Manga Review: Sweat and Soap, Volume 3, Kintetsu Yamada

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: August 2020

Volumes: 9+

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 2. 4.

 

Goodreads Synopsis:

 

In an office romance, there's a fine line between sexy and awkward... and that line is where Asako -- a woman who sweats copiusly -- met Koutarou -- a perfume developer who can't get enough of Asako's, er, scent. Don't miss a romcom manga like no other!

DROPPING A BATH BOMB
The office romance between the quiet and sweet accountant Asako, who's spent her life ashamed of how much she sweats, and rising star of the bath and toiletry world Kotaro got off to a fast and steamy start! Kotaro's status at the company has made her wary of revealing their relationship to their colleagues at Liliadrop, and she's stumbled into the discovery that Kotaro has been mentoring an attractive, young product developer named Korisu. He doesn't seem to have feelings for her, but might she be harboring a secret crush? Awkwardness explodes into anxiety when Kotaro tells her he's scheduled to take a four-day business trip with Korisu--just the two of them! Can Asako's budding relationship survive, and what's Korisu planning to do over three nights with her supposedly-single boss?

The hilarious ups and downs of an office romance at a personal care products company are the subject of this sexy, strange romp. Sweat and Soap combines the odd-couple chemistry of Wotakoi, the "too real!" workplace comedy of Aggretsuko, and a heavy dollop of office steaminess!

 

Review:

 

Kotaro has to go away on a business trip in the first part of this volume, which means a longer time without seeing each other than they've gone before. This confronts an issue with his assistant that had been brewing. After that, it's Kotaro's birthday, and the two end up planning a little trip alone together.

I really like how this series has handled serious issues so far. The whole thing with his assistant could have been big and dramatic, but instead Kotaro did what he could to help the situation, and then was honest about it, so that Asako could also deal with it for herself. And even how things go between the two women is very honest and supportive, and I liked that.

Aside from that, things are slowly heating up and growing closer between the main two, and I'm enjoying seeing it happen. I really do love the main romance here, and how sweet and mature it is.

Manga Review: Sweat and Soap, Volume 2, by Kintetsu Yamada

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: April 2020

Volumes: 8+

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 3.

 

Goodreads Synopsis:

 

In an office romance, there's a fine line between sexy and awkward... and that line is where Asako -- a woman who sweats copiusly -- met Koutarou -- a perfume developer who can't get enough of Asako's, er, scent. Don't miss a romcom manga like no other!

Asako's living her dream, working at the toiletry maker Lilia Drop. Little do her coworkers know, the reason she loves the company so much is that she's ashamed of her body odor, and their soap is the only thing that does the trick. So when the company's lead product developer, a perfuming genius, approaches her in the lobby and wonders what "that smell" is, she's terrified... but could it be... that he likes it? And, even more surprising to Asako... does she like him?

The hilarious ups and downs of an office romance at a personal care products company are the subject of this sexy, strange romp. Sweat and Soap combines the odd-couple chemistry of Wotakoi, the "too real!" workplace comedy of Aggretsuko, and a heavy dollop of office steaminess!

 

Review:

 

Asako is faced with a potential rival, and she has to decide whether she's willing to fight for herself here or not. She's always been a rather quiet and shy girl, unwilling to put herself out there or defend herself, or even ask for what she wants. But when she realizes just how much she wants Natori, she starts putting herself out there a bit more at a time.

I relate a lot to Asako, and I understand her struggle. Which is why it's also really nice to see her making the effort, putting herself in new situations in order to be closer to Natori.

While they're still keeping their relationship a secret at work, they're still finding time to be together as much as possible. And when Asako visits her family, she decides to share the news. The second half of the volume features Natori meeting Asako's brother, and while it felt very shojo here, it was still handled relatively well. Natori is tested, but he handles it well, and I think it even helps him want to be as good as he can be for Asako.

While there is some drama brewing, I think the themes are being handled rather maturely. And I do love Asako and Natori's relationship and how it's progressing. I'm excited for more.

Manga Review: Sweat and Soap, Volume 1, by Kintetsu Yamada

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: February 2020

Volumes: 8+

Spoilers?: No.

Buy it here: Amazon. Barnes and Noble. Powells. RightStuf.

Volume: 2.

 

Goodreads Synopsis:

 

In an office romance, there's a fine line between sexy and awkward... and that line is where Asako -- a woman who sweats copiously -- met Koutarou -- a perfume developer who can't get enough of Asako's, er, scent. Don't miss a romcom manga like no other!

Yae's living her dream, working at the toiletry maker Lilia Drop. Little do her coworkers know, the reason she loves the company so much is that she's ashamed of her body odor, and their soap is the only thing that does the trick. So when the company's lead product developer, a perfuming genius, approaches her in the lobby and wonders what "that smell" is, she's terrified... but could it be... that he likes it? And, even more surprising to Yae... does she like him?

The hilarious ups and downs of an office romance at a personal care products company are the subject of this sexy, strange romp. Sweat and Soap combines the odd-couple chemistry of Wotakoi, the "too real!" workplace comedy of Aggretsuko, and a heavy dollop of office steaminess!

 

Review:

 

Asako works at a toiletry maker, which makes her favorite soaps. Coincidentally, she has a bit of a sweating problem, which embarrasses her a lot. When all of a sudden Natori, with a super sensitive nose and who happens to make the scents, sniffs her out and is instantly entranced.

This sounds like a crazy start of a series, given how the love interest starts smelling Asako all the time and she kind of goes along with it, even though it embarrasses her. But really, they basically just start dating. He takes her out to eat, they have what looks like moments of fooling around, when really he's just sniffing her neck and taking notes of the scents. She's basically his muse.

I admit that this sounds very weird. When I first heard about this, I didn't particularly think to pick it up. It seemed like it would probably be an ecchi seinen series, especially when I heard it was adult. I think the subject matter is what gives that impression.

When instead, this very much feels like a josei series. Asako is the protagonist, and while clearly Natori has an odd fetish, she goes along with it, and even gets used to it. She's not being forced here. And very quickly, a romance starts to form.

I like a dirty josei romance, and one with an odd fetish is not at all a problem to me. Plus, I really liked the characters, and the pace and writing.

I'm basically hooked, which even surprises me. But that means I'll be reading more.

Manga Review: An Incurable Case of Love, Volume 3, by Maki Enjoji

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: April 2020

Volumes: 7.

Spoilers?: Yes.

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

Volume: 1. 2. 4.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Nurse Nanase has striven to once again meet the prince of her dreams, so how is it he’s become such an aggravating doctor?!

After witnessing a handsome and charming young doctor saving a stranger’s life five years ago, Nanase Sakura trained to become a nurse. But when she meets the doctor again and they start working together, she finds Kairi Tendo to be nothing like the man she imagined him to be!

The mean Dark Lord has turned into a kindly knight! It’s like a dream come true! Is this really happening?!!

Nanase became a nurse to chase after Dr. Kairi Tendo. To keep herself safe from a former patient who is stalking her, she stays with Kairi and pretends to be his lover! But the stalker becomes furious and attacks! As she loses consciousness, she reveals to Kairi how she feels!

Review:

 

In Nanase's terror, and while practically delirious after being attacked, she confesses to Tendo. This starts a change potentially in the good between them. But then it doesn't quite seem that Tendo feels the same for Nanase, or even really understands what a relationship is.

This is a bit of a confusing step to me. Tendo agrees, but then almost seems asexual in his feelings for Nanase, and his interest in being romantic with her. It's very odd. Near the end of the volume, he seems to be feeling more for her, though, and he definitely gets jealous easily.

I could definitely see how some people might see some problematic themes in these series, but I also think that it's okay to feel these things. Nanase feels very strongly for Tendo, and she's stuck by that. But she's also stuck by her want to be a nurse, whether it started because of him or not. Whether this might be seen as a guilty pleasure or not, I'm enjoying this.

Manga Review: An Incurable Case of Love, Volume 2, by Maki Enjoji

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: January 2020

Volumes: 7.

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 3.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Nurse Nanase has striven to once again meet the prince of her dreams, so how is it he’s become such an aggravating doctor?!

After witnessing a handsome and charming young doctor saving a stranger’s life five years ago, Nanase Sakura trained to become a nurse. But when she meets the doctor again and they start working together, she finds Kairi Tendo to be nothing like the man she imagined him to be!

Her first love is a Dark Lord with an awful personality! Nanase respects him as a doctor, but he still makes her furious!

Nanase became a nurse to chase after Dr. Kairi Tendo. Unfortunately, now she must deal with his tyranny. He kisses her and calls it a medical treatment. He’s good at his job, but he’s a despicable man! Despite this, Nanase does something unexpected to the Dark Lord!

Review:

Nanase is comfortable at the hospital, though she's still learning. Tendo is her attending now, but then a new doctor shows up. Nanase is struggling with their disagreements, and her rediscovering of her feelings for Tendo. Despite her previous thoughts, she still clearly has feelings for Tendo. When she gets a bad recurring patient, Tendo steps in to help her out.

The chemistry and story are definitely getting better. I enjoyed the characters more in this volume. I don't really appreciate the attempt at a triangle, though I don't think it'll go farther—or at least I hope not.

One thing I noticed, though, was how none of the other staff are worried about the growing feelings between Nanase and Tendo. It started out mostly joking and because of their history, but now it's pretty obvious they're starting to have something between them. I guess a conflict of interest in business isn't as big of a deal there? Or, maybe it's not as big of a worry in the medical business, even, as it would be in some jobs? It seemed weird to me, but maybe that's why.

Still, this is definitely getting better. The characters and story are growing on me. 

A review copy was provided by the publisher, VIZ Media, for an honest review. Thank you so, so much!

Manga Review: An Incurable Case of Love, Volume 1, by Maki Enjoji

Rating (Out of 5): ~3

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: October 2019

Volumes: 7.

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 2.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Nurse Nanase has striven to once again meet the prince of her dreams, so how is it he’s become such an aggravating doctor?!

After witnessing a handsome and charming young doctor saving a stranger’s life five years ago, Nanase Sakura trained to become a nurse. But when she meets the doctor again and they start working together, she finds Kairi Tendo to be nothing like the man she imagined him to be!

Review:

I'm a fan of Maki Enjoji, so I was excited for more to be licensed. I'm definitely going to be following this one, and I hope we get more from her and more josei in general.

Sakura thought she found her prince charming five years ago, when Tendo stepped in to save a mans life. Now that she's finally become a nurse and is given the chance to work with him, she's discovered that he's terribly rude in real life.

She immediately gets a different impression of him when she gets to work with him, but thankfully she's also found a passion in being a nurse. And he's also a good doctor, so she has to prove that she can be competent in her job, as well, and decide whether she wants to work in his department.

I found the hospital aspect of the story interesting, and I don't mind it—I have watched some medical dramas. I think some story lines were a little rushed, or maybe forced, more than went smoothly, in this volume. And even their relationship wasn't quite hitting me, I'm not sure if it was the chemistry or the characters.

This volume was just okay to me, which is a little disappointing. I hope that it gets better, as I really want to like it more.

 A review copy was provided by the publisher, VIZ Media, for an honest review. Thank you so, so much!

Manga Review: The Delinquent Housewife!, Volume 1, by Nemu Yoko

Rating (Out of 5): ~3

Publisher: Vertical Comics

Release Date: September 2018

Volumes: 4.

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 2.

Goodreads Synopsis:

A family comedy manga about a high school boy and his sister in law who moves in, who has a BIG secret from her past.

Tohru Komukai and his bride-to-be, Komugi, move in with his family just until they find a place of their own. Or, that was the plan, until Tohru suddenly leaves for a long-term business trip overseas, leaving Komugi to fend for herself on her in-laws’ turf. While Komugi is pretty, considerate and appears to be an ideal housewife, the truth is she doesn’t know how to do a lick of housework, and can’t cook at all. Also, she has a secret past as a member of an all-girls bosozoku biker gang! The only member of the family to learn these secrets is Dai, Tohru’s younger brother, and he helps Komugi keep up appearances until she can learn how to hold her own as a domestic goddess...

Review:

Komugi and her fiance have moved in with his family while they plan and settle things, and then suddenly he's called away overseas on business. Which leaves Komugi with her fiance's family, not knowing them too well at this point.

Komugi is trying hard to help and fit in and get along with everyone. But she's clearly the odd one out. And also, she used to be a delinquent, and now she sneaks out of the house at night to meet up with her girl friends, and of course she can't tell her fiance's family any of this, because they wouldn't approve.

I was honestly very interested in this series, originally. I don't really understand why she would be living with her fiance's family, but maybe that's an American thing for that to seem weird; especially once he's gone for who-knows-how-long. But once it was obvious that Dai, her fiance's brother, likes her, I lost some interest. I'm still intrigued by Komugi's character and her challenges regarding her delinquent past, but I'm not interested in that whole unrequited soon-to-be brother-in-law drama. I don't think that's necessary.

I believe this is a short series, so I might try more. I'm not sure at this point.

Manga Review: Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku, Volume 2, by Fujita

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: June 2018

Volumes: 7+

Spoilers?: Light.

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

Volume: 1. 3.

Goodreads Synopsis:

NOTHING VENTURED, NO XP GAINED Frustrated at the slow pace of their relationship, Hirotaka asks Narumi on a real date, with one critical stipulation: They can’t show their otaku sides at all! Can the two find something to bond over in the absence of games, manga, and anime? Meanwhile, Hanako and Taro revisit the origins of their own tempestuous relationship back when they were in high school, and even Naoya seems to be spending more time with a new friend!

Review:

This series is very quickly growing on me.

In the first half, the author plays around with mixing up the chapters, extending a main plot line. It makes for a fun read, though I think she does it better in the second volume with timing.

We get to see Hirotaka and Narumi go on a real date and try to leave out anything otaku related. It's hard, as that's a large part of their lives. Narumi also gets to act like a “real” girlfriend and take care of Hirotaka when he's overworked himself. In the second half, we get to see how Narumi and Hanako actually became friends by revealing their otaku obsessions. And we go way back, to see how Hanako and Taro met in high school and started going out. We got to see a vulnerable side of Hanako during this, which was really sweet—and honestly a surprise.

My main excitement in this volume, though, was seeing Naoya. He is literally the cutest, and I love him so much. I realized just how much in this volume, and I'm a bit obsessed. In this volume, he meets a girl, Ko, who is awkward and shy and afraid of interacting with people. Given how oblivious and outgoing Nao is, it makes for a really sweet pair. I will admit I was a little disappointed that Naoya doesn't meet a cute boy instead, but that's okay. I was kind of hoping there would be more diversity in the characters, but I was very quickly won over by Nao x Ko.

It might be mainly because of Nao at this point, but I'm a bit obsessed, and feel like I must read the next one as soon as possible.

Manga Review: Everyone's Getting Married, Volume 9, by Izumi Miyazono

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: March 2019

Volumes: 9.

Spoilers?: Light.

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

Volume: 1. 8.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Opposites attract—but should they get married?!

Successful career woman Asuka Takanashi has an old-fashioned dream of getting married and becoming a housewife. After her long-term boyfriend breaks up with her to pursue his own career goals, she encounters popular newscaster Ryu Nanami. Asuka and Ryu get along well, but the last thing he wants is to ever get married. This levelheaded pair who want the opposite things in life should never get involved, except…

Successful career woman Asuka Takanashi has an old-fashioned dream of getting married and becoming a housewife, but popular TV newscaster Ryu Nanami would rather die than ever get married. Asuka doesn’t want to get in the way of Ryu pursuing his career abroad, so she has ended their long-distance relationship. With their lives on different paths, is this loving couple destined to remain apart?

Review:

I respect how this series ended, which is probably an odd thing to say.

This started with Asuka declaring that she knew what she wanted, which was to marry and be a homemaker, and with Ryu stating he didn't want to marry. They've both been through quite a bit, though it might have dragged on in some places. I appreciate that Asuka decided she might need to do something else for now, and that she didn't think she and Ryu could be together, given how differently their wants were.

I think it made sense, how things play out from there. Asuka ended up going down a different path than she expected, and I think she was happy with that. I'm glad that the drama with Kamiya was actually resolved, finally. The relationship between Asuka and Ryu was resolved sweetly, too, and I'm happy with their ending. They kind of both needed to do their own thing for a while, before they could finally meet in the middle, and that made sense.

Parts of this series seemed to drag on, and then the ending came quicker than I expected, but overall I'm happy with how it ended. It didn't feel rushed, and it made sense for the characters, so I can appreciate that.

A review copy was provided by the publisher, VIZ Media, for an honest review. Thank you so, so much!

Manga Review: Ooku: The Inner Chambers, Volume 14, by Fumi Yoshinaga

Rating (Out of 5): ~3

Publisher: VIZ Signature (VIZ Media)

Release Date: November 2018

Volumes: 16+

Spoilers?: Light.

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

Volume: 1. 13. 15.

Goodreads Synopsis:

In Eisner-nominated Fumi Yoshinaga’s alternative history of Edo-era Japan, the men of Japan are dying out, and the women have taken up the reigns of power—including the shogun’s seat!

In Edo period Japan, a strange new disease called the Redface Pox has begun to prey on the country's men. Within eighty years of the first outbreak, the male population has fallen by seventy-five percent. Women have taken on all the roles traditionally granted to men, even that of the shogun. The men, precious providers of life, are carefully protected. And the most beautiful of the men are sent to serve in the shogun's Inner Chamber...

With the death of her monstrous father, Iesada is finally assured that she can have a consort who will survive life in the Inner Chambers. And she is delighted that the new spouse chosen for her is intelligent, kind and considerate of her past trauma. But the consort Taneatsu comes to the court with a past of his own—and an assignment from his liege lord that could pit him against his beloved shogun.

Review:

Iesada takes a new husband in this volume, makes it official. She's become so used to not letting men close, though, that she tries to keep him at a distance. This works for a while, but he shows he's committed to her, and wants to do right by her. It's a process, but he grows closer.

At the same time, Abe Masahiro grows ill. She's made a lot of progress, and yet her time is coming much quicker than any of them expected. It's a sad couple of scenes with her, and for Iesada, who had grown very close to her.

I'm not much of a history person, or a historical reader, but I don't mind this series. There's a lot of nuances and politics, but it's still interesting. They're smart about what they do, and I like seeing the women taking charge when they're able. 

 A review copy was provided by the publisher, VIZ Media, for an honest review. Thank you so, so much!

Manga Review: Princess Jellyfish, Volume 3, by Akiko Higashimura

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: 2016

Volumes: 17 Volumes/9 Omnibus.

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 2. 4.

Goodreads Synopsis:

CHIC COUNTER-ATTACK

Inari, the aggressive vixen of redevelopment, ramps up her efforts to buy out Amamizu-kan, where Tsukimi and her friends live. But Kuranosuke has a fabulous plan of attack--turn Tsukimi's jellyfish designs into a reality! Will becoming real fashion designers be more than Amars can handle? Meanwhile, Shu's interest in Tsukimi drives Kuranosuke to confront some feelings he's never dealt with before...

Review:

It's been a while since I read the last volume, and I'm not quite sure why I waited, but now I definitely want to catch up.

Halfway through this volume is where the anime ended, so most of this was new content to me, and it was very exciting. I'm so glad we finally get to see more of the story, how things are really going to turn out.

Now that the possibility of Amamizukan being torn down is more plausible, we're getting more of the story. Originally, I wondered why it was such a huge deal—why couldn't the owner just buy a new rental/house with the money she's given? She'd probably still make a profit.

But, now I see that the owner is Chieko's mother, who has been letting them live there despite their being NEETs, and I see that she's sick of supporting them. And, that, I completely understand. They shouldn't really get to live there if they can't afford it; they should just get jobs. I'm not sympathetic to that, honestly.

And still, I don't see why they can't just find somewhere else to live. This might be a great deal, but they can find something else.

Despite all that, it looks like they're working hard to make these jellyfish dresses a real thing, and I respect that. The dresses are really pretty, and they're a very good idea. The work they put into it is also admirable, and I like seeing Kuranosuke help and push them and make them grow for this.

I really love the crazy characters in this series. Mayaya is still one of my favorites, and I love seeing her be bribed to model. Jiji kind of bothers me. We met a new doll-obsessed girl, who is very odd, and a little disturbing as well. Then there's Tsukimi and Kuranosuke, and Shu, all who I really like. I'm really enjoying the development between those three, in particular.

This series is crazy and so much fun. I'm excited to read more.

Manga Review: Princess Jellyfish, Volume 2, by Akiko Higashimura

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: 2016

Volumes: 9.

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 3.

Goodreads Synopsis:

ARMED WITH STYLE

With the geeky paradise of Amamizu-kan threatened by redevelopment plans, Tsukimi and the Amars must spring into action. Buy the wily Inari and her hold on Shu forces Kuranosuke to pull out all the stops: money, blackmail, and...fashion?! Though Amamizu-kan still struggles with Kuranosuke's stylish ways, the neighborhood fashionista has too much to lose, whether it's a hidden identity or priceless friendships. Tsukimi gets the chance to make her jellyfish dreams into a glamorous reality, but that means breaking out of her bubble! Can these misfit princesses save their castle?

Review:

I was thinking that the Saving-Amamizukan story line would be resolved relatively early and then they would move on to something else, but I'm starting to think that this plot is going to last the series. I think I'm okay with that, though.

There's a surprising amount of romantic undertones in this series. I didn't feel this much in the anime, so I didn't expect it. But there are quite a few moments between Kuranosuke and Tsukimi, mostly where they later freak out and deny it. Tsukimi is very much crushing on Shu, as well. So it's very complicated, and I'm not actually sure who I prefer. I like all of them quite a lot.

The Amars are also very much in denial—I don't see how they accept Kuranosuke's crazy stories to believe he's still a girl. I do love them, though. They're crazy otaku and they're so funny. Especially Mayaya—she's so over-the-top and it's great.

I love seeing Tsukimi get to work on the jellyfish dresses. She gets so passionate, and they truly are beautiful. They make an attempt, and then they get a success—and it's so pretty! I can't wait to see more of them, and I'm intrigued by where the plot will go next for that crazy plan. Kuranosuke's ideals are pretty vague.

I love this series. It's crazy and dramatic and cheesy. It's so much fun and I'm so glad it's being released. I can't wait to read more.

Manga Review: Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku, Volume 1, by Fujita

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: April 2018

Volumes: 6+

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 2.

Goodreads Synopsis:

The awkward, romantic comedy manga about geeks in love that inspired the new anime! Can a professional man who's secretly a hardcore gamer and a woman who's secretly a fujoshi date without their hobbies getting in the way, or revealing each other's secrets?

Extra-long book includes 2 Japanese volumes!

Narumi and Hirotaka are, by all appearances, a power couple. They're young, good-looking professionals. But they have secrets from everyone but each other: They're serious geeks! Narumi is a fujoshi, and Hirotaka's a hardcore gamer. Their sweet, awkward love story started life as a webcomic before becoming a full-blown manga series by popular demand, and is about to become a major anime series!work.

Review:

This isn't 4-koma, but it is short, comedic chapters. Narumi meets an old classmate at her new job, Hirotaka, who is a fellow otaku. This is something they related to while in school, but now Narumi avoids telling people these things, and has had issues in the dating world because of it. So upon seeing Hirotaka again, she gets excited to have someone with this in common.

They decide to start dating, and in the moment, it feels like a “why not?” situation. A convenient decision. But as the story progresses, we get to see that there are real feelings involved, and that they do work well together. We also meet Koyanagi and Kabakura, fellow otaku work friends, who are also dating.

This was a really fun volume. Having such big, comedy-based volumes always take me a while to get through, but this was fun. Otaku series are always on my radar, and since this is also josei—or, at least, with adult characters—that's even more of a plus. This is fun and geeky, and the artwork is also really pretty.