Tonari no Metaller-san
The Metalhead Next Door

Edit

What would you like to edit?

SynopsisBackgroundAlternative TitlesPictureChapters/VolumesPublishing DatesRelationsTypeExternal Links  

I read it just out of curiosity with the title, since I'm also a big fan of metal. And it's so good!!
I was surprised, so I don't want to say too much and ruin that feeling, but I thought the elements and information about metal, the show they go to and how things work were really cool. I was really excited because it's one of the few times, maybe the first time I've seen something like this in a manga. I've read several about rock bands, but metal is the first time.
The author managed to convey the feelings well and I ended up identifying ... too much with Soushi, I almost cried because I saw so much of myself in him. I thought I would be stressed by his behavior, but I could only empathize with how he felt.
Kento is a character who brings more lightness to the story and I laughed a lot with him. The two have a really cute dynamic and I really liked how they started as friends first.
I highly recommend it, I wish there were more of them to read!

I had this in my "to read" list for so long I didn't even remember who was the author, wich was good because the other works I've read from her, are not my cup of tea.

But this manga? Oh boy was it good. It managed to hook me right from chapter 1 and the more I read the more I wanted to keep on reading.

It's a story with a slow pacing, but it manages to develop the characters quite well for a 1 volume manga. The way it presented the characters, giving us some context for the both of them little by little and I ... also really liked that they were truly friends for a whole year before getting into romance shenanigans.

I don't want to give more details, because I really believe it's a story that deserves to be enjoyed with minimal context, so I will just add that I looooooved the art in this manga. It was so nice and it added so much charm to every character and situation. It really managed to convey so many things without needing dialogue. Just amazing art.

Edit to add that I completely forgot to mention that the details about metal and metal culture were on point! You can tell the author knows what she's talking about and as someone that really enjoys the genre, it was refreshing to see an author incorporating such a misunderstood genre of amazing music. Plus, it made me relate soooo much with Soushi it was unreal (I have similar issues like him and I started to like metal for similar reasons).

Definitely 100% recomended.

This is such a sweet, heart-warming story, almost unbelievably so. The idea of a metalhead who is really shy and doesn't speak much is interesting, original and incredibly well crafted into the story, the art style is beautiful, and both guys are sweethearts and kind to each other, and the feelings... oh the feelings. It hits so well.
Overall a great short story for a quick read that causes increased blood sugar and mushy heart. Of course, some of the moments are exaggerated for the comedic effect, but nothing feels forced and the situations are actually funny (seriously, who wouldn't want a preschool kid as ... their relationship therapist?) And you can learn something about metal while reading too.
10/10, would read again at any time.