Kuuki ga "Yomeru" Shinnyuu Shain to Buaisou na Senpai

Edit

What would you like to edit?

SynopsisBackgroundAlternative TitlesPictureChapters/VolumesPublishing DatesRelationsTypeExternal Links  

After reading this manga for ~5 years (pre-serialized) and now catching up to the most recent chapters I thought to myself "let's update that review from late 2021". The rating was a 7/10. ~20 chapters deep. The manga was short but sweet. The only gripe was a too convenient and cheap "twist" that could not have been any more predictable and formulaic and fear of it dragging on. Now, how did the manga develop?

First off, piling the aforementioned cheap twist, multiple new characters were introduced in quick succession- they are the most generic cast possible. They need have that certain something that is supposed to ... make you go "Oh, wow! How novel!" but they are 100% predictable and you just knew that someone like that would appear. I despise most of them, how they were introduced (yes, even the most recent transfer) and how one dimensional they are. They appear and play out the same role for the rest of the manga. And I hate pretty much everyone's dynamic with the two MCs.

The MCs do develop and grow but progress is most often accompanied by these tool side characters that get way too much screen time. They are considered too important too quickly and get too close too quickly which most of the time undermines the before mentioned growth- it often does not feel genuine but forced. The dude we just met should not have this much power over her and her emotions.
That is what bugs me personally, true but it also is bad writing. It is weird (even with the "twist") and out of character. To add, characters randomly being out of character happens more often throughout the manga. It is overbearing at times and takes away enjoyment in certain situations.

Moving on, the same two aspects still are the "major plot" of the manga, being Romance and Office (work+relationships). The manga still has sweet moments and there is progress. But as mentioned before, her character being rather inconsistent at times and side characters being shoehorned in too often add up to a rather flat/robotic experience. I honestly do think that this is another missed opportunity failed like and by cheaping out on work regarding characters.
There also is a shift in tone later on and we move on from swoon romance being the main focus to her living that office life and trying to grow closer to the people around her but in regards to work. It is interesting and well done but some things just end up neglected and it feels like another genre at times. It understandably is hard to fit in multiple themes into a short manga but with the cast and how her emotions works it just ends up disconnected at times and enjoyment further tanks.

I do like parts of this manga. I want to like it even more but it just went on to be so weak in multiple regards that I can't rate it any higher. The author went in questionable directions from the first drama onwards which pains me as a fan.
As for recommending the work, if you don't mind a bit of a clustereff of characters, the most predictable writing ever and enjoy the occasional romance panel paired with mature and relatable work life affairs you might just end up really liking this manga.
Give it a try, sure.