I've been keeping up with this manga for years now. I think since around the first 10 chapters. When it comes to following manga that are currently releasing, I tend to read at a pace where I can leave it for months at a time and digest a lot more of the content at once so if I like the series a lot I'm gauranteed to have a good time.
That is exactly what happens when I read Nagatoro-san. I absolutely adore the progression scheme of this manga, the artstyle, characters. I will dive into a pure review of each of these aspects below:
The Progression -
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The story starts out with Nagatoro being more stereotypically sadistic, as well as Senpai being more stereotypically wimpy/timid. The manga is titled "Please Don't Bully Me, Nagatoro" to aptly represent the dynamic there. However, as time moves forward, we see the pair develop in a somewhat more realistic way than most mangaka care to do for their characters meaning they eloquently fall into eachother and exchange traits in a timely manner, without things feeling too sudden or forced. As mentioned, the start of the series has the characters acting in a more opposing, stereotypical fashion. At the current time in the manga we see Senpai displaying more boldness. Of course, this isn't natural boldness he can just call upon whenever. He doesn't completely change into a new person because of the short time he's known Nagatoro; however, he has learned when he needs to stand his ground, even when it comes to Nagatoro herself. The same goes for Nagatoro in the opposite direction, and this may be more to do with another part of the equation, as she is shown to obviously conceal her true emotions through her teasing. As Senpai's boldness shows through more, and he comes to admit certain feelings, Nagatoro loses her ground and folds/becomes the timid one, displaying obviously that she's been taken off-guard. She also dropped her more sadistic nature once she had become properly acquainted with Senpai. At which point the "bullying" was her teasing Senpai in a purely playful manner. Not only is this a very sweet and innocent development of love, and a well put together dynamic, but also a fantastic way to develop both of the characters on their own... through eachother. Some mangaka go way too far in milking characters and their feelings in stories like this just to extend publication. Nagatoro is different, so far at least. The story doesn't make you feel like it's dragging on, or shifting the goalpost. It feels as though there is development being laid out constantly in terms of the boldness of Nagatoro and Senpai's relationship without it feeling unnatural or staged (well, apart from when Naga's friends literally stage events).
The Art - The style in one word: cute. The manga spoils this regard. Nagatoro herself is always drawn beautifully, and the chibi/cartoon-y caricatures of Naga and her friends are really funny. The author has managed to (in my opinion) perfect the use of these small representations for his characters in the series. None of it feels out of place, nor are they ever annoying/overbearing. Aside from just pure cuteness, the design choices for not just Nagatoro, but the other characters as well are absolutely beautiful and pleasantly unique. This extends to Naga's friends, the art club President, the Judo girls, etc. They are all drawn very well, have fun and distinct features (I really love Gamo and Yoshi), as well as carry themselves in the manga. Nagatoro and her friends being seen and represented as literal demons by Hana is also quite the funny and welcome design choice. There also has to be something said for the facial awareness. Emotions are shown very well through the drawn facial animations. This is another thing that gripped me into reading. Faces of course are very important to get right and the author nails the artwork. This is especially true for showing sadness and when the author chooses something funny. For example, when certain characters are cartoonishly trying to be intimidating. The contortions and shading are exceptionally fitting.
The Characters - I won't focus on Senpai and Nagatoro, as they've been covered in the first point. I love their relationship and characters, undoubtedly. Aside from them, the supporting and minor characters do a great job of being there when needed and not over-staying their welcome. There are times when the series has set up bait to encourage people to think that some of the characters would go too far and end up doing something annoying that would mess up an opportunity for needed development/interaction; however, these were of course, bait incidents to stir the pot and keep the reader on edge. They added some genuine tense-ness to the story. The side characters are also very funny on their own. The relationship of Nagatoro's circle of friends, contrasted with the serious-but-hilarious exhibitionalist art President and her sister. Even the lesser-shown Judo girls have their own unique designs and end up mixed in with the hilarity of the main cast and end up being somewhat self-aware. Senpai has briefly interacted with his own group of known accomplices; however, he is more involved with people that he comes to know through Nagatoro personally. This may seem a little disappointing, but it falls in-line with his character as he was originally represented as mostly a loner who was very timid and unwilling to get outside his comfort zone. Although in more recent chapters he does have to face new people and deal with matters for himself. Which all the more attributes to his character growth.
Overall, I truly believe this to be a great Slice of Life/Romance manga. It far surpasses what I've seen other mangaka capable of doing in double the chapters by-pacing. A very smooth read with a cute artstyle and funny situations.
Rating: 9/10
Dec 2, 2023
Ijiranaide, Nagatoro-san
(Manga)
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I've been keeping up with this manga for years now. I think since around the first 10 chapters. When it comes to following manga that are currently releasing, I tend to read at a pace where I can leave it for months at a time and digest a lot more of the content at once so if I like the series a lot I'm gauranteed to have a good time.
That is exactly what happens when I read Nagatoro-san. I absolutely adore the progression scheme of this manga, the artstyle, characters. I will dive into a pure review of each of these aspects below: The Progression - ... 
Apr 8, 2021
Shingeki no Kyojin
(Manga)
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The comedy show has reached its peak.
What else can I say about the abysmal finale to such an amazing concept of a series. Let's get this out of the way and jump straight into ratings. Story - 5/10 If there's one thing that makes a bad ending so painful, it's the expectations set by such an amazing and thought-provoking story and narrative. Rarely do you find something like Attack on Titan. For a majority of the series, there's been incredibly concepts introduced and mysteries that unfold in a timely manner that all neatly wrap together to create something fascinating. Then you have the foreshadowing which the author ... |
