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This might be the most wholesome manga I have read. The main gist of the story is the gender subversion of the male and female tropes in a romance story. Genrally, it’s expected that the man is who usually protects the girl. This time, the girl, while still being cute, has a cool side in which she protects her frail boyfriend from whatever misfortunes come his way. Before I go into details, I must say that personally, this is one of those ‘more than the sum of its parts’ type of stories. Despite its simple plot, very good but not outstanding art, and its use ... of tropes you see everywhere in media, it still stands as one of my favourite romcom manga.

Story: 7/10
It’s a slice of life. Either get with it, or get out. If you aren’t familiar with slice of life, I recommend this highly as one to get into. But if you already know it’s not your thing, while I’d urge you to give it a shot because it’s definitely one of the best, it’s up to you. Generally yes, this is a typical slice of life. Most chapters are disconnected from each other, each telling their own individual slice of the main leads’s blossoming romance. I’d agree that the characters definitely carry the SoL portions of the story, which I will explore later. However, once in a while, the story will move into a structured arc, in which I think the story really shines. They are definitely still centered around the characters heavily, but as a whole, these arcs are the true peaks of the story. The generally Center around one to two characters, and really dive deep into their emotions and thought processes, which surprised me at first. There is wonderful development to be seen in some of these arcs, and while nothing super crazy ever happens plot wise, the care the author takes into really endearing you to these characters is quite impressive. But yeah, let’s move onto the characters while I’m talking about them eh?

Characters: 9/10
In dramas, the conflict is generally going to be external, with characters colliding with one another through their ideals or even physically. Most conflicts in this story however, are internal, in which characters are prompted by a certain action in the plot to become more contemplative and question themselves. I think it’s a really great way of creating tension without risking it feeling melodramatic. And the way the other characters around them help to resolve their troubles in the heart of the story. Whether it be the male lead, Izumi, wanting to appear cool for his girlfriend and failing. You know his girlfriend Shikimori will have something to say to assure him of his worries, often appearing cool herself. I will say this, every side character introduced has their moment to shine, and some shine so bright it will tear a hole in your heart for how wholesome it is. To furthering my point, there is a completely conflict-less love triangle which gets resolved in 3 chapters, THREE. It’s incredible how the author manages to craft these characters in a way which you cannot help but smile when take a step forward to improve themselves and be happier. The supporting cast is really amazing for what they are, not the focus of the story most of the time, but really shine when they have to. As for the main leads, their relationship is as wholesome as it gets, without feeling like pandering at all. That’s all I have to say, although I could talk about these characters forever.

Art: 8
Nothing much to say here, very solid art throughout. The author is really good at expressing subtle emotions in serious scenes, and also making funny or cute faces to lighten the mood. There are certain scenes with 0 dialogue, in which the art conveys all the writer needs on its own, which is astounding play impressive for a slice of life. Shikomori gets most of the high quality, line art panels with her badass faces and poses striking an arrow through your chest. I don’t rank t higher despite saying this, because it’s really only a handful of moments in which the art blows you away, but most of the time it’s what you would expect in SoL manga, minus the Single panels every chapter which all the effort is put into in order to deliver the most impact possible.

Enjoyment: 9
Basically what I have said above, character interactions are always either funny, striking or heartwarming. It’s a serious feel-good story, and will keep you reading more and more.

Overall: 9
True ranking is probably an 8, but I was genuinely so surprised at how well written some of the climactic moments are that I had to put it at a 9. So yeah, nuff said. Read Shikimori isn’t just cute if you want see two teenagers’ puppy love romance, and their friends shenanigans too.

Expectations and prerequisites matter, thats what I learnt after finishing Mob Psycho 1 and 2.

To preface, I heard of Mob psycho a lot in the community and was looking forward to watching it. Everyone I saw discuss it stated that s2 was better s1, like a lot better. However in the end, I believe this expectation I went into the series with hurt my opinion and kind of invalidated it. I don't feel good making this review and I want to re-watch the show eventually and give it another shot.

On to the actual review. I will be comparing S2 to S1 here

The story was very ... mediocre, especially in the latter half of the 12 episode season. Events that unfolded didn't feel impactful as Mob, our main character, isn't there for a majority of the time. This wouldn't be a bad thing if the other characters were interesting to watch as well. Individually they are great and when they are just talking its fun to see their dynamics. But when shit hits the fan, it doesn't really feel like shit is actually hitting the fucking fan even though shit is definitely hitting the fucking fan. Gonna be honest for one of the arcs I was half asleep not because it was boring but because it was like 3am I should have gone to bed. I wont comment on it here but it was from episode 4 to 6 I think.

The art and animation are gorgeous as always but I think they used it a bit too much and too often. Fights in S1, especially when Mob hits 100%, Ooh its bouta get real. But expectedly, as he gets stronger he is gonna have to fight stronger opponents more frequently. This lead to each fight having less impact, namely the last fight which was awesome, but was mediocre compared to the finale of S1 in my eyes, although this wasn't the animations fault which was better in S2. All in all nothing to complain here, I loved the art style in S1 and its even better here.

Sound is not something I'm too familiar with but it was good, accompanied the art well.

More characters develop way more in s2, but something about the themes portrayed through our 4 psychics (including Reigen) in s1 will always have a special place in my heart. Obviously Mob and Reigen are awesome and go thorough an amazing arc but they do drop a few characters to accomodate for the larger cast. It honestly felt more like an Avengers movie than an Action shounen. Wow that is a great analogy i just came up with good job me.

The story didn't feel like it complimented the characters well and characters I loved suddenly were completely out of the picture. Again, I do feel obligated to rewatch the series to fully grasp the themes and messages, as well as appreciate the animation fully. Watching s2 right after s1 blew me away just didn't surprise me. I firmly agree with anyone who might rate this season higher as a 8 or 9 but I can't lie to myself. This is because like I said, I think my expectations that s1 was was worse and s2 was going to be better ruined it for me, it was my fault though. S1 surprised me a ton so my expectations for S2 were way too high. I kept waiting for some mega epic twist or revelation or development, without paying attention to what was in front of me.

So, if you do plan on watching this show, which I do reccommend, maybe wait a few days to rid yourself of any major expectations and go in looking for a good time, with an open mind.