* * * *
now, i know what you are thinking after reading that sypnosis. Another generic mediocre romcom, isn't it?
WRONG. Sure, the plot line is nothing new and it's just like most other LN's. So what sets it apart from other LN?
First, this is one of the most realistic LN out there (pretty rare).
And Mainly, the difference lies in characters.
Hikigaya, is, a loner. It's not like he wanted to be one, but he had some mental trauma from junior and middle school and other circumstances forced him to be one. He tries his best to distant himself from others. He tries to read between words. Plus, he has dead fish eyes that makes people not to approach him.
Then, he meets yukinoshita, she's a loner too but a complete opposite of 8man. Excellence at everything she does.
And then yui yuigahama. She's total opposite of 8man and yukinon. Popular, good looking and a nice personality who wants to get along with everyone.
These three make make up the service club.
The story moves along with the requests the service club gets.
Now most anime watchers say that Oregairu doesnt have a story, but, is that true?
It does have a story. It's a character driven story, and a good one at that. We see how Service club tries to solve the request they get.
Again, so what? What's so good about those requests?
NOTHING. The request are simple. What matters is how 8man solves it.
And more than that, we see the psychology aspects of high school students and the philosophy of today's society with those requests.
Hikki's view on other people, the society, is harsh. It's crude. (lets just say cynical, k?)
Yet, none of it is wrong. Instead, his view is so accurate that you cant even refute that. And it's thought provoking.
As i said, this LN is realistic, so even you, the reader, have to agree with his views even if you dont want to.
Hikki is called monster of logic. Why? Because he has a logic for everything.
Hikki's thoughts are contradictory. It's full of sofistry. Yet, you agree with him.
Yukino & yui, both try to solve the problems. But for some reason, 8man is the only one who solves it.
But his methods are not complementery.
Anime watchers, who saw those methods, said, " HIKIGAYA IS BADASS ".
But no, he's not. It's just that hikigaya doesnt have other options.
This series, has an amazing writing style and narration. You relate to the characters, you cheer for them, you feel sad with them.
The character development is also good, something you should look forward to.
The story, as I said, is character driven. There are plot twists, there are some sad moments, some cheerful moments, some satisfactory moments.
The art illustrations are good too. Especially the color illustions. Those are beautiful.
But hey, is this really a love comedy?
Yes and no. It's like 25% comedy, 10% romance. But the rest of it, is the reality described in a cruel way, harsh words.
Now, something about yukinoshita. She's an ideal student, but even she has her problems. She has a bad tongue, plus she's beautiful. Also she's a cat lover.
Makes her a good character.
Yuigahama, is someone relatable, for me personally. Someone cheery and who wants to get along with everyone. Reminds me of my highschool days.
The thing is. Every character, including side ones, are people you'll find around you. The atmostphere, is exactly like a high school.
It doesnt feel artificial or fictional, like most LN's in market.
About romance angle, it's there. Yui and yukino, both have shown an interest in hikki. (Plus 2 more characters, but that'd be spoiler)
and finally, a minor spoiler.
" I want something genuine. "
when hikki says that, he cries. The badass, cries. And at that moment, your heart warms up.
But what does hikigaya want? What is that genuine thing?
It's something you, the readers have to find out.
Overall score : 9/10
If you liked the anime, then you're gonna love this LN even more.
