And now that it's released up to volume 6 (right?), in my opinion, it is another amazing work of art. Honestly, I find Sekaiichi quite more favourable than Junjou Romantica! Why? Hehehee... I'll take my time and explain! But first thing's first; I want people to know that I've watched 12 out of 12 episodes of Sekaiichi Hatsukoi anime PLUS the first OVA before reading the manga... I've also watched Junjou Romantica BOTH seasons full thrice and is still catching up with the manga. Kay? Kay? OKAY! So let's begin!
Story;
I'm a sucker for out-of-this-world storylines which would either put my eyes glued on the screen/book reading or make me refuse to even know about what would happen next. The thing about Sekaiichi is that...it is NOT out-of-this-world... A typical first-love that ended up broken for a misunderstanding and these two fated ones are once again reunited via work. I was skeptical at first but once I started reading, the story went on very smoothly and it truly showed what would happen between two actual people in real life.
Oh, and a typical Nakamura Shungiku work: it has 3 stories, the main and two other. I'll be dealing with the main since it IS the principal setting.
In every chapter, there would be these scenes where they end up slowly falling in love. I love these scenes as they are SO CUTE and really moves me...i'm a girl so yeah... but then, as there is the 'stubborn one' in the pair, it will always end with a hilarious gag. Sometimes it might be a bit annoying as the lovey-dovey/smexy scene is like already a BLAST but was cut off with a new chapter... Nevertheless, it'll leave you aching for more. Depends on how persistent you are, that's for sure. ;)
Art;
Hmmm... Even from reading Junjou Romantica, I'm still not all-that with the art style since it gets pretty messed up at times. But then again, it has it's own originality and the potrayal of the characters and scenes are very well-made. To be honest, I find the art style of Sekaiichi much more clean and clear than Junjou so I enjoy reading it a lot more.
But I have to say, the coloured-prints and covers are beautiful... The colouring leaves me in awe as it leaves a girly love feel but the guys still have their manliness and all. I can't really judge base on their art but it is decent enough for me so yeah!
Character;
My favourite bit of the entire series. I. Love. THE CHARACTERS! The main pair; Takano Masamune & Onodera Ritsu is practically the most common type of pairing you can find out there! The tall perfect cool-type and the stubborn headstrong and persistent one. Cliche? Kind of... But the world is cliche enough for me to not even care. Even so, the characters have their own hint of originality. Takano displays the twisted leadership qualities making him quite the eccentric type. You can find these twisted possessive types but Takano is not one to cage his love interest. He can be carefree and very understanding...although his 'understanding' can be seen in a very out-of-the-ordinary way. And Onodera is your cute stubborn hardworker who is very confused and in denial with his feelings. But even with his predictable personality, his descisions (about Takano) can catch you off-guard. A total tsundere and yet, he is one of the most stubborn types I've ever read about which makes him my favourite out of all teh characters.
Originality differentiates with each and every human being. But I can't help feel that these characters have huge reasons of their own which brings the story alive by their presence in every page.
Enjoyment;
Although quite predictable at times, I can't help but enjoy every page and every panel of this manga. People sometimes say that it is very similar to Junjou Romantica and all but I can't seem to relate to them... I see Sekaiichi Hatsukoi. That's it. And all I know is that it is a great work of Nakamura Shungiku. I enjoyed reading and I'll wait like a fool for the next volume! Even when Onodera finally succumbs to his feelings, I'll keep on loving this series no matter what!
Overall;
There are flaws, there are certain parts where I can't really come to like but nevertheless, Sekaiichi can bring me to tears and make me laugh my guts out on the floor. And they're only pictures with words! (That's what my mom says when she finds me reading manga) But that's how I react with Sekaiichi Hatsukoi. It is AMAZING, BEAUTIFUL, HEART-WARMING, ADDCTIVE and tells the world's Best First Love story ever made.
