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The long title aside, this short, ongoing manga is really fun. It's definitely not the best manga around, but it is absolutely worth your time. I found out about this manga while rolling on Mudae and randomly checked it out on a whim-- I couldn't be more happy with what I found.

#1 The Story: 8/10

Without spoiling anything, the story of "Ponkotsu Fuuki Iin to Skirt-take ga Futekisetsu na JK no Hanashi" (which I'll just call "Prefect" from here forward) is cute. The dialogue feels natural and realistic, yet it still feels fairly generic. The author makes good use of tropes and counter-tropes to express strong ... dynamics, but certain plot points feel forced. I really do appreciate how the author gives you exactly what you want, though.

#2 The Art 9/10
B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L. Prefect's artstyle feels sincere and realistic. The larger conversations having small minimalist versions of the characters provides comedic release. The scenery is really well done and feels as if ripped straight out of an anime. While I didn't like all of the colored pages, the openings to every chapter were a blast to check out.

#3 Character 6/10
Outside of Poemu, Tougo, Izubuchi, the VP, and the President, the characters weigh the show down. The remaining characters feel as if they exist only to provide more depth to the existing characters rather than to improve the story as a whole. However, the characters that are invested in shine the most.

#4 Enjoyment 9/10
With the artstyle and story combined, I found myself unable to turn away from this story. It consistently made me laugh-- I had a lot of fun reading!

#5 Overall 8/10
While the side characters and Poemu's two friends weigh the story down, the manga itself is absolutely a blast. I completely recommend it!

“Love is War” is an odd show to write a review for, much less to call it an outstanding show. Yet, it embodies the spirit of a show that is instantaneously rewatch-able, phenomenal in an unorthodox sense. In my opinion, despite its flaws, “Love is War” is one of the best psychological anime that I’ve tried.

For me, I love the inner workings of the brain. I love seeing the thought process behind actions and adore when shows find light in the stupidity. This show handles that idea in the most nonchalant way possible. While I wouldn’t go as far as to call it the “death ... note of rom-coms”, as others have, this show feels like chess with konosuba humor.

The premise for the story is fantastic and execution is done well; however, it reminds me of an episode of Phineas and Ferb. Very little feel as if it has changed throughout the show, but the overarching narrative presses on. Simply put, Love is War doesn’t really have too much plot— it doesn’t pretend like it does either. It’s show works off of character dynamics. It’s how the comedy stems off; it’s how the tear jerking moments occur. The four-man team of the Student Council provides a healthy balance and foil for each of the characters, even if it can feel clique at the time.

Speaking of characters, the relationships between all of them are some of the greatest combinations that I’ve enjoyed. Each interaction plays out differently based on opposition, location, and planning. It’s as if to say “Your next line will be” and this seems to be very intentional, judging by how much they use JoJo poses and sound effects. Overall, I love the characters, but they each feel static at certain times. It’s the Megumin complex, if you will. The characters don’t change much because, simply put, the story doesn’t want them to. They aren’t supposed to change much on the surface and, if you’re coming to see only character development that is explicit, this isn’t the show for you, but if you are looking for a lighthearted comedy this is an absolute banger.

Overall, this show captured my heart. It reminds me of the shows that I grew up watching in the mid-2000s and really captures the essence of both mind games, even if they’re predictable, and comedic repetition. It has shifting dynamic that doesn’t really ever change and I love it for that. If you enjoy seeing what goes on inside a person’s head, this is the show for you!