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サルヤマっ！ [Saruyama!] #1
Monkey High! 1
It's hard enough fitting in at a new school while dealing with family problems... Will Haruna remain jaded and distance herself from everyone around her? Or will Masaru win her over with his monkey magic?
183 pages, Library Binding
First published March 25, 2005
About the author
Shouko Akira
30 books29 followersShouko Akira (彬聖子) is a Japanese manga artist and writer best known for the shōjo manga series Monkey High! (サルヤマっ！). Her works include Datte Aishiteru, Honey Moon, Koi no Uta, and Miracle Fragments.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
January 20, 2013
I had very low expectations of Monkey High! So low that you probably couldn't even limbo under them, but I kept seeing volume one at my library and eventually my grabby hands got the best of me.
Turns out this manga is actually good. I mean, imagine my shock when I started laughing out loud and cooing at the characters. What makes this work is the humour. I was totally caught off guard by some of the gags and it seemed purposely so. Monkey High makes a lot of visual jokes and uses the element of surprise to its advantage. The jokes are nothing new, but the delivery is great!
The story concept behind Monkey High rings of wonderful simplicity. Haruna has just transferred from her posh high school to this much, much less posh school where the students are all rumbustious and overenthusiastic about everything like they're monkeys. (It works because you really do see the parallels.) It's chaos and she doesn't really know what to make of it, except there's this one boy, the littlest monkey of all, Macharu.
Unlike most shojo, Monkey High knows how to give its readers exactly what we really want. Instead of having the series be all about a long drawn out courtship of will they-won't they? (which they will, eventually), the two main characters are boyfriend/girlfriend by mid-way through this first volume. Although it's all very sudden, the way the characters act in terms of their relationship is actually pretty realistic. It's awkward and full of stumbles, they don't know if they'll work as a couple, but the attraction is there and they're both so darn adorable about it!
The fluffy factor is off the charts! Macharu is just so cute that you understand why Haruna is attracted to him in spite of herself. Also, some of his lines can just melt a girl's heart and there is plenty of adorableness to go around.
However, I can't just go about praising the thing too much because there were some obvious flaws. The storytelling was jumpy and seemed mostly because of the translation. A good manga is one where translation doesn't even cross the readers mind. Here it was page one when I realized how awkward some of the sentences sounded when said aloud. The use of punctuation and vocabulary was off.
Ellipsis were so overused that in two pages their would regularly be upwards of 10 uses, which would mean when this would take place every single sentence of dialogue was punctuated with (...). It's difficult to tell why this was done. With the English text the overuse of (...) didn't seem at all natural and at points completely defied sentence structure. Perhaps the translators were trying to be too faithful to the Japanese text or maybe they just don't know how to use other types of punctuation. Either way, it was a real problem in the book, especially in the first chapter. This makes the storytelling difficult for me to judge. Are the issues I'm having with the storytelling a result of the story or a result of the things being lost in translation?
An example I'd give is on page two, some students are talking about Haruna transferring and one says, "That's the thing. Remember that diet member who was arrested recently? She's his daughter!" So I'm thinking, "diet member"? Like part of Jenny Craig or something? Turns out this is later amended when Haruna says her father is a former mid-level politician. According to the little translation page at the end of the book "the Deit" is what they call Japan's parliament. Interesting, but not great for clarity. This is important background information, which ends up getting lost because "diet member" has a different connotation in English. I love Japan, but I don't pretend to know anything about its political terms just because I'm reading a shojo manga. I wouldn't be surprised if someone picked this up only to put it right back down again because if it's not making sense on page two why read it?
As the manga goes along the translation does improve, so I'm hopeful for the next volume, but dhjafhajhfaj.
What really sold me on continuing with Monkey High (despite all the other series I'm in the middle of and the punches I want to throw) was really the author. At the end of the manga there is a couple of pages where the author explains how Monkey High came to be. Her retelling of the process is just so funny and adorable that I want to see more from this person! I'm charmed by her and her characters, so volume two is now on my list. Monkey High! show me what you've got!
Turns out this manga is actually good. I mean, imagine my shock when I started laughing out loud and cooing at the characters. What makes this work is the humour. I was totally caught off guard by some of the gags and it seemed purposely so. Monkey High makes a lot of visual jokes and uses the element of surprise to its advantage. The jokes are nothing new, but the delivery is great!
The story concept behind Monkey High rings of wonderful simplicity. Haruna has just transferred from her posh high school to this much, much less posh school where the students are all rumbustious and overenthusiastic about everything like they're monkeys. (It works because you really do see the parallels.) It's chaos and she doesn't really know what to make of it, except there's this one boy, the littlest monkey of all, Macharu.
Unlike most shojo, Monkey High knows how to give its readers exactly what we really want. Instead of having the series be all about a long drawn out courtship of will they-won't they? (which they will, eventually), the two main characters are boyfriend/girlfriend by mid-way through this first volume. Although it's all very sudden, the way the characters act in terms of their relationship is actually pretty realistic. It's awkward and full of stumbles, they don't know if they'll work as a couple, but the attraction is there and they're both so darn adorable about it!
The fluffy factor is off the charts! Macharu is just so cute that you understand why Haruna is attracted to him in spite of herself. Also, some of his lines can just melt a girl's heart and there is plenty of adorableness to go around.
However, I can't just go about praising the thing too much because there were some obvious flaws. The storytelling was jumpy and seemed mostly because of the translation. A good manga is one where translation doesn't even cross the readers mind. Here it was page one when I realized how awkward some of the sentences sounded when said aloud. The use of punctuation and vocabulary was off.
Ellipsis were so overused that in two pages their would regularly be upwards of 10 uses, which would mean when this would take place every single sentence of dialogue was punctuated with (...). It's difficult to tell why this was done. With the English text the overuse of (...) didn't seem at all natural and at points completely defied sentence structure. Perhaps the translators were trying to be too faithful to the Japanese text or maybe they just don't know how to use other types of punctuation. Either way, it was a real problem in the book, especially in the first chapter. This makes the storytelling difficult for me to judge. Are the issues I'm having with the storytelling a result of the story or a result of the things being lost in translation?
An example I'd give is on page two, some students are talking about Haruna transferring and one says, "That's the thing. Remember that diet member who was arrested recently? She's his daughter!" So I'm thinking, "diet member"? Like part of Jenny Craig or something? Turns out this is later amended when Haruna says her father is a former mid-level politician. According to the little translation page at the end of the book "the Deit" is what they call Japan's parliament. Interesting, but not great for clarity. This is important background information, which ends up getting lost because "diet member" has a different connotation in English. I love Japan, but I don't pretend to know anything about its political terms just because I'm reading a shojo manga. I wouldn't be surprised if someone picked this up only to put it right back down again because if it's not making sense on page two why read it?
As the manga goes along the translation does improve, so I'm hopeful for the next volume, but dhjafhajhfaj.
What really sold me on continuing with Monkey High (despite all the other series I'm in the middle of and the punches I want to throw) was really the author. At the end of the manga there is a couple of pages where the author explains how Monkey High came to be. Her retelling of the process is just so funny and adorable that I want to see more from this person! I'm charmed by her and her characters, so volume two is now on my list. Monkey High! show me what you've got!
December 4, 2015
"School life is like being on a monkey mountain. Monkeys in the same gang constantly fight and get back together again and a hierarchy gets established. There may be slight differences, but it's essentially the same anywhere you go."
I really enjoyed this manga. It had that something special that made me really enjoy reading every part. I think the fact the story got straight to the point and the characters were pretty aware of their feelings and surroundings, kept me engaged.
The art was not the best, but in saying that it was defiantly not the worst. I liked the art style and appreciated the detail in facial expressions. There has been important detail added to the design of the two main characters to contribute to the story, how they interact with each other and how us readers think of them. It's a simple story but there are some aspects that were quite complex to pull off and they were done really well.
The characters are great in this story. None of the side characters have really been given any life yet and I am hoping that they will as the series progresses. But the two main characters were interesting, complex, relatable and likeable. They compliment each other very well, and I like that their relationship is not simple and therefore keeps me entertained. I liked that Haruna is not your typical female shoujo protagonist, and is able to speak her mind without it being over the top. She is observant and kind but doesn't desire anything in return for her kindness. She also seems ok with being alone sometimes which is kind of different. I also find her relatable in that she isn't so sure of who she is or where she fits, which is what so many teenagers go through. I'm really interested to find out more about her past and get to know her more as a character.
I also really liked Macharu. The fact that everyone, including Haruna, all see him as a 'baby monkey' is just awesome. I've never read anything where the main male love interest is considered a 'baby monkey'. It's a really unique aspect to this manga, and I love that he isn't the typical tall, mysterious and masculine type of male love interest. I love how sweet, kind and easily excited he is. He's a very adorable guy and I was rooting for him right from the start. I can't wait to see how his character develops over the series. I think because the romance is between an unlikely pair that have tones of chemistry and make each other happy, you just want to root for them so much!
What I loved most about this manga was how school was compared to a monkey mountain. That's so cool and I completely agree! I'm on the same wave length with Shouko Akira, and I hope she continues to flesh out this idea and allows Haruna to gain more aspects to this viewpoint. Overall this was a really enjoyable, cute, romantic, feel good story that is not typical for this genre.
"Tell me. What is this? I ran all the way... It didn't have to be today, but I had to see you. So... What is this?"
I really enjoyed this manga. It had that something special that made me really enjoy reading every part. I think the fact the story got straight to the point and the characters were pretty aware of their feelings and surroundings, kept me engaged.
The art was not the best, but in saying that it was defiantly not the worst. I liked the art style and appreciated the detail in facial expressions. There has been important detail added to the design of the two main characters to contribute to the story, how they interact with each other and how us readers think of them. It's a simple story but there are some aspects that were quite complex to pull off and they were done really well.
The characters are great in this story. None of the side characters have really been given any life yet and I am hoping that they will as the series progresses. But the two main characters were interesting, complex, relatable and likeable. They compliment each other very well, and I like that their relationship is not simple and therefore keeps me entertained. I liked that Haruna is not your typical female shoujo protagonist, and is able to speak her mind without it being over the top. She is observant and kind but doesn't desire anything in return for her kindness. She also seems ok with being alone sometimes which is kind of different. I also find her relatable in that she isn't so sure of who she is or where she fits, which is what so many teenagers go through. I'm really interested to find out more about her past and get to know her more as a character.
I also really liked Macharu. The fact that everyone, including Haruna, all see him as a 'baby monkey' is just awesome. I've never read anything where the main male love interest is considered a 'baby monkey'. It's a really unique aspect to this manga, and I love that he isn't the typical tall, mysterious and masculine type of male love interest. I love how sweet, kind and easily excited he is. He's a very adorable guy and I was rooting for him right from the start. I can't wait to see how his character develops over the series. I think because the romance is between an unlikely pair that have tones of chemistry and make each other happy, you just want to root for them so much!
What I loved most about this manga was how school was compared to a monkey mountain. That's so cool and I completely agree! I'm on the same wave length with Shouko Akira, and I hope she continues to flesh out this idea and allows Haruna to gain more aspects to this viewpoint. Overall this was a really enjoyable, cute, romantic, feel good story that is not typical for this genre.
"Tell me. What is this? I ran all the way... It didn't have to be today, but I had to see you. So... What is this?"
February 26, 2010
This manga was flipping adorable! It was a bit frustrating at times (the classmates are rather annoying but I understand why). But Macharu is my new favorite Manga character. The pacing was quick and the characters were entertianing. I'm dying to get the second volume.
February 19, 2026
Haruna might not be the most relatable protagonist because of her reserved personality, but I still enjoyed reading it. Macharu is compared to a baby monkey because of his looks and behavior, but a baby monkey isn't as cute as him. I liked him as the love interest. There's a bit of rivalry. I didn't enjoy that. And the classmates can be annoying in the beginning. If I were younger, I might continue this series, but now that I'm older, I don't plan to continue it.
Note: Using new rating system starting 2025.
October 11, 2022
El tercer capítulo I'm-
El protagonista masculino es una versión morocha, más petiza de Otani de Lovely * Complex #amamos.
3.75 de 5 estrellas.
El protagonista masculino es una versión morocha, más petiza de Otani de Lovely * Complex #amamos.
3.75 de 5 estrellas.
November 9, 2008
Most Recent Review Written on Tuesday, March 16, 2010.
Monkey High!, Vol. 1 is a Shojo Beat Manga (Japanese comic book) written for a teenage female audience between the ages of 16 and 18. This is the first in a series about high school students. It's written in the traditional Japanese manga style, which reads from right to left (often referred to by non-fans of the genre as "backwards"). If you've never read a manga before, the style can confuse and disorient you, but it's worth acclimating to. Since I've been a fan from a young age, this was a fairly quick and easy read.
The story is divided into the following chapters:
1st Monkey: Miss Contrary vs. Runt Monkey
2nd Monkey: Climbing Mountains Is Easier than Professing Your Love
3rd Monkey: Xmas Is More Romantic than a First Kiss?!
Postscript
The setting is a traditional Japanese high school with the main character Haruna Aizawa having recently transferred schools because of a political scandal involving her father. The story focuses on the budding relationship between Haruna and Masaru Yamashita (nicknamed Macharu, which means "monkey" in Japanese). The story is complicated because Haruna is a beautiful girl while Macharu is a cute but rather silly "monkey looking" boy (he has big monkey ears). Hence, Haruna has other boys interested in dating her including Atsu, the most popular boy in their school, and Nakazawa (a third year student from K Academy who happens to be Haruna's ex-boyfriend).
Haruna's character undergoes a transformation throughout the manga. At first, she considers herself "above" the students at her new school. She acts like a girl who is used to being popular. Because of all the attentions Atsu gives her, the girls at her new high school immediately ostracize her. It is through her friendship with Macharu that she is able to let her guard down and make friends. He teaches her about fun and laughter, attributes that have recently been missing from her life because of her problems at home.
Many of the issues that Haruna deals with are those that female teens face everyday when navigating the social drama at their own high schools. Haruna is a good role model for female readers because she teaches teens to be true to yourself first and let love gradually happen rather than forcing or rushing it.
As you read, there is one question that continuously nags at the forefront of your mind: Which boy will Haruna choose to date and what problems will the couple have to face?
Despite the seemingly inconsequential subject matter, there are deeper points highlighted in the introduction to the series. In the postscript the author explains how she created the main characters to be "opposites," two people who usually wouldn't date. Macharu is also a nontraditional Shojo Manga Hero because he is so comical, the same height as Haruna, and often acts "girly." Even his facial features are drawn to resemble Haruna's own wide-eyed, innocent stare. He isn't the "white knight" who's meant to whisk Haruna away from her everyday problems. He's a relatively typical boy trying to lose the identity of being the class clown, or in this case the class monkey. The two characters grow from each other as much as they give to each other.
The author also explains that many of the events in the book such as the Snow White play, the field trip, and even the Christmas chapter were inspired by her own life, whether it was from a time of her past when she was in high school or a current event.
The most fascinating part is that Haruna constantly makes comparisons that all high school students act like wild monkeys, always gossiping about her and Macharu or getting into their business. This is an interesting social commentary about high school hierarchies. At one point Macharu questions Haruna's opinions and they have an extensive conversation about her belief system:
"I'm just saying that everyone at school acts like a pack of wild monkeys."
"But...Then...Where does that leave you? Looking on from the top? Or are you just an outside observer? Where do you think you are?"
"How am I supposed to know! Who cares!" (31-32).
The conversation demonstrates that Haruna has no understanding of her identity or whether she socially fits in with her peers. She is often angry at Macharu for having such deep and serious moments with her. He forces her to examine her life from the inside out.
Of course a major factor to enjoying this book are the illustrations. I love anime and manga artwork. The way the characters' faces are depicted draws me into the drama and romance of the story. Shouko Akira is no exception and masterfully creates complex characters like Haruna and Macharu. The attention to details is vividly expressed in every stroke of the pencil.
Overall, the book has a similar feel as Peach Girl, Volume 1, another well-known manga, but Monkey High!, Vol. 1 is more playful. I loved it and recommend it to readers of all ages. For older members, it will have you recalling your formative high school years when you were just figuring out who you wanted to be. For high school students, it will give them a story they can relate to and have a bit of fun with. After all, high school shouldn't always be about the drama.
Original Review from November 9, 2008. I read the book from November 1, 2008 through November 9,2008.
This is the first book in a series about high school students. This story focuses on the budding relationship between Haruna Aizawa and Masaru Yamashita (nicknamed Macharu, which means "monkey" in Japanese). The story is complicated because Haruna is a beautiful girl while Macharu is a cute but rather silly monkey looking boy. Hence, Haruna has others interested in dating her, including Atsu, the most popular boy in their school, Nakazawa (a third year student from K Academy and her ex-boyfriend). Who will Haruna choose? To make matters even more crazy, all the high school students in her class act like wild monkeys, always gossiping about her and Macharu or getting into their business. Overall, the book has a similar feel as Peach Girl, Volume 1 but more playful. I loved it and can't wait to read the second book in the series.
Monkey High!, Vol. 1 is a Shojo Beat Manga (Japanese comic book) written for a teenage female audience between the ages of 16 and 18. This is the first in a series about high school students. It's written in the traditional Japanese manga style, which reads from right to left (often referred to by non-fans of the genre as "backwards"). If you've never read a manga before, the style can confuse and disorient you, but it's worth acclimating to. Since I've been a fan from a young age, this was a fairly quick and easy read.
The story is divided into the following chapters:
1st Monkey: Miss Contrary vs. Runt Monkey
2nd Monkey: Climbing Mountains Is Easier than Professing Your Love
3rd Monkey: Xmas Is More Romantic than a First Kiss?!
Postscript
The setting is a traditional Japanese high school with the main character Haruna Aizawa having recently transferred schools because of a political scandal involving her father. The story focuses on the budding relationship between Haruna and Masaru Yamashita (nicknamed Macharu, which means "monkey" in Japanese). The story is complicated because Haruna is a beautiful girl while Macharu is a cute but rather silly "monkey looking" boy (he has big monkey ears). Hence, Haruna has other boys interested in dating her including Atsu, the most popular boy in their school, and Nakazawa (a third year student from K Academy who happens to be Haruna's ex-boyfriend).
Haruna's character undergoes a transformation throughout the manga. At first, she considers herself "above" the students at her new school. She acts like a girl who is used to being popular. Because of all the attentions Atsu gives her, the girls at her new high school immediately ostracize her. It is through her friendship with Macharu that she is able to let her guard down and make friends. He teaches her about fun and laughter, attributes that have recently been missing from her life because of her problems at home.
Many of the issues that Haruna deals with are those that female teens face everyday when navigating the social drama at their own high schools. Haruna is a good role model for female readers because she teaches teens to be true to yourself first and let love gradually happen rather than forcing or rushing it.
As you read, there is one question that continuously nags at the forefront of your mind: Which boy will Haruna choose to date and what problems will the couple have to face?
Despite the seemingly inconsequential subject matter, there are deeper points highlighted in the introduction to the series. In the postscript the author explains how she created the main characters to be "opposites," two people who usually wouldn't date. Macharu is also a nontraditional Shojo Manga Hero because he is so comical, the same height as Haruna, and often acts "girly." Even his facial features are drawn to resemble Haruna's own wide-eyed, innocent stare. He isn't the "white knight" who's meant to whisk Haruna away from her everyday problems. He's a relatively typical boy trying to lose the identity of being the class clown, or in this case the class monkey. The two characters grow from each other as much as they give to each other.
The author also explains that many of the events in the book such as the Snow White play, the field trip, and even the Christmas chapter were inspired by her own life, whether it was from a time of her past when she was in high school or a current event.
The most fascinating part is that Haruna constantly makes comparisons that all high school students act like wild monkeys, always gossiping about her and Macharu or getting into their business. This is an interesting social commentary about high school hierarchies. At one point Macharu questions Haruna's opinions and they have an extensive conversation about her belief system:
"I'm just saying that everyone at school acts like a pack of wild monkeys."
"But...Then...Where does that leave you? Looking on from the top? Or are you just an outside observer? Where do you think you are?"
"How am I supposed to know! Who cares!" (31-32).
The conversation demonstrates that Haruna has no understanding of her identity or whether she socially fits in with her peers. She is often angry at Macharu for having such deep and serious moments with her. He forces her to examine her life from the inside out.
Of course a major factor to enjoying this book are the illustrations. I love anime and manga artwork. The way the characters' faces are depicted draws me into the drama and romance of the story. Shouko Akira is no exception and masterfully creates complex characters like Haruna and Macharu. The attention to details is vividly expressed in every stroke of the pencil.
Overall, the book has a similar feel as Peach Girl, Volume 1, another well-known manga, but Monkey High!, Vol. 1 is more playful. I loved it and recommend it to readers of all ages. For older members, it will have you recalling your formative high school years when you were just figuring out who you wanted to be. For high school students, it will give them a story they can relate to and have a bit of fun with. After all, high school shouldn't always be about the drama.
Original Review from November 9, 2008. I read the book from November 1, 2008 through November 9,2008.
This is the first book in a series about high school students. This story focuses on the budding relationship between Haruna Aizawa and Masaru Yamashita (nicknamed Macharu, which means "monkey" in Japanese). The story is complicated because Haruna is a beautiful girl while Macharu is a cute but rather silly monkey looking boy. Hence, Haruna has others interested in dating her, including Atsu, the most popular boy in their school, Nakazawa (a third year student from K Academy and her ex-boyfriend). Who will Haruna choose? To make matters even more crazy, all the high school students in her class act like wild monkeys, always gossiping about her and Macharu or getting into their business. Overall, the book has a similar feel as Peach Girl, Volume 1 but more playful. I loved it and can't wait to read the second book in the series.
January 29, 2020
2020 Read #116
Reread in 2020
This is a Shojo Beat title that I tried back when it first came out, but I never continued past volume 1. After finding all the volumes for cheap last year, I decided to continue with the series when I got around to it. As for my impressions now — it’s cute, kinda like a mix between Love*Com and Kimi ni Todoke. I don’t see it becoming a tried-and-true favorite of mine, but it is a nice fluffy read to go to.
Reread in 2020
This is a Shojo Beat title that I tried back when it first came out, but I never continued past volume 1. After finding all the volumes for cheap last year, I decided to continue with the series when I got around to it. As for my impressions now — it’s cute, kinda like a mix between Love*Com and Kimi ni Todoke. I don’t see it becoming a tried-and-true favorite of mine, but it is a nice fluffy read to go to.
May 20, 2018
3,5⭐️ — Really Cute Shoujo Manga
Masaru Yamashita is too cute to be true!!! A perfect gentleman, good humored, energetic, always smiling and making the others laughing. But his looks are far away from Prince Charming, or so most girls think. Then, why Haruna feels so nervous around him?
Masaru Yamashita is too cute to be true!!! A perfect gentleman, good humored, energetic, always smiling and making the others laughing. But his looks are far away from Prince Charming, or so most girls think. Then, why Haruna feels so nervous around him?
November 22, 2019
*sighhh to the high school romance that I never had 😅
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2026
this was just so freakin adorable
October 30, 2015
I started this series late on Wednesday Night (10/28/2015). I only own V2-V4 of the series, so I read V1 of MangaGo (where the Viz/SB scans are up), and within a couple hours, I had plowed through 3 volumes. This review will be for V1-V3.
I have been thoroughly enjoying this series. Haruna is a fun character, and I like that she chose the "baby monkey" Macharu (Masaru) as her boyfriend. I just wish that their friends - especially the overly jealous Atsu - would stop teasing them so much about it. They make a great couple.
Haruna always has a hard time explaining why she chose Macharu. But, truth is there really is no explanation. Love ain't supposed to make sense.
The quiz show plot was good, but I could have done without the story about chocolates later on. Haruna is going to have to toughen up a little, and leave her past behind her. She needs to let Macharu take care of her every once in awhile.
I have been thoroughly enjoying this series. Haruna is a fun character, and I like that she chose the "baby monkey" Macharu (Masaru) as her boyfriend. I just wish that their friends - especially the overly jealous Atsu - would stop teasing them so much about it. They make a great couple.
Haruna always has a hard time explaining why she chose Macharu. But, truth is there really is no explanation. Love ain't supposed to make sense.
The quiz show plot was good, but I could have done without the story about chocolates later on. Haruna is going to have to toughen up a little, and leave her past behind her. She needs to let Macharu take care of her every once in awhile.
January 3, 2013
A little more creative take on the classic girl meets boy in high school shoujo manga. I liked the girl's philosophy and how Macharu fits that philosophy and also conflicts with it.
This volume arcs from her liking him to them starting to date even though she feels a little awkward. He hits you with his sincerity and she helps you re-experience your first love.
BOTTOM LINE: A cute shoujo.
This volume arcs from her liking him to them starting to date even though she feels a little awkward. He hits you with his sincerity and she helps you re-experience your first love.
BOTTOM LINE: A cute shoujo.
November 17, 2012
I kind of loved this manga. In a way, it reminds me of Japanese Scott Pilgrim. It's cute to read about the beginning of a relationship of two people who might be better suited than they (and everyone else think). More, please.
March 23, 2008
It reminds me a bit of Here We Are.. but simpler. I think teens will be able to relate to all these new feelings of a first crush and relationship
October 7, 2013
really cute. i plan on continuing
March 10, 2014
Dulce y cómico xDDDDDD.
July 7, 2014
This anime is ridiculously cute. I absolutely loved it!
September 11, 2014
I really love this book!! It's really interesting, Macharu and Haruna, perfect couple ever! they are like well written characters and well developed.
"Going bananas for love!"
"Going bananas for love!"
November 16, 2016
It's really, really sweet. Like, I need to go to the dentist.
Other than that, I adore the male lead. (I like baby monkeys, apparently.)
Other than that, I adore the male lead. (I like baby monkeys, apparently.)
May 28, 2016
Awww this was so cute!
And I loved the ending
And I loved the ending
September 2, 2019
Disclaimer: Don't mean to disappoint y'all, but there are no monkeys in this manga--
lol
It was a cute manga. Though, some of the elements in the story were typical/cliché of a shojo manga. After reading so many I could probably name all the clichés in my sleep, but clichés don't automatically indicate a bad story. By this point, the Christmas parties and camping trips to the woods are a MUST in manga and it wouldn't be one without 'em! haha This one was enjoyable, especially for a late night read when my brain is ready to go lights out LOL I think macharu is a very cute and innocent character (though his innocence is debatable after that ONE scene with Atsu BUT still) I'm curious what the political scandal around Haruna's father is? XD
I liked the artwork. I like how you can sometimes, not always, tell the year it was published by the art style. The style here was common for what was published in the 2000s.
lol
It was a cute manga. Though, some of the elements in the story were typical/cliché of a shojo manga. After reading so many I could probably name all the clichés in my sleep, but clichés don't automatically indicate a bad story. By this point, the Christmas parties and camping trips to the woods are a MUST in manga and it wouldn't be one without 'em! haha This one was enjoyable, especially for a late night read when my brain is ready to go lights out LOL I think macharu is a very cute and innocent character (though his innocence is debatable after that ONE scene with Atsu BUT still) I'm curious what the political scandal around Haruna's father is? XD
I liked the artwork. I like how you can sometimes, not always, tell the year it was published by the art style. The style here was common for what was published in the 2000s.
March 6, 2021
GR has been recommending this for years... I finally find a used copy in Sicily (yep!) and now it's time to delve into the series.
I didn't have very high expectations, but it turned out to be quite sweet. I like the male protagonist, but it's true I have a soft spot for not so tall guys and the female protagonist seems to hold her ground. Not one of those whiny shōjo girls I can't stand.
The art is quite nice and it fit perfectly with the story.
One thing I really, really, really don't understand: this is a Japanese manga, set in Japan with Japanese protagonists, right? Why are they using bucks in Japan?? Would it be too difficult for an American reader to understand that in other parts of the world people use different currencies?
I'm being mean, I know. But it happened in the past, as well. A beautiful and very French comics and yet people were using dollars in the middle of an European-like town...
I didn't have very high expectations, but it turned out to be quite sweet. I like the male protagonist, but it's true I have a soft spot for not so tall guys and the female protagonist seems to hold her ground. Not one of those whiny shōjo girls I can't stand.
The art is quite nice and it fit perfectly with the story.
One thing I really, really, really don't understand: this is a Japanese manga, set in Japan with Japanese protagonists, right? Why are they using bucks in Japan?? Would it be too difficult for an American reader to understand that in other parts of the world people use different currencies?
I'm being mean, I know. But it happened in the past, as well. A beautiful and very French comics and yet people were using dollars in the middle of an European-like town...
September 7, 2021
Really cute! I like the dynamic between Haruna nand Macharu. Some simple scenes sprinkled the volume; a school play, a school trip, the return of an ex, a confession of love, meeting the parents at a Christmas party, and their first kiss! I like the pace of this volume. Haruna and Macharu were really quick to express their feelings (unlike their other shoujo counterparts) but it didn't feel unnatural and it makes sense since there are only 8 volumes after all. It seems like a nice little manga to pass the time with. I'm interested to see what other storylines come out of this series. Like what could happen next? It's a nice slice-of-life type of story.
Side note: Macharu's family is so sweet and awkward!
Side note: Macharu's family is so sweet and awkward!
July 19, 2017
If you are looking for a sweet more bubblegum shojo manga this is probably a good one to go for.
I read this back in high school and just re-read it. It doesn't delve into too serious stuff and the series deals with the emotional issues that many shoujo manga address: jealousy and intimacy.
A good read for an avid shojo reader.
This series features an odd-couple: she sophisticated and he youthful/exuberant. I liked Lovely Complex as well (as a fan off odd-couples.....). And think readers who liked that will find this one to be a good fit as well.
I read this back in high school and just re-read it. It doesn't delve into too serious stuff and the series deals with the emotional issues that many shoujo manga address: jealousy and intimacy.
A good read for an avid shojo reader.
This series features an odd-couple: she sophisticated and he youthful/exuberant. I liked Lovely Complex as well (as a fan off odd-couples.....). And think readers who liked that will find this one to be a good fit as well.
November 30, 2021
this was a fun reread from my teen years for me. i read this when it was first publish in english in 2008, it was a series that i didn’t decide to hold on to because my sister liked it more than i did and i didn’t own it all physically so i passed my volumes along to her. i picked up the first volume again on a whim and was not disappointed. this story is so sweet and fun. the mc is a cool and cold beautiful girl and the male lead is a cute lil guy who looks like a monkey and he’s super honest and genuine. this one stood the test of time for me for sure.
January 18, 2018
2.5 stars, I wanted to like this series so much more than I did, the art is good and the story is too but the couple so obviously don't belong together and the main guy (really boy) is too young and immature for the girl. When they finally 'go all the way' its cringe worthy. I finished the whole series and got rid of it. I know a lot of ppl liked this one but man, it just felt 'off' the whole series to me.
April 3, 2021
3.5
Monkey High is a fun, school romance between the class clown and a disgraced politician's daughter.
I really love these two, their romance, although very insta-love feeling, is so pure and sweet. Haruna is a shut-off, quiet girl that transferred schools, and Macharu is a loud, short boy that notices how quiet Haruna is. I love when Haruna steps in to help Macharu during the school play. These two are so sweet and cute, you'll most likely get cavities.
Monkey High is a fun, school romance between the class clown and a disgraced politician's daughter.
I really love these two, their romance, although very insta-love feeling, is so pure and sweet. Haruna is a shut-off, quiet girl that transferred schools, and Macharu is a loud, short boy that notices how quiet Haruna is. I love when Haruna steps in to help Macharu during the school play. These two are so sweet and cute, you'll most likely get cavities.
September 21, 2026
This is definitely an example of how pacing can ruin a good story. Rushing the first couple of chapters ruins the whole flow, it’s hard to connect with the characters and I couldn’t really feel a strong chemistry between the two cause it felt like they were missing a foundation. I think little more yearning in the beginning would have been ideal. Silly cute little story though it had lots of potential.
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