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Look, I like cutesy stuff. I like reads that simply pander to otakus like myself, and having a purpose like that is not shameful or wrong. To bash this manga, or any similar work, for its simplicity and lack of substance is missing the point of it. You could say, however, the work is good to a certain, low degree.

With that said, "Please Don't Bully Me, Nagatoro-san" is not a good manga, not because of its simplistic nature, but mostly because it's monotonous and repetitive. In every chapter, it follows a the same old linear narrative from start to now. Nagatoro essentially repeats same kind ... of shallow banter to Senpai, to which he reacts in a painfully expected ways. For a couple of chapters, the manga's cuteness and adorable nature stays fresh in our minds. But, repeat the same thing OVER and OVER again with little variation and dull plotlines, then its novelty quickly wears off, and the impression on the manga becomes that of an annoying puppy.

It's got no merit to it. It doesn't try to develop its characters in meaningful and relevant ways. Senpai is a timid and weak; he has no friends, can't speak for himself, and lacks any social confidence. He starts with flaws, and the story could've focused on his realization of this and his progression towards becoming better. But as expected, this kind of character development does not occur. I will say, there are moments where Senpai tries becoming assertive, but they're spontaneous outbursts that aren't attempts to deepen a character, but to elicit a shallow appreciation for his brave moment and create an opportunity for us to uwu at Nagatoro's subsequent cute reactions.

At heart, Please Bully Me Nagatoro-san is a one-trick pony. Its a cute manga that loses its cuteness within few chapters.

*MINOR SPOILER AHEAD*


(This is my first review I've ever written, so bear with me when my words aren't the most elaborate. I am open to suggestions and advice, so please feel free to criticize me in a constructive manner. Note that this was also slovenly written)

Reading the first 4 chapters of Lookism, I was elated to continue reading. The joy and satisfaction of a student being bullied excessively and judged for his ugly looks finally getting a good life was overwhelming. So overwhelming that I overlooked the minor problems it had. Alas, that opinion slowly degraded and in recent chapters I was utterly disappointed how ... it turned out. Here are a list of reasons why:

1.The sheer amount of prejudice from superficial assholes is gaudy and suffocating to read. Not in the way the author intended, but in a way where I'm starting to be sick of the manga.

2.The antagonists are facsimiles of the preceding ones. Superiority complex? Check. Good looks? Check. Allures women with their handsome looks? Check. Hates ugly people? Check. For fuck's sake, when is the author going to change the formula?

3) Oh how I detest the protagonist's current way of thinking. It is unbearably naive and quick to change. An opinion he once had is diverted by one simple occurrence. For example, when Daniel encounters a female student, who too shares the same ability to switch from one unappealing body to a gorgeous one, he dislikes her immediately after she delivers an insult to someone who well deserved such treatment. Before, he admired her kindness when she met him occasionally in convenience stores. Now, he hates her. Isn't that the same kind of attitude Zach gives to others? He throws insults at others, yet Daniel continues to converse and be friendly with him? What the hell?

4) Daniel vows to change and become like others, but is never shown making any sort of progress. After a repeating influx of flashbacks and heart-wrenching images of Daniel's mother working tirelessly are presented to us, and Daniel talks about whatever negative emotion he holds towards himself, Daniel seems completely forget what he's been crying over about. It's frustrating to read. This happens with every single encounter. It is a circular path of recognizing faults and neglecting to change.

5) My lord, the fight cannot be any more repetitive. Character encounters an antagonist who is stronger than them, overcomes them from reflecting on past experiences or by strong emotion. They hold no merit and It screams "BORING BORING BORING."