Alright let's get down to business, shall we?
So, you're looking for a good romantic read, but the black and white manga's not doing it for you. So you hit up a webtoon, with some hope that you'll find something that doesn't make your eyes vomit watercolor, and instead make it sparkle all kawaii-like with heartstrings getting pulled, yeah? Well, I'm sorry, because this story is really good for none of those reasons.
Characters:
This webtoon is a great example of what it means to write incredibly flawed characters really well, without "Joker" style flexing at how unbelievably flawed they are. Characters are regularly manipulative
...
teenage assholes, that will sharply remind you of the shallow cunts you met in high school. But much like the shallow cunts you meet in high school, you became friends with some of them, not just because you grew up together and kept each other company in that hormonal hell, but because at the end of the day, no matter how toxic, dumb, or stupid your relationship maybe, when you got each other's backs, you've got each other's backs. This is what really impressed me with this series.
To give you an example, no matter how much of a confused loser the main male protagonist was with his sad boi, hot guy shit, I always somehow managed to root for him. They never explicitly state that "Oh he's such an asshole." in bold italic underline. But they don't leave it unacknowledged either. Characters with half a brain cell will confront how fucked the main character is. Yet the toxicity is shown, and rarely said, and what's more, is that it's acknowledged as toxic too. So I can't really say the characters in this series are crappy characters, because they're meant to be assholes.
Breaker:
Alright, so all I've explained right now is that the characters are assholes and that it's a good thing because of their presentation. Are we reading Bojack Horseman then? Just all good characters, and no enjoyment, because of depressed and frustrated feelings? No. Let's talk about the romance, how it works so well with the shitty characters, and what made this such a good read for me.
Romance:
The characters in this series work really well together. Disagree with me all you want, but I liked seeing Yuu and Tsubasa figure out what the hell they were feeling for each other whilst stumbling, failing, and degenerating via their youthful intoxications (that is romance). I liked seeing them get through life's problems together, and help others get through theirs in the later chapters, not necessarily doing things perfectly, but doing the best they can for each other and the friends around them. It really reminded me of Clannad, if most of the main cast, with the exception of Tsubasa, was an ass. I liked it when the main couple talked, got flustered, and gave in to their more carnal desires, as the series does not shy away from showing action, although do not mistake me, this is not a hentai. The romance is good, and it will legitimately make your heart flutter at times. But do realize this is a story about a teenage relationship with a saint-like heroine and an ass of a boyfriend. You will cringe too.
Comedy:
I liked the comedy. Not always gut-busting, and lot's of EPIC TROLL UGLY FACE LMAO moments. But it's endearing. Like hanging with friends. You always use the same jokes and banter, but you somehow enjoy it. Sometimes you hit the spot with something new too. Like the whole schtick of when a character's background explodes, while they realized that they just found something they were REALLY into (if yk what I mean).
Shoujo Feel:
Your traditional shoujo romance of two childhood friends getting together. Lots of internal monologues, but enough dialogue to keep it from feeling like a self-analyzing diary. The conflicts and arcs range from realistic, to intense and melodramatic. Speaking of melodrama, let's talk about flaws.
Flaws:
They beat around the bush SO FUCKING HARD. Moments when you'd think "Wow there's no way they won't get together now, or at least become aware of each other's feelings" immediately do the opposite of what you were thinking. Luckily there are moments of catharsis and it's still satisfying seeing them get together, HOWEVER, you will be missing parts of yourself from how UNNECESSARILY frustrated you'll be.
Too many internal monologues. Again, there's enough dialogue to make it different from a teen's dream journal, but make no mistake YOU WILL HEAR THEIR THOUGHTS AND YOU WILL LIKE THEM. If they showed toxicity really well, then they TOLD you their motivations. It annoys me, but like I said, not the worst in the world.
Conclusions:
Great fucking webtoon. Loved many of the chapters. Disagree with me, but it had great characters with great chemistry, and as dickish as people may seem, they always have a redeeming quality that gets you to root for them (MAYBE with the exception of the "extra" guy). Romance is hotblooded, confused, and toxic like an actual high school relationship, but this time it's with friends who've grown to be greatly bonded to each other over the course of their lives, romantically or otherwise. You won't find Clannad's idealistic masterpiece here, but a crueler retarded version of it (which admittedly may not be as well written as the former). Still, I love it for what it is, and BECAUSE of what it is. Read it. It is fucking enjoyable.
Dec 26, 2021
Alright let's get down to business, shall we?
So, you're looking for a good romantic read, but the black and white manga's not doing it for you. So you hit up a webtoon, with some hope that you'll find something that doesn't make your eyes vomit watercolor, and instead make it sparkle all kawaii-like with heartstrings getting pulled, yeah? Well, I'm sorry, because this story is really good for none of those reasons. Characters: This webtoon is a great example of what it means to write incredibly flawed characters really well, without "Joker" style flexing at how unbelievably flawed they are. Characters are regularly manipulative ... |