork.
Thank you to Netgalley and Kodansha Comics for an arc in exchange for an honest review!
4 stars
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