Adachi to Shimamura
Adachi and Shimamura

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I originally wrote this review for the light novel, but since this manga adaptation continues to be very faithful, I would like to leave it as a form of recommendation to anyone who wants to.

It is from the perspectives of Adachi and Shimamura, two friends who met at the start of the high school year. The first volume starts about a month after that. The premise is relatively simple but the way it is executed is simply magnificent.

This is not like in other manga. In other romance manga, both sides are usually at least a little interested in each other by the third volume. I'll ... just say that this one is a bit slow. It may sound like a negative characteristic, but is exactly the opposite, the story is extremely well written and realistic.

We have two extremely different main characters, with their own worldviews, personalities and tastes.
Both Adachi and Shimamura are exceptionally well-written characters, they have depth, sometimes I feel like both are real people. It really is a delight to enter the minds of these two, the alternation between the two points of view is something that makes the reader captivated, excited, begging for the next chapter to know what's going on in their minds.

I recommend reading the light novel, however if novels just aren't your thing, this adaptation is worth it


Well, this is my first review and I am not fluent in English so please forgive my typos.

Story: 9/10
Characters: 10/10
Art: 9/10
Enjoyment: 10/10

Although it is the same story, it is inevitable that the original (light novel) is superior and more elaborated, so the overall score drops to 9.

Overall: 9/10

Adachi to Shimamura is a very human take on the school romance theme.

Based off of the two protagonists' interactions and dialogue alone, it reminds me a lot of the natural relationship and fluid nature that were very much a centerpiece of shows like Yagata Kimi ni Naru and Tsuki ga Kirei (although the latter isn't a shoujo ai, but that isn't the point here).

The overall vibe that this manga gives off isn't much different either - the relationship between the two protagonists, Adachi and Shimamura, begins when they encounter each other by chance while skipping class, and from there on they go about with their ... days figuring out their feelings for each other, though Adachi is a lot more aware of those feelings than Shimamura is. Overall, a very human and perhaps even more so cute story, with characters who so fittingly find themselves being the heart(s?) of said story - 8/10 in both aspects.

Moke Yuzuhara's rendition of the art in this version of the manga is great. The backdrops are all appropriate, whose composition in scenery gives off the right atmosphere each time. The characters are well-done and without a doubt incredibly easy on the eyes. Art's a 9/10.

Personally, I've really found myself indulged and entertained by every chapter that's currently available as I write this, and I'm looking forward to more releases. 9/10 as far as enjoyment goes, at least thus far.

All in all, Adachi to Shimamura is a solid 8 for me, and I only expect that this rating may only rise, depending on how I feel about how the manga continues from here. I've also recently become aware of an anime adaptation apparently in the works for at least Adachi to Shimamura's original light novel, so I'm looking forward to that as well.

Adachi to Shimamura is unlike most girls’ love manga. Whereas other shoujo-ai stories tend to be fluffy, trite, and unchallenging, Adachi to Shimamura deliberately embraces discomfort. Characters in this series are maladjusted; the main couple’s chemistry is stilted, and their conversations often feel unnatural. At points, It can be downright difficult to read. Among these instances, “Shimamura’s Sword” stands out in particular as one of the most raw and emotionally poignant chapters in its genre. That’s all to say, Adachi to Shimamura is engaging, in a uniquely uneasy way. If you’re looking for a comforting romance series, however, this manga is not for you.