This is still an early review, but as of now, it is made clear that our MCs are level-headed and hard working when it comes to their respective sports. The spotlight right now is on the male lead, who is clearly passionate about badminton. He uses his "love rival" as motivation rather than breaking out into a tantrum or being indecisive. It's not often that you see an MC as refreshing as him. The female lead isn't on the sidelines either, as she has her highlights as well. She might be too perfect at the moment though.
EDIT (minor spoiler): There actually might not be any
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May 5, 2021
Kekkon suru tte, Hontou desu ka
(Manga)
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Just a quick summary and review: The two main characters end up in a fake marriage, and they have to lie about it while facing their own feelings and also some sort of "antagonist" that knows about this whole setup.
The plot involves a lot at once, so the pacing is pretty fast but at times the thoughts of the characters can be a bit scattered. I felt that I had to fill in a few holes myself. Honestly, though, the two main leads are adorably awkward enough that I didn't care too much about that. Art is one of its stronger aspects, but it ... 
Apr 24, 2021
Kimi wa Houkago Insomnia
(Manga)
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Damn. I wish I found this earlier but hey it's better late than never.
I stumbled across this manga when I was having trouble sleeping, funnily enough. You might think this is just another high school SOL, and to a certain extent, you wouldn't be wrong. This manga, however, shines above the rest when it comes to creating a premise, executing upon it, and bringing the reader along for the ride. Insomnia is not a new topic by any means, but Insomniacs After School manages to connect this "issue" in a way that truly brings out the best of the main duo. The world-building, the glimpses ... 
Apr 15, 2021
Sono Bisque Doll wa Koi wo Suru
(Manga)
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Coming in skeptical (due to my first impressions being the cover art and synopsis), I was taken aback when I realized how entertaining this manga is. To set things straight - the plot revolves heavily on cosplay as a way of connecting people together and allowing one to express themselves. It does get a bit "girly" when it comes to cosplay and makeup, but as a male viewer, I found it charming and educational rather than annoying.
Yes, there is romance which is executed slowly but surely. The relationship is natural, with no drama yet, so the pace is rather delightful. Comedy is subtle but very ... 
Apr 14, 2021
[Oshi no Ko]
(Manga)
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In the entertainment industry, everyone has a set of lies they hide behind, and a set of secrets they want to keep hidden.
Oshi no Ko is a realist take on the struggles of an idol/actor, and the first 10 chapters that serve as a prologue introduce the conflict of the entire manga. There will likely be a few supernatural elements, one being the reincarnation aspect introduced early on. Although it is early into the manga, the story clearly revolves around the main characters yet the side characters are also equally well fleshed out. Many questions arise, and the direction the manga goes is very volatile ... 
Apr 13, 2021
Tomodachi toshite Daisuki
(Manga)
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The "you shouldn't judge a manga by a first chapter" mentality really applies to this one. Many might be thrown off by the first chapter because of how the female lead is depicted as an annoying outgoing "slut", but in reality all those remarks are likely slander. To be honest, the first chapter feels out of place because of how fluffy and wholesome the manga is but it establishes the resolve of the main duo well.
Hase quickly changes for the better and is open to improvement, and on top of that her optimism encourages the growth and happiness of everyone around her. The male lead ... 
Apr 12, 2021
Mijuku na Futari de Gozaimasu ga
(Manga)
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Mijuku is a great manga to relax to. Personally, I found it to be very worthwhile to read as I have a soft spot for fluffy, lighthearted, and wholesome romance.
Art is excellent and consistent, coming from the author of Ao-chan. There are panels with cute chibi and pouting faces, and the general character designs are well done. The lovey-dovey newlyweds do get it on a few times, and so as a result there is just the right amount of fanservice. Pacing is good, so even those who hate SOL might find this entertaining. The characters are so down to earth and the female lead is surprisingly ... 
Apr 12, 2021
I rarely read light novels, so my expectations for a great story are probably not that high. That being said, I can't help but fall in love with the characters and the world within this novel.
The synopsis gets the gist of the story, but as it progresses, more and more women are introduced; (small spoilers?) most become love rivals or bring up memories of the past. I wouldn't call this a harem by any means but there are multiple love conflicts. Side characters play a huge role, as they actively challenge the social norms and morality of the main leads. What I love is ... 
Apr 11, 2021
Kawaii dake ja Nai Shikimori-san
(Manga)
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Initially, this seems like any other fluffy early romance manga. The adorable supporting cast and how quickly they develop is quite refreshing though. While the main couple is very affectionate (with the female lead being very protective and cool and the male lead being the unlucky one), there aren't really too intimate or lovey dovey (yet). Any drama is pretty light-hearted and solved in a way that leaves everyone happy.
The art can be rather crude at times, but the facial expressions suit the characters well. There is not much that makes this manga stand out from the others but there is clearly a lot that makes ... 
Apr 11, 2021
Fuufu Ijou, Koibito Miman.
(Manga)
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I am surprised at how engaging this manga has been. Nearly all of that enjoyment comes from the main female lead. While the eventual outcome(s) might be predictable, there are plenty of twists that have caught me off guard. Pacing is alright, but the roundabout development is somewhat frustrating.
The art is consistent and clean, the only gripe I have is that some characters look a bit too similar and that some facial expressions seem overused. There is fanservice as in cleavage and lingerie, but it's used in context and isn't overdone. Characters and the relationship dilemmas are diverse but not unique; (small spoilers) the main focus ... |
