From the first glance at one of these pages you can tell you're in for so much more than just some smutty romp through the flippant life of a hungry young male. There is some flippancy and some hunger, yes, but that's part of how you get to know Tetsuo.

To compare him to the black panther as Akira does is entirely accurate: he is strong-willed, capricious, and proud. Although there were times when I could not understand his reasoning I never hated him for it. It only made him more real and more interesting- he can't be summed up entirely by the simple term of "tsundere." His pursuit of a goal and the feeling of discovering that goal is something that any person can relate to, artistic or not. Aoki's thirst for inspiration is as much of the story as the blossoming romance.

Akira is a wonderful character. She can be strong at the same time as precious and you want nothing more than for her to attain happiness because she deserves it. I absolutely loved her moments of spunkiness when she was entirely her own and knew exactly what and how she wanted something.

The movement between romance and artistry begin to blend until one becomes the other. The scenes of intimacy are both fiercely passionate and heartfelt so that no part felt like unnecessary fanservice. The rich style is poignant enough to assist the reader in learning the characters at the same time they are learning each other. Outside of the bedroom (and still sometimes in it) their interactions develop so naturally and are shown to be so honest and real that it's satisfying even before it is finished.

A clear favourite

After the recent rush of "borderline" porn in seinen magazines i find it so nice to see an author use nudity/sex for artistic purposes and have an actual narrative in an adult focused manga. The art school angle also comes of as natural too. The common criticism that Tetsuo is a bit of a narcissist in first 2 volumes who undervalues Akira is true but character progression takes place and the relationship matures from the comfort-sex direction.
I think that that was the whole point all along and the others characters are well integrated into the story which is important as they increase in importance in the later stories by the author. The series also works as a Mono no Aware if you are into that to a degree and there are a few well done moment of surrealism. Now it only need a satisfying ending which Mizu to Gin (7/10 but Gin no Tsuki is better) didn´t properly address, a length of less then 10 volumes and i will be wholehearted satisfied. Her previous series Koi Kaze (8/10) is also recommended but is bleaker in comparison so be prepared.
Update: The ending was met with the expected negative reaction amongst readers but is just what i was expecting as the series is a story about the failure of communication and putting passion in front of everything else so another conclusion would have been a betrayal to the overall narrative and themes.
"Sequels" exist in form of the "Mizu no" series but i would frankly like to read new short form anthology to some of the character's stories in here and her other works to tie the bow for good.

... Last updated on May 15th, 2015, 7:16am

It was surprisingly enjoyable.
I wasn't expecting anything much from it... But it turns out to be such a good manga.
It was a story about self discovery, or maybe more like rediscovery. He has lost his passion and soul for art somewhere along the line of living everyday life. His encounter and subsequent relationship with Akira, the owner of an art gallery, and his experience since then had helped him slowly open up and appreciate again. The male lead is very unique. He is sort of a tortured soul, yet he is always persevering: he knows his faults. And he s always striving to be better for himself.

The story was a bit confusing in the beginning fo me, but that might just be because I was absentminded as I was reading it at first. But... As I read it, things become more clear. Character developed so smoothly that I almost didn't see the moments of transition. The pacing was really good. The love is interesting also. Not the typical boy meet girl. It's a mature story, referring to some explicit scenes as well as the topic of the story itself. It touches some deep topics. Not a typical story at all. I love it.

I don't care too much for the art. I personally prefer a cleaner style. I do think however that this style is also nice. It's more...mature, in a sense? It's more expressive because its rough and looks unfinished in places. Anyways, I have no strong feelings about the art work itself.

The male leads personality irritates me: he seems to have a lot going (looks, talent, caring family, hot girlfriend, nice friends, all whom are willing to put up with him) for him yet he's still grumpy and melodramatic. I also don't get the reason he likes Akira (although, Akira's reason for loving him is obvious). He seems more interested in the mysterious Hanami than the woman he "loves".

I think this is a manga artists would identify with and relate to because as a non-artist I don't get his angst at all and, in turn, just get irritated whenever he flips out or says he has no talent when countless people say he does (he might not be trying but it seems like he's fishing for compliments). However, as an average reader, I like the overall feel of the manga and the "Hanami" situation keeps me hooked.

... Last updated on November 25th, 2012, 2:52pm

As the title of my comment says,It is one of the best(Mature,if I may add) romance manga. The plot is not only original,it is well planned out. Characters are lovely and realistic as well. The art is completly different from what we usually see in our mangas.
Comments below mine have already said much about the series,so I dont need to say the rest. Its definately worth a try if you like original,realistic and mature romance.

Yea this is supposed to be an interesting series, except Aoki is immature and grumpy, yet he gets all the best things, including talent, good looks, and a relationship with a hot lady who actually could bother chasing him and taking care of him as if she's his mom even though he's not all that nice to her (and even though he totally has a crush on another girl).

I just find him really annoying. Being a hot guy isn't an excuse D:< . Yes, I'm a straight female reader (good pr0n btw).

... Last updated on March 5th, 2012, 10:33pm

this manga is a perfect example that you dont need a meca magical all girls fighting reverse harem action shonen shoujo to get an interesting story. im captivated by the protagonists i really hope it gets translated further

The plot is interesting! It's not something I have ever seen or read before! Its charming, full of potential on both the two characters. This I've got to say, I've enjoyed reading so far. The Chapters online available go up to currently Ch.7. Oh I can't express how much I want to read more of these!
Please update!!!!!!!! It's really good!

The story is very capturing. An innocent and realistic story of love. The romance is heartwarming and something that I'll be looking forward to read till the end. Also, the art is very different and it has more of an artistic appeal that makes it that much more realistic. Honestly, like nothing I've read before. I just hope that they scan quickly, fans are catching on. Which isn't a surprise!

ART: 10/10
PLOT: 8/10
CHARACTERS: 10/10

Art style is rather messy but still acceptable. The main two characters ie the couple are cute. I've only read the first two chapters so I dunno what to mark the plot but for the moment it feels like an easy going romance.