Apr 4, 2022
You would be remiss in giving this a bad review because of its associations with its adaptation. I understand NTR is bad but despite how distasteful you found the material it was based upon, it presents a decent character drama.
From up until Volume 2, it showcases the psychological interplay between the four initial characters: Kousei, Takashi, Iida, and Niiyama through their exploration of sexuality, however, twisted it may seem. Although, the characters, up to this point, are indecipherable in their actual motivations. I acknowledge that the work is probably not done and this review is only preliminary but my primary critique has to do
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with the fact that the focus of the story, much like in the doujinshi, is on Kousei when it could be argued that the perspectives of all of the other subjects could add further context to their understanding.
There is little to no characterization of the main cast beyond what Kousei outwardly signals to the audience. You know that Takashi is going to be the hot-headed pervert who gets to live out his life but (up until this point) there is nothing more than that. You can obviously tell that Iida is likely going to emulate this romanticized ideal and pure girlfriend until she is defying her almost saintly image but there is barely anything other to grasp further. You can perfectly infer that Niiyama is a preppy, out-going gal with an interest in sex but other than that, there isn't really anything to speak of. I really want to understand these characters as a whole. What is the point of just focusing on Kousei's skewed perspective when it adds nothing more than an already realized character arc?
Think about it, how are you going to tell me the story of a train crash and yet only give that narrative through the perspective of one of the four conductors. I want to understand a character like Iida; her psychology, her environment, and most importantly, her apathy toward the situation. I understand that people will still throw out insults about her sexual promiscuity and whatnot but if realized she could be such an interesting character to dive into. Still, we only view her through the lens of Kousei.
Everything about this series could have been great but it is just its lack of in-depth characterization that lets me down. I'll come back to this review as soon as the characterization shows any signs of significant improvement but until then: it's a mediocre story. Everything else is decently well put together; as the plot logically follows from its origin. Even ignoring my earlier criticisms of the series not delving into other characters, Kousei's characterization is done amazingly well for a series based on a netorare doujin. You understand the pain that the MC is going through and all of his motivations are clearly sympathetic to a degree. It just misses the mark in not giving the main cast the same love as well.
When reading this manga, it is understandable that most would come out of this feeling almost empty. It almost feels like I was edged out of a good story and now I am just waiting for the climax.
Reviewer’s Rating: 5
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