Hirayasumi

nathandouglasdavis Nov 23, 2021

7

There isn't narration in every chapter, but when there is, it can be very conversational--like by asking the reader rhetorical questions and being casual in general with the way it lays things out. I like Hiroto as a character and think fe functions well as a hero for all the laidback, anti-competitive people out there in the world, making that attitude and way of life look pleasant and appealing. In order to achieve this, though, and allow Hiroto to live comfortably in a house of feir own despite not having a high-paying job, the manga had to include that house being given to fem by an old lady fe had developed a bond with because of mutual kindness. And in a way, that's the theme of this manga: treating people with kindness, straightforwardness, and honesty will lead to friendships and a more enjoyable life overall. There are several stories and moments which focus on the long-term positive aftereffects of friendly connections with others (the desk lamp and pressed flowers come to mind as examples). Natsumi's anxiety and embarrassment around school is well portrayed, and I like feir friendship with Akari. I think Akari's character design is cute. Many of the character designs feel quite nice and make the characters recognizable (though I will say that I found Yomogi's design to be a bit too similar to Natsumi's). I find Hideki's design and general role as a comic relief character to work pretty well. I appreciate the way in which Hiroto and Yomogi start out initially as rubbing each other the wrong way (because of how their attitudes about work and rushing are so different), but then slowly become more friendly and comfortable with each other over time. Obviously, the manga is laying the groundwork for a romance and it's a bit simplistic with how it handles some of the conflict resolution stuff, but it's still pleasant to read. The smiles are more oblong than crescent-shaped. The clothes are poofy. The artwork has slightly sketchy outlines, where there will be gaps in the lines (like for the noses when drawn from the sides) or a minimal number of strokes to evoke the desired image. The food looks appetizing. There are details in the backgrounds that help make the world feel fleshed out and close. [Reviewed at chapter 16]