Higashi no Kurume to Tonari no Meguru

Edit

What would you like to edit?

SynopsisBackgroundAlternative TitlesPictureChapters/VolumesPublishing DatesRelationsTypeExternal Links  

This series isn't for everyone. If you're looking for some deep story progression, interesting plot twists, or drama, this is not for you. BUT, if you're just looking for a nice, standard romance with light conflict to enjoy, then it's highly recommended.

Story: 7
Very predictable if you've read a LOT of romance manga, but also at the same time not. While it's clear who the MC ends up with at the beginning, the leading up to it still leaves plenty of room for surprises, mostly pleasant ones. The conflicts introduced in this series is often quickly resolved, and usually with little effort, so you can rest ... assured it won't be some uphill battle (although that can be boring for some). The plot armor is real, but not overwhelming.

Art: 7
The art fits the "country life" theme of the series. The characters are distinct, the girls are relatively pretty-looking. Don't expect too much shading or background in this series. Don't expect characters' emotions to show very well either. While this worked in the beginning, it does detract from the enjoyment of this manga in the long run.

Character: 7
Typical characters, not really memorable. Not the fanservice stereotypes, but nothing special either. The leads are strong enough to push the story along rather than stagnating it, and the supporting characters perform their roles as "true" supports. Because of the pacing of the manga though, it did feel as if the characters were very manufactured for the explicit purpose of helping the romance along, rather than being standalone.

Enjoyment: 10
If it fits the bill, you will enjoy it. I was looking for a light-hearted romance, and it delivered, properly. The ending is said to be axed/rushed, but it ended well and conclusively, and won't leave you with a bitter aftertaste or wondering. It tied up some loose ends as well. All in all, a well-bundled manga, as long as you don't expect too much of it.

Overall: 9.1 - Better than many other romances that have a crappy story and crappy end.

[A Quirky Love Story]

If you are looking for a complicated story, or something with depth, then this story is not for you. For, this story is so simple, so quirky, and so predictable, that everyone who reads the first chapter will know how it ends. However, it’s how it executes and leads to its conclusion is what makes it an interesting story.

STORY:

Our story begins with Kousuke El, who has a rather boring school life, except for the fact that he’s sitting next to his crush, Tsukahara Meguru — a popular, cute, stoic girl. A couple days later, Kousuke’s parents decide to move, ... while still attending the same school. And, his neighbor (well everyone knows) is Tsukahara Meguru, who somewhat has a different personality. Why does Tsukahara Meguru have a different personality outside school? Well, that’s the question. And the main driving force of this manga.

Honestly, though, this story is really simple and quite predictable. It’s short with no filler chapters. There are barely any twist, and if there are, the reader already knows what the possibilities are. And, while, the story is predictable, it manages to avoid the common pitfalls of typical ecchi stories, such as the sick visit, shower scenes, changing clothe scenes, and pool scenes. In fact, it’s avoids them to give the story a more realistic feel, and the readers will acknowledge it immediately. While, it manages to avoids most cliches, the story, in the middle and end arc, are somewhat lacking and tries to create ‘drama’ and other wild ideas to spice up the story, but it comes off as weak and not very entertaining, and somewhat annoys the readers. Overall, though, the story is okay.

CHARACTERS:

This is where this manga shines. Its characters are really interesting and quirky, especially the female characters like Tsukahara Meguru, Kururi, Tsubasa, and even the granny. They all have very distinct personalities, and are unique and funny in their own strange ways. The only character that is somewhat lacking was the main character, himself. He comes off as bland, nice, and caring like most other ecchi manga characters.

Note: the best character is the cat, for a very particular reason.

ART:

There isn’t much to say about the art, it isn’t the most detailed, nor lacking, but rather there with enough details to know what the characters look like and where they are. The art for its background scenery are very detailed, give a broad sense for the open countryside. Its unique facial expressions are amusing and are generally funny. The overall character design, especially for the girls, are cute, and charming. But, not too cute, so that they give off a moe appearance, but rather a somewhat realistically drawn human like-appearance. Overall, its art is fine, but its key details are the background scenery and its unique facial expressions.

ENJOYMENT:

If you want a simple, straight love story, then this story is for you. You will definitely enjoy the distinct personalities of each female character. Overall, if you focus on the character interactions, their facial expressions, and funny dialogue, then you will be fine.

Cliche and predictable from the very first chapter... I honestly felt like things were being rushed too quickly throughout the manga and it was honestly kind of sadden to build up to that confession just to have it go so quickly. I mean honestly.. The cat picks up a piece of paper and jumps over towards here and she reads it.. what kind of scene is that. The art isn't at all that bad and it was decent to look at. For a 26 chapter manga I expected it to have a little something which would make my heart raise and think at the end ... "Wow.. this wasn't that bad!" but all I'm left with now is regret for reading it.