Story : 7/10
The story isn't particularly heavy, at least, not so far it isn't. It's a simple concept that Asuka (the male lead) is a man that adores the cute and comfortable things in life. Such as sewing, knitting, cute things and reading his favorite shojo manga. Unfortunately, after his father left their family due to his hidden and strong desire to be a woman, his mother had barred any and all feminine things from her son. In absolute fear that he'd want to be a woman too. So Asuka has to live his life as an 'otomen' (a man that likes cute things, but is still a man), in secret, and show off that he a is a strong, brave, willful and most of all... MANLY.
It's an excellent concept, and it is played well. So far the chapter-by-chapter plots haven't been particularly dramatic or stressful, giving the manga and calm and sweet air most of the time. But when there are some more pressing moments (that aren't laced with bizarre comedy), then it has the capability to be interesting. There hasn't been a dramatic moment as of yet (well, deeply dramatic), so I will be curious how some real drama will be played. I am positive it'll be played well.
Art : 9/10
Her style is beautiful. It is clean, but well done. It doesn't seem to morph too much between the 3 volumes that I have read so far, and it is rather beautiful to look at. All of her manga seem to share this quality, excellent art that is easy to look at. Most particularly Asuka is drawn very well, and he fits the appearance of a sort of strong-male type character very accurately. But, in her skill, she manages to pull off his 'otomen' side excellently without him seeming childish or comical to look at. So when he moves to his true personality, it definitely is not jarring and doesn't take away from the manga.
Character : 8/10
Excellent characters. Particularly the two male leads. Asuka is brilliantly written, and she writes both sides to him perfectly. The strong male and the cute-loving Otomen. Something that is hard to do. Her mastery of art helps to bring the concept across without it being distracting.
The side characters are also interesting enough and a lot of them seem to be leading double lives, or have another aspect to them that isn't entirely obvious when you first meet them. Or, they seem to very strongly follow whatever aspect about them that has been laid out. (Such as a cute-loving 'princess' that we meet later on). While they are one-time characters so far, they aren't annoying and don't seem shallow. Which is good.
Enjoyment : 9/10
This manga is easy to enjoy. Good characters, interesting plot, awesome drawings. Good to just sit down and read. It isn't your typical manga, and things are done slightly differently to the norm. But that's what makes it original and awesome to read. I myself thoroughly enjoyed it.
Overall : 8/10
A good manga. Worth at least the try. Not for everyone, and not for people who are looking for a manga where they can predict everything, or what certain things to happen (such as what happens in a typical manga), but that's defiantly what brings it's charm.
Otomen is steadily becoming popular, and is available now in English, at least up to volume 5 in bookstores (or soon to be).
So you all decide if you think the manga is worth the read, and enjoy Otomen!
