Review: Love*Com, Vol. 1 by Aya Nakahara
Love*Com, Vol. 1
by Aya Nakahara
Everyone at school thinks that Risa Koizumi, the tallest girl in her class, is dating Atsushi Otani, the shortest guy in the school. It drives both of them nuts that they're constantly being connected with each other, so Risa and Atsushi decide to team up and help each other hook up with their crushes. But shy Ryoji, the tall guy Risa's fallen for, has a crush on her best friend, Chiharu. Meanwhile, Chiharu - a cute girl even shorter than Atsushi - is too scared of boys to even talk to them. Risa and Atsushi have their work cut out for them, especially since all their friends are convinced that the two of them are perfect for each other.
At 5'7”, Risa is considered freakishly tall...for a Japanese girl. I was surprised when the author revealed her height, it just seemed so...well, normal. But, different cultures, different norms, right? At least I can understand Atsushi's dilemma...at 5'1”, he really is a short guy!
Anyway, the premise is silly and predictable, to say the least. But the characters are so energetic and passionate that you can't help but enjoy their antics. Atsushi may be a shrimp, but he works hard to overcome his physical limitations to be a basketball star. Risa...well, Risa's improvements are more internal, as she slowly begins to realize that height is not enough to make a partner in a working relationship. Even though it's just the first volume, both characters have matured a little by the end without abandoning the joie de vivre that makes the manga fun.
3 out of 5 stars
To read more about Love*Com, Vol. 1, buy it or add it to your wishlist click here.
by Aya Nakahara
Everyone at school thinks that Risa Koizumi, the tallest girl in her class, is dating Atsushi Otani, the shortest guy in the school. It drives both of them nuts that they're constantly being connected with each other, so Risa and Atsushi decide to team up and help each other hook up with their crushes. But shy Ryoji, the tall guy Risa's fallen for, has a crush on her best friend, Chiharu. Meanwhile, Chiharu - a cute girl even shorter than Atsushi - is too scared of boys to even talk to them. Risa and Atsushi have their work cut out for them, especially since all their friends are convinced that the two of them are perfect for each other.
At 5'7”, Risa is considered freakishly tall...for a Japanese girl. I was surprised when the author revealed her height, it just seemed so...well, normal. But, different cultures, different norms, right? At least I can understand Atsushi's dilemma...at 5'1”, he really is a short guy!
Anyway, the premise is silly and predictable, to say the least. But the characters are so energetic and passionate that you can't help but enjoy their antics. Atsushi may be a shrimp, but he works hard to overcome his physical limitations to be a basketball star. Risa...well, Risa's improvements are more internal, as she slowly begins to realize that height is not enough to make a partner in a working relationship. Even though it's just the first volume, both characters have matured a little by the end without abandoning the joie de vivre that makes the manga fun.
3 out of 5 stars
To read more about Love*Com, Vol. 1, buy it or add it to your wishlist click here.