Ranked #41

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

It's funny how when you start to read a manga, and you start to smile, and kind of "tingle" inside. You become engrossed in it, and all of a sudden it's worn out and raggedy, but you don't want to get a new one because this it has become a classic to you. That's how much i love this manga.

Kimi ni Todoke isn't the average shoujo. Sawako isn't a brain dead pretty girl crushing on the most popular guy in school. No. she's just a sweet girl, who seeks understanding from her classmates. The first ever person to give her that is Kazehaya. Kazehaya isn't head over heels for her. At first he is just interested. He sees that she is always helping others indirectly, and he likes that about her. Over time, he gets to know her, and starts to like EVERYTHING about. This slowly blossoms into love.

Sawako respects, and worships Kazehaya. He helped her come out of her shyness and make friends that she is willing to do anything for. She goes through a lot with them, none of it being overly dramatic or unrealistic. Of course, she spends some time with Kazehaya and treasures the simple but special moments that they spend together. This, too, blossoms into love.

This manga is totally original. Everything is written beautifully, and nothing is rushed. After about 3 chapters, this manga became one of my favorites.

The art isn't anything spectacular. It is not bad, either. It's simple and cute, like the story.

The characters are something special, though, that you will never forget. Sawako is sweet and shy. She volunteers for things that no one else wants to d, just so someone unwilling won't be forced. She treasures small things, like friendship because they are new to her.
Kazehaya is optimistic, friendly, and loved by all. He is the first one to befriend Sawako. Early in the story, he develops a crush on Sawako. He defends her from rumors, without it having to be front page news, unlike all the other guys we usually see. He is kind to Sawako always.
Chizuru and Ayane are the Dynamic Duo. you never see one without the other. They quickly welcome Sawako and accept her, finding her sweet and cute. Chizuru is athletic, but a bit dense. Ayane is sensible and mature. They are Sawako's best friends.
Ryuu is also Sawako's friend. He doesn't talk much, but they get along together well. when you see these friends interacting with each other you'll smile.

The enjoyment was high, seeing as I was always enjoying every second, just watching Sawako open up, and hang out with friends for the first. time. Sawako is the sweetest friend ever, and I felt as if I knew her.

Overall, this manga was amazing. It wasn't over the top, didn't have a lot of comedy, but it had heart warming scenes that we take for granted. read more

I strongly believe that this manga is one of the best I have yet read/am reading. Even though I have only read chapters 0 to 3, I can honestly say that I believe this manga will turn out to be a great success. So far the characters have really started to come into play, and the story is just starting. It's only just the enterance of a great tale, and I am already looking forward to buying all the volumes of this manga. I truly think that the creator of this manga will be successful. I love this manga.

Kuronuma Sawako's one wish in life is to make friends. That's a difficult proposition when everyone who meets this high school student cowers in terror! She just wants to be like her classmate Kazehaya-kun, a laid-back, easygoing guy. Like CHARMING JUNKY and THE WALLFLOWER (aka Perfect Girl Evoltuion), this is a lighthearted and romantic comedy.