Densha Otoko: Net Hatsu, Kakueki Teisha no Love Story

May 12, 2008

Recommended

Let’s face it. When was the last time you have ever read a romance manga that wasn’t a harem? If you have, then forget what I said. But if you haven’t read a romance story other than a harem lately, you need to expand your horizons. I have done so in the past and have uncover this hidden gem of a story. It’s about time all of you should about the amazing title I found when I did so.

Story:

The story itself is interesting and very entertaining. What makes it interesting is that it provides us with a realistic depiction ... of unexpected love between two people that seem very different than each other. Notice the word ‘realistic’. For once in a manga, this story can actually happen, the chances are unlikely, but it can happen.

Anyhow, this love story moves at a nice pace that people can enjoy. But what really makes this story interesting is that most of the story is being told by the male character in an online chat room with tons of other people commenting about the situation on folding.

Art:

The art style isn’t one of my favorites. The characters are nicely drawn and all, but sometimes they look pretty weird which wasn’t well received by me. Another thing, there is a lot of white space between panels in the manga. I don’t know why the artist couldn’t add anything to fill in the blank spots.

Character:

The lead male character is your basic geek or otaku. He’s pretty cool in his own way and I can pretty much relate to him in a lot of ways. The lead female character is lovable and sweet. She reminds me a lot of some of the girls at my school. Anyhow, the two leads are characters who you will like throughout the entire story.

The rest of the cast is pretty interesting. The rest are a bunch of online people in a chat room who are always giving advice or talking to the hero about his current situation. They are all pretty cool people, but we never really get to know much about them. On another interesting note, no one in the entire series is given a real name.

Enjoyment:

Considering that fact that I’m a guy, I actually found this story very enjoyable. I couldn’t help but root for the male lead as he tried to get the girl. There were also a couple of good funny moments, but a lot of sweet moments in it.

Overall:

Are you sick of your typical romance story that is basic and seems similar to everything else you seen before? You owe it to yourself to pick up this title right away! It is a great romantic tale in the modern world and you will not be disappointed if you jump into this series.

Warning! This series contains partial nudity and some sexual references. If that stuff bugs you at all, avoid the series.

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Jan 7, 2009

Ilyaoh

Recommended

I'm someone who can enjoy romance and drama manga's (and anime's of course).

So I enjoyed this too, I found out that there was a manga (more actually, even an anime and several drama's). of a true story, so something that actually happened.

When I found out it was this story, I was suprised, that it was a romance, and not a warstory, or some kind of crazy deranged drama. But it was a nice suprise, this is about a guy, a "Otaku", who "saves" this ...woman from being harassed by a drunkard in the train, they exchange some information and keep narrowly contact with each other.

This ...

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Aug 17, 2013

kurosaki_kabuto

Recommended

“Beauty of style and harmony and grace and good rhythm depend on simplicity.” - Plato.

This is a very simple manga and due to such simplicity it is very often down-played and underrated. Is simplicity really such a bad thing? Can a simple manga be a good manga? The question "What makes a good manga?" is one that has no definite standard answer. The world of - let's call it "creative work" thus encompassing a wider scope than just manga - is an open one. Ultimately it is as unlimited as one's imagination can be, therefore any answer to this question will be met with opposition ... by other people. Common answers point to a complex story in an engaging setting preferentially with several layers of depth beneath the basic plot, others mention well developed, fleshed out characters with a well developed emotional and psychological profile as the true essential point. Sometimes I find myself in the minority by openly stating that mere simplicity when well executed can provide a good manga, as the quote by Plato indicates, even if it was taken out of context.

"Simple" is without a doubt a keyword to describe this manga. The story is somewhat based on real life events. It is the manga adaptation of a very popular story that has spawned novels and movies as well. The real life story revolves around a lonely Otaku who started getting help from anonymous people on an internet anonymous board in order to get closer to a woman he had saved on the train one day. This manga adaptation is based on those threads and replies. But let me explain the actual manga's story a little bit more simplistically so you know what you're getting into here. A loser Otaku saves an attractive woman from a drunkard on the train, afterwards they exchange contact information and from there on, with the help of the many suggestions from several anonymous users he starts developing his relationship with her. Yes, I know. It is a very simple story. Fairly generic, fairly predictable. So what would make it worthy of anyone's time? Let me try to explain that.

This is one of the most heart-warmingly simple love stories you can come across in manga. One of those that will make you smile as you see the events playing out. It is not complex or particularly deep at all. There isn't much drama to be felt. But the romantic relationship between our main characters is one that you'll really want to see come true. Here's where the main draw of this sweet manga comes into play: the author doesn't strive for anything different, doesn't go for depth, forced drama, unnecessary awkward character development. He takes upon himself as simple a premise as they come and executes it very well without straying from the true "personality" of his creation. By adding a very good rhythm - that is usually missing in most romantic manga to be honest - likable characters and extremely pleasant comedy, the author compliments the oh-so-typical boy-meets-girl story with solid execution, resulting in a deliciously sweet, funny short manga that warms you up and brightens your day. The execution makes the manga worthy of a shot regardless of how typical the story is.

The main character is easily relatable in a way. A simple guy who obsesses over his hobbies, still lives with his parents, works in a normal company and, as is easy to guess, has no luck with women, still a virgin obviously. The author took a great approach to the display of the manga by taking advantage of the "Based on true events" selling line of the story. Most of the events go by accompanied by the actual posts of the original Densha Otoko (translated as Train Man, the actual original real life poster/ main character chose this nickname to post in the threads) which a lot of the times are quite funny. This gives the manga a unique style of storytelling and allows it a pace that will draw you in easily. Even better - not only do we get the funny narration of the original Densha Otoko, we get the often hilarious comments of many of the anonymous users that helped him in his quest. Those comments provide some of the best moments in the manga as the author portrays the anonymous characters with simple images that somehow speak so much and go along so well with the original posts. As more and more of them join in and the rhythm speeds up you'll find yourself cheering along with them as if you were on that website reading the threads along with everyone. The impatience they feel and express when the Train Man takes too long to come back home and report his progress, the frustration they put up with at all the "I just can't do it guys!!" replies of Train Man and the joy at his achievements - you'll feel them too. Allow me to be cheesy here, there's a certain magic about this connection that you develop with such a simple manga and such shallow but strangely familiar characters. It's not magic though, it's just the skills of the author. That's how well portrayed this story is, the visual display is very well thought-out even if the art is somewhat sub-par. That being said I believe that this emotional ride is - at least partially - only possible due to the simplicity of the story.

Now I have to say, as you can probably already tell, this manga won't appeal to everyone. It is very important to know what you're getting into. If you despise every "nerdy guy saves hot woman and end up in love" story this is obviously not for you. If you only read story driven manga this is not for you. If you can't get emotionally involved in a story without drama and complex emotional and/or psychological developments this is not for you. But... If you're looking for a simple, funny, very heart-warming romantic manga that isn't too long nor drags on fruitlessly, doesn't lose itself in love triangles or forced drama this is right up your alley. Extra points if you like anonymous internet boards or forums and are used to posting it will probably be a boost to the whole experience. Try this out, it'll cheer you up for sure.

Thank you for reading, I hope that if you give this manga a shot it won't come to disappoint you. If you found this review lacking or disagree with any of the points I mentioned, feel free to let me know by commenting on my profile or messaging me, it's a good chance for me to learn how to write better reviews.

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May 27, 2010

blkcatXIII

Recommended

It's really hard to believe that this is based on a true story but true story or not it's a must read.

Out of all the Densha Otoko Manga's I read this one is the best.

As you read the manga you feel like you regret not reading the thread that Densha was posting back when this happen but this manga gives who the feeling that you were actually there when this all happen.

Not only does it make you feel like you were reading the thread it also makes you want to change like Densha.

It's really a heart pounding love story and I ...

Open

May 2, 2011

hallanmeras

Recommended

This is a little out of my normal field, but I got seriously caught up in this story. I originally got this manga as part of a lot on Ebay, and only started reading it because it was the closest book to the door for an outdoor trip, but couldn't put the book down!

Story is hard to beat, being a true story that exploded onto the national scene. It's one that resonates with just about everyone.

Art is fantastic. There are no giant mecha or too cute girls or rampaging monsters, but real life portrayed very well.

Characters are great, seeing real growth and development. Hard ...

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Jun 9, 2016

SpectreLance

Recommended

I honestly don't know where to start. This is my first review, so please take it easy on me, but if I didn't review this, I think I would go—slightly—mad.

Context.

So here I am, hearing about 2ch's phenomenon of "Train_Man" after searching up what 2ch was. I read the summary and really just couldn't believe my eyes. An otaku stands up for a bunch of women getting harassed by a drunk on train and meets a woman among that group that congratulates him with an expensive tea set. 2ch instantly realizes this for what it is, and helps our dense MC start taking the bull by ... the horns to pursue a relationship with the woman in question.

I instantly felt a connection to him as a person that hides in his shell and never tries to venture into the outside world. I just had to read the manga adaptation at this point, so I read it in one straight go.

It warmed my heart from the inside, and eventually, the warmth radiated throughout my entire body and took shape in the form of a gigantic suppressed grin.

The story is, in itself, a true phenomenon. As the phrase "One of us, one of us!" chanted itself throughout my head intermittently, I found myself drawn into the world of the manga itself. I felt like I was a 2channer among the other 2channers that were helping Train_Man through his struggle. Masterfully crafted, the progression is not too quick, but not too slow either. The pace was just right as I delved into the life of Train_Man and Hermes (the girl that Train_Man meets in question).

The art is wonderful. We really do see the fleshing out of Train_Man as he turns into a butterfly that has emerged from his cocoon. By that, I mean he is hot AF mmmmmhmmmm hahahaha. Hermes is gorgeous as well; her proportions are amazing, and she is extremely affable. The expressions of all characters throughout the manga are very easily interpreted. The background was nothing too special, but the characters and their liveliness really brought everything together.

The characters of the people in the entire series is extraordinarily dynamic. The 2channers, though initially somewhat distant and only trying to give some advice, eventually become a part of Train_Man's family and support him throughout the chapters. The MC himself is extraordinarily relatable. His behavior is only all too real to people who have been in his same shoes, and the art only helps accentuate this. Though Hermes doesn't seem to change very much, her staying true to herself and Train_Man in terms of feelings only helped deepen the depth of the bond between the pair.

Overall....

There is great humanity abundant in this manga, and it really starts making you wonder about the people living around you, and far away from you. It makes you start thinking about how you should be enjoying the company of others, and loosing yourself in a world much different than yours by just taking a chance, or one small step. The beginning of a bond between a modern man and woman is so elegantly highlighted in such an amazing collection of 27 chapters that it will—surely—warm your heart.

Take a look, and read this. Please, just do it.

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Sep 5, 2009

Longxinus

Recommended

Wow, I just had to plow through all the 27 chapters in one sitting because I found it so enjoyable. ^^ I mean, damn, just imagine the whole manga-resque plot taking place in real-life? Because that's what exactly happened, which just makes the manga even more involving and entertaining. The thing is that half of the vibes you get from reading the manga, is based on this, which not necessarily is a bad thing. I feel like if I didn't know it was based on a true story, the plot would be weaker, yet still a bit original and decent. But like any other adaption ...

Open

Aug 13, 2009

Laevantein

Recommended

First of all this is my first review, so don't expect too much from me kay?

I will not review about art, hell i don't really care as long the story gives me a good
impression, and this manga is one of those.

At first i think this manga is another romance story, where the male protagonist is a whimp
that do not have any courage to confess or even ask the girl, but every time i read a chapter
it is always makes me wants to cheers for this guy, it's feels like "go for it densha!".

Especially every time Densha asked his friend on the net ...

Open

Sep 4, 2009

bijoublue

Recommended

I loved this story! I really felt like one of the forum readers, getting excited over every thing. I felt myself smiling throughout the entire story. So much, that my cheeks felt sore by the time I was done.

Good read, I recommend it!!

Open

Aug 17, 2009

chulian1819

Recommended

Makes you believe that real life love still exists, that destiny can start wonderful things and you just have to take from there and finish the job ^^
I know the drawing isn't great but what counts is the story

Open

Jan 1, 2014

Madiha-chan

Recommended

I was a bit skeptical when I first saw the name, and grew even more skeptical when i saw the old art. But I am so glad I stuck though it. This manga was amazing ! I fell in love his clueless shy character, and his otoko personality. The idea of his internet friends helping out made the story hilarious and intense. Would recommend to a friend, amazing manga :3

Open

Oct 2, 2022

jeremymd

Recommended

I didn't think I'd cry at the end of reading this series, but I did. Hard.

I've been alone for years now. I have been into relationships occasionally, but nothing lasted, and I think it's usually my fault for taking relationships for granted. Reading this series reminded me of how valuable these connections actually are, especially for people that are worse off than me. I'm not as bad as Densha. I don't stutter or clam up anymore in front of girls regardless of the situation. And yet, I take it all for granted.

If you're like me and you're jaded by the world and past relationships and ... failures, this series serves as a powerful reminder. It also reminds us that a little help can make all the difference, but we need to reach out first for that help.

Sorry for ranting about my situation, but I think most of my reviews don't dwell in the minute details but are meant more to give a general idea for the reader if the story is relatable for them and if it will touch them.

But since we're there, I might as well. Note that there will be some light spoilers!

There are just two main characters here; Densha and Hermes. These names are of course placeholders in the same vein as Molester Man, which if I recall, was penned by the same author of this series. Most of the focus, like the aforementioned series, is in our main guy. And if we talk about character development, if we put aside their emotions which obviously change throughout the story, they don't really change at all, even our main guy. He's still the same guy from beginning to end. He just overcame his initial trepidations, and from there, he just rode the bull as best as he could. He stumbles and falters at times, he gets discouraged, but unlike so many manga characters in this genre, he perseveres and continues to push forward little by little, inch by inch, to what he wants to do and say. I broke down a little the same way he broke down after his confession. You can feel how scared and how absolutely vulnerable he was. It meant so SO much to him to get over his insecurities and fear that I think for a few moments I'd bet it didn't matter to him what her response would be. Aside from the two main characters are the other literal support characters encouraging him from beginning till the end.

The story can't be any simpler. Boy meets girl. Boy squeaks in his moves with a little help from his friends. Boy gets the girl. This series just goes to show that sometimes it's not just about the end but the journey, and boy, what a journey it was.

The artwork isn't astonishingly beautiful, but it's not bad at all. The style is reminiscent of 80s to 90s anime/manga, but it's not as cluttered with details and dialogue. I personally don't like how MCs like these are drawn like pitiful losers always crying and panicking and overreacting, and our guy was like that at first. But slowly, he gets over each hurdle again and again, and then you'll realize he doesn't look like the same wretched loser anymore.

If you're like me, let this series empower you.

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Densha Otoko: Net Hatsu, Kakueki Teisha no Love Story
Train_Man: Densha Otoko
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