Aug 30, 2023
Urukyuu (Ultra Cute in English) is such a fun, girly, romantic read -- especially for anyone just getting into manga or younger teens. The characters are memorable and distinguishable from one another, and there's an overall charm to their interactions (especially between Ami and Noa, the two main heroines) that leaves you wanting more.
I should provide the disclaimer that this was my very first manga so there is, of course, sentimental value that the story holds, but outside of those feelings UruQ is a strong series and perfect for a romance and/or drama lover. I imagine teen girls or young women would enjoy the
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work more than other demographics, but it's an easy read that doesn't require any deep lore knowledge, convoluted plot elements, or lengthy story archs -- which can sometimes leave the reader a little tired. You can take your time and soak up every panel, or blast through the entire series in a day if you wanted!
Ami and Noa are such a great duo. Their dynamic and relationship was so fun to read about because they're not just typical friends and yet not just typical rivals, either. Rather, they straddle the boundary between the two -- often times competing and exchanging sharp comments, but at other times sticking together and consoling one another in their own unique ways.
The series really grasps what it means to be a young girl, desperately in love: the obsession, the primping, the competition with other suitors, the sense that the relationship is your entire world and without it you'll die. I'm not saying these are qualities that should represent a healthy relationship, but they certainly describe the experience of being young, in love, and willing to do anything and everything to land your dream man! However the story takes it further by putting the two couples in situations that are pretty much outside the realm of normal possibility (like any romance show/series), which keeps it fresh and memorable. Ex: being on a couples game show, where the prize is a trip to Hawaii. Not SO ludicrous that it's unpalatable, but not realistic for the average person, certainly.
What is so endearing about Ami and Noa is that they are well-rounded individuals outside of their relationships, and this is what really makes them stand out as more than just "Typical High School Girl With a Crush A" and "Typical High School Girl With a Crush B." Ami is sporty, adventurous, a little crass, has a large appetite for food and life, and stubborn to the bone. Noa is studious, more elegant (or she tries to be), fashionable and very superstitious -- she loves tarot cards, horoscopes, lucky colours, and uses these in her quest to win over Tomohiro.
I remember reading the series as a teen and loving to take ideas from it for my own love life: what was my lucky colour for the day, based on my horoscope? Maybe if I wore that, my crush would talk to me more. What did Ami and Noa do when another girl stepped in the mix? Their outfits in particular were so adorable, and the desire to try and primp and prepare for every date as thoroughly as they did was so fun!
Outside of the story itself, the illustrations are very nice and stylistic. Ami and Noa have clear differences in their aesthetics (Ami loves to show off her butt and legs, while Noa boasts her more developed chest and opts for very "va-va-voom" outfits). This makes it so easy for a first-time manga reader to quickly identify the difference between the two -- they look so different, which highlights their personalities well! Ami has long hair, pale skin, while Noa has short hair and tan skin, etc. The funny faces that are drawn to emphasize wild or wacky moments also provide a quick chuckle.
Finally, there is definitely drama to spare! The two boys Ami and Noa are keen on can confidently be described as "players," and the struggle to win them over but also get through to them on a deeper level is enjoyable to read. Then throw in:
1. jealous ex-girlfriends who want back into the spotlight,
2. girls who make it their aim to home-wreck (so much so that they earn the title "Couple Crasher,")
3. other attractive young men who also have their eyes on on Ami/Noa
4. illness
5. trust issues
6. helpful friends to provide advice
...and you've got yourself a romance manga!
Overall, definitely recommend giving it a read if you love a quick, romantic/dramatic series. It seems like such a little known title, I've never heard anyone else mention it or talk about it, and it would be amazing if more people got to enjoy it the way I did as a kid.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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