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ヲタクに恋は難しい [Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii] #1-2
Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku, Vol. 1
The awkward, romantic comedy manga about geeks in love that inspired the new anime! Can a professional man who's secretly a hardcore gamer and a woman who's secretly a fujoshi date without their hobbies getting in the way, or revealing each other's secrets?
Extra-long book includes 2 Japanese volumes!
Narumi and Hirotaka are, by all appearances, a power couple. They're young, good-looking professionals. But they have secrets from everyone but each other: They're serious geeks! Narumi is a fujoshi, and Hirotaka's a hardcore gamer. Their sweet, awkward love story started life as a webcomic before becoming a full-blown manga series by popular demand, and is about to become a major anime series!work.
Extra-long book includes 2 Japanese volumes!
Narumi and Hirotaka are, by all appearances, a power couple. They're young, good-looking professionals. But they have secrets from everyone but each other: They're serious geeks! Narumi is a fujoshi, and Hirotaka's a hardcore gamer. Their sweet, awkward love story started life as a webcomic before becoming a full-blown manga series by popular demand, and is about to become a major anime series!work.
274 pages, Paperback
First published April 17, 2018
555 people are currently reading
6502 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,662 reviews
September 7, 2021
I love reading about geeky/nerdy characters and ESP if one of them is bookworm or otaku or in the best case a fujoshi. This one offered the best premises but I am so fucking disappointed.
The plot there isn't any. They are rambling about their life and interests. The characters are pretty okay but as of now I don't like any of them.
The panels omg there is so much text written in each panel it keeps me distracted all the time like should I focus on art or writing or both.
The art good. But that's it. And I have many manga volumes lined up for me to read. I don't wanna waste my time on this one further!
The plot there isn't any. They are rambling about their life and interests. The characters are pretty okay but as of now I don't like any of them.
The panels omg there is so much text written in each panel it keeps me distracted all the time like should I focus on art or writing or both.
The art good. But that's it. And I have many manga volumes lined up for me to read. I don't wanna waste my time on this one further!
January 3, 2022
Even though slice-of-life and meta shows are among my absolute favorite genre, personal experience has taught me that I'm nowhere near knowledgeable enough to be a real-life otaku. Not only did I refuse to spend the truckload of money necessary to obtain even the smallest of merchandise (shipping from abroad is expensive!!), but a lot of the more popular shows eluded my interests.
Next on Attack on Anime Merch: surrender, or Yubaba gets it!
Additionally, I'm not much of a manga fan. Sure I'll read the odd yaoi manga or two (...hundred), but as far as the more 'regular' stuff goes, it needs a hyped-up anime series to even make me consider it. Which is how I ended up picking up Wotakoi, inspite of all my misgivings.
And boy was it a ride! If you're a die-hard Japanese pop-culture fan, this series is right up your alley: from famous manga/anime shows, to popular Asian game contests, this one has it all. It's incredibly fast-paced, funny, cringe-worthy, with the odd heart-thumping at just the right moment.
Even the art-style is comparable to its (more palatable) anime version, occasionally managing to surpass it in its appeal.
If you're not a die-hard anime/manga/gaming otaku however, following all the pop-culture references can be a daunting task. Sure, the volume provides footnotes, and you can flip to the end of the book to check them.
Should you read the e-book version, you probably won't do that. Or if you will, it'll be long after you've finished reading about the reference. To its credit, the editor does provide the panel along with the explanation, rightly assuming that not everyone is likely to have stored each and every panel in their long term memory.
I often felt like the anime translation did a much better job at avoiding confusion. While I can imagine that some readers might be interested in the precise name of the show that is being referenced, sometimes it pays to just "keep the spirit" of the translation, and provide a more comprehensive analysis in the footnotes. Not the other way 'round.
Pop-culture references: manga vs anime
Score: 3.45/5 stars
I liked it. A lot! And all the fujoshi-tropes had truly resonated with me. But, at the same time, it's also hella' confusing to constantly have to check the footnotes for one reference or another.
... that said, the story was addictive enough to make me hunt down the rest of the fan-translated volumes, and proceed to gobble down the chapters in quick succession.
================================
Review copy provided by NetGalley and Kodansha Comics, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Next on Attack on Anime Merch: surrender, or Yubaba gets it!
Additionally, I'm not much of a manga fan. Sure I'll read the odd yaoi manga or two (...hundred), but as far as the more 'regular' stuff goes, it needs a hyped-up anime series to even make me consider it. Which is how I ended up picking up Wotakoi, inspite of all my misgivings.
And boy was it a ride! If you're a die-hard Japanese pop-culture fan, this series is right up your alley: from famous manga/anime shows, to popular Asian game contests, this one has it all. It's incredibly fast-paced, funny, cringe-worthy, with the odd heart-thumping at just the right moment.
Even the art-style is comparable to its (more palatable) anime version, occasionally managing to surpass it in its appeal.
If you're not a die-hard anime/manga/gaming otaku however, following all the pop-culture references can be a daunting task. Sure, the volume provides footnotes, and you can flip to the end of the book to check them.
Should you read the e-book version, you probably won't do that. Or if you will, it'll be long after you've finished reading about the reference. To its credit, the editor does provide the panel along with the explanation, rightly assuming that not everyone is likely to have stored each and every panel in their long term memory.
I often felt like the anime translation did a much better job at avoiding confusion. While I can imagine that some readers might be interested in the precise name of the show that is being referenced, sometimes it pays to just "keep the spirit" of the translation, and provide a more comprehensive analysis in the footnotes. Not the other way 'round.
Pop-culture references: manga vs anime
Score: 3.45/5 stars
I liked it. A lot! And all the fujoshi-tropes had truly resonated with me. But, at the same time, it's also hella' confusing to constantly have to check the footnotes for one reference or another.
... that said, the story was addictive enough to make me hunt down the rest of the fan-translated volumes, and proceed to gobble down the chapters in quick succession.
================================
Review copy provided by NetGalley and Kodansha Comics, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 9, 2022
The beginning of this was dragging for me. I was bogged down by so much information and confusion.
But, when I looked it up, I realized that this was a series that was being published on an app like WebToons where they were small snippets of a story that didn't coincide. That's what you're reading in the very beginning. That's why it doesn't flow or make consecutive sense.
While I think that could have been done better, I have to throw my hands up at how much I swooned for Hano and Taro. I'm weak in the knees. I'm gasping for breath. They are so hot. You could call me toxic for loving their relationship so much. And you'd probably be right. But I love them so much.
But, when I looked it up, I realized that this was a series that was being published on an app like WebToons where they were small snippets of a story that didn't coincide. That's what you're reading in the very beginning. That's why it doesn't flow or make consecutive sense.
While I think that could have been done better, I have to throw my hands up at how much I swooned for Hano and Taro. I'm weak in the knees. I'm gasping for breath. They are so hot. You could call me toxic for loving their relationship so much. And you'd probably be right. But I love them so much.
June 24, 2020
Office workers by day, secret nerds by, well, all the time! Otaku are young Japanese people obsessed with games/manga/anime/cosplay, which is apparently stigmatized in Japanese society so our main characters have to hide their hobbies from co-workers/non-Otaku. Narumi starts work at a new company where her childhood friend Hirotaka also works and the two hook up. Joining them are another couple, Hanako and Kabakura, who also work in the same office, and the four of them happily nerd out in their spare time!
Unusually for me, I saw the anime before reading this manga but I liked the show and wanted more, not realising that the manga was just a repeat of the show - same stories! Which was a bit disappointing and probably why I wasn’t quite as taken with the book as I might’ve been had this all been new to me. I still kinda liked it though. And I use the term “stories” very loosely - nowt much happens to our cast but they’re such a charming group that it doesn’t really matter!
Narumi is an aspiring manga creator and Hirotaka helps her out at Comiket (Japanese Comic-Con); Hanako ropes Hirotaka and Kabakura into cross-dressing cosplay; the group meet Hirotaka’s little brother Nao, who, unlike his big brother is, hoho, a hapless gamer; and they generally putz around learning about each other - see what I mean by nowt much happening?
Also, I guess this is primarily a romance manga but it never really seems like either Narumi or Hirotaka are that into each other or that interested in love in the first place. They’re good friends but neither seem to want a physical relationship or anything more than company while they do their otaku stuff. Similarly, Hanako and Kabakura’s relationship just baffled me - they seem to hate each other and fight at the drop of a hat. And they fight about nothing and their insults are weird and they too don’t seem to really want to be in a relationship.
That might be otaku-awkwardness, though, from my firsthand experience of the culture, Japanese society in general is oddly sexless. Everything is very kiddie-friendly and the women dress very demurely in loose-fitting clothes compared to women in the west who have no issues wearing skin-hugging lycra to the shops!
Also Hanako has really big boobs but when she cosplays as a dude she’s suddenly somehow flat-chested - come on! Really? There’s no amount of taping or a magic sports bra that’ll flatten out a buxom lady like that!
Still, the characters are a delightful bunch and I liked getting to know them and their quirks all over again. And Narumi is beyond cute! I would recommend the anime over the manga though, which is on Amazon Prime right now if you have it. The voice actors are all amazing and I adore the catchy upbeat theme song.
Perhaps appropriately, Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku, Volume 1 is a bit of a jumbled mess, like its characters, but enjoyable enough too!
Unusually for me, I saw the anime before reading this manga but I liked the show and wanted more, not realising that the manga was just a repeat of the show - same stories! Which was a bit disappointing and probably why I wasn’t quite as taken with the book as I might’ve been had this all been new to me. I still kinda liked it though. And I use the term “stories” very loosely - nowt much happens to our cast but they’re such a charming group that it doesn’t really matter!
Narumi is an aspiring manga creator and Hirotaka helps her out at Comiket (Japanese Comic-Con); Hanako ropes Hirotaka and Kabakura into cross-dressing cosplay; the group meet Hirotaka’s little brother Nao, who, unlike his big brother is, hoho, a hapless gamer; and they generally putz around learning about each other - see what I mean by nowt much happening?
Also, I guess this is primarily a romance manga but it never really seems like either Narumi or Hirotaka are that into each other or that interested in love in the first place. They’re good friends but neither seem to want a physical relationship or anything more than company while they do their otaku stuff. Similarly, Hanako and Kabakura’s relationship just baffled me - they seem to hate each other and fight at the drop of a hat. And they fight about nothing and their insults are weird and they too don’t seem to really want to be in a relationship.
That might be otaku-awkwardness, though, from my firsthand experience of the culture, Japanese society in general is oddly sexless. Everything is very kiddie-friendly and the women dress very demurely in loose-fitting clothes compared to women in the west who have no issues wearing skin-hugging lycra to the shops!
Also Hanako has really big boobs but when she cosplays as a dude she’s suddenly somehow flat-chested - come on! Really? There’s no amount of taping or a magic sports bra that’ll flatten out a buxom lady like that!
Still, the characters are a delightful bunch and I liked getting to know them and their quirks all over again. And Narumi is beyond cute! I would recommend the anime over the manga though, which is on Amazon Prime right now if you have it. The voice actors are all amazing and I adore the catchy upbeat theme song.
Perhaps appropriately, Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku, Volume 1 is a bit of a jumbled mess, like its characters, but enjoyable enough too!
January 24, 2020
"We're together because I love you... and I like seeing you doing things that make you happy."
I loved it!! Everything about this Manga was so cute and funny! I mean I'm an Otaku (not that much) and a bookworm, so it's not a lie if I want to say that love is also hard for bookworms (for me ofc, I'm not sure about the others) Bc I can't find my ideal type in real world and I prefer fictional characters (I know it's insane but what can I do? 😂) if I want to be honest it's a little bit hard for us to find the one who understand us well bc not everyone see the world the way we do and we live in fantasy worlds more than the real world. This is my thoughts don't get it so seriously, maybe I'll change my mind later! 😂
I loved it!! Everything about this Manga was so cute and funny! I mean I'm an Otaku (not that much) and a bookworm, so it's not a lie if I want to say that love is also hard for bookworms (for me ofc, I'm not sure about the others) Bc I can't find my ideal type in real world and I prefer fictional characters (I know it's insane but what can I do? 😂) if I want to be honest it's a little bit hard for us to find the one who understand us well bc not everyone see the world the way we do and we live in fantasy worlds more than the real world. This is my thoughts don't get it so seriously, maybe I'll change my mind later! 😂
May 8, 2018
My brain says three stars, but my heart says four. I think you need to trust your heart when it comes to humour and geeky references.
We have two otaku couples:
Narumi Momose(The all-round geek who loves her anime and manga and cries at character deaths) and Hirotaka Nifuji (A hardcore gamer with a cool demeanour)
And Tarō Kabakura (The less-intense, grumpy otaku) and Hanako Koyanagi (Who loves cosplaying as male characters and reading yaoi)
The premise
Wotakoi centres around these two otaku couples and their antics in the workplace, on MMORPGs, gaming conventions or just when they chill together at home. This comic had me laughing from my belly several times. I really enjoy how the comic breaks through the stereotype of an otaku being a reclusive and anti-social person.
The plot
There is none, and I love it.
The Romance
Okay, I really loved the romance in this one. Momose and Hirotaka are a newly-formed couple trying to establish their routines, interactions and understanding of each other:
While Taro and Hanako have been dating for years:
I really enjoyed Momose and Hirotaka's relationship because they have been friends since childhood, and the way they reconnect based on their past is great.
I love Taro and Hanako because of just how much they tease and shout at each other.
Oh. My. God. My inner geek was made so happy by these Neon Genesis Evangelion references:
The humour
Conclusion
Wotakoi is an enjoyable slice-of-life manga that I'd recommend to anyone who loves this genre of anime. It's sweet, reference-fueled and really, really funny.
I was given this manga by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
We have two otaku couples:
Narumi Momose(The all-round geek who loves her anime and manga and cries at character deaths) and Hirotaka Nifuji (A hardcore gamer with a cool demeanour)
And Tarō Kabakura (The less-intense, grumpy otaku) and Hanako Koyanagi (Who loves cosplaying as male characters and reading yaoi)
The premise
Wotakoi centres around these two otaku couples and their antics in the workplace, on MMORPGs, gaming conventions or just when they chill together at home. This comic had me laughing from my belly several times. I really enjoy how the comic breaks through the stereotype of an otaku being a reclusive and anti-social person.
The plot
There is none, and I love it.
The Romance
Okay, I really loved the romance in this one. Momose and Hirotaka are a newly-formed couple trying to establish their routines, interactions and understanding of each other:
While Taro and Hanako have been dating for years:
I really enjoyed Momose and Hirotaka's relationship because they have been friends since childhood, and the way they reconnect based on their past is great.
I love Taro and Hanako because of just how much they tease and shout at each other.
Oh. My. God. My inner geek was made so happy by these Neon Genesis Evangelion references:
The humour
Conclusion
Wotakoi is an enjoyable slice-of-life manga that I'd recommend to anyone who loves this genre of anime. It's sweet, reference-fueled and really, really funny.
I was given this manga by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
August 3, 2024
okay reread this after watching the anime and yes this doesn’t have a lot of plot. my biggest issue they are already dating in the beginning so i felt like it was going to be instalove and that they were moving too fast and it would be too fluffy but it’s still somehow slow burn! plus this had so much angst especially between hanako and kabakura. the anime helped me understand the story and character dynamics better. i really enjoyed the found family and the side characters. hanako is very much me coded lol. now i’m obsessed with everything and i need to complete it
November 9, 2018
I request a reading copy of this manga because of the rating and that there is a lot of feedback about it. However, I was a little bit disappointed while reading it because it was not what I've expected it to be. It is not that great and that I find nothing spectacular especially with the characters and on the flow of the story.
January 9, 2019
5 stars!
Wotakoi is a pleasantly refreshing manga – it’s not written as a continuous piece but instead is made of ‘scenes’ (little snippets of their lives) which are often hilarious, cute or both! This manga focuses on two couples who are all “otaku” – people who are really into their pop culture/gaming so much so that it sometimes affects their ability to communicate in social situations.
The first couple comprises of Hirotaka Nifuji who is a bit Clark Kent-esque (appearance wise) and Narumi Momose who makes the cutest chibi character! They are childhood friends who later meet again when they work for the same company – they are often awkward together and haven’t really been on a proper ‘date’ but they love computer games.
The second couple comprises of Tarou Kabakura who is a fiery and handsome redhead :) whose girlfriend is the equally feisty and sexy Hanako Koyanagi; whilst the Nifuji and Momose are the ‘cute’ couple, Kabakura and Koyanagi are definitely the most intense and interesting couple. They can often be seen arguing with each other but they always make it up and when they do my heart skips a beat <3 Their conversations are littered with punch one-liners and sarcastic comments and I honestly can’t get enough of them. I really hope they have more exposure in volume 2.
Like I said, Wotakoi is a funny and touching Josei manga which will appeal to a wide audience, just a word of warning – some of the jokes might go over your head if you’re not a serious gamer (I don’t play games at all :/ and found myself puzzled at times) but there is a notes page at the end to help the amateur out :)
If you haven’t checked out Wotakoi yet, I encourage you to do so – it will have you laughing and cringing in equal measure. Brilliant stuff!
Wotakoi is a pleasantly refreshing manga – it’s not written as a continuous piece but instead is made of ‘scenes’ (little snippets of their lives) which are often hilarious, cute or both! This manga focuses on two couples who are all “otaku” – people who are really into their pop culture/gaming so much so that it sometimes affects their ability to communicate in social situations.
The first couple comprises of Hirotaka Nifuji who is a bit Clark Kent-esque (appearance wise) and Narumi Momose who makes the cutest chibi character! They are childhood friends who later meet again when they work for the same company – they are often awkward together and haven’t really been on a proper ‘date’ but they love computer games.
The second couple comprises of Tarou Kabakura who is a fiery and handsome redhead :) whose girlfriend is the equally feisty and sexy Hanako Koyanagi; whilst the Nifuji and Momose are the ‘cute’ couple, Kabakura and Koyanagi are definitely the most intense and interesting couple. They can often be seen arguing with each other but they always make it up and when they do my heart skips a beat <3 Their conversations are littered with punch one-liners and sarcastic comments and I honestly can’t get enough of them. I really hope they have more exposure in volume 2.
Like I said, Wotakoi is a funny and touching Josei manga which will appeal to a wide audience, just a word of warning – some of the jokes might go over your head if you’re not a serious gamer (I don’t play games at all :/ and found myself puzzled at times) but there is a notes page at the end to help the amateur out :)
If you haven’t checked out Wotakoi yet, I encourage you to do so – it will have you laughing and cringing in equal measure. Brilliant stuff!
May 9, 2018
Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku 1 by Fujita
DNF @ page 53
Cover Thoughts: It's cute and fluffy.
Thank you, Netgalley and Kodansha Comics, for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
DNF @ page 53
I don't know. I just could not get into this one. I tried. I wanted something cute, light and fluffy and with cheesy office romance, but I was unimpressed with the pointless plot. The panels were packed with too many words and it overshadowed the art. It was unappealing to my eyes and the story wasn't enough to hold my attention. I'm probably just being incredibly negative and everyone will love this, but I'm not loving it and I won't be continuing.
Cover Thoughts: It's cute and fluffy.
Thank you, Netgalley and Kodansha Comics, for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
March 13, 2023
Nerds falling in love has no right being this cute or funny...
Wotakoi was certainly not what I expected. It's essentially a comedic take on the lives of four coworkers (who make two couples) as they hide their love for video games and fandom 😭 this story feels so unserious, it’s honestly the perfect mood booster.
I think I’m more invested in Hanako and Taro’s dynamic than Narumi and Hirotaka’s, though it’s really fun to see the four of them going out together after work all the time. The next volume has my favs on the cover, so maybe it’ll be focused around them!
Wotakoi was certainly not what I expected. It's essentially a comedic take on the lives of four coworkers (who make two couples) as they hide their love for video games and fandom 😭 this story feels so unserious, it’s honestly the perfect mood booster.
I think I’m more invested in Hanako and Taro’s dynamic than Narumi and Hirotaka’s, though it’s really fun to see the four of them going out together after work all the time. The next volume has my favs on the cover, so maybe it’ll be focused around them!
April 23, 2021
This was freaking great.
So two Otaku's figure since they grew up together as mega-nerds why not finally date? It seems logical as Narumi keeps dating guys and they dump her once they find out how much of a Otaku she is. So Hirotaka says lets date and so begins their adventure dating along side their two co-working friends Hanako and Taro.
This is basically just nerds dating the manga and it is great. For one everyone is an adult, so adult situations are funny as hell when dating. Also the fact there's SO much nerd shout outs makes me feel at home. Also the art is great with some of the BEST faces ever for comedy. Also the dialogue is pretty solid.
My only complaint is sometimes a panel has TOO much dialogue and it is hard to tell the order or what to read first.
Besides that this was cute, funny, nerdy, and everything I want in a Romance Slice of Life. A 4.5 out of 5.
So two Otaku's figure since they grew up together as mega-nerds why not finally date? It seems logical as Narumi keeps dating guys and they dump her once they find out how much of a Otaku she is. So Hirotaka says lets date and so begins their adventure dating along side their two co-working friends Hanako and Taro.
This is basically just nerds dating the manga and it is great. For one everyone is an adult, so adult situations are funny as hell when dating. Also the fact there's SO much nerd shout outs makes me feel at home. Also the art is great with some of the BEST faces ever for comedy. Also the dialogue is pretty solid.
My only complaint is sometimes a panel has TOO much dialogue and it is hard to tell the order or what to read first.
Besides that this was cute, funny, nerdy, and everything I want in a Romance Slice of Life. A 4.5 out of 5.
July 29, 2018
ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review...
I really loved this volume! Our main characters are childhood friends who both struggle to find love because they're both otaku's. Narumi loves manga and BL, while Hirotaka loves playing video games. They soon begin dating and volume 1 consists of their hilarious antics with their two friends, who are also otaku's and in a relationship.
I really loved Hirotaka in this! He is stoic and doesn't mind being alone, but is also very sweet and in love with Narumi. The relationship between the two is very slow and easy, and at some points it just feels as if they're just friends and not dating. However, at the end of the volume, we are left at a cliffhanger and I cannot wait for the next volume!
I really loved this volume! Our main characters are childhood friends who both struggle to find love because they're both otaku's. Narumi loves manga and BL, while Hirotaka loves playing video games. They soon begin dating and volume 1 consists of their hilarious antics with their two friends, who are also otaku's and in a relationship.
I really loved Hirotaka in this! He is stoic and doesn't mind being alone, but is also very sweet and in love with Narumi. The relationship between the two is very slow and easy, and at some points it just feels as if they're just friends and not dating. However, at the end of the volume, we are left at a cliffhanger and I cannot wait for the next volume!
March 20, 2022
3/5stars
I really loved the characters in this but this was SO messy. Everything happened SO FAST, like the description on the back happened in 4 pages, and I never knew when scenes changed or how much time had passed. It felt like a damn fever dream it was so all over the place.
I really loved the characters in this but this was SO messy. Everything happened SO FAST, like the description on the back happened in 4 pages, and I never knew when scenes changed or how much time had passed. It felt like a damn fever dream it was so all over the place.
March 21, 2021
not sure why I never added this on here
20/10
favorite
a blast to reread
definitely recommend
20/10
favorite
a blast to reread
definitely recommend
August 24, 2022
A friend recommended this to me and I feel like it wasn’t really for me? If you’ve read this, will the storyline get better within the next volumes?
September 28, 2019
No sé, no estoy muy convencida
April 27, 2018
This book was quite cute, though definitely for older teens and adults. I appreciated the glimpse into the life of those who live on the other side of the planet from me. I admit to being just a tad bit enamored with Japanese culture, so to read a manga that showed a bit of what normal people in Japan do was very interesting.
The artwork was not fantastical (except for Hana-chan), but true to life and I have to say, the H MC was rather scrumptious and the h MC was quite cute, which is to be expected, but not a negative.
The only thing I didn't get at all was the BL. I'm used to cosplay being about "smexing" it up, but thought it was all cute girls dressing up all sexy. I didn't realize that males cosplay as sexy females, females cosplay as sexy males and that there are those who are into seeing that. Yes, I live in a cave. I occasionally come out to see the sun too.
So this did open my eyes to the wider world of humanity, which is never a bad thing. I may not understand it, but I now know it exists and I respect that there are those who are into it.
All in all, I really enjoyed reading this. 4, I learned something new, stars. Recommended if you are into Japanese culture and manga.
My thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
The artwork was not fantastical (except for Hana-chan), but true to life and I have to say, the H MC was rather scrumptious and the h MC was quite cute, which is to be expected, but not a negative.
The only thing I didn't get at all was the BL. I'm used to cosplay being about "smexing" it up, but thought it was all cute girls dressing up all sexy. I didn't realize that males cosplay as sexy females, females cosplay as sexy males and that there are those who are into seeing that. Yes, I live in a cave. I occasionally come out to see the sun too.
So this did open my eyes to the wider world of humanity, which is never a bad thing. I may not understand it, but I now know it exists and I respect that there are those who are into it.
All in all, I really enjoyed reading this. 4, I learned something new, stars. Recommended if you are into Japanese culture and manga.
My thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
July 6, 2020
4.75 -
This was so good! It was relatable and funny, which I appreciated. I loved the art style and was glad that it was consistent. I’ve reread this 3, maybe 4, times simply because I enjoyed it so much!!
Some of the moments were extremely relatable. I’ve had some happen to me before or to some of my friends. Other scenes haven’t happened to me but I do know that other otaku do do those scenes.
The relationships were well done. The romantic ones were great but so were the platonic ones, too. I don’t see that done a lot so it’s pretty impressive.
This was so good! It was relatable and funny, which I appreciated. I loved the art style and was glad that it was consistent. I’ve reread this 3, maybe 4, times simply because I enjoyed it so much!!
Some of the moments were extremely relatable. I’ve had some happen to me before or to some of my friends. Other scenes haven’t happened to me but I do know that other otaku do do those scenes.
The relationships were well done. The romantic ones were great but so were the platonic ones, too. I don’t see that done a lot so it’s pretty impressive.
August 28, 2021
I love the small and slow romantic developments between the nerd couple even as the nerdish Neon Genesis Evangelion and Macross jokes soar so far over my head that I wouldn't even know they were there without the handy little margin and end notes. So many BL and boob jokes!
Still, the characters won me over even as the gag-driven format frustrated me and I felt myself preferring the secondary couple to the prime one.
I'm definitely going to seek out the next volume.
Still, the characters won me over even as the gag-driven format frustrated me and I felt myself preferring the secondary couple to the prime one.
I'm definitely going to seek out the next volume.
February 4, 2025
véanse o lean Wotakoi por favor🤧😭
Son muy preciosos todos, tiene su dosis de comedia, ternura, amistad. Me hubiera gustado más profundidad o tiempo antes de que comenzarán a salir pero equis
Son muy preciosos todos, tiene su dosis de comedia, ternura, amistad. Me hubiera gustado más profundidad o tiempo antes de que comenzarán a salir pero equis
May 9, 2018
When childhood friends Narumi and Hirotaka run into each other as adults, it soon becomes evident that since they're both adult otaku that they would make a good couple.
The Story
So the story was quite promising for me. I thought it would be really cute to see two awkward characters navigate their relationship. Unfortunately, there wasn't much about their actual romantic relationship that made me keep reading to see how they cope. Now it has been a few years since I was an avid manga reader/anime watcher. But I would have to say that I definitely focused on a lot of shoujo, slife-of-life, romance. So it makes me a little sad to say that this doesn't have a lot of romance to it, and ends up really being shoujo, slice of life. Which in all honesty means it's just little tid bits here and there but no real continuous story.
This first installment is mainly just about how the characters get together and the initial start to their relationship. All in all, not a lot really happens. However, so far, there are a lot of manga tropes happening that are sure to make readers happy. Some of these include BL/fujoshi, cosplay, and many old school anime references.
My question is, is it really enough to keep people interested? Where is the conflict that keeps the reader going from one volume to the next? Obviously so, since they're making an anime out of it.
The Characters
Aside from our stoic main male character and closet-otaku female character we are given two goofy side characters who are also in a relationship. While their relationship stems mostly of violence and arguing, it does add a little flavor to the manga itself.
The Art
I think the real shining star for this manga is the art. With the larger bubbly eyes on the main female and the sleek slimmer features of the male characters, this manga is sure to draw attention to those in a post 2000 era. My favorite part might have been the clever in between chapter visuals that were provided, yes even the chibi versions. I am a sucker for chibi characters, they are just so darn cute.
For those not wildly as informed on Japanese culture as someone like me (studied Japanes, spent several months in Japan doing culture studies, as well as have been previously a minor otaku) they provide visual explanations at the end of the chapters explaining the references that go far more in depth than just the *foot notes that are included in scantalations.
Blog | Bookstagram | Instagram | Twitter
The Story
So the story was quite promising for me. I thought it would be really cute to see two awkward characters navigate their relationship. Unfortunately, there wasn't much about their actual romantic relationship that made me keep reading to see how they cope. Now it has been a few years since I was an avid manga reader/anime watcher. But I would have to say that I definitely focused on a lot of shoujo, slife-of-life, romance. So it makes me a little sad to say that this doesn't have a lot of romance to it, and ends up really being shoujo, slice of life. Which in all honesty means it's just little tid bits here and there but no real continuous story.
This first installment is mainly just about how the characters get together and the initial start to their relationship. All in all, not a lot really happens. However, so far, there are a lot of manga tropes happening that are sure to make readers happy. Some of these include BL/fujoshi, cosplay, and many old school anime references.
My question is, is it really enough to keep people interested? Where is the conflict that keeps the reader going from one volume to the next? Obviously so, since they're making an anime out of it.
The Characters
Aside from our stoic main male character and closet-otaku female character we are given two goofy side characters who are also in a relationship. While their relationship stems mostly of violence and arguing, it does add a little flavor to the manga itself.
The Art
I think the real shining star for this manga is the art. With the larger bubbly eyes on the main female and the sleek slimmer features of the male characters, this manga is sure to draw attention to those in a post 2000 era. My favorite part might have been the clever in between chapter visuals that were provided, yes even the chibi versions. I am a sucker for chibi characters, they are just so darn cute.
For those not wildly as informed on Japanese culture as someone like me (studied Japanes, spent several months in Japan doing culture studies, as well as have been previously a minor otaku) they provide visual explanations at the end of the chapters explaining the references that go far more in depth than just the *foot notes that are included in scantalations.
Blog | Bookstagram | Instagram | Twitter
November 6, 2021
As on the third time reading this volume, I must say I would happily date any of the the core four, I love them.
As on the second time reading this book, my thoughts haven’t changed since back then.
Original review:
I loved it so much! Pretty artwork, cute and funny romantic comedy, adorable characters.
I love the romance between these characters, I love the friendship between these four nerds.
I don’t like the fetishizing of gay men, plenty scenes and phrases made me uncomfortable, I wish they weren’t there. It could’ve been easily a 5 star read for me otherwise.
Can’t wait to read the next installment.
As on the second time reading this book, my thoughts haven’t changed since back then.
Original review:
I loved it so much! Pretty artwork, cute and funny romantic comedy, adorable characters.
I love the romance between these characters, I love the friendship between these four nerds.
I don’t like the fetishizing of gay men, plenty scenes and phrases made me uncomfortable, I wish they weren’t there. It could’ve been easily a 5 star read for me otherwise.
Can’t wait to read the next installment.
July 12, 2024
~~review July 2024~~
Still such a cute story, it makes me so happy, I love all the couples - I'm so happy I'm rereading this; I started the Anime and its just so happy & cute and I just had to reread (& then finish the rest of the manga) before continuing the anime.
~~original review August 2022~~
such a cute story
Still such a cute story, it makes me so happy, I love all the couples - I'm so happy I'm rereading this; I started the Anime and its just so happy & cute and I just had to reread (& then finish the rest of the manga) before continuing the anime.
~~original review August 2022~~
such a cute story
February 22, 2023
Very cute fun manga. I enjoyed the dynamics between both couples.
July 31, 2022
This felt a little disjointed at times, but once I realized it's a slice of life romance I was super into it. I also laughed out loud WAY more than I thought I would. Great fun, and I'm glad I borrowed the first 3 volumes from library all at once because I want to dive into volume 2 immediately. AND I need to watch the anime now.
July 1, 2023
I was a bit confused as to what was going on in the beginning because it feels like you’re dropped in the middle of the story with no context. But once I had a grasp on what was going on I was constantly laughing at the ridiculousness of these characters and their relationships to each other. If you are a nerd, in any capacity, you have to read this!
May 8, 2020
A hilarious, slice-of-life manga with adult characters that are otaku and hella adorable? Um, yes please. I honestly think if you really want to enjoy this, you have to be at least semi-otaku as well.
There are multiple references to anime I have heard of like Neon Genesis Evangelion but I haven't watched BUT YOU DON'T NEED TO. You are still able to understand the humor! Most importantly, I found the humor so relatable!!!
I cry watching Sailor Moon too, how could you not?
Aww, he's proud to be a waifu!!! You go Hirotaka!
And, while it may seem plotless due to the short snippets, it does follow a plot: we are just following two otaku couples. I loved that both couples are so different yet are SO GOOD TOGETHER. Like the main couple for instance, Hirotaka (that tall glass of water on the cover) loves Narumi and we only slowly get to see their backstory.
Hirotaka loves games and women with big breasts yet he is together with Narumi who doesn't fit his type at all. Basically the two couples would fit the other's significant other at least in type, but they are together with who they are because they are able to know each other the best.
Plus, this manga probably contains the most iconic confession.
I can't wait until their backstories are slowly revealed, I NEED MORE BACKSTORY. I am definitely following this manga. So adorable (*≧∀≦*).
I am going to end this review with wise words from Narumi when life gets you down...
Extra: Hirotaka can't blink
Part 2: Hirotaka practices blinking
You can do it, Hirotaka!
There are multiple references to anime I have heard of like Neon Genesis Evangelion but I haven't watched BUT YOU DON'T NEED TO. You are still able to understand the humor! Most importantly, I found the humor so relatable!!!
I cry watching Sailor Moon too, how could you not?
Aww, he's proud to be a waifu!!! You go Hirotaka!
And, while it may seem plotless due to the short snippets, it does follow a plot: we are just following two otaku couples. I loved that both couples are so different yet are SO GOOD TOGETHER. Like the main couple for instance, Hirotaka (that tall glass of water on the cover) loves Narumi and we only slowly get to see their backstory.
Hirotaka loves games and women with big breasts yet he is together with Narumi who doesn't fit his type at all. Basically the two couples would fit the other's significant other at least in type, but they are together with who they are because they are able to know each other the best.
Plus, this manga probably contains the most iconic confession.
I can't wait until their backstories are slowly revealed, I NEED MORE BACKSTORY. I am definitely following this manga. So adorable (*≧∀≦*).
I am going to end this review with wise words from Narumi when life gets you down...
Extra: Hirotaka can't blink
Part 2: Hirotaka practices blinking
You can do it, Hirotaka!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,662 reviews