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Love Roma #1
ラブロマ 1
名手の初連載作が装い新たに復活！『友達１００人できるかな』『タケヲちゃん物怪録』でおなじみ、とよ田みのるの初連載作が復活！直球すぎる、初々しすぎる少年少女の等身大ラブコメ！！
186 pages, Paperback
First published September 18, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 15, 2015
A charming 5 volume series about a high school love between the two main characters. What sets this apart from a middle-of-the road high school romantic drama is the fantastic bluntness of the main characters - they tend to speak their minds rather than think 'oh I don't know what to say...angst angst..'. A lot of the comedy of the series comes from this.
Personally I really like the art style in this series, altho I've heard quite a few people say they had to get past the art to appreciate the story - each to their own I guess, you can judge by the covers whether you would like the art or not.
The only thing keeping this from getting 5 stars is that some chapters chug along a bit and either don't move anything forward at all or just re-iterate things that have already been touched on. But in general this was a charming feel-good series.
Personally I really like the art style in this series, altho I've heard quite a few people say they had to get past the art to appreciate the story - each to their own I guess, you can judge by the covers whether you would like the art or not.
The only thing keeping this from getting 5 stars is that some chapters chug along a bit and either don't move anything forward at all or just re-iterate things that have already been touched on. But in general this was a charming feel-good series.
May 25, 2016
In the very first panel Hoshino confesses his love to Negishi. Hoshino who has a problem with being blunt has fallen in love with Negishi who has a problem with being honest. Between the two of them (and their friends in the peanut gallery) they create a most unusual high school romance.
This isn't your usual manga, it features bold marker drawings, undefined character rendering, is void of screen tones (at least I haven't noticed any) -- a style reminiscent of some independent North American comics.
That being said, the comedic timing is fabulous! It is so quirky and unusual, that there is little chance of you getting bored. The story is sweet, and even though it can be a bit episodic at times, it follows through to a satisfying conclusion.
I highly recommend this manga series!
This isn't your usual manga, it features bold marker drawings, undefined character rendering, is void of screen tones (at least I haven't noticed any) -- a style reminiscent of some independent North American comics.
That being said, the comedic timing is fabulous! It is so quirky and unusual, that there is little chance of you getting bored. The story is sweet, and even though it can be a bit episodic at times, it follows through to a satisfying conclusion.
I highly recommend this manga series!
November 24, 2023
Whew, it’s been a long time since I laughed that hard!!! So far, this series seems hilarious and kind of nostalgic… Reminds me of my first high school relationship…
September 6, 2024
first few chapters slog a little bit, but afterwards it was a total blast, and i'm eager to keep reading
July 23, 2025
their bluntness is really killing me. NO miscommunication is allowed to happen. not on their watch
August 15, 2009
I initially picked up this title when I saw the first two volumes on the shelf and the back of the second declared "We have been telling all the people we meet to read this manga!" (quote by CLAMP). It's a somewhat typical romance told in a very atypical style. The book has a simplistic but nice art style which gradually improves as you progress through the volume (which is not unexpected given that the manga-ka created it over an extended period).
With the initial story's being written as a standalone comic initially, you could stop after reading just that, but I can't see why anyone would want to do so! Hoshino Hajime goes into the class next to his one day, walks up to a girl who doesn't know him, then bluntly (and quite loudly) announces that he has feelings for her and would like her to go out with him. Negishi Yumiko, the object of Hoshino's affections, got his attention because of her natural candor and outgoing personality.
Brief synopsis
At this point, many of you probably think that this sounds like the same thing you've read not less than a dozen times before; however, that's where you would be wrong. This manga doesn't read like a typical shoujo series, nor does it read like one of the scant few shounen romance series. Instead, it has a personality all its own, removing the majority of inner monologue and personal qualms about whether or not to say something and replacing them with very open (and, in Hoshino's case, very formal) statements, questions, and observations. Both Hoshino's best friend and Negishi's best friend find the couple amusing (as does the rest of each of their classes), and enjoy "subtly" suggesting things which would normally cause a lot of angst but instead lead to amusing situations which are generally quickly resolved. As an example, even prior to their first official date, Hoshino's friend gives him a condom "just in case" and Hoshino has no problem telling Negishi exactly what transpired in the short exchange she saw them have. Unfortunately, Hoshino is painfully blunt sometimes and has virtually no sense of tact. Fortunately, Negishi seems to get upset but actually finds his down-to-earth attitude refreshing.
I would recommend this book to just about anyone. If you're looking for something with a lot of undertones and metaphorical events, this is definitely not for you. If you enjoy a cute comedy or just want a reprieve because you just finished reading Monster: Terrible Story, definitely give this series a chance.
With the initial story's being written as a standalone comic initially, you could stop after reading just that, but I can't see why anyone would want to do so! Hoshino Hajime goes into the class next to his one day, walks up to a girl who doesn't know him, then bluntly (and quite loudly) announces that he has feelings for her and would like her to go out with him. Negishi Yumiko, the object of Hoshino's affections, got his attention because of her natural candor and outgoing personality.
Brief synopsis
At this point, many of you probably think that this sounds like the same thing you've read not less than a dozen times before; however, that's where you would be wrong. This manga doesn't read like a typical shoujo series, nor does it read like one of the scant few shounen romance series. Instead, it has a personality all its own, removing the majority of inner monologue and personal qualms about whether or not to say something and replacing them with very open (and, in Hoshino's case, very formal) statements, questions, and observations. Both Hoshino's best friend and Negishi's best friend find the couple amusing (as does the rest of each of their classes), and enjoy "subtly" suggesting things which would normally cause a lot of angst but instead lead to amusing situations which are generally quickly resolved. As an example, even prior to their first official date, Hoshino's friend gives him a condom "just in case" and Hoshino has no problem telling Negishi exactly what transpired in the short exchange she saw them have. Unfortunately, Hoshino is painfully blunt sometimes and has virtually no sense of tact. Fortunately, Negishi seems to get upset but actually finds his down-to-earth attitude refreshing.
I would recommend this book to just about anyone. If you're looking for something with a lot of undertones and metaphorical events, this is definitely not for you. If you enjoy a cute comedy or just want a reprieve because you just finished reading Monster: Terrible Story, definitely give this series a chance.
April 2, 2009
Engaging story that plays on that oh-so-common opposites-attract/odd couple theme so popular in many shojo manga series. Hoshino declares his affection for Negishi openly in a crowded classroom. At first she's taken aback, but Hoshino endears himself to her by degrees because of his unflinching honesty and commitment to being himself, even when that means looking a little ridiculous. The drawing style fits the breezy lightheartedness of the story but is neither detailed, nor particularly beyond that. Negishi is undeniably bossy, but on the plus side, some readers might find it refreshing to see a strong female character in a shojo series.
Age Recommendation: Ages 10+
Violence: (Based on v. 1) Nonexistent, outside of a rare nudge or playful swat between the two main characters
Sex: (Based on v. 1) Just like Love*com, the general vibe is very innocent and crushy, with rare very minor innuendo. The most extreme example is that Hoshino's buddy gives him a condom as a gag after finding out about Hoshino's "date" with Negishi but there's no serious intention behind it. All talk and no action, literally. It's a big deal for these two characters to get things together enough just to give each other a little peck.
Age Recommendation: Ages 10+
Violence: (Based on v. 1) Nonexistent, outside of a rare nudge or playful swat between the two main characters
Sex: (Based on v. 1) Just like Love*com, the general vibe is very innocent and crushy, with rare very minor innuendo. The most extreme example is that Hoshino's buddy gives him a condom as a gag after finding out about Hoshino's "date" with Negishi but there's no serious intention behind it. All talk and no action, literally. It's a big deal for these two characters to get things together enough just to give each other a little peck.
November 21, 2016
This is a pretty cute romance manga series. I don't recall where I saw it recommended, but it's pretty enjoyable.
Hoshino walks up to Negishi in school and confesses his love for her, despite the fact that they don't actually know one another! Hijinks ensue? It's cute, and the characters are actually well done. The art is pretty normal/generic - nice but nothing that blew me away. One thing I did really appreciate is that the characters are very blunt. There's none of the "will they notice me!??" "why didn't they notice me!" "they have no idea how I feel!" secret pining and not saying anything to anybody ever that often plagues romance manga (and really any sort of relationship story). Overall, I'd recommend reading this if you can find it. It's sweet, cute, silly, and will just kinda make you smile.
This actually reminded me a bit of Haven't You Heard? I'm Sakamoto, Vol. 1, which I really enjoyed. Recommended for middle school and up, probably down to 5th grade.
Hoshino walks up to Negishi in school and confesses his love for her, despite the fact that they don't actually know one another! Hijinks ensue? It's cute, and the characters are actually well done. The art is pretty normal/generic - nice but nothing that blew me away. One thing I did really appreciate is that the characters are very blunt. There's none of the "will they notice me!??" "why didn't they notice me!" "they have no idea how I feel!" secret pining and not saying anything to anybody ever that often plagues romance manga (and really any sort of relationship story). Overall, I'd recommend reading this if you can find it. It's sweet, cute, silly, and will just kinda make you smile.
This actually reminded me a bit of Haven't You Heard? I'm Sakamoto, Vol. 1, which I really enjoyed. Recommended for middle school and up, probably down to 5th grade.
August 14, 2007
Aw.
This is probably the first real Manga i've ever read, and I liked it.. It's about a boy and a girl dating, sort of awkwardly and really sweetly (in a non-cutesy way) in high school. Here is one of my favorite parts:
"Negishi-San, you're..you're strong like a man...you're a strong girl, but now you're crying. That's Odd!!"
and also the explanation of Tsukkomi and Boke, a Japanese comedic style where "the boke will say something stupid or make a silly mistake, then the tsukkomi will correct him, usually accompanied by a smack on the head." Apparently, people are thought to be good matches in life if they fit naturally into these roles with one another. I think it's way too easy to be the one who gets smacked in the head.
Yep. I will look forward to Love Roma 2. I hope everything stays nice for the manga kids.
This is probably the first real Manga i've ever read, and I liked it.. It's about a boy and a girl dating, sort of awkwardly and really sweetly (in a non-cutesy way) in high school. Here is one of my favorite parts:
"Negishi-San, you're..you're strong like a man...you're a strong girl, but now you're crying. That's Odd!!"
and also the explanation of Tsukkomi and Boke, a Japanese comedic style where "the boke will say something stupid or make a silly mistake, then the tsukkomi will correct him, usually accompanied by a smack on the head." Apparently, people are thought to be good matches in life if they fit naturally into these roles with one another. I think it's way too easy to be the one who gets smacked in the head.
Yep. I will look forward to Love Roma 2. I hope everything stays nice for the manga kids.
August 10, 2007
A great little read - a romantic comedy that begins with the relationship forming instead of ending there. We get to watch as the two characters get to know each other's likes and dislikes as their relationship goes from formalities and clumsiness to true love and genuine affection. Four volumes total.
January 5, 2010
Ridiculous and a little creepy. The boy is blunt, innocent, and intent on dating the girl, who doesn't know him at all. He announces his love for her in front of everyone in the cafeteria, causing her great embarrassment. He demonstrates his affection for her in obvious ways, to the amusement of their classmates.
December 16, 2007
Toyoda's 1st manga series that follows a young couple in high school, Negishi & Hoshino, through the emotional ride of their relationship. Silly and absurd, but still a fun read--especially when they decide to compete against each other in making lunchboxes (of sushi).
June 25, 2009
the art is fairly basic but the silliness is excellent. yet another manga i will not be able to read on the bus due to snickering. i particularly liked the a-side, b-side layout of the first couple of chapters
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March 17, 2008Girl in relationship is characterized as being more masculine than the boy. He says she's like a boy. She's more direct and aggressive.
September 11, 2009
With unorthodox, almost indie, art style and with an unusual and funny high school romance story, this manga is a total pleasure.
October 28, 2008
It's called "Love Roma," and it's available in English, too.
January 10, 2013
This is a manga book and can be confusing at times. I liked it because it was a very normal life related story.
September 15, 2015
not bad.
June 6, 2016
Interesting story and different feel and graphics that I'm used to. I want to find out what happens, he pulled me into the story enough for that!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews