Back to ShaChan's Profile ShaChan's Profile

THIS. Is adorable.

I've only read the first three chapters that can be found online, but since there isn't a review about it and I'm pretty fond of those 3 chapters I've read, I was like. What the heck, let's write a review.

I must note that I do recommend reading the manga, even though my summary of the story may sound like I despise it. Because, you see, sometimes when I talk about things I like I feel like I must point out what bothered me about it, as a warning. I think it's important.

So, the story goes like this: Futaba used to hate boys, ... except for Tanaka Kou-kun whom she's been in love with at some time period back in middle school. He liked her too, blah blah. Then he overheard her yelling at someone that she hates boys, he misunderstood her and magically disappeared.
Futaba is also disliked by her girly classmates because she's cute. Oh god, why are girls evil?
Afraid of being alone, she changes her personality and eats tons of bread so guys will think she's gross and her friends will stay by her side!
Wait, now there's a twist! Kou, whose parents' are divorced now (so he changed his last name to Mabuchi), is back! And he's a jerk. Do not fear though, he's just... unexplained. Yet. I hope it won't turn out to the "I couldn't forget about you, so seeing you eating all this bread, I… I had to make you miserable".
The plot loses its point throughout those chapters. I'll tell you why, even though it's a little bit of a spoiler; she gets over her "I can't be cute because then girls will hate me" complex somewhere in the middle of episode 3.
I get it, she's afraid of being alone, and then you came to your senses but please, show me a more reasonable progress. It's her bloody friends, even if they're idiots. Mourn about the loss and the pain of leaving your comfy position; I want to see you suffer more.
Despite it all, it's a fun story. Those who are fond of the genre will definitely find what they're looking for.
I would have given it a 7.5, but I can't, so it's a 7. Life's a bitch.

I love the art, it's so… fluffy and cute, reminds me a bit of a shoujo-ai drawing only with, well, male characters. It's very light, with many whites and nice shadows, not too dark. I love the lines and the characters' design; they don't look like they're going to stake you with their chin. Not sketchy, easy to understand what is going on in every panel. Also, the mangaka seems to know how to color, which is fun and important to me.
Art gets an 8. It's not the best, but it's good.

The characters; I'd give it a 7. They are not developed enough yet (only episode 3, duh), so maybe I'll change my mind about it later. So far they're okay. Futaba is easy to understand, and well, the bitchy girls around her are reasonable. I'd punch them none the less, but at least they are not a stupid bully or anything, just very stereotypically shallow. The main guy's a jerk, but in real life all the guys I seemed to like were either jerks or idiots, so I guess I like him as well. Who wouldn't want to change the bad boy blah blah girly fantasies, anyone? BESIDES, in his middle-school times he reminds me of Kazehaya from Kimi Ni Todoke, and damn, I love Kazehaya.
Oh yeah, back to the main girl; she's likeable. She's afraid of being alone so she took it to the extreme, and she's very naïve and stupid, but I like her because she works; and I can relate, and I feel like hugging her at times.
There are also two more girly female characters, my guess they're going to be her new friends or something; one is all cute, the other is a lone wolf.

Despite its flaws I think it can develop into something really good. I usually only read romantic stuff, so I'm very picky with my ratings. The story in Ao Haru Ride is decent, the art is good, and the characters are okay – what more can I ask for? (More published chapters that is)
It gives me a nice feel reading it, and that's an important thing in the genre. You must know it, when something good happens you get that warm feeling in your tummy, like falling in love or something? That's what I like about romantic manga; how it makes me all happy or sad or emotional. I felt pretty good after reading it, happy and joyful and I'm definitely going to continue reading this, so – give it a shot, you can go and read something else if you don't like it.

(Enjoyment's an 8 btw. Overall 7)