Koi Dano Ai Dano is the non-episodic sequel to the great episodic series Warau Kanoko. In the previous series, Kanoko finally transferred schools for the 108th time, and decided that was enough; now we follow her attempt at becoming a more refreshing kind of character in high school, together with the main romantic lead of WK, Tsubaki.

Warau Kanoko really hit many of my sweet spots: a clever, strong female protagonist who uses her mind to fix things, and not too much romance. Kanoko is a great lead, and now that the story in Koi Dano is more serial, and concentrated in a single school, let the mind games begin!

Fans of Skip Beat! might like to know that romantically, Kanoko and Tsubaki are quite alike to Kyoko and Ren; Kanoko is very dense when it comes to herself (in things like friendship and romance), while Tsubaki is a cool, hyper-competent romantic lead who is extremely possessive and jealous, bordering and often dipping into outright childishness. It is through the eyes of Tsubaki that we get to see Kanoko's cuter sides, while other times we get to see her at work as a political mastermind fighting in the wars of the Three Kingdoms of Takara no Tani high school.

The writing and direction is clever, and bears well under repeated rereads. Different plotpoints are woven well together, and the past is not an unknown country, but one that is often alluded to.
It is also funny, though not in a slapstick or absurdist way. Most of the comedy grows from the interactions of characters, and a panel in a previous chapter might well bloom into a punchline in the next one. The humour isn't laugh-out-loud, but more of that constant, unstoppable maniacal grinning you get when you can't just stop, and have to continue.
This series is much recommended to everyone.

... Last updated on February 5th, 2012, 9:40am

This manga is not as episodic. The plot is event-driven and not character-driven, but there actually is a (rather complex) plot. It manages to keep the witty commentary on the status quo as well as other mangas through Kanoko's POV.
IMHO, I think this manga is weaker than its prequel, simply because there is much less character development, despite the fact that it has an actual plot. It's got a lot of shoujo fanservice (because of Tsubaki) and tons of comedy, but it's not spectacular. The only thing that saves it from sinking below the depths is the exploration of Tsubaki's personality. Even though the development is minimal, it's nice to see what he's thinking all the time, especially in regard to his hopeless crush. The only problem is, by adding this huge smattering of romance to the plot, the author essentially cornered herself because of the heroine's rather cynical personality. I really cannot see this proceeding smoothly or realistically. Maybe some sort of epiphany will occur?

By the way, I should clarify something. The female lead is not stupid. Neither is she dense. She's just not aware of the effect she has on others. At all. Take Momoka for example. It took forever for them to become friends (both ways, mind you) because she did not realize nor accept the girl's sincerity. Ironically, she is wonderful at picking up on the feelings and intentions of everyone else except her own. (And occasionally, Tsubaki, but it's been shown that she mostly gets him, despite the fact that his obvious obsession with her confuses her).

Overall, it's a nice piece. Not great, but funny and cute and sincere. Far better than the average shoujo, but falling short of any sort of masterpiece. While its prequel was a witty commentary on shoujo cliches, this one attempts a plot drenched in romantic comedy, something that both helps it and hurts it.

If you like shoujo, read it. If you hate shoujo with a burning passion, I'd suggest just reading the prequel and then judge based on that. This sequel has made a return to shoujo roots.

... Last updated on June 1st, 2012, 9:03pm

Suffers from the “male lead can be better than you if he Tries” trope, but not too bad overall.

It’s just.... It was especially grating to have that tired, gender dynamic confirming cliche shoved in my face after reveling in Kanoko’s intelligence & cunning. It was NBD that she academically outperformed him until it became an Ego thing & he had to just study a little to outrank her.

Like. We get it. A het fem protag can’t one-up a male lead in any way (intelligence, social skills, aesthetics, etc) without it being a deliberate choice on his part. Cool. Can we move on & let FMC be exceptional w/o making him even more so?

I have been reading manga since 2011- and I mean, pretty nonstop. I have read it all. Fairy Tail, Skip Beat, Maid Sama, Gauken Alice- you name it, I've read/watched/heard of it all. And in all of my otakuness, I can say with certainty that is is my favorite manga ever. I love it to the extent that I created a category for it on Fanfiction. The only problem is the infrequent updates. It

Naedoko just wants to be a refreshing shojo girl like her best friend, Momo. Tsubaki just wants Naedoko to notice him. The rest of the student body wants him to leave her alone so they can admire him in peace. That's right- this wonderful manga centers around the two least suited people for shojo ever. And that's what makes this manga so great.

Naedoko is cynical. She's a genius. She's insightful. She also happens to be completely oblivious to her own love life. Being that she has a tomboy figure and wears glasses, one would think the obliviousness wouldn't be a problem.

However, the ever handsome, ever popular Tsubaki doesn't really care. He has liked Naedoko since middle school, when she transferred into his class (and Momo's) for a few weeks. She doesn't care how hot he is. She also doesn't take his aloofness- she sees right through him and he fell in love with her. Though he is completely obvious, Naedoko, and the vast majority of the student body fail to see it. Only a couple of hilarious supporting characters understand both his love and her appeal.

Altogether, this manga is amazing. Despite the fact that Naedoko is, as I said, completely oblivious to Tsubaki's shallow attempts to get her to see him, it doesn't get old. The fact that they are best friends also adds to the mix. It is so refreshing to read shojo mangas without shojo heroines. Naedoko is the girl who makes fun of the helpless, innocent, typical shojo characters. Tsubaki so naturally loves such a strange, but secretly cute, girl without any forcing of emotions on the author's part.

I don't know how else to describe this masterpiece. It perfectly meshes comedy, drama, and romance into a perfect mix that doesn't over or underdo any of the three. Each and every character is unique and has a background, whether they are part of the story for three pages, three chapters, or three years. This manga is a definite read- I can't stress that enough. Now, stop reading this and start reading KDAD!

... Last updated on April 21st, 2015, 12:09pm

FINALLY, a shoujo where the female lead isn't a bimbo and the male lead isn't your average popular guy! The story is fairly original even if the setting isn't, and the characters are beyond amazing.

Tsubaki may seem like your average cool male lead, but he's anything but. He's sane, logical, and places Kanoko above everyone else. There's no stupid ex-gf's or other angst following him. Just him and his love for Kanoko which is wonderful (and often hilarious) to see. Kanoko on the other hand is one of my favorite female characters of all time (right up there with Sul from Cheese in the Trap). She's strong, incredibly intelligent, and I love how she thinks.

I would read this just for the characters. The whole manga is pure fun, and the political edge it has is fascinating. All in all, a fantastic shoujo.

Rating is a bit lower than I wanted to originally give it as it's not completed. Hopefully, the mangaka won't screw things up before then, although the way this story's going right now, I doubt that'll happen.

... Last updated on March 4th, 2012, 12:02am

I can't read anything else. Every other shoujo sucks in comparison. I find myself rolling my eyes while reading tbem now. I need more shoujo like this, more heroines like Naedoko. This is a great manga, from beginning to end. 9/10

There are very few shoujo heroines as brilliant and refreshing as Naedoko. Take it from someone who has sifted through an ocean of crappy heroines and found less than 10 that are actually unique characters. She really keeps the series entertaining and 90% of the comedy stems from her antics as well as her obliviousness to Tsubaki's feelings. I realized as I was reading that while I love Tsubaki's attempts to get Naedoko to notice him, if he were placed in a typical shoujo series, he'd be relatively uninteresting and cliche, which means Naedoko is the one who single-handedly made this manga a gem. Take her away and the story wouldn't be as good as it is, but have her as your lead and suddenly all the relationships and dynamics with the rest of the cast seem so natural and engaging. This is character writing at its best.

One of the best shoujo available in my opinion, for a few reasons. Mostly the heroine-don't be shallow like me and pass her up because she isn't your typical doe eyed pretty female lead. I now can't believe I thought that because seriously Kanoko is so cute, not to mention intelligent, clever, and observant. Also a wonderful thing about her is that finding a boyfriend is not her life goal, rather love is not really
in her radar. I also love this manga because of the Tsubaki and his sad unrequited love (this isn't really a spoiler, you find out right away) but I'm the type who likes possessiveness in manga and he is so possessive of her. Read the prequel to get more about Kanoko's personality and the beginning of romance with Tsubaki (there is less romance in the prequel, I think the mangaka mentions that)
Anyways, I love, love, love this manga!

... Last updated on May 26th, 2015, 1:37pm

This manga is not like most of the shoujo out there. You have a strong female lead and a hot guy you're cheering for, but the stories won't revolve about their (one-sided, so far) romance.

The chapters are extremely funny and the smart Kanoko will make you fall in love with the story and feel a bit sorry for poor Tsubaki.

The lack of angst is a plus! Nothing more refreshing than a relaxed male lead who won't doubt his feelings every two chapters.

... Last updated on July 6th, 2014, 5:23pm

Koi dano Ai dano is certainly different than most shoujo manga. It has a fresh plot and unique characters (but not annoying though). Reading this manga and the main character's observation of her surrounding always leaves me with a "that is so true!!!" feeling. This manga is definitely a MUST READ, especially for those who are sick of stupid, weak, and only-ever-thinks-of-love kind of female characters. Moreover, i find it interesting to see the male character who is head over heels for the female character instead. Their relationship is just too adorable to miss.

It is SO GREAT that you should STOP READING THESE REVIEWS and GO START READING this manga!!! HURRY! NOW! DON'T WASTE ANY MORE TIME!!! hahahaha