Ranked #45

Lovely Complex (Manga)

My first review! Forgive me if I've given out easy 10's, but I really do feel this deserves it, at least in my opinion!

I've read the manga, excluding a few chapters from 57 on that could not be found. I have to say, I was completely hooked. Really, I never read a lot of strictly romance. Sure this is comedy, but it has no other plot than the relationships between the characters. Usually, this style of anime could really fly off course. But Lovely Complex was really great! It's a character-driven series, and this time the characters are likable, or realistic.

I watched the live action movie after I read the manga. It was a pretty faithful adaptation, and I did like the character choices a lot, and they did their best to depict the height differences between the two main characters. Otani was really adorable, and Risa was really crazy and generally awesome. However, I'm not used to watching Japanese movies or even dramas, and it was a little different for me. In a manga or anime, the characters can look a certain way, but when real people try to mimic anime, it can look a little fake. I really enjoyed it, still, despite the fact that they had to cut some parts out due to length. It really was cute.

I've only just started the anime. I did like it, the style and presentation in up my alley, but I am disappointed after reading the manga. It progresses way too fast for me to be comfortable. It's great for me, since I already love the characters from the manga, but if I hadn't of read it, I don't think I'd be very attached to them! So, if you plan on getting into the series, or already are, make sure to read the manga! It's long and really satisfying, but it doesn't drag on.

__STORY__
I really like the story. Too many romances about one person having a complex (which is never a complex, just moe of some sort) and liking a person. Bleh. Lovely Complex presents two characters who have identical complexes, and the growing relationship between them as they battle to overcome their problems. I really liked it a lot, and I enjoyed that the characters had complex feelings. It never was like they had one pure emotion, they had feelings mixed in which made it really realistic and enjoyable. A very nice story to me.

__ART__
I'm a fan of the style. Nothing completely unique as far as I'm concerned, but truly great presentation. It's not really notable, but it would've been easy to mess it up, so the artist deserves props!

__CHARACTER__
The best aspect, because their is no plot that involves a magical girl transforming and having to keep her identity from her crush. It's just straight character development, through and through character-driven. It's really wonderful, you grow attached to every character, even minor ones who don't appear much after their introduction. You end up liking the characters so much, and seeing them as realistic people, that you don't complain when they make a stupid decision, because it's 'what a person in that situation would do'.


I really love the series, I never want to finish it! Once I finish the anime, what will fill the Love*Com hole in my heart? WHAT, I SAY?! read more

so far, i have been completely obsessed with this manga, anime AND live movie. i find this manga very sweet and the relationship is different from a lot of other mangas.

you feel that you can relate to this manga because each and every one of us has a complex about ourselves, and the two main characters just happen to share the same complex, but in an opposite way. also, risa's love for otani is a very long journey and admirable. makes me want to love someone as much as her.

you will learn to love the characters and you'll be wanted more. there are many sweet moments and some moments where i cried. i give this manga a 10 out of 10 read more

I'd have to give this manga a perfect ten! It is surely a MUST-READ! :D

It has been an amazing experience reading this manga. Lovely Complex keeps you wanting more and more of Otani and Koizumi's romance~! They may not be the "perfect" couple because of the height difference but it just goes to show that love isn't all about physical appearances and that is one good point that this manga has emphasized brilliantly. :)

To make my point clear here's a very in-depth review, which you shouldn't really read if you haven't finished reading the manga since it MAY contain SPOILERS:

STORY: 10/10

Well, since I am a pretty tall girl, I could easily relate to Risa's point of view and that's what I really like about this manga. The "realism" it portrays is very enjoyable and the kind of relationship Risa and Otani develops in the manga was just so awe-inspiring. :)

The story starts with them not really getting along but because of people they like, they "join forces" and "help" each other with their love lives. But then, the people they were trying to get, fall in love with each other. I believe that was the turning point to their relationship. Their weird rivalry-like friendship never ceases to amuse me and their tandem is very funny. They truly deserve the title "All Hanshin-Kyojin".

And besides, I am a sucker for happy endings so I was just so thrilled with the results of the hard work Risa put in for Otani. :) The story was truly magnificent!


ART: 10/10

I am very particular with the art (not because I am a good artist but because I have no talent on it whatsoever yet I want to see what's pleasing to the eyes) and I can't say the art of Lovely Complex had the best art I've ever seen, it's actually just so-so. It wasn't bad. . . . but it just wasn't outstanding. Although. . . . I really found Otani to be a cool guy (especially during those serious moments), Kohori to be simply adorable and Maity & Haruka to be HOT. :D So, I still gave two thumbs up for the art!

CHARACTER: 10/10

No complaints here. There was variety in the characters in LC. From stupid couples (*ahem*Risa&Otani*ahem*) to overwhelmingly HOT English teachers and obsessive childhood friends. I enjoyed every character in the series. Enough said. :)

ENJOYMENT: 10/10

So during the time I was reading LC, i was SUPPOSED to be doing a lot of stuff for school but I just couldn't leave it alone till I finish it. And even after reading it, I still daydream of the couple's lovey-dovey moments in my head. So that should be enough of a explanation for how much I enjoyed it. xD

OVERALL: 10/10

It was great! If you want a story that blends comedy and romance quite nicely, this is a manga that will not disappoint. :D read more