Skip to Loafer
Skip and Loafer

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Now, this is my first review on this site and so expect some amateurishly written opinions on what you will read ahead.

(Other reviews have already mentioned the important details so I'll keep this one short)

Skip to Loafer is a manga that leaves an impression on your diverse range of manga lists. It's unique and realistic. It gives the readers benefits and raises their standards for the future Josei-and-Seinen-genre manga that they will read ahead. So Don't Skip on it just because the cover and premise may irk you. Try the first chapter and see if it's to your liking. Truly a hidden gem.

The most solid slice-of-life coming-of-age rom-com of its generation.

The main character is a lovably pure-hearted idiot whose charming presence brings out the good nature in any metropolitan cynic in her new school. It's her naive, (mostly) well-intended, and honest struggle that gives this series the humorous tone to make all the dramatic parts digestible, fun, and addictive. It's hard not to root for everybody to do well.
And although most of everybody keeps on their good side, every character gets rounded with their own set-backs: delusional narcissism, manipulative tendencies, two-faced demeanor, social anxiety, workaholism, bad fashion sense, being too damn beautiful and popular. All without splitting ... the characters into trivial/serious phases.

The main focus is over the whole cast with a variety of issues that always keep a balance of impact and light-heartedness without the least bit of absurd whiplashes. Teenage melodrama and introspective revelatory monologue is kept to a comfortable minimum without sacrificing any understandability.
The understated hook throughout becomes a relationship that builds up slowly and subtly, and does so based on the pair's chemistry as everybody gets to know each other, instead of a forced first-day set-up followed by a 10 volume stale-mate.

It has an old-school-ish art-style with great sense for expressiveness, whether it's in its plentiful humorous moments or the cool serious ones.

Despite all that, it is still a generic Shoujo set-up with essentially the same well-worn formula. A girl with room for self-improvement meets nice, popular and pretty, slightly mysterious and troubled boy. Sprinkle in some love triangles and you've got a plot.
Where the series shines is in the execution and everything surrounding the romantic drive. Simply put, it's a well-written and personable coming-of-age romance. It treats its characters well and gives everyone the space they deserve.

It's still very early in its run and it takes on a lot of things and does them slowly. Currently emerging drama could get too edgy for its own good, and the pair might not grow as steadily as they should. Still, what's out now is worth the time of any coming-of-age and rom-com fan.

This work deserves so much more recognition and praise. To echo what the other reviewer said, this is a solid coming-of-age shoujo work.

The story follows Iwakura Mitsumi's highschool journey moving from the countryside to Tokyo with an ambition to enter a prestigious university and enter the public service workforce. Mitsumi is honest, hardworking, and a little naïve (in a good way). The story portrays an honest and multifaceted view of highschool life: childhood dreams/aspirations, new budding friendship, first love/romance, self-doubt, self-growth, and every other million things that come during our adolescent years. It truly depicts the nostalgia of high school life but also sheds light ... on important issues like jealousy, body-image issues, friendship conflicts, etc. The artwork is soft and warm which perfectly captures the essence of the work. It is lighthearted work and it genuinely made me laugh and smile non-stop straight from the start. I know the story is ongoing but it has been pretty consistent so I have no doubt it will continue to do well. This work truly felt like a breath of fresh air and I would recommend this to everyone.

Also, I have the phattest crush on Mitusmi’s aunt, Nao-chan, and I hope to see more of her in the future.

I'll try to keep it short: this is one of the best mangas I've ever read.
Seriously though, if you like slice of life, give it a chance. Oh you don't like it as much? Give it a chance still!
Basically, Skip and Loafer has the whole package:
- great plot progression (doesn't linger where it shouldn't)
- deep characters (they are the focus, nobody seems shallow, even secondary characters)
- subversion of tired tropes (nobody is a stereotype without subversion and/or justification)
- diversity (characters come in all shapes and sizes)
- gorgeous drawings (fluid and suits the vibe/message of the manga)
- non forced humor (lots of naturally funny occurrences and ... great non exaggerated visual gags)
- no contrived romance (the pairings get to know each other, no random out of the blue crushes)
+ got an anime adaptation in 2023 that just wrapped up its first season, even has a great opening and ending! Check it out too, they adapted it very well.
It's honestly so refreshing to see such a natural portrayal of high-schoolers/coming of age story that is hard for anyone not to like it, a 10/10 for real. Please give it a try, you won't regret it <3

I'm just gonna cry my heart out because the author is so sweet and you can know about it just by reading the manga, it’s so sad to see how she knows so well about what women experience socially and it's really nice to find characters that experience the exact same things as us..
All the characters are so relatable it feels so crazy, they're all so human and searching for themselves just like teens should, it's so beautiful to read this, i definitely recommend it !
The best thing is that even side characters are quite developped so they're still interesting and you can still ... find some things to say about them

Growth, love and wholesomeness pretty much sums up Skip to Loafer. I really enjoyed reading this series, it's refreshing to read a simple yet somewhat realistic story in a high school setting.

This charming story focuses on Mitsumi, a charasmatic girl from the countryside who’s moved to Tokyo. Although she's very smart and gives her all into everything she does, she still has much to learn. I really like how natural her growth is depicted as she learns to adapt to a completely new setting. She’s simply doing her best which can be inspiring at times. We are also introduced to a variety of very ... likeable characters, who alongside Mitsumi, all grow in their own way and help each other grow as well.

I personally love how Mitsumi’s friendships develop and how she cherishes her friendships in Tokyo as well as back in her hometown. This story puts forward the importance of cherishing the simplicity of relationships and experiences. Above all, these are all imperfect characters who are aware that they have room to grow and plenty of time to do so. This story shows adolescent growth as it is, and the character dynamics are natural and enjoyable to learn about.

Overall, Skip to Loafer is a heartwarming story about the growth of Mitsumi and her friends. It's a wonderful slice-of-life and I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys light hearted read.

I actually don't think I can add much to what others have written about this manga but I still want to put my thoughts out there. This is one of the most consistently engaging and well-rounded dramas I have ever read and is an easy 10/10 for me. Although the art is not particularly detailed, careful and deliberate visual design and panel layouts still create a visually compelling product despite the rather simplistic drawings. Furthermore, the character designs are standout. All of the characters, ESPECIALLY the main girls, look unique and do a great job of reflecting their individual characters. It is not just the ... diversity in body types, hair colors, and clothing styles, but their faces are all unique as well -- you will never see the same exact face copy-pasted onto different hair colors here. But of course the writing and characters are the main draws here and they are always top-notch. Every character is realistic, believable, and multifaceted, and it always delivers these tightly constructed narrative arcs with satisfying conclusions every time. I find almost all of the characters in this manga to be very relatable in at least a few key ways which is a testament to how human the writing always is. I will continue to eagerly anticipate each new chapter release because Skip and Loafer can only go up from here. And while I hope this manga doesn't end anytime soon, I'm excited to see what else the young Takamatsu Misaki does with the rest of her career because she reminds me of a junior Chica Umino, only a bit more level-headed, and I mean that in the best way possible in regards to them both.

This manga changed my perspective on relationships and how difficult it can be to confess to the one you like, it felt close to home in several instances. This is probably the best school romance manga I've read so far because of how immersive & realistic its story is and the diversity present between the cast which is brilliant. I would recommend this piece of fiction to anyone reading this review because you will absolutely adore Skip to Loafer's story and characters.

The plot is straightforward, our *MC Mitsumi grew up in a rural and remote area of Ishikawa Prefecture whilst excelling in academics since she ... wants to help with her family's financial situation. Her goal is to take part as a government official which she doesn't take for granted. You actually see her striving to learn and develop throughout her time in high school as a council president as well as a top student. She has several friends from the country she's from and Tokyo with Nao-chan her Aunt where she's currently at.

The secondary cast is not there as a cardboard but they strive to accomplish their personal goals as well. Each one of them feel like his/her own protagonist in the same dimension as Mitsumi, they feel like real people having different objectives, hurdles and struggles to get by which accentuate huge depth behind their written traits and personalities. Therefore, they detach themselves from the usual dull and lifeless characters that you encounter so often.

Now on the technical side of things I like the character designs a lot because it emphasizes each of their personality so well since you distinguish the differences on their facial expressions e.g when angry, sad, happy... And, the overall felt presence.
The art is great, distinguishable from other works and beautiful. Moreover, it's easy to look at and to identify what's happening accompanied with detailed backgrounds.

TAKAMATSU Misaki aka the Mangaka of Skip & Loafer did an amazing work with his characters which materializes in
the romance & drama portions as an example. Also, it's a realistic approach minding their age group of course. So, there's no dumb monologue from the characters and between the couples, there's times you will cry with them in addition to laughing in other instances. Hence why I was drawn in instantly to the story from the first chapter I read which is quite rare frankly. This feeling perhaps was a subtle connection on several layers of human and emotional aspects and I found genuine attachment to both the main and supporting casts.

*Although, I felt that Iwakura Mitsumi was still my favorite character from this manga as cliche as it sounds like lol, she's an interesting full package which is likable and relatable along with the rest of the crew. Like the way she isn't afraid to speak out her mind whilst standing her ground firmly when surrounded with jerk personalities despite being the most loving person.

I didn't touch on the most important plot points so that you experience the manga firsthand like I did, I watched the anime when it came out and was already invested in it but I gave out some time after it ended airing to objectively start fresh.
All in all, this is one of the few works that I would wholeheartedly recommend in a heart beat, it's so masterfully written that It touches your heart and mind on several levels. You're surely to be swayed into the Skip to loafer's unique ride . This work of fiction gets a full mark hands down from me. Furthermore, I'm looking forward to what's coming next.

This story and all of these characters are as important to me as the blood inside of my body. I've never felt so deeply affected by the rise and draw of the emotions the characters feel, and not just the main characters. I usually do not feel that interested in side characters - but when they are written well and you can be transported into their lives, the universe in which the main characters live in becomes very tangible. To me, these are real people that I am experiencing life with. I am also learning so much about a more positive perspective.

I truly love ... this manga.

Refreshing and Realistic: I cannot stress enough how amazing this series is!!!

Skip and Loafer is quite possibly the best coming-of-age romantic comedy in the decade and definitely in this new era of shoujo series. It has the fun and carefree nostalgia of old shoujo while serving a step in the right direction for the genre as a whole with its sincerity and welcomed seriousness. Its cast of realistically driven and portrayed characters are a delight! The situations they get into are heartwarming but they also productively show the internal conflicts of the characters. At first glance this show may not seem to offer much, but ... it effectively tackles dramatic and often times depressing themes of: self-image, dreams, relationships and the confidence and/or struggles of trying to address them as a young kid. The leads themselves are by far some of my favorite main characters in romance, slice of life, and animanga in general. The themes I mentioned earlier can only be addressed in such an impressive way through an emotionally mature yet socially immature girl like Mitsumi and her male counterpart, Shima, who is just the opposite. Mitsumi's genuine and candid personality is so endearing and creates a perfect juxtaposition to a very conflicted and closed-off character like Shima. This series doesn't shy away from showing the ugly and flawed aspects of people but it also gives us hope for growth from them, as well. Regardless, Mitsumi and Shima's dynamic as a romantic couple (and often times just as two people) is not only so refreshing but also extremely healing and needed... I seriously cannot recommend this series any more. If not for the main characters, the art style is so fun and cute and the entire cast is so expressive! My highest praise for this series is all the characters feel REAL which is not only under represented in this genre but also under appreciated!! Anyways, I don't know how else to encourage you with my whole being to consume this fabulous series--please read and watch!!!

This manga hits me deep right in the heart. Because I'm also a countryside people continuing my education in city. It is always a fun experience if you can relate to the media you consume. Compare a thing or two, and also at the same time learn together with the MC about something new. How the culture change drastically and we need to adapt. But it's all not fun and games, there's always a problem everywhere in our life anyway. I can say that this manga capture everything perfectly about being a city people.

The story to begin with is very realistic and so does the ... character. Because of that I actually kind of dislike the manga because I am here to escape reality. But as I read more and more, I enjoy it along the way. There are no overly cute characters or exaggerated moe stuff, just people living their life with a little bit of drama here and there. The pace of this story is great. It doesn't drag out unnecessary drama. Not only that, this manga perform every jokes perfectly too. I mean not everything will make you laugh out loud, but it can give you a little grin.

Art is really really adorable, in match with the story vibe. Just a bunch of high school student enjoying their school life. You know like falling in love, hanging out together, joking around. I think I mention too much about this manga mimic reality. And yeah, the characters design and personality also looks like real people. People change and grow over time and that's normal. I feel like the author thought a lot about characters segment, I respect that because characters is one of the most important thing you need to make the readers engaged. I mean I love this because I can relate to some of the characters.

With all that being said, should you read this? Overall it have simple story which is best to consume on your spare time. Between break doing homework, waiting for the commute, or anytime when you have a relaxing environment. I don't recommend reading volume after volume in one sitting tho, it's better when you read it spread out throughout the day, but it's all up to you. Will definitely watch the anime later. Thank you for reading my review.

I've read this manga awhile ago so i finally decided to make a review.

I really like this manga and i could also reread it a few times. There's nothing really special about this story but it's easygoing and calming. The characters are also really likeable. They've all grown in their own ways which is great. The romance is really slow but im okay with that because i like relationships that take time to build.

The art is also pretty good. It's not the type of art u usually see but i like it.

I really enjoyed myself reading this and i def recommend it.
(also, it's soon ... going to get an anime adaptation. Im really excited)

If you've ever found yourself deeply frustrated with the typical 'shoujo' or romances in manga/anime, reading this will bring your faith back to well-written romance.

Skip to Loafer paints a picture of human connection - something that is rarely well articulated with such nuance and charm in romance manga/anime.

Finally, a romance with nuanced characters?

As a 20 year old, reading this manga brought myself back to my highschool days immediately and I was so fascinated with how well the author had managed to encapsulate not only the nostalgic struggle of highschoolers, but also a lot of issues that even adults still struggle to come to terms with.

I ... cannot tell you how refreshing it is to finally have a self assured and confident AND dimensional female lead.

AMAZING - !

This manga is so beautiful and I want to MARRY it and all the characters within.
Art: 10
It is cute and fuzzy and has a unique appeal. I love the expressiveness, which just makes the characters come alive (instead of the characters looking pretty but only having 3 expressions).

Characters: 10
Speaking of the characters, I LOVE how all of them are developed and treated humanely, even the side characters. Especially Mika, who is just so relatable with her insecurities and how she is so distinctly aware of her own shortcomings. The main duo have a cute dynamic, good chemistry, and their relationship is developed at ... a decent pace (slice of life after all). But what makes this manga shine is the female friendships depicted. Alot of shojuo/josei? (i fogor) put focus on the FL and her romance issues, and then giving her a best friend who is just,, there. BUTT this manga doesn't, even makes me wish that I had better friends/was a better friend.

The main character is not really relatable (to me), her being ambitious, hardworking, smart yet airheaded, but she is still lovable and makes you want to root for her either way. All the characters have flaws, but they're all so likeable and relatable.

Story: 10
I love the slice of life aspect of this manga, how it does not revolve around drama, but life. The main character is actually depicted studying, and i'm glad the story doesn't forget that school and grades exist. It is slow paced (as slice of life does), but it's interesting enough.

Overall, if you like well developed characters, slow pace and just cuteness all around, read this. (and if you dont, you should still read this) (please)

*Contains some minor spoilers*

In my constant search for slice-of-life romcoms that stand out from the rest, I'm glad I came across this one! Skip to Loafer has been one of the most enjoyable romps in the genre I've read in a LONG time. though I do have an issue or two with it, it doesn't diminish how much I've fallen in love with these characters and their relationships.

Story- 8
The story is as simple as you'd expect, but with enough complexity in the character interactions that you can't help but get drawn in more and more with every passing moment. It's a high school rom-com, standard ... stuff.

Art-8
Character designs are simple but extremely distinguishable. Emotions are portrayed fantastically with beautiful, subtle expressions in more emotional scenes, and comedy is boosted by how silly the facial art can be. Environments are simple and serene, background blends in with the character art, and overall the art gives the story this warm, fluffy feel that elevates the experience, even if it is simplistic.

Character-8
All of the characters are written really believably and naturally, even ones with such cliche character archetypes as "The Popular Guy Who Just So Happened to Be a Celebrity" or "Quiet Bookworm with Glasses". Mitsumi is so goofy and earnest that every scene she's in puts a smile on my face, Shima's relaxed demeanor and honesty makes it all the more interesting to see what he hides behind that slowly be revealed, and all of the other side characters are extremely enjoyable to see and fit into the story perfectly.
That, however, doesn't include Naoki, AKA Nao-chan.

IDK if it's controversial for me to say this, but Naoki/Nao-chan just feels like a dime-a-dozen shoehorned transgender(?) character. They don't really fit into the rest of the story and feel like they're just there to fill in a checklist of representation. While their scenes can be interesting from time to time, it always feels like the author is making an aside bringing them into the center of the story. Nao doesn't feel woven into this story to me; it feels like he/she/idfk was just kinda.... jammed in there. The story wouldn't be much different without Nao-chan, and I wouldn't really care if they weren't a part of the story at all. My character rating would've been a solid 9 if it weren't for their inclusion.

Enjoyment- 9
That aside, I can't think of anything else I've disliked while reading this series, save for the painful realization that it releases monthly and it may very well be multiple years before we even see the main pair in a relationship. Every character interaction is a joy to read, the romantic bits get my heart pounding like nothing else (even mild ones), and I had a good audible chuckle at a lot of the comedy. All in all an extremely enjoyable series.

Overall-8
It's been really damn good thus far, and I'm excited to see where this story goes and who ends up with who. (I'm especially hoping to see Kurume get with her special someone one of these days.....) I don't think I've been this engaged with a romance manga in a LONG time. Definitely give it a read if you're looking for a simplistic but fresh take on romcoms!