Ranked #96

Koukou Debut (Manga)

Think She's All That meets My Fair Lady meets emo hottie! Haha, okay it's kind of hard to visualise all that. The story is touching because you feel so dearly for our heroine Haruna and love that she isn't clumsy, can lift 70Kg!, doesn't expect her boyfriend to come protect her, knows how to deal with jealous classmates and doesn't cry at every obstacle. The male lead was a bit well, unlikeable in my opinion but I suppose that's because he isn't a dashing Sir Lancelot like we've become accustomed to. He's equally shy and awkward when it comes to dating (though highly knowledgeable about the how to's and what to wear when), he's sweet and caring in a sort of uncommunicative manner, which is very realistic, and he always stands up for the heroine.

As far as the plot goes, I give full points to the mangaka for thinking up very innovative and realistic situations to immerse our couple into, from first kiss and it's after effects, to first date, first parent meeting, first overnight trip, even the first time Yoh steps outside his comfort zone. You really devour the manga because as it usual in shoujo, the couple aren't constantly kissing (even though I would have liked it if they did!), or caressing each other. In that respect, I think this is one very chaste couple! Almost any touch or physical intimacy is a big deal to both sides!

The story deals with real life routine very well. Each character is constantly changing clothes within one chapter which makes it very charming. The supporting cast, which I wouldn't exactly label 'supporting' as they are equally enchanting, are thought up carefully and very deliberately add to the main storyline. I particularly like Asaoka, Yoh's good friend and his quiet mirth. Unconventional issues such as an overbearingly possessive sister, a girl taking on the protector role, parting due to college and hoopla over a mistaken kiss are refreshingly introduced, which are disarmingly entertaining.

I think the best part of this story though lies in the fact that the couple did not fall in love at first sight (Though returning a shoe is a very novel premise!). They each saw appealing qualities in one another over time and love blossomed once friendship grew. That to me was very sincere. Of course the fact that the female lead wasn't a hopeless whimpering damsel is an added plus!

You have to love these personal unconsious habits characters remain loyal to. Yoh and his mother tend to itch their chin with the opposite hand often. Asami always hides her hands in long sleeves and I Haruna's expressions are ... priceless always, especially when she's repeatedly told not to fall in love with Yoh (rather PRESUMPTUOUS of him I think!) read more

I have read 8 volumes of this title so far,so i thought i was good to write a review about it :)

Story:This is a typical high school comedy-romance with some small dramatic elements.The story is about a tomboish girl,Haruna ,that entering High School is decided to find a boyfriend,and thats when she meets Yo,a superpopular guy,with an 'eye' about this stuff,and asks him to be her trainer.It really is cliche as story,but enjoyful.As the story goes,the relationship between Yo and Haruna develops more and more.

Art:The art is good enough for a shoujo manga,but i have seen better.
I didnt like how the artist designs them with the mouth open sometimes for example,looked a bit unnatural.The eyes-design though is pretty good,and makes nice hair.

Character:That is the strong part of this series.The characters.
Haruna,the tomboy,masculine girl that was playing baseball in middle school and had no time for anything else.She is incredibly optimistic,good hearted,and naive.And when it comes to a hard situation,she always gives her best shot.Yo,is the popular pretty boy type as teh series start.He seems to have some bad experiences with girls in the past,and he seems that cant stand them.Besides that,he is incredibly smart,doesnt misunderstand serious situations,thing that happens to many shoujo manga,and has a good personality also.Their friends are also quite interesting characters too.

Enjoyment:There goes another 10.Because this manga is really enjoyful from first to last page.I cried and laughed in different parts of the story(ok i cried only once,i know that at the end of each volume all goes good :D ).I really couldnt stop reading it,i read all 8 volumes that were realesed there as fast as possible.And,i am still asking for more :) read more