Story - 9
If the title “ I Shaved. Then I Brought a High School Girl Home” has caught your eye and you’re looking for a feel-good romcom with high school girls gushing over a self projectable protagonist, this is not the story for you. This is the story of the relationship between a man placed into a guardian role and a deeply troubled high school girl.
The story deals with difficult and touchy topics such as how exploiters can warp people with troubled lives’ view of unconditional love, in this case it is adults taking advantage of a teenage runaway.
There were a couple instances I felt the author stretched situations a bit too far.
Art - 7
The art is cute. It does its job conveying messages, actions, and emotions to the reader. The artist is certainly not untalented but there’s nothing that stands out and makes viewers say “This is Higehiro’s art.”
Character - 9
Yoshida - From the beginning he seems a man down on his luck in the world of romantic love. He is initially uninteresting and is implied to have his job as a salaryman his entire life until he meets Sayu and is put into a guardian role. His unconditional love for her is what helps Sayu develop as a character and drive the story forward.
Sayu - Many people who take this story at face value misunderstand Sayu’s character as her being “whorish” or “slutty” rather than that of a girl unprovided of basic necessities who resolved to sex work in return for food and shelter. As a result of living this way for at least six months she develops an unhealthy relationship with love. Something along the lines of “I do not deserve anything unless I give something in return.” She doesn’t see herself as a person worthy of proper care, lacking true value within herself.
Both their character growth and interactions are incredibly well written. Disturbing when a difficult situation is put in place, tear jerking when placed in heavy hearted ones, and heartwarming when the two bond as family, whether they are aware of it or not.
The main protagonist has been the subject of unrequited love which I assume will be addressed in future chapters. His character development is still in its early stages.
The rest of the cast does a great job of progressing the story. Though something feels amiss about Yuzuha or “Kouhai” girl. She comes off too dependent, her motive is a bit lackluster compared to the other characters, and I would like to see her fleshed out more in future chapters.
This also comes down to personal observation but it’s rare in manga to see women in their 20’s appear in the main cast. It’s a refreshing change from casts consisting of all teenagers.
Enjoyment - 10/10
Overall - 9
Higehiro to me is a story of the complexity of unconditional love. Whether one interprets Yoshida’s relationship as parental or brotherly is debatable, it is clear that his love and care for Sayu is genuine and unselfish, like a guardian’s.
Hopefully this review was not entirely incomprehensible. I look forward to seeing Sayu and Yoshida’s relationship progress. This is one of the most beautiful stories I’ve had the pleasure of reading.
