Manga Review: Classmates: Dou kyu sei, Volume 1, by Asumiko Nakamura

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Seven Seas

Release Date: June 2019

Volumes: 1 + Spin-offs (5+?)

Spoilers?: No.

Buy it here: Amazon. Barnes and Noble. Book Depository. RightStuf.

Volume: 2.

Goodreads Synopsis:

The touching Boys’ Love story that inspired a hit animated film, in an all-new translation for digital and print.

Hikaru always thought his classmate Rihito was kind of a snob, until he stumbles across Rihito secretly practicing a song in an empty classroom. Hikaru agrees to become Rihito’s music tutor, and with each lesson the two boys grow closer. But when Hikaru realizes that he’s fallen for Rihito, will they stay classmates or become something more?

Review:

This series feels a bit like The Theory of the Sunspot, and the artwork reminds me of Korean manga, by which I mean that it's beautiful. The boys are a bit droopy eyed, with swooshy hair and long legs, and they're sweet and emotional, and the story feels like a pure first love high school tale. I'm into it.

Hikaru impulsively offers to help Rihito practice a song for their class performance, though he doesn't even really understand his own feelings yet. It's an awkward start to their relationship. Hikaru has never really considered it himself, but he's not afraid of his feelings once he realizes them. Then there's the potentially pervy teacher, who helps Rihito out when he needs it.

I enjoyed the way the story progressed here. How open Hikaru is, and how Rihito lets things grow between them. I even liked how we got the backstory on the teacher, and how that turned out between them all. High school is ending soon, and it was nice to see them confront that and where things might go from here, as well.

This was a really sweet yaoi story, a sweet romance with a cute couple. I'm excited to read the next one.