Suki -tte Ii na yo [Say "I love you"] (manga)

 

Suki-tte Ii na yo is a moderately-good manga, as it has its pros and cons in the different categories.

(This manga is also an anime, and I hope to watch it upon completing the series. All the character photos are from the anime :P)

 

The setting is a usual shoujo, slice-of-life, romancey anime, which would be at a high school.

Normally, with high-school anime, whether it be shoujo or shounen, it always has its "type," such as supernatural-specialized or is known for one of its traits.

This high school's "trait" would be its students' relationships. Dating is a hot topic around the school, whether they're a boy or girl. Sex is often a pastime for girls and guys alike.

 

One of the the main characters is 16 year-old Tachibana Mei, who has never dated before and doesn't have friends. She, according to many, is considered odd and creepily quiet.

 

And not to mention that she has like...

FUCKING A BILLION SELF-ESTEEM ISSUES

 

Not a big spoiler, really, unless you're overly dramatic about spoilers, but one day, two popular boys, one of which was Kurosawa Yamato, were walking to class when one decides to tug on Mei's skirt. She frantically turns around, giving Kurosawa a mawashi geri* to the head. But, he wasn't the one who tugged on her skirt.

 

*Note: A mawashi geri is a karate kick.

 

Honestly, when I came to that point in the beginning, i was like:

YEEEEEEEES

THIS.

GIRL.

IS.

AWESOME.

 

So that's Tachibana for you.

 

Then there's Kurosawa Yamato.

Oddly, his hair is my hair length, which makes me feel weird as a girl, but eh, whatever.

 

So, he pretty much saves her from a stalker and,. from there, they start dating.

 

... what the fuck, right?

 

According to this, the anime is a "realistic story of first love."

 

... So, where the hell is MY stalker, HMMM?

 

... Thought so.

 

Kurosawa is one of those super popular boys that all the girls have a fandom with and an extreme obsession that often makes people narrow their eyes and ask "what the hell."

 

There isn't much to say about him, other than the fact that he is a generic bishie appearance in a shoujo romance manga and anime.

 

PLOT.

 

I kinda explained quite a bit above, so I won't go into this, I might as well be handing you a silver platter decked out with spoilers.

 

But, I just wanna say that it kinda sucks at the beginning, because it seems extremely unrealistic and kind of boring. The main characters are pretty generic, but the secondary characters are very interesting.

As plot develops and things start to happen, we get into the details of the secondary character's pasts and such. And with almost all romance anime, there's rivalry between girls and guys.

 

The thing that pisses me off about the main characters is that they get jealous too easily and are simply influenced by others too often. After a while, the story seems quite repetitive in ending and gets kind of boring.

 

Like REEEEEALLY BORING.

 

But, overall, it's alright.

It's a manga that doesn't hurt to read, but only when you have nothing better to do.

 

I'm not done this manga yet, because I believe the chapters are still being translated, but I suspect that it is what I've said it to be.

 

 



Love Com movie

Surfing Wasting my time on the internet, I've uncovered a Lovely Complex MOVIE. :D

 

Move aside, homework.

 

It's LOVE COM TIME.

 

--

EDIT 

I'd like to pause my drama movie watching for a second just to comment on that teacher's hair intermissions.

Thats's right.

Hair Intermissions.


... Firstly, what the heck. Secondly, do you really need a wig? Thirdly, why; just why? Lastly, what the heck.


But it's really funny, because the background setting of these little clips is the washroom.

And the script goes like this:

(in a creepy voice with "im so awesome" music playing in the background)
There's an important issue before we continue this juvenile love story........
I just bought this ULHTuRAH HAYR SOUPAH LIGHT-O. (stroking wig)
750,000 YEN!!
This time... for sure... NO ONE WILL NOTICE IM WEARING A WIG. (petting wig)
THANK YOU, ULHTuRAH HAYR SOUPAH LIGHT-O!! (smooths wig)
OFF TO WORK!!
(exits)

My reaction?

"... lolwut?"

--

 

EDIT

 

That was so very, very cute. That last kiss was adorable beyond measure honestly.

I like how this anime is different because, instead of the girl getting on her tip-toes to kiss the guy, it's the other way around. Lovely Complex is definitely on my "great to watch" list.

I most graciously give the producer and director a high-five for this movie.

Lovely Complex [manga] - Volume 1

Love Com is such a cute love story between the tallest girl and the shortest boy in the class.

 

Love Com will capture any shoujo fan's eyes. There's nothing like a romance blossoming between two very unlikely people.

 

Risa and Otani are quite the stand-up comedy couple, or "all hanshin-kyojin." They always make fun of each other's heights, but they seem to have the same preferences for a lot of things.

 

Throughout the entirety of the series, I'm gonna have to assume that there are tooooooons of different complexes, ranging from small to extreme. In volume 1, they make a bet to see who can get a girlfriend/boyfriend first and the winner will receive whatever they want from the other person. So, this being the case, they find themselves new crushes, but unfortunately, their love-gaining strategies fail.

[As you could tell from the majority of my blog, I'm a killer for shoujo manga. My apologies.]

I'm sure any girl (who is like me) could relate to this: Having no sex appeal whatsoever, like Risa. Which is quite unfortunate because we're pretty much already labelled "FOREVER ALONE."

I like this manga because it's also relatable for guys. Being short and non-ideal, in terms of height, can really irk a guy when it comes to his own romantic life.

Developments are really gradual, which is nice.

More Love Com, here I come!!

[There is also an anime, hence the coloured pictures.]

 

And so, the story begins...

 

Edit: (And.... It ends. Why, you ask? Well... I'm still reading it, but I'm too lazy to post about it... SO YEAH!! :D )

 

 



Acchi Kocchi - Episode 1

Oh my, where do I begin with Acchi Kocchi...

 

 

Tsumiki-san has no ends to her moe madness...

 

Acchi Kocchi is just this crazy cute chibi anime, where the main character is so moe it's not even funny anymore. The lead male is so dense that it just makes the storyline more entertaining. Not to mention the level of epicness in those arcade battles...

 

The opening is, i find personally, so adorable.

 

I like how Tsumiki is a cute character who seems to have all the weaknesses of a small girl, but actually has exceptional strength and tends to use it often enough to beat the crap out of Mayoi. Her kitten persona is very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very moe. Especially towards Io.

 

 

 

Io, on the other hand, is very dense and blunt about romance but, ironically, is very accidentally good at being that cool male character. He tends to act like that sparkly, ideal type guy on the request of other characters, but doesn't know that his 'acting' is favoured by most girls.

 

Jumping out the 2nd floor window to get lunch...

 

Sakaki and Mayoi are the trouble-dealing duo. They tend to be the only who strike up the event in the episode, being the ones who always want something interesting to do. Tbh, I find that they're pretty cute together. :D

 

Hime is that one character who has no idea what's going. She's the fumbling, air-headed girl who is extremely klutzy and has no sense of her surroundings. Hime's slip-and-fall-gracefully scene in the first episode was pretty funny. I find it quite amusing how Sakuragawa-sensei and Hime are so simliar that they could be mistaken for siblings, in terms of their personalities.

 

I'm prepared to survive more moe madness from Acchi Kocchi.

 

 

 



Summer 2012

(I didn't watch/read too many this summer. This is all I got. [hides in dark corner])

 



Natsuyuki Rendezvous (Episodes 1-6) - Rokka-chan is one of the most interesting female characters in romance anime I've seen so far. The way she acts around Hazuki is very skeptical; she says she loves him, but she can't seem to make up her mind about letting go of Shimao or not. And, vice versa, Shimao can't let go of Rokka either.

 

Shimao and Hazuki soul-switched: my reaction?

...PFFFTTTAAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

 

Hazuki's reaction: (absolutely calm) ... Argh, damn, I consented to his taking of my body? Tch, just because of a few cans of beer... (facepalm)

 

 

Shimao's reaction: ALRIIIIIIIGHT. NOW I CAN ABUSE HIM. LET'S GO BUY THE NERDIEST GLASSES EVER AND CUT HIS HAIR IN THE DORKIEST MANNER POSSIBLE. AND IN THIS WAY, ROKKA-CHAN WILL NEVER LIKE HIM. OHOHOHOHO. *TROLLFACE*

 

 

"Haircut? Cheeeeeeck."

 





 

The question is though....

When will Shimao be able to let Rokka-chan go?

 

I mean........ HE'S FREAKING DEAD. (facedesk)

 

I love the pacing of the storyline so far.

First, it started with an overload of humour, then came the development. Afterwards, the confession; more development. DRAMATIC CHANGE IN THE STORYLINE, Hazuki is thrown to the sidelines and Shimao is now the spotlight. Rokka is confused, and so is Hazuki. Shimao is like: COME ON ROKKA-CHAN PIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIICK ALREEEEEEEEEEEEADY.

 

I'm glad though that Shimao got a grip on his ego.

...Well, almost anyway.

 

 

Kimi to Boku 2 (Episodes 1-10) - Once again, props to the producer. I am continuing to love the style of this anime. It's very light, but very ambitious, with lots of meanings behind the episodes.

 

 

One thing: YUKI, YOU MUST GO FOR HER.

 

Oh, and you too, Chizuru.

 

I'm rootin' for you two.

 

The KB's comedy is a really good break from all that legit anime drama, which is a nice thing once in a while.

 

I like the broad horizon between the character's personalities too.

 

Yuki/Yuta: Straight-faced, emotionless, funny

Shun: Happy, flowery, feminine, mediator.

Kaname: Easily annoyed, tsun-friends :D

Chizuru: Happy-go-lucky, cheerful, playful, loud

 

The themes in the anime are really funny because they are the highlight of the upcoming and current episodes, but, all in all, they're really pointless. ftw. :P

 

Kuroko no Basket (Episode 16-21) - Before I get all negative, YEEEEEEEEAH SEIRIN SHOVED IT IN YOUR FACE, SHUTOKU. MIDOOORRIMACCHI, KUROKO BEEEAT YOOU.

 

And now, to get depressed...

 

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO SEIRIN!! (grabs monitor and shakes dramatically) TOUOU B-BEAT YOU. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO IF ONLY AOMINE DIDN'T ARRIVE BEFORE SECOND HALF.... (hides in dark corner and cries)

 

SEIRIN. I got two words: WINTER. CUP.

 

Oh, and, good luck surviving training camp.

 

 

 

La Storia della Arcana Famiglia (Episode 1 & 2) - ...

 

My first impression: What is this bullcrap?

 

My second impression: What is this BULLCRAP?

 

Yeah, self-explanatory. I gave up after two episodes. I thought that the second episode would redeeem this anime, but... Apparently not.

If I have nothing better to do, I'll try the 3rd ep.

 

Kokoro Connect (Episode 1) - I only have one thing to say to the majority of this episode:

 

WHAT.

 

THE.

 

HEll.

 

GROping. REAlly?

 

I've decided to put this anime on hold. If the second episode redeems this anime, I'll continue it.

 

Sword Art Online (Episode 1 & 2) - This is actually a very good anime. It's the first MMO anime I've seen, making the concept very new, interesting and original to me. Unfortunately, I've had no time to advance much in the anime, but I will in good time.

 

I was laughing at Kirito when he was putting on that black coat.
 

 

Tari Tari (Episode 1 & 2) - AHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA... That concert....

 

Anyhow, this isn't a bad music anime. I do like Konatsu's initiative to form a choir just for the enjoyment of singing.

 

And just like SAO, I haven't had time to make much anime-watching effort for this anime.

But I will, eventually.

 

Dengeki Daisy [shoujo manga] (Vol 9 Ch 50) - Ohohoho, Dengeki Daisy.

I do enjoy a shoujo manga that features more than just flowery backgrounds and dramatic romance scenes. Although, the characters get hurt way too many unrealistic times... -___-"

Kurosaki is such a kuudere honestly.

Kiyoshi is cute and I'm rather stuck upon the question of romance between student council president and him...

Teru is pretty smart. And with her matched up with Kurosaki, they make the best stand-up comedy couple ever.

Ookami Shoujo to Kuro Ouji [shoujo manga] (Ch 15) - This manga is definitely a generic shoujo addict's haven of cute romance. A sadistic lead male and a generic female lead character makes up a really interesting story when put together in the same class for two years in a row.

Oresama Teacher [shoujo manga] (Vol 6 Ch 29) - A shoujo that hardly features any romance? = WIN.

This manga is basically Beelzebub without the demons and the baby.

Deliquents, Delinquents, Delinquents.
Everywhere, Everywhere, Everywhere.

I enjoy knowing the fact that the female lead character is actually a cool, strong gang leader, even when trying to pose as a normal girl.

Her completely different aliases are the funniest part of the manga so far.

                                  Delinquent: previously                          [trying to be] A normal girl: currently

 

                   Usa-chan man: bunny-masked                                       Natsuo: cross-dressed

 

They're all the same person...

 

-- 

There are more anime/manga I've watched during this summer, but I was being lazy again today. :P

I was going to watch ___________ , but didn't have the time and/or the will:

 

- Kyoukai Senjou no Horizon 2

 

-Hunter x Hunter

 

-Humanity has declined

 

-Yuru Yuri 2

 

Hanasaku Iroha

Hanasaku Iroha is one of my favourite slice-of-life animes. It's got the light-hearted atmosphere as well as the ups and downs of the everyday life.

There is a variety of characters, each varying with their own personalities. It's also filled with some humour, which helps create that light-hearted setting.

As majority of the characters are in fact girls, unless they're professional cross-dressers or something, there is some romance and unrequited love within the anime.

... MY GOODNESS. I BET THOSE DAMNED UNIFORMS OF THEIRS ARE SO COMFY.

LOOK AT ALL THAT MATERIAL!! IT'S PRACTICALLY A BLANKET.



... Realization strikes.

 = / =

My favourite character is:

Minko Tsurugi

Tsurugi says: "Balut."

[Definition: A balut is a fertilized duck embryo that is boiled and eaten in the shell.]

This isn't much of a rant, I know. But, hey, I'm tired. *yawn*

Inu x Boku SS

Inu x Boku SS is basically an extremely tsundere love story between a mistress and her manservant. And all the other characters are smushed in between.

Miketsukami has become the Secret Service agent of Ririchiyo-chan, meaning that he will serve her  as long as Ririchiyo permits it. Miketsukami is in love with Ririchiyo but is unable to tell her because his former master is currently Ririchiyo's fiancé.

The story development is average and the ending was pretty dead-ended because you'd ask "so... what happens next?".

The random two-second cutscenes of Miketsukami and various naked woman just gives it away as to what he did to gain 'freedom'.

However, Miketsukami does take his place as one of my favourite characters because he is so loyal towards Ririchiyo-chan to the point where it is just plain funny.

So, favourite characters:

Miketsukami Soushi

Sorinozuka Renshou

Oh and, I also drew a fanart of Renshou.

Here it is.

It's quite plain........ Meh.

--

Other than "loyal manservant", Miketsukami Soushi can be labelled as a stalker.

Hourou Musuko / Natsuyuki Rendevous

Hourou Musuko, or Wandering Son, is a touching story of two people who want to become the opposite gender. In other words, this anime is all about transgenders and social justice.

The story's main character is a boy, Nitori, who wants to become a girl, but is afraid to share his cross-dressing hobby with the world because of discrimination. Likewise, his friend, Yoshino, is a girl who wants to be a boy. Their friend, Saori, supports them and who they want to become.

I absolutely love the watercolor style of this anime because, since the artwork is less dynamic, it allows you to focus more on the development rather than the art.

For this anime, I have no favourite characters and, instead, I loved the eye-opening topic about the journeys and hardships of transgenders.

Left to Right: Yoshino (female), Nitori (male), Saori (female).

--

Natsuyuki Rendezvous is a chase for love, naturally with an obstacle in the way.

This anime features a male protagonist who is in love with his boss, a florist. Unfortunately, it's hard to commit to a relationship when you have her husband's ghost constantly in your face.

How will this chase end?

... I dunno because the anime is still airing.


The genre is a slap-dash of supernatural (husband is a ghost, yes?), slice-of-life and romance. Of course, it leans moreover to slice-of-life and romance since a husband's ghost isn't an extreme case of supernatural.


I will update as soon as I finish the still-airing series.

Kimi to Boku (S1 and S2)

This anime is so cute, light-hearted and friendly.

I've just recently begun this anime and I'm still hooked on it.

The anime might seem a little dead-ended, but watching it is worth seeing these five boys' lives and how they will survive through their high school years. All for one, one for all? Or every man for themselves?

Kimi to Boku (or You and Me) has two seasons, as far as I know right at the moment. It is a funny slice-of-life anime, which is one of my favourite genres because this type of anime is light and easy to take in since it can be connected to your own life.

This one I suggest to anyone who would like to take a break from bishie battles, sword-clashing action and overly busty women.

The story features four boys who have been friends since kindergarten and a transfer student who has encountered them when they were younger. As they face life's battles, will they change?

I'd say my favourite characters so far are:

Yuki (Or Yukki as Chizuru likes to say.)

Don't get him confused with his twin brother, Yuta.

Shun

He's so adorable. *grins*

When I've finished this series, both season 1 and 2, I will update ASAP.
I am currently on episode 12 of season 1.

Junjou Romantica (S1 and S2)

This is a BL anime.

Now, before you go on and start calling me "fujoshi this" and "fujoshi that," let me tell you...

JUDGING PEOPLE IS NOT NIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII--CE

--

Junjou Romantica is very similar to Sekai Ichi Hatsukoi (which I gave up and the details to that will follow this). However, the theme of authors and novels is more thorough in Sekai Ichi Hatsukoi. I find that Junjou Romantica is much more open to other occupations rather than just a publishing industry. Because of this, there are a variety of people, meaning more interesting storylines.

Now, the reason I gave up Sekai Ichi Hatsukoi is just that. The theme of the anime is much, much, MUUUUUCH too narrow, as it only focuses on publishing. I did however finish the first season, but as soon as the second season hit, I gave it up. Nonetheless, I did enjoy the first season; I just didn't have the stamina to survive something so continuous.

The art style in Junjou Romantica might seem a bit odd at first (Ukes have big oval eyes, narrow chins and long, spiky grass-like hair and semes also have long, spiky grass-like hair, but their eyes are smaller and more masculine with a very manly chin to follow [my favourite characters will be a genuine comparison]), but, I assure you, you'll get used to it soon enough. Afterall, the BL is too distracting for such details to come to mind~

My favourite characters are:

Akihiko Usami

Misaki Takahashi

 They are the first couple introduced in Junjou Romantica. They're so adorable. As you can see, Akihiko is obviously the dominant male, and hence he is the seme with more manly features than Misaki, who has round, eyes, small, narrow chin and a feminine prescence about him.

I have a visual sense of characters so please ignore my characteristic rant above.

Usami-san isn't a princely guy you would swoon to, but, no doubt you would pass out from his over-dominance. I know I would.

And this is the fangirl/fujoshi within me.

WELCOME TO MY WORLD.

**I hope there'll be a 3rd season!! (crosses fingers)**