My Neighbor Seki, Vol. 4

Tonari no Seki-kun #4

by Takuma Morishige

Yokoi can’t seem to stop Seki’s increasingly creative contraptions from grabbing her attention and making her own imagination wander away in the middle of class. And at one point, Yokoi find herself in a very unexpected place indeed...

Genres: Manga, Humor, Young Adult, Graphic Novels, Japan, Comedy, Teen

176 pages, Paperback

First published May 21, 2014

About the author

MORISHIGE Takuma: 森繁拓真

Older sister is the mangaka Akiko Higashimura.

Reviews

[Raquelle Element · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seki's little sister, Jun, is just so adorable.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been awhile since I read the last volume, maybe even a year, and I found myself enjoying this one thoroughly despite knowing more or less what to expect. Morishige's imagination is pretty incredible, though it's less surprising given what we learned about him during his bread festival bonus comic! My favorite chapter was when Yokoi played with Seki's sister and his under his bed. Things like that move the overall story along in good ways (in terms of character development) and keep the overall premise from getting stagnant. It also seemed like more action occurred outside of the classroom this time, which, in addition to keeping things interesting, is a neat way to learn about different aspects of Japanese school culture.

[Thomas Maluck · Rating 3 out of 5]

Compared to the previous three books, this one fell a little short. Normally I get some sensible chuckles out of Seki's sheer inventiveness, but several gags here fell into the "he cares a lot about an inside joke" camp without being too meticulous or slapstick. Even worse, Rumi's language and antics have escalated out of character, in my opinion.

...but despite my nitpicking, the central premise still plays out reliably well from chapter to chapter.

[Perla Villa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The part with the Santa's is great, the aftermath is funny.

[Spaghett · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Read in Japanese)
Another great volume and probably has my favorite hijinks that weren't included in the anime so far. Rugby and Seki's test-taking technique are incredible and the further I get into this manga the more I realize the tragedy that there was never a second season of the show because the comic timing on some of these would be incredible.

As with each volume you'll pick up a variety of esoteric words. Unlike some series where you get used to the style, Seki-kun is all about doing something new each chapter and you'll probably never be able to easily throw yourself into a new volume and just expect to read without lookups, but it's a great way to grow and the grammar is simple along with great visuals that convey the gag even if you have to look up something with the words. The hardest part of this one was the bit as the end where the author appears as himself which is more verbally dense and has more handwritten notes on the side, but I still got the central gag.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think that I enjoyed the other characters and the bonus material at the end best. Maybe if I'd started with volume 1 I'd be more interested in the series, but as is I'm satisfied with just one.

I appreciated learning that they learn about George Washington and The Emperor's New Clothes in Japanese schools. I sure wish we learned more about world history and culture!

[Anoush · Rating 3 out of 5]

My favorite is the story in here of the robot family flying a kite, drifting away with the kite, getting a dunk in the river and then being stolen by Yokoi who then returns them via Seki's sister who falls asleep while they're playing and Yokoi has to sneak out. So funny!

[Caity McPhe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think there relationship is a cute one. Although she finds him annoying, she is starting to like him though she doesn't even realize it yet. If it becomes more than just a slice of life, I'd be happy with it.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Irl I would hate to be Seki’s “neighbor.” But his adventures ARE delightful to read, and so funny. Reread for me because my library has the series now. I will probably jump around in the books for a bit. Very fun! 👍🏻👏🏻

[Shin Donghae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terlihat pada volume ini tampak lebih orisinal dari yang sebelumnya. Takuma sensei mencoba melakukan perubahan pengaturan dan aktivitas kelas. Kehadiran Goto dan keluarga robot selalu menarik hati XDDD

[Johndev Vellina]

La historia sigue las travesuras de Seki, un estudiante que se dedica a distraerse durante las clases con actividades creativas e imaginativas, mientras su compañera Yokoi intenta mantenerse concentrada en sus estudios.

[Elisabeth McButterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know why, but I just get such joy out of Seki's antics and Rumi's reactions. It's so ridiculously silly, but it just touches a cord with me, I guess.

[Melainebooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Séki est véritablement un être à part : inventif à souhait, sa voisine de classe en reste toujours bouche bée.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

:)

[Eva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read with Metta, age 12.

[Ashna · Rating 4 out of 5]

What is going on 😭

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is becoming a bit stagnant.

[Valeria Narvaez · Rating 1 out of 5]

Que aburridoooooooooooo. Casi me duermo.

[R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun and funny volume! I like that I'm familiar enough with some Japanese culture that some of Seki's games are familiar!

[Pata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Este tomo me ha parecido más original que los anteriores, con los cambios de escenarios (y actividades de clase).

[Raechel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seki is back to distract Yokoi during class. I still can't fully believe that a student would be able to get away with this. Otherwise, I'm enjoying the hilarity of Seki's choice of activities.

[Allybopolis · Rating 4 out of 5]

5 stars out of 10

[LG (A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yokoi continues to watch (and sometimes thwart) Seki's goofing off, and Goto continues to misunderstand Seki and Yokoi's relationship. Seki tries to create a beetle superhero, goofs off during a three-person drawing assignment, and paints himself so that it looks like he put so much effort into school sports that he bled. Yokoi ends up stealing the robot family after Seki has them fly kites for him. She later guiltily gives them back to him via his little sister.

Okay, the premise is now seriously wearing thin. The only reason I'm still reading is because I have a pile of these via the library. They're not bad, but it all feels so same-y, even though Seki's games are always changing.

I like Seki's ingenuity, but it just isn't enough to carry a multi-volume series. Also, sometimes Yokoi frustrates me. Seki's weirdness should be normal to you by now, just ignore him and pay attention during class like you keep saying you want to do!

(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)

[Katt Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think what I liked best in this volume was getting a little bit of a glimpse into Seki's home life. Not only does he play endlessly at school, but also when he's away. I marvel at how much time and effort he puts into his games, yet he has such a great deal of fun, that like those around him, I'm willing to forgive his craziness.

And his sister is just plain cute!

Overall, I'm amazed at how much fun it is to read these books. While there's no real linear storyline there doesn't need to be. May Seki always occupy the back row of the classroom next to the window!

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3 or more is good for comics, manga or graphic novels. I never really know how to rate some of these. There are some where I'm totally in love, know automatically it is a 5 star, but then some I am just not sure about in the first couple volumes.*

I love the series as a whole, it is cute and funny.

[August A.P. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ceritanya tetap menarik. Apalagi cerita tentang yang ada Goto-nya (hihihihii) dan ketika dia mencuri keluarga robot. Dan apa cerita terakhirnya? Yah kalau nggak salah, cerita itu juga rame.
Oh, 2.5 stars!

[Biondy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ceritanya masih tetap lucu-lucu :D

[nidah05 (SleepDreamWrite) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like how there's a little story with each cover. Anyway, another good volume in the series so far. Nice to find a series where its not always drama or dragged story arcs.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seki still creating crazy things.

[Lélé Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encore un excellent tome qui m'a fait beaucoup sourire !
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Another excellent volume which gave me a lot to smile!