Ranked #44

Kimi ni Todoke (Manga)

I just had to write a review for this story, because even though it's not over yet, I am shocked by how addicted to it I am. The story is pretty simple, and not uncommon: girl has few friends. girl meets popular guy with lots of friends. girl slowly makes friends + develops crush on boy. When I read the summary for this manga, I think I rolled my eyes at the thought of a manga based on the fact that someone looked like a character from a horror movie. How could that be believable at all?

It totally was.

What makes this manga different? It's really hard to put my finger on, but for some reason, even though it's a common story, this author has made it draw me in with the most refreshing characters and most realistic situations I have seen in a long time. Simply put, the characters are honest and real, the situations are believable and cute, not exaggerated and fantasized. At any time when you are reading, you'll put yourself in a place where you can put yourself in the place of a character... Sawako or her friends or even the girl who can't understand what Kazehaya can see in someone like Sawako. 17 chapters in, and the characters are true to their roots, while being exciting and fun to read about at the same time.

Also, the author is excellent at writing the romantic side of the story in a way that while it is constantly touched on, but never becomes the sole focus of the plot. It's so exciting to see a romance that isn't focused on the couple, but on a character's journey though the world into romance and school and life in general.

The art is nothing to call home about, but it is nice and cleanly drawn.

I have really high hopes for the rest of the volumes and the conclusion. If the author keeps writing how she has been, I have no worries. read more

Recently rated as the top manga for the week of 28th November 2007, I feel that the manga deserves its' ranking. While there are moments of pure shoujo cliches (angry rivals) I love the main protagonist's personality. Instead of having a warped personality from being treated as an outcast, Sawako keeps her naivete and is always wanting to help lighten the burdens of others.

I find the art cute and pretty, not overly shoujo with flower backgrounds but, similar to the style of Honey & Clover. Rather than being a love story of an unpopular girl falling for the most popular guy, I think that Kimi ni Todoke is about a journey of a girl trying to reach understanding from her classmates. read more