Dec 30, 2023
In a measly 12 chapters, this manga weaves a tale with well built plots and characters. Love blossoms sweetly like the pastries featured in its pages. While it might not be perfect, it is undeniably an enjoyable experience, therefore for lovers of shoujo and romance alike, it is a manga that must be recommended.
Story - 7/10
While it has been done time and time again, stories including delinquent boys never fail to disappoint. Watashi no Shiikugakari-kun is a very sweet, wholesome, and fluffy love story that also includes cooking/baking within it. The story makes experiencing your first love seem delightful and whimsical. The relationship between the
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ML and FL develops at a proper rate and overall, the story does not feel rushed. It is able to avoid the most common pitfall in shoujo by keeping external drama to a minimum and focusing on the difficulties of forming a relationship and falling in love. The only disappointing part was when a new plot was brought up within the last 2 chapters and wasn't developed as well as one would hope, however this does not take away from the other 10 chapters and the plot point is still wrapped up properly.
Characters - 8/10
The two main characters just feel like teens falling in love for the first time, but ones that actually have personalities and are not simple, one-dimensional characters. The female lead's development from a shy, lonely first-year high school student to an cheerful girl with unexpected friends is beautifully presented. She felt like a teenager most of us once were—one that was scared to make mistakes around new people in fear that we wouldn't make new friends. All of the pivotal moments to her growth are in the presence of the male lead, showing that without their connection, these characters would not develop as we see them do. Focusing a bit on the male lead, he is a teenage boy that has been harmed by negative rumors and is now seen as a scary delinquent within the school. However, he is actually super sweet, cares about others, and loves to bake, which just adds depth to his character.
Art - 9/10
The art is point-blank, stunning. From the beautifully chosen expressions to the incredibly detailed character designs, every panel is a piece of beauty that adds to the blissful feeling of first love. The mangaka’s skillful portrayal of the characters’ lively, youthful eyes gives the reader an insight into the personalities the characters possess with art alone. Though the art is not entirely unique within the romance and shoujo genre, the abundance of sparkles, flowers, and blush gives the story a conventional shoujo aesthetic that feels like home.
—Conclusion—
While Watashi no Shiikugakari-kun does not reinvent the wheel, it is nonetheless a short and pleasant blend of romance, well-developed characters, and moments filled with beautiful art. Being a quick read, people who love wholesome shoujo or romance stories should give this story a chance, as it only takes an hour or two to finish.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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