Ranked #795

Nana to Kaoru (Manga)

This is one of those manga that is so special, considering its genre, everyone is waiting an anime adaptation.
(EDIT: Anime is a disaster. Really. Do not watch it.)
Outstanding ecchi, no-nonsense flow of plot, and no otaku "desu" crap, make this an addictive read, with no over ratings whatsoever. My fellow MALers, I proudly present, somewhat underrated but exceptional, Nana to Kaoru.


~Story~ (10)

If your imagination was tickled by the synopsis, then you're on the right trace. It is as interesting as it sounds, as original, and even offers more - unlike the very common "plot per chapter" thingy we encounter, this manga offers a lot of continuity, rarely any real closure of a chapter, and brilliant plot twists and surprises. Once you start reading, you simply get so into it, you can not stop. Maybe you'll even pay a visit to Wiki to learn some more about S&M, which is very nicely presented here (I think.) - this manga could easily serve as a manual to anyone interested in S&M, or even get you interested.


~Art~ (10)

What you will probably notice soon is that there is a lot of work put into details, but especially facial expressions - mostly because they actually mean something to the plot itself. But of course, the rest of the manga deserves it's rating as well - the surroundings, the clothes, the people - everything was made in details. What also caught my eye, is that every character design is different - there isn't that much of a similarity among the females, like in many other manga or anime, where they usually simply change the haircut and eye shape, and consider their job done.


~Character~ (10)

Just like in any other story, the characters are making half of it. So what do you get with a girl who finds herlsef enjoying the perverted ways of a childhood friend? Chaos! In her head, of course. And in his as well. The ways the relationships progress, the pasts are revealed is not too fast, and always reveals something interesting to nibble on. (hehehe~, nibble.)
As for the supporting cast, they are not lacking personality either, nor are put in the corner - every once in a while, they get their 5 minutes of fame. Or shame, depending on the situation.


~Enjoyment~ (10)

This manga is such that, once you start reading it, especially those who don't know the ways of S&M, or are looking for something refreshingly new, you can not stop - it is that interesting, not to mention funny and amusing. While I wouldn't be afraid to put the "psychological" tag on it, it doesn't really go that deep, so you can still enjoy it without much thought.

~Overall~ (10)

This immediately became one of my favorite manga, I finished 36 chapters in two days, and can not wait for further releases. To anyone who appreciates ecchi, or to those looking for something different, Nana to Kaoru is a right choice. read more

Nana to Kaoru, oddly enough, is a look into proper, Real Life BDSM. It includes things you tend not to see, like the fact that it doesn't have to be about sex. Care and attention has been shown, not only for the idea of prep work, but the psychological aspects have been shown as well. There is no pain without wanting to go there, and limits are gradually pushed.

In short, this is a must read for anyone that has the wrong ideas about what BDSM is.