This manga gives the reader a really good grasp of what the densha otoko story is based on, but it portrays it badly. The main character, who is supposed to be a typical otaku, portrays NO sign of the stereotypical otaku attributes that one would expect, ex: fussing over anime/manga, going crazy over figurines, etc. In fact, his personality seems to take a complete 180 within the first 10 pages, seriously wtf? Instead of a otaku coming out of his shell (which took approx less than 15 pages for him to become a normal person and forget about anything otakuish, to the point that it never even appears in the manga), it is more focused on the typical romance between two shy people. The otaku part did not contribute anything to the story; the plot could've been possible even if a normal, non-otaku, but shy person had been the one saving Hermes on the train and not a otaku.

There is no way that you can read this and not enjoy it, I felt like an idiot having a huge grin on my face while reading this manga. It is sweet and lovable story that everybody should read.

Just to be clear, there was no otaku in this manga, like someone said ealier. The fact that (the supposedly nerdy otaku) otoko-san was miraculously so knowledgeable in dressing and being so convenient talking to a girl after a night made the story a bit unrealistic too. But if we could set those minor details aside and enjoyed this as the story of a geek trying to change himself for the girl he loved with a whole discussion board's backup, its would make a great read (though I'm sure some fan of the original drama/novel would disagree, all fine!).

And the art is fine. Not gorgeous, but very very likable, and each character is quite dishtinguisable. Wonder why so many people dont like it 0_o?

... Last updated on January 7th, 2013, 8:04am

I don't usually read this sort of thing, but it's really entertaining.
It's gotten to the point where I can easily compare my expression to all of his friends on the internet. (Mind you, I don't yell anything out.)
He's really easy to cheer for, and the storyline is the best I've seen for something centering on romance in an everyday setting. (Which I think sounds quite boring.)

I don't really think the art is the best, but the story had me going from the first page without a doubt.

This was such a good story... Every guy has gone through these phases for a girl. You can see yourself in the plot. It's true that confidence might seem natural sometimes, but when you're with a girl you really like, you'll start to waver. But the fact that you don't give up, that you want to become better for that person, that's what really counts in the end. This story makes me more than happy. It gives you a warm fuzzy feeling inside your chest...

I think many people can associate with the guy in this manga, first-date wise and inexperience with girls. It's a great read. It might be awkward at times, I mean the main character starts off as an awkward guy, but the manga really accomplishes to touch you. Can't recommend this enough. If you haven't read it yet, READ IT.

... Last updated on January 27th, 2012, 6:35am

Honestly. Wow. I'm not a romance guy, never have been. But damn. This just jumped into my top 3 reads of all time. I'm sure everyone that has been part of an online community at some point or another has had one of those moments when it felt like a true meeting of minds across the gulf of cyberspace, where even the trolls and lurkers join in and contribute something to the whole. This is a manga for those moments.

I may not be an akiba-kei, but I am by no means a sociable man, so I suppose I saw a lot of myself in Densho. Yet even if you're not a hikikomori like me, or an otaku like Densha, this is a must read. I mean it. Stop reading this comment and start reading Densha Otoko, because the sooner you start, the sooner you'll understand what I mean.

What a ride this was! I was smiling and rooting with the rest of the posters cheering Densha on through his journey! The art was just great: lively and full of personality, and it suited the story. A short, but great read.

wow just wow.....this is too good.....
the reader him/herself will go through emotional stages just reading it..........
very touching..funny in a way......u cant put it down...and u keep getting moments of embarrassment which somewhat make the reader stop reading yet u cant......

I am a critic..and this has somehow unexpectedly made me enjoy it alot

Well, this manga wasn't really targeted at me, being a girl and all, but I LOVED it. What an awkward guy Densha was in the beginning, but that's what makes the story so cute. Definitely a good read for girls too, and the way it's portrayed through a community thread is really interesting.

Have to agree with some of the previous reviewers though, it's a bad portrayal of an otaku. I mean,
But nonetheless, this is an awesome read. I was also grinning like an idiot throughout this one.

... Last updated on July 19th, 2012, 4:01am