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Easy-to-read romantic slice-of-life comedy with cute (but generic) characters. It has become a formula for many mangas, although, this one tries to give it a spin with the shogi angle. It doesn't succeed most of the time.

The main thing I can truly criticise is the length - 17 volumes for this kind of story is way too much - and in top of that, there is not much development of many of the characters (even the main couple).

Another point, it became quite repetitive towards the end - however it kept a fast pace (at least in the last two volumes) and the ending was ... satisfying enough.

Mild recommendation, if you looking for something light, also the artwork is very appealing.

So Grand Blue...
I didn't quite know what to expect. Comedy, after all, is one of the most subjective genres.

However, I didn't expected for this to be a Japanese version of American Pie. Yes, you read correctly. This is at the same level of that shitty comedy that you loved when you were 12 or 13.

I can't be totally negative with this manga, because it has some really funny moments. Specially in the art department - I like how the author uses gag and physical comedy - gestures, faces, etc.

But the characters are flat, the dialogue is bad, and the plot is cliché.

I can only ... say that read this ONLY if you want to turn off your brain and have mindless fun. But don't expect to find anything else. It's as shallow as it looks.

Pretty ironic for a diving manga, right?