Never Good Enough

Edit

What would you like to edit?

SynopsisBackgroundAlternative TitlesPictureChapters/VolumesPublishing DatesRelationsTypeExternal Links  

The story follows Louis, a college professor, who was dumped by his long-term boyfriend, Nick, while on vacation. Guess who makes an entrance into the story? The ex-boyfriend's younger brother, Theo. While I'm not a fan of "brother complex/rivalry" troupe, CTK incorporates it well into the story. Louise and Theo's dynamic isn't perfect -- professor x student + ex's little brother -- but definitely intriguing. They are polar opposites of each other; Louis is charming, mature, calm, and rightfully petty when he needs to be, while Theo can be a little immature and even insecure at times but they compliment each other pretty well. CTK's ... artwork is brilliant, clean, and refreshing, as always. The first volume of 'Never Good Enough' seems promising and I'm already looking forward to the next!

I am a big fan of CTK, especially "Midnight Rain" captured my heart with its older, rough masculine romance. I rarely get these outside of bara/geikomi or fanworks. "On Doorstep" was also a good one.

However, I am not sure about this work, and it quite frankly left me bamboozled and waiting. The topic of brother complexes is ever-present, yet never fully explored, some bits of self-harm for attention and stalker behaviour are thrown in - and yet I find nothing to grasp at. Who are these people and why are they the way they are? Even if they sometimes outright state their emotions in inner ... monologues, I still find myself asking "...ok?"
And I think this is the shortcoming of why this doesn't resonate with me, I don't really get why characters do the things they do, except "because plot". I feel like this manga was cut short, especially, when a big family confrontation rolls around, where verbal and physical violence was used: happens completely off-screen. The father, who played a big role in both brothers' lives, is never seen.

Overall, this manga is presentable, with a unique theme, but it ultimately falls short, literally. I expected more from CTK, and I will wait for the next work.