I actually find this manga pretty funny, not because of the main characters but due to the support characters. It´s always entertaining every time the girl called "Kyouko" and the rest of the "useless otakus" appear.

The only reason i give it a 7 is because the "hentai"scenes are very boring and disgusting (mind you, this comes from someone who reads hentai). I actually think this manga could have done better without it, in contrast the ecchi scenes are quite good and funny most of the time.

In resume I recommend this manga to anyone that likes dirty jokes and can bear the scenes I talked about.

"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
- Maya Angelou

There is more to literature and story-telling than an intriguing, "flawless" plot. The best stories are not the best simply because they are the most interesting. They linger in our minds long after we have read them because of the depth to which they drew us into the experience. Whether it be through excitement, disgust, affection, or sorrow, the greatest works are able to latch onto our emotions and connect us to something that becomes much more than just a piece of fiction.

Japanese writers have long been infatuated with the tropes of death and character growth. Mangas that develop around these concepts are far from cutting-edge. Sundome isn't considered great because it brought new ideas to the table. It is a masterpiece because it moves and drags us into these themes to a level that very few manga have ever achieved.

How Okada Kazuto is able to connect us to his characters and his story to such a high degree can't be explained with words. It is an "act of God." Perhaps it was the way a certain panel was drawn, or the way a single thought bubble presented itself. Sundome begins as what seems to be nothing more than comedic erotica. By the final chapter, however, we have grown attached to the manga to a measure that may catch us off guard.



In conclusion, Sundome is arguably the greatest tragedy manga ever written. Some (unfortunate) individuals may not be able to fully connect with the story and experience it. But for those who do, it is something truly special.

... Last updated on July 15th, 2014, 11:36pm

At first glance, Sundome feels very much like a simple, though somewhat dark, ecchi comedy. The artwork, even in serious situations, tends toward being goofy and wild. And the characters, though interesting, and each with a very distinct personality, don't really seem to stand out in any way (other than "weird" or "excessive"). But if you can treat the sexual parts of the story as a kind of character-developing event, rather than simple fan service, you'll find there's a depth, and meaning, to all the crazy antics. And I do mean "crazy antics". This manga is all over the sexuality map, and will surely please, on that level.

But dig a little deeper (maybe just turn on your H Shades - block a little of that out), and suddenly, the way the two main characters are treating each other, or the things they're doing, take on meaning, as their relationship progresses. Why does she start their relationship by telling him nothing will come of it, yet proceed with it anyways? Why is he so driven to pursue her? Why does it seem like sometimes, she might just be holding herself back? Why does she give him just a little more (though always short of "all") every time? Why can't he just outright tell her he loves her -- does he not really realize it himself?

I'm only beginning volume 4 right now, but I can confidently say that this title stands among the best, both in terms of story/writing, and artwork/content.

... Last updated on February 3rd, 2009, 12:49am

I read this manga about a week ago now, and I'm still thinking about it to the point where I'm already reading it again. I began thinking it'd be just another silly pervy manga, and came out of it in tears man, I cried for days. Best thing I've ever read. The ending really hit me hard, especially after I realized exactly what happened, since it is a little confusing. It's done in a good way however. I feel like if it were more obvious, it wouldn't have had half the effect on me. It's incredibly depressing, but at the same time very heartwarming as well.

There are still some things I don't quite understand, like why Kurumi did this whole thing in the first place, about her past, etc.. But I guess that's the beauty of it, keeps you thinking. Like magnum44 said, it puts you in a place similar to Hideo where you just have to trust and follow her, and makes the whole thing so much better.

Definitely recommend this manga, especially for those interested in fetishism, but not limited to. If anything, it's a good way to warm up to it. Half-way through you'll forget you're reading it for the explicit content as it becomes a tragic tale between these two lovers, and the fetishism turns into something that really emphasises their love instead of their pervertedness.

Couldn't have asked for a better manga, it really is a wonder. I don't think I'll ever be the same after reading it.

I found this manga completely by chance, i just scrolled and clicked, ( like most the manga i read) but I've never had a manga hit me this hard its been 4 days since i started reading and almost three since i finished. No one i know reads manga so i don't have someone to reflect ideas off of. I love the story and the way it was told. The ending though its still got me thinking. Being a Sunday and a slave of the road I was stuck with just my thoughts and time. My best recommendation is ( once you complete it) listen to the song when the love falls by Yiruma. And just play the story back in your mind from beginning to end. To me it feels like the song was made for it, ill be reading this again shortly that'll be the first manga I've read twice but i feel i need to go back and relive those experiences and maybe ill see something i forgot. This is definitely worth your time it was well worth mine.

Edit: This manga started out to me with a very very sad main character. But through all his times, his inability to do anything a normal person should , i started to like his character more and more. Plus he keeps getting better through the series physically and a bit mentally, though he still has his sad attitude but its very entertaining. The characters are quite addicting. As is the story. Its a very simple plot with a small cast of characters, yet you never feel bored. The is this deep attraction you'll feel for the story and characters which i love. The lead is a sad otaku (needs a backbone), the lead female is a very normal teen, though she has a mysterious side that you have to read to find out about. The things the "couple" does are very interesting and entertaining. I've been reading chapters all ways anticipating whats up or whats next. I love the sense of mystery and pain you feel in the series. Though there is still a real deep love between the characters.
the ecchi level isn't set on max but it isn't low. i like how it is shown because it reveals just enough to make you feel just a little bit teased just like the characters. The lead female isn't the most attractive girl, but you cant help but like her. The art isn't amazing but its good and i like it (his friends are the most weirdest looking people ever ahaha)

all in all, the manga has a hypnotizing effect, atleast on me. It's kinda hard to explain. if only the male lead is good and bad at the same time. This manga may reveal your own hidden feelings for S&M LOL. But read this manga if you are just the least bit curious, you just might get hooked. Good read and i think i'm in love.

... Last updated on August 31st, 2009, 3:42pm

One of the most unique, deep, and complex romance manga I ever read and this despiete the artwork or some of the rather strange practicies. The strong point of this manga is it's beautiful yet sad stroy that rly let a deep impression on me and yes I couldn't hold back my trears on this one. I can recomend it to everyone who is in search of a mature, unique romance story and isn't averse of strong h-borderline content.

There's a lot going on in this manga. Plenty of hilarious comedy (if often scatological in nature), for starters, and loads and loads of kinky, sexy, dirty moments, that might however turn off some people.

And yet this is only the surface. The gold here is in the relationship between the main "couple" - best described as a burgeoning master-servant par - and in the close view we get of main character Hideo's psychology. I admit I'm not familiar with this sort of worldview, but that makes it all the more fascinating to me. I wouldn't know if Hideo's progress is realistic, but it feels like it could be. At the very least, I approve of his evolution from his beginning as "wimpy, spineless kid" so often seen as the main character in manga.

Kurumi is more of a cipher though, as we see her mostly from Hideo's POW. We are never sure of the reasons behind her actions, and we don't really know what her true feelings are. We don't know her past except through precious clues strewn about the story, and although we can infer that things are probably going to end in tears, we don't know for sure, and we don't know why. In this sense, the author has cunningly put us in a place not unlike Hideo's; we blindly follow Kurumi/Sundome, never knowing where she will take us next, savouring the moments we get to enjoy together, but never getting all we want, and always fearing the end we know is coming.

I'd like to mention the gratifying surprise that was Kyouko's character growth. See, aside from the main couple, everybody else in this story is there just to slightly nudge the plot along, or, more likely, to create comic situations. As such, they don't really have complex personalities and they can be described in one-sentences, for example "scaredy doll-loving nerd". But Kyouko, who starts out like that ("dumb, popular slut"), is rather startlingly shown to have a fragile heart underneath that outwards appearance. So I'm cheering for her now.

The art deserves a note: it's really simplistic for most of the characters and for most situations, but it's really good at other times, such in every ecchi or moody scene. So it's really an aesthetic choice, and not lack of skill on the artist's part.

In closing, Sundome definitely isn't for everyone, but there's a lot of to love in this story, so I'll go ahead and recommend it to anyone old enough to be reading it.

I finished this series so fast after getting hooked on the weird relationship of Hideo and Kurumi. There are fetishes that many would not agree with but I feel that those hentai moments made this manga come to life.

Sundome starts off like most seinan manga, unrealistic and lacking. However, Okada purposefully does this to turn your emotions upside down and inside out. I agree with all the others. Half way through the story, the ecchi scenes are not as powerful as they were in the beginning. Instead, your mind is focused on the plot itself and Hideo's inner battles.

I cried and I'm still thinking about it. If I could, I would thank Okada for an amazing story that is truly a gem in the rough. A part of me regrets ever finishing it and another wishes for a different outcome. Sadly, this manga will never become mainstream because of its ecchi scenes. The live action adaptations are out but I refuse to watch because I know it will never be as good as the manga. I would love to see an anime adaption in the future though. (Cries and prays)

Read it all the way and don't stop til' the end. You will not regret it.

... Last updated on September 1st, 2011, 2:06pm

Aye, at times it does border on hentai. But since it IS a seinen, that's to be expected ocassionally. Not a manga designed for children after all. I've read vols 1 and 2 and it's looking like the story's getting more serious in some ways. Highly looking forward to more and I hope someone fansubs the LA movie that's coming out this year too. ;)