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イマジナリー [Imaginary] #1
Imaginary, Vol. 1
A love that could have been
Back when Tasuku was a kid, he harbored a secret: he was in love with his friend Maika. But Maika moved away for school before he could gather his courage and confess. Now, as adults, they’ve reconnected as friends, and being together brings back memories of their shared past. It was so easy to fantasize about wild things when they were children, but what has become of those fantasies now that they’ve grown up?
Back when Tasuku was a kid, he harbored a secret: he was in love with his friend Maika. But Maika moved away for school before he could gather his courage and confess. Now, as adults, they’ve reconnected as friends, and being together brings back memories of their shared past. It was so easy to fantasize about wild things when they were children, but what has become of those fantasies now that they’ve grown up?
186 pages, Paperback
First published March 31, 2021
9 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 3, 2022
Mai and Tasuku are two childhood friends who never quite made the step beyond that point. As their little dance continues into adulthood, we get to spend time with them, their families, their friends, and everybody’s incredibly vivid imaginations.
Slice-of-life conjures up many visions, from stories where nothing happens to narratives that are basically little more than excuses for ‘cute girls do cute things’ genre entries. Then there’s stuff like this, which takes small town life and injects those issues with some very (over)active fantasy sequences.
This is mostly about Mai and Tasuku, who used to spend a lot of time together, but she’s moved to the city for college and he’s at home with his sister (as a bonus, this book has one of the best sibling relationships I’ve ever seen in manga). Their lives don’t always intersect, but it sure seems like they both wish it happened more frequently.
The series’ title begins to make itself known as the two discuss an old childhood game, and then when past and future versions of Tasuku start to argue amongst themselves. Yes, imagination plays a very, very strong role in this one. It takes a romantic story and lets it fly, sometimes literally.
The story uses its conceit in some wild and inventive ways, from attacks of giant women to a massive plan for urban development that ends up lacking a few key features. Anchoring all this is the more grounded story of Mai and Tasuku, which is very typical, but no less enjoyable for it.
And grounded does not mean boring - the mangaka does some fun things with that visual creativity, but these characters are fun anyway. From brother and sister sparring back and forth to Mai’s gaggle of gal pals who are all unique and interesting, this is written by somebody who knows what they’re going for. Poor Mai and Tasuku are completely their own worst enemies when it comes to their happiness (Mai seems a lot cooler, but she’s a hot mess where Tasuku is concerned).
There’s a lot of dialect work, if the afterword is to be believed, which does not come through in the text at all. It might have been nice if the translator had tried, but I don’t think it’s strictly necessary - you know how damn small this town is very quickly.
There is definitely a bit of buy-in for the premise that underlies a well-told, if traditional, story of small towns and the people who live in them. I genuinely think it’s a small hurdle based on the dividends it pays, but I can see this not being for everybody.
4.5 stars - it is, however, for me. I wasn’t sure at first, but this quickly becomes something really special and a very cute bit of business surrounded by a wrapping that remembers to take advantage of the creative opportunities afforded by its medium.
Slice-of-life conjures up many visions, from stories where nothing happens to narratives that are basically little more than excuses for ‘cute girls do cute things’ genre entries. Then there’s stuff like this, which takes small town life and injects those issues with some very (over)active fantasy sequences.
This is mostly about Mai and Tasuku, who used to spend a lot of time together, but she’s moved to the city for college and he’s at home with his sister (as a bonus, this book has one of the best sibling relationships I’ve ever seen in manga). Their lives don’t always intersect, but it sure seems like they both wish it happened more frequently.
The series’ title begins to make itself known as the two discuss an old childhood game, and then when past and future versions of Tasuku start to argue amongst themselves. Yes, imagination plays a very, very strong role in this one. It takes a romantic story and lets it fly, sometimes literally.
The story uses its conceit in some wild and inventive ways, from attacks of giant women to a massive plan for urban development that ends up lacking a few key features. Anchoring all this is the more grounded story of Mai and Tasuku, which is very typical, but no less enjoyable for it.
And grounded does not mean boring - the mangaka does some fun things with that visual creativity, but these characters are fun anyway. From brother and sister sparring back and forth to Mai’s gaggle of gal pals who are all unique and interesting, this is written by somebody who knows what they’re going for. Poor Mai and Tasuku are completely their own worst enemies when it comes to their happiness (Mai seems a lot cooler, but she’s a hot mess where Tasuku is concerned).
There’s a lot of dialect work, if the afterword is to be believed, which does not come through in the text at all. It might have been nice if the translator had tried, but I don’t think it’s strictly necessary - you know how damn small this town is very quickly.
There is definitely a bit of buy-in for the premise that underlies a well-told, if traditional, story of small towns and the people who live in them. I genuinely think it’s a small hurdle based on the dividends it pays, but I can see this not being for everybody.
4.5 stars - it is, however, for me. I wasn’t sure at first, but this quickly becomes something really special and a very cute bit of business surrounded by a wrapping that remembers to take advantage of the creative opportunities afforded by its medium.
December 22, 2022
I wanted to like this a lot more. A solid 3 for me but really holding on to points for art and great depiction of slice of life moments. The premise is interesting, and at times it's presented well. However in other places it fell completely flat. I also didn't get a good grasp on who these characters were, almost like the author wasn't sure how to portray them. The only character I seemed to like even a little was Tasuku. So overall, it wasn't terrible but kinda clunky with characters I didn't really vibe with. Hopefully subsequent volumes get better if I decide to continue the series.
March 14, 2023
This is a fascinating tribute to the power of "what if."
December 20, 2022
I really enjoyed this first volume. It’s a slice of life that focuses on two main characters “love” story! The whole will they won’t they is very intriguing and realistic. I love Maika and her friend group. They are so much fun.
I love the parts where they are imagining a scenario and the next panels are transforming into their imagination. It’s very creative and original.
I could relate to the last chapter so much! The siblings are imagining which stores could be coming to their small town! There is a new construction site! What will it be?! I’m still wishing for a big bookstore that carries manga in my small town.
I’m very interested to see where this story will go! I will definitely be picking up then next installment.
✨ Check out more of my manga content on instagram & youtube ✨
I love the parts where they are imagining a scenario and the next panels are transforming into their imagination. It’s very creative and original.
I could relate to the last chapter so much! The siblings are imagining which stores could be coming to their small town! There is a new construction site! What will it be?! I’m still wishing for a big bookstore that carries manga in my small town.
I’m very interested to see where this story will go! I will definitely be picking up then next installment.
✨ Check out more of my manga content on instagram & youtube ✨
May 8, 2023
Committed the cardinal sin of being boring. Maybe I just wasn't in the right headspace to enjoy it, and i really wanted to like it. It was just too many characters plodding along, talking without enough doing. Maybe I will revisit it eventually, but I'm not planning to continue reading the series at the moment.
It's a shame because the artwork is really cool.
It's a shame because the artwork is really cool.
March 7, 2023
Nearly incoherent at times
September 1, 2024
I honestly forgot I had this manga, today I was reminded of it. And it was so fun to read. Will absolutely be buying volume 2! Can't wait to read how the story will continue!
May 8, 2023
Maika and Tasuku grew up in the same small town, but Maika has gone off to college in a larger city. They've stayed in contact via text, and occasionally visit each other during their breaks from school. Each young person's college friends, and Tasuku's family, round out the cast.
The best parts of this manga are the vivid depictions of the unnamed small town, and the imaginary scenarios the characters create out of their conversations with each other. A giantess, cats, an ancient fortress, and some wish fulfillment-like urban planning have their parts to play in various episodes.
In the author's notes at the back, Niiro Ikuhara says:
Tasuku and his sibling's relationship is bicker-y and fun (inappropriate fanservice aside--I'm sorry, these sibs lounging around their living area in their underwear is another creepy aspect of this manga)*. Otherwise, the characterization isn't super strong--everyone seems very similar to each other, from socioeconomic class to personality. The chapter where the girls talk about hairstyles could have been part of just about any manga with any grouping of female characters. When someone's name was mentioned while they were off-panel, I had no idea who was being talked about.
* There's other fanservice here and there, but not enough for me to say that that's a major focus of the manga.
While Imaginary's art isn't as good as Eizouken's, its youthful flights of fancy had the potential to evoke a similar feeling of the ordinary world holding magical secrets around every corner. In my opinion, editorial interference pushing it to be yet another romance on top of its author's initial conception made it less than what it could have been. I'm willing to read the next volume and see if it manages to come into its own.
The best parts of this manga are the vivid depictions of the unnamed small town, and the imaginary scenarios the characters create out of their conversations with each other. A giantess, cats, an ancient fortress, and some wish fulfillment-like urban planning have their parts to play in various episodes.
In the author's notes at the back, Niiro Ikuhara says:
I met with my editor, who pushed for more about the two of them. I was surprised as I adjusted the direction of the story.To be honest, the uncertainty expressed here is justified. The parts of the story having to do with the potential for Maika and Tasuku to have a romantic relationship are some of the less interesting. Scenes where Maika's or Tasuku's friends harp on them to make a move on the other (Tasuku's bud is especially creepy) felt like an unfitting diversion from the parts that keyed directly in to Ikuhara's childhood nostalgia and fondness for their home town.
It was hard to tell whether the manga was drifting off course or slowly moving in the right direction.
Tasuku and his sibling's relationship is bicker-y and fun (inappropriate fanservice aside--I'm sorry, these sibs lounging around their living area in their underwear is another creepy aspect of this manga)*. Otherwise, the characterization isn't super strong--everyone seems very similar to each other, from socioeconomic class to personality. The chapter where the girls talk about hairstyles could have been part of just about any manga with any grouping of female characters. When someone's name was mentioned while they were off-panel, I had no idea who was being talked about.
* There's other fanservice here and there, but not enough for me to say that that's a major focus of the manga.
While Imaginary's art isn't as good as Eizouken's, its youthful flights of fancy had the potential to evoke a similar feeling of the ordinary world holding magical secrets around every corner. In my opinion, editorial interference pushing it to be yet another romance on top of its author's initial conception made it less than what it could have been. I'm willing to read the next volume and see if it manages to come into its own.
November 25, 2024
It’s…quirky. The artwork is pretty good, if somewhat rough occasionally - very sharp eyes and hair on some characters. It strayed significantly from the blurb, with the majority being Mai interacting with her friends, imagining wild things like robot hands. Tasuku is kept somewhat in the story by the friends teasing her about her having a boyfriend, and her protesting that they’re not dating and they’re missing the B from FWB.
We get a little of Tasuku and his sister, although I found it a little weird that they casually stripped down in front of each other when coming to/from bath. It was a bit funny that he had a fantasy of scolding his past self for his actions, only for his future self to show up and start scolding him for a lack of action.
Mai went away to college, but I presume her family is still in the same town or she wouldn’t be visiting. It’s odd that she doesn’t contact his sister when she’s back if they’re all childhood friends in a tiny podunk town.
I don’t know. It’s a lot of hinting, teasing, with him regretting lost opportunity but unavailable to move forward. She seems to be flirting or at least seeking to interact but despite being so hyper interested, he doesn’t take the bait. The whimsical imaginings really live up to the name. I think this would charm a lot of people, but it wandered too much for me to enjoy past a certain point. I will probably read the next one at least before I decide whether to drop.
We get a little of Tasuku and his sister, although I found it a little weird that they casually stripped down in front of each other when coming to/from bath. It was a bit funny that he had a fantasy of scolding his past self for his actions, only for his future self to show up and start scolding him for a lack of action.
Mai went away to college, but I presume her family is still in the same town or she wouldn’t be visiting. It’s odd that she doesn’t contact his sister when she’s back if they’re all childhood friends in a tiny podunk town.
I don’t know. It’s a lot of hinting, teasing, with him regretting lost opportunity but unavailable to move forward. She seems to be flirting or at least seeking to interact but despite being so hyper interested, he doesn’t take the bait. The whimsical imaginings really live up to the name. I think this would charm a lot of people, but it wandered too much for me to enjoy past a certain point. I will probably read the next one at least before I decide whether to drop.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2025
I read this book over 2 years ago and decided to reread it. It's just as boring now as it was then. The art is beautiful, but the story and the characters are a snooze-fest. Imaginary is a series about 2 childhood friends, Maiko and Tasuku, who have a crush on one another. However, neither knows that the other harbors feelings for the other.
Through the power of the characters' imagination, readers get to glimpse into the characters' thoughts, the games they played as children, what they wanted to be when they grew up, etc. But for this series to be an eventual romance, there's no build-up for a romance to blossom between the main characters. I enjoyed Maiko's dynamic with her friends, but Tasuku's sister is giving off Flowers in the Attic vibes. Maybe she has a severe onii-chan complex or something.
Either way, Imaginary Volume 1 is extremely boring. I forced myself to finish this volume and eventually purchased Volume 2. If I'm not impressed with Volume 2, then I have no intention of finishing this series.
Through the power of the characters' imagination, readers get to glimpse into the characters' thoughts, the games they played as children, what they wanted to be when they grew up, etc. But for this series to be an eventual romance, there's no build-up for a romance to blossom between the main characters. I enjoyed Maiko's dynamic with her friends, but Tasuku's sister is giving off Flowers in the Attic vibes. Maybe she has a severe onii-chan complex or something.
Either way, Imaginary Volume 1 is extremely boring. I forced myself to finish this volume and eventually purchased Volume 2. If I'm not impressed with Volume 2, then I have no intention of finishing this series.
September 5, 2022
This is an interesting concept with a pretty basic premise. Light romance and comedy story that is nothing new to the genre, but it is surrounded by this sense of childhood imagination where the adults have these wonderful visions of fantasy which are very vivid and grand in scale.
Visually the work is a 4/5 and the opening color panel with the naked lady and the shark is enough to make me happy I grabbed this one. Yet, the book seems rather directionless and the characters are not really all that interesting.
I am unsure if I will continue, maybe wait and see what people say about volume 2. I can see a lot of people enjoying this title more than I do, and the art throughout is really impressive. I just wish the story was as engaging as the flights of fancy that make such lovely little sequences within the pages really pop.
Visually the work is a 4/5 and the opening color panel with the naked lady and the shark is enough to make me happy I grabbed this one. Yet, the book seems rather directionless and the characters are not really all that interesting.
I am unsure if I will continue, maybe wait and see what people say about volume 2. I can see a lot of people enjoying this title more than I do, and the art throughout is really impressive. I just wish the story was as engaging as the flights of fancy that make such lovely little sequences within the pages really pop.
March 1, 2023
I really liked this first volume! I think the idea of their imaginations being interwoven with their real life, present day thoughts and conversations is really cool and creative! The first volume laid some groundwork for potential interesting things to happen later in the series, which is exciting. I also really enjoyed getting to see the main characters interact with their friend groups outside of just each other and I’m sure the eventual romance between them will be really cute!
Lots of relatable dialogue between the characters and very typical adulting concerns, which were also relatable. Hoping to read the next one soon.
Lots of relatable dialogue between the characters and very typical adulting concerns, which were also relatable. Hoping to read the next one soon.
October 15, 2024
As an avid manga reader, I would never consider reading this book if I didn't randomly impulse purchase it since it was on sale at the time. While reading, I got the general gist of the story but was ultimately confused to the actual plot of the story? The explained plot seemed very basic, where two childhood friends connect again and consider the huge elephant in the room of "what if...?"
However, I can say that the interactions and inner monologue were super relatable as a young adult searching for romance, and if you just want a simple romance of two childhood friends trying to rekindle a lost flame then this is for you! Just not my personal cup of tea.
However, I can say that the interactions and inner monologue were super relatable as a young adult searching for romance, and if you just want a simple romance of two childhood friends trying to rekindle a lost flame then this is for you! Just not my personal cup of tea.
January 6, 2023
I was really looking forward to this from the moment it was announced. The cover caught my eye and the synopsis is an intriguing one, long distance relationship. I read and then immediately noticed that it is WAY TOO LONG DISTANCE!! The main couple of interest probably only interact for majority of chapter one and at the end of the volume, it’s mainly the lead female talking to her friends and the relationship not moving an inch. Volume 2 doesn’t even come out till May so this will be a slog to get through.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2023
La manera com es barreja la realitat i allò que els personatges s'imaginen en aquesta història és d'allò més original, cosa que fa revifar una premissa força suada (amor no correspost d'infància amb retrobament d'adults i ressorgiment de la flama). L'estil d'il·lustració és molt ric i va variant per aportar-li més dramatisme o tocs d'humor a les escenes. En aquest primer volum pràcticament no avança gens la relació dels protagonistes, que queda molt ambigua enmig de massa farciment poc rellevant... No ha estat malament, però tinc poques esperances en el següent volum :(
September 11, 2023
C'est bien, c'est une josei très slice of life et avec peut-être une romance encore plus très slow burn?! L'idées d'incorporer l'imagination d'un adulte dans les moments du quotidien et dans les souvenirs à quelque chose de nostalgique qui fait du bien à lire.
Les dessins sont beaux mais parfois on se perd dans les conversations. Sinon, c'est une bonne lecture. Mais j'avoue que je m'attendais à quelque chose de plus rythmé, un brin plus romantique (romantique à la Josei, bien-sûr!)
Je tenterais bien le tome 2, question de voir ou s'en va la relation de nos deux personnages principaux
Les dessins sont beaux mais parfois on se perd dans les conversations. Sinon, c'est une bonne lecture. Mais j'avoue que je m'attendais à quelque chose de plus rythmé, un brin plus romantique (romantique à la Josei, bien-sûr!)
Je tenterais bien le tome 2, question de voir ou s'en va la relation de nos deux personnages principaux
June 12, 2025
Childhood with Adulthood
Don’t you ever wish you could be a kid again? Not just for the freedom of being a kid, but also for using your imagination. Reading about adults using their imagination at the most random times, transforming a walk on the street into a tightrope, is so refreshing. Of course, there are relationship elements intertwined in this story, but the creativity of adding little bits of their childhood is such a treat. Can’t wait to read the second volume!
Don’t you ever wish you could be a kid again? Not just for the freedom of being a kid, but also for using your imagination. Reading about adults using their imagination at the most random times, transforming a walk on the street into a tightrope, is so refreshing. Of course, there are relationship elements intertwined in this story, but the creativity of adding little bits of their childhood is such a treat. Can’t wait to read the second volume!
October 18, 2022
I like the characters in this story. They are all fun and add a different element to the story. I also enjoyed the role that the imagination of the characters played in the story. It just fell a little flat for me at times. I'm optomistic that this will develop into a series that I really enjoy but it moved a little slow for my liking.
June 29, 2024
Slice of life I can't be too mad at it. I like the friends and the main characters. I just felt as if it really didn't give anything? This is like a huge what if type situations. I overall will be getting the next volume to see what happens next. I really like the art style as well!
June 17, 2025
Тази манга беше много приятно и бързо четиво. Героите са добре нарисувани и стилът на рисуване ми хареса много! Когато започнеш да я четеш, просто не можеш да я оставиш. Препоръчвам я със сигурност! Като оценка ѝ давам 9/10!
November 17, 2022
I did enjoy the first volume! They play with the idea of using childlike imagination but in their adulthood if that makes sense? I do like the slowburn of romance so I may pick up Vol. 2 eventually!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2022
This is more like a 3.5★ but I loved it so I gave it the extra umph I felt it deserved.
December 10, 2022
It’s definitely got a unique vibe. I enjoy the sections where they’re letting their imaginations wander much more than the down-to-earth, slice-of-life stuff.
December 10, 2022
Not bad not sure if I’m going to continue the series. I wanted more romance and I focused a lot on their other relationships which is understandable but that’s fine.
January 21, 2023
Not bad, just not for me.
February 24, 2023
I found the story boring. I did not care for the character and felt like there was little to no point in this.
July 21, 2023
I honestly didn't finish this one- I made it about halfway through and stopped- I was bored with the story.
September 19, 2023
Decent read and will read the next volume.
January 3, 2024
More like 2.5 or just neutral in general. It's alright. I feel like it would translate as an anime better due to the imagination parts
January 20, 2024
This was just ok. I know there's another volume but I really don't care about these characters enough to read it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews