I can see it is a very popular manga and shoujo manga readers are head over heels with this one, but I just can't understand why.
Don't get me wrong. I'm a fan of Io sensei's previous work (eg.Strobe Edge) as she usually takes shoujo elements and wraps it up into a nice meaningful story.
STORY
The mangaka starts by setting a strong foundation in this manga: catchy plot, interesting and lovable characters and some good slapstick comedy.
All is well until the main characters start doing idiotic things without explaining themselves properly. It's like "Ok, you did that. I don't agree but can you at least have a good excuse to do it? wtf"
There were a lot of unnecessary and cliché things done in order to drag the story.
Then the course of events goes from those situations onwards in a very unrealistic way. It feels as they shoot themselves in the foot and then try to make up for the mess by doing something far-fetched from reality.
ART
The art style is a strong quality of Io sensei. I would like to see more mature-looking heroines in the future, though. Usually, they look a little bit child-like compared to the male main characters.
CHARACTERS
There's some good character development in the beginning.The main characters' issues are relatable.
It all goes in vain as the story progresses. Io sensei really makes us believe that these characters are different from the vulgar shoujo characters by adding some unusual features to them. However, in the end, they end up doing the most predictable things and it is pretty disappointing.
Also, I don't understand the need for a love triangle. It is just there to fill a gap I guess. I wish the mangaka would have conveyed more meaning to it. Perhaps, she should have explored the unrequited love theme and the codependent relationships that unfortunately do exist in real life.
There's very little character development for the supporting cast, but in the rare moments that it does occur, I do appreciate it.
ENJOYMENT
I had pretty high expectations in the beginning. I think part of the enjoyment I once had faded away a little. I can't feel that much empathy as I used to for the characters as well. I still think it is a good story that catches your attention right away but I did get dissatisfied in the end.
Well, it is still an on-going manga so who knows?
Overall: 7/10
