Manga Poll
Manga is the Japanese equivalent of comics
with a unique style and following. Join the revolution! Read some manga today!
Join #baka-updates @irc.irchighway.net
RSS Feed
Manga Info
Strobe Edge ![]()
Login to add items to your list, keep track of your progress, and rate series!
Description
Having no experience in romance, the vibrant Ninako curiously explores the meaning of what "love" really is, and is surprised to feel a colorful range of emotions as she grows closer to the school heartthrob, the quiet yet gentle Ren, who also happens to be involved in a longtime relationship. With every intention of keeping her head held high, Ninako prepares to face the mental pain of this one-sided love that she had allowed to take root, facing a series of trials that would either contribute to her growth as a headstrong woman, or break her as it did with other girls.
However, is this rea... More...
However, is this rea... More...
Type
Manga
Related Series
N/A
Associated Names
ストロボ・エッジ
闪烁的爱情
闪烁的爱情
Groups Scanlating
Latest Release(s)
c.Side Story by Chibi Manga over 9 years ago
v.10 c.Special & Omake (end) by StarryHeaven over 12 years ago
v.10 c.Miyoshi Manabu by StarryHeaven over 12 years ago
Search for all releases of this series
v.10 c.Special & Omake (end) by StarryHeaven over 12 years ago
v.10 c.Miyoshi Manabu by StarryHeaven over 12 years ago
Search for all releases of this series
Status
in Country of Origin
10 Volumes (Complete)
Completely Scanlated?
Yes
Anime Start/End Chapter
N/A
User Reviews
N/A
Forum
3 topics, 24 posts
Click here to view the forum
Click here to view the forum
User Rating
Average: 8.4 / 10.0 (1497 votes)
Bayesian Average: 8.36 / 10.0
Bayesian Average: 8.36 / 10.0
10
35%
9+
22%
8+
20%
7+
11%
6+
4%
5+
2%
4+
1%
3+
1%
2+
1%
1+
2%
Last Updated
June 2nd 2021, 8:21am
Image [Report Inappropriate Content]
Genre
Categories
Category Recommendations
The Warmth of Your Heartbeat
Love Bite (LAMYO)
Yoru wo Terasu Polaris ~ Nakushita Kioku to Koi no Yukue
Chuugaku Seinikki
My Younger Brother's Friend
Love Bite (LAMYO)
Yoru wo Terasu Polaris ~ Nakushita Kioku to Koi no Yukue
Chuugaku Seinikki
My Younger Brother's Friend
Recommendations
Author(s)
Artist(s)
Year
2007
Original Publisher
Serialized In (magazine)
Bessatsu Margaret (Shueisha)
Licensed (in English)
Yes
English Publisher
Viz (10 Volumes - Completed)
Activity Stats (vs. other series)
Weekly Pos #688 
(+7)
Monthly Pos #1404(+158)
3 Month Pos #2360(+351)
6 Month Pos #3288(+262)
Year Pos #4117(+324)
(+7)Monthly Pos #1404
(+158)3 Month Pos #2360
(+351)6 Month Pos #3288
(+262)Year Pos #4117
(+324)List Stats
On 1609 reading lists
On 1139 wish lists
On 3709 completed lists
On 159 unfinished lists
On 643 custom lists
On 1139 wish lists
On 3709 completed lists
On 159 unfinished lists
On 643 custom lists
User Comments
[
Order by usefulness ]
You must login to comment for this series! Register an account.
So I'm trying to finish this after ten years. I remember not much so i'm starting from the beginning again. I do remember that it was inferior to Ao Haru Ride (a manga by the same author 5 years later, and an excellent series, 9/10. Also it ends with an epilogue chapter of Strobe Edge). Not sure if I dropped this out of disinterest (I suspect so) or some other reason
I just wanted to stop by and say that do not read the scanlation for the volume 2 extra Another Light The translation is bad and confusing. Read the official version.
I'll come back when I've finished the series. I'm pretty sure first time around I read quite a few volumes but idk how many exactly.
Edit: ok as of volume 4, she's used some things in this story that were later used in Ao Haru Ride, only in the latter they were used better. So at this point I'd say just read Ao Haru Ride instead.
But I'll edit when I've read more.
edit 2: ok vol 5 the
Young Ren talking to Now Ren was genius, loved it.
edit 3: Ok the end of volume extras for 2,5,7 that show the character backstories are all really good. ESPECIALLY volume 7's that shows Sayuri's story. Like if this story is a 7/10, those chapters would be a 7.5, 7.5, 8.5.
Not sure about volume 10's but I doubt I'd care cos Mayuba is a major asshole and the most hateable character in the series. What an asshole
edit 4: Ok Mayuba's (which was actually published around volume 7? Whenever the Christmas chapter is, so you can read it after that) was also really really freaking good. I mean I still abhor the guy but the heroine in the chapter was so so likeable I want there to be more of her. Really really want it. And the overall story of the chapter is just great, too, done so well. Unfortunately she's not in any other extras, not even the extra epilogue in Ao Haru Ride (which is about Toda's romance with the MCs there, too, it's nice)
Ok so. Done with the series. Overall I'd say Ao Haru Ride should be read first, as there area couple of concepts that are used in both but used better in Ao Haru Ride (~9/10, compared to this 7.5/10). Then if you like you can come to this.
There were times where I thought 'reading this isn't worth it...' so I can see why I stopped reading it ten years ago at volume 5.
That said there are some parts of this series that are done EXTREMELY well.
Mayuka&Ren's relationship is done very well. Though as I said earlier, doesn't make sense how she knows one particular thing which is integral to their story, so...
The second last main chapter, chapter 32, was also really well done, it was powerful, so you know the ending is decent. It's not one of those series where it's ok and then the ending sucks.
Andou's whole story as the rival MC is sucky. I didn't like it. It sucked overall. However his backstory and his friendship with Ren were very nice to see and a good story.
The girl from their past, Mao, I mean...you're gonna hate her. And I was kinda tired of the unoriginality.....until she wasn't unoriginal anymore. And I really want a miniseries that focuses on her in the coming year or so. She actually ended up giving me one of the favourite scenes/chapters of this series.
Also Sayuri is sooooooo freaking cute!!! Serious FMC energy.
I don't like how Ninako looks like a kid. I don't like how it's the 2 noteworthy hot guys into our meek heroine, at least mention 1 or 2 other hot guys existing rather than have background characters only gush on the male MCs
Overall, it's hard to entirely recommend it because there's better stuff to read. Because it's a decent series with some parts that are boring but some handful of parts in 10 volumes that are very very good. So it's a question of whether those parts are worth reading 10 volumes for.
But if you feel that you've read the top-tier, this is probably in the tier below that, or maybe maybe third.
... Last updated on May 12th, 2022, 7:41am
I just wanted to stop by and say that do not read the scanlation for the volume 2 extra Another Light The translation is bad and confusing. Read the official version.
I'll come back when I've finished the series. I'm pretty sure first time around I read quite a few volumes but idk how many exactly.
Edit: ok as of volume 4, she's used some things in this story that were later used in Ao Haru Ride, only in the latter they were used better. So at this point I'd say just read Ao Haru Ride instead.
But I'll edit when I've read more.
edit 2: ok vol 5 the
Spoiler (mouse over to view)
breakup scene was tearjerking
but it makes no sense how that character knew that. We never saw her get any indication of it more than once, it makes no sense.Young Ren talking to Now Ren was genius, loved it.
edit 3: Ok the end of volume extras for 2,5,7 that show the character backstories are all really good. ESPECIALLY volume 7's that shows Sayuri's story. Like if this story is a 7/10, those chapters would be a 7.5, 7.5, 8.5.
Not sure about volume 10's but I doubt I'd care cos Mayuba is a major asshole and the most hateable character in the series. What an asshole
edit 4: Ok Mayuba's (which was actually published around volume 7? Whenever the Christmas chapter is, so you can read it after that) was also really really freaking good. I mean I still abhor the guy but the heroine in the chapter was so so likeable I want there to be more of her. Really really want it. And the overall story of the chapter is just great, too, done so well. Unfortunately she's not in any other extras, not even the extra epilogue in Ao Haru Ride (which is about Toda's romance with the MCs there, too, it's nice)
Ok so. Done with the series. Overall I'd say Ao Haru Ride should be read first, as there area couple of concepts that are used in both but used better in Ao Haru Ride (~9/10, compared to this 7.5/10). Then if you like you can come to this.
There were times where I thought 'reading this isn't worth it...' so I can see why I stopped reading it ten years ago at volume 5.
That said there are some parts of this series that are done EXTREMELY well.
Mayuka&Ren's relationship is done very well. Though as I said earlier, doesn't make sense how she knows one particular thing which is integral to their story, so...
The second last main chapter, chapter 32, was also really well done, it was powerful, so you know the ending is decent. It's not one of those series where it's ok and then the ending sucks.
Andou's whole story as the rival MC is sucky. I didn't like it. It sucked overall. However his backstory and his friendship with Ren were very nice to see and a good story.
The girl from their past, Mao, I mean...you're gonna hate her. And I was kinda tired of the unoriginality.....until she wasn't unoriginal anymore. And I really want a miniseries that focuses on her in the coming year or so. She actually ended up giving me one of the favourite scenes/chapters of this series.
Also Sayuri is sooooooo freaking cute!!! Serious FMC energy.
I don't like how Ninako looks like a kid. I don't like how it's the 2 noteworthy hot guys into our meek heroine, at least mention 1 or 2 other hot guys existing rather than have background characters only gush on the male MCs
Overall, it's hard to entirely recommend it because there's better stuff to read. Because it's a decent series with some parts that are boring but some handful of parts in 10 volumes that are very very good. So it's a question of whether those parts are worth reading 10 volumes for.
But if you feel that you've read the top-tier, this is probably in the tier below that, or maybe maybe third.
... Last updated on May 12th, 2022, 7:41am
both heroines are the bad characters in this manga
unfaithful guy,as the reason for breaking up was unreasonable,pretty lame
stealing and ruining other people love and breaking their heart,in the name of "I wont give up" ,wth, building your happiness on other people sadness,like a bitch
poor buildup characters
lame love ,one side base on look,the other side....on what? cant even tell
this is definitely not romance,its bs
... Last updated on October 21st, 2021, 10:36am
unfaithful guy,as the reason for breaking up was unreasonable,pretty lame
stealing and ruining other people love and breaking their heart,in the name of "I wont give up" ,wth, building your happiness on other people sadness,like a bitch
poor buildup characters
lame love ,one side base on look,the other side....on what? cant even tell
this is definitely not romance,its bs
... Last updated on October 21st, 2021, 10:36am
I found this series really interesting and tbh I really liked it~ I noticed how people think the fact that Ninako is chasing after Ren is wrong, and I'm not trying to offend anyone or anything. I mean everyone has their own opinions and here's mine:
I think that Ninako wasn't wrong because she stop perusing Ren at some point in the story but she couldn't help falling in love with him all over again. Its not really her fault cuz she loved him and she had to hold back and that is really painful to do for a girl madly in love with a guy even though he had a girlfriend, and just the fact that he has a girlfriend hurt Ninako. So yeah...but on the other hand I'm also kinda made at Ninako for not giving Ando a chance...I know it's cruel to lead people on but Ando loved Ninako a lot and maybe a part of me was hoping Ninako would like Ando back or at least give Ando a chance! so yeah im done...for now xD
my mood while reading this manga: T^T (in a good way but it's so sad for meeeee)
I think that Ninako wasn't wrong because she stop perusing Ren at some point in the story but she couldn't help falling in love with him all over again. Its not really her fault cuz she loved him and she had to hold back and that is really painful to do for a girl madly in love with a guy even though he had a girlfriend, and just the fact that he has a girlfriend hurt Ninako. So yeah...but on the other hand I'm also kinda made at Ninako for not giving Ando a chance...I know it's cruel to lead people on but Ando loved Ninako a lot and maybe a part of me was hoping Ninako would like Ando back or at least give Ando a chance! so yeah im done...for now xD
my mood while reading this manga: T^T (in a good way but it's so sad for meeeee)
If you ran out of other manga to read this one is worth giving a shot. The characters were interesting, and its visually appealing. It was a very standard shoujo manga, and relative to other manga that I've read I would say its slightly above average. I personally will not be reading this a second time because it was pretty typical.
... Last updated on December 30th, 2016, 3:51am
Spoiler (mouse over to view)
My main complaints:
The protagonist unrealistically fell in love at first sight..and the entire work is focused on her frustration with being in love with a guy who already has a girlfriend. Plus there were plenty of other decent characters in the series that she could have fallen in love with (without it being unrealistic). It would have been a nice twist to see her develop a relationship with Andou.
Also, some people seem to think that Ninako is innocent and all, but she did confess to Ren while knowing that he was in a relationship. Regardless of whether he was in love with his girlfriend or not, she should have been serious about repressing her feelings.
The protagonist unrealistically fell in love at first sight..and the entire work is focused on her frustration with being in love with a guy who already has a girlfriend. Plus there were plenty of other decent characters in the series that she could have fallen in love with (without it being unrealistic). It would have been a nice twist to see her develop a relationship with Andou.
Also, some people seem to think that Ninako is innocent and all, but she did confess to Ren while knowing that he was in a relationship. Regardless of whether he was in love with his girlfriend or not, she should have been serious about repressing her feelings.
... Last updated on December 30th, 2016, 3:51am
I don't usually write reviews but it's been a really long time since I've found a shoujo manga which gives me all the feels and delivers the story of budding romance and relationship changes in a refreshing way.
Don't get me wrong, there were still plenty of cliches but the vast majority is nicely dealt with.
It's really refreshing. Not to mention interesting on how different the perspectives are on the manga. Here's mine below.
My take on it is this manga is about the feelings and growth of first love, and how relationships and people (of all ages) change as life happens and they discover more about themselves along the way.
I find it curious of mentions about cheating from other reviewers, as personally I didn't see how there was any aspect going on here as:
1. They had only truly confessed to each other at the end. And neither was even sure of the other's feelings. Yes, at the beginning she had confessed once, but I view it as a superficial one and I'll get to that later.
2. Ninako had never once intentionally or actively interfered in their relationship. I know she still spoke to him and cared about him but it's not like you can coldly cut off a person and just stop being friends or even acquaintances like magic.
In fact, she does avoid him wherever she can, as shown during the Christmas period where she spies him working but chooses not to go ahead. And, in all the times she and Andou were 'double dating' with them, in every scenario she ends up fleeing from them. Literally.
3. When she had confessed to him at the start, it was more of her getting the feeling off her chest and into the open and she didn't know he had a gf. And when she does find out, she's merely contented with being on the sidelines. Even Andou had warned her about her feelings reaching a limit point. She being the naive heroine that almost ALL shoujo mangas have, carries on in her pseudo optimistic way.
4. Which brings me to this. The way Ren falls for her is slow and it's through her own natural personality and interactions that brought them closer over time. When he finds out his own feelings, he goes out of his way to stick by his gf and avoid Ninako.
5. Which, at that point in time, his and Mayuka's relationship were already shown to be long since at a standstill and in retrogression. The author shows in direct contrast the ongoing dynamics in a few important panels.
http://m.mangatown.com/manga/strobe_edge/v02/c007.5/47.html
http://m.mangatown.com/manga/strobe_edge/v02/c007.5/49.html
http://m.mangatown.com/manga/strobe_edge/v02/c007.5/53.html
and
http://m.mangatown.com/manga/strobe_edge/v03/c008/13.html
http://m.mangatown.com/manga/strobe_edge/v03/c008/14.html
I find this to be a complete contrast of their ongoing dynamics. Ren and Mayuka's relationship was a flashback to their past, and their feelings were very real back then. But it always seemed to me that she was dependent on him in a way that hadn't changed all along. Along the way, her priorities for work came first, as shown in another contrast panel of her and Ninako. Mayuka says 'don't leave me' because of her own need for him, while Ninako is referenced to state she will 'leave him alone' because she was thinking more about him rather than herself.
Daiki himself has personally made references to it, stating time and time again on how she depends on Ren a lot over their parents' breakup. In one panel, she comes to notice this and other things, when it stated by him that Ren has 'never shown her his other side'. She only sees him as the mature Ren. The one that doesn't even enjoy sweets. And when Ninako asks to herself if that is what 'boyfriend girlfriend' is like, it kinda makes you wonder really, just how much common ground (and 'less centering on oneself love' in Mayuka's case) plus openness, Mayuka and Ren had in the first place, much less to be walking on the same page with her gradual shift towards work and them simply growing apart as each grew up. (I'd find all the panels but I'm too lazy for it)
I find it refreshing and like how there is no melodrama in the breakup and it is Mayuka herself who comes to terms with their diverging dynamics and priorities, and made her own, long overdue choice.
http://m.mangatown.com/manga/strobe_edge/v05/c019/40.html
http://m.mangatown.com/manga/strobe_edge/v05/c019/41.html
http://m.mangatown.com/manga/strobe_edge/v05/c019/42.html
http://m.mangatown.com/manga/strobe_edge/v05/c019/43.html
http://m.mangatown.com/manga/strobe_edge/v05/c019/44.html
ps. this part was heartbreaking for me too.
In here, you see the opposite. Ren, whom I was led to think was the mature kid, isn't at all as mature as he appears to be. He doesn't know how to deal with his own inner turmoil and gives me the feeling that throughout the end of his relationship with Mayuka, he was the only one constantly reassuring her that he will 'always be there for her' from a promise they made when he was much younger, in middle school and barely recognizing any internal or external changes as they both grew up.
http://m.mangatown.com/manga/strobe_edge/v05/c019/46.html
http://m.mangatown.com/manga/strobe_edge/v05/c019/47.html
http://m.mangatown.com/manga/strobe_edge/v05/c019/48.html
As said by his younger self, she was his 'first love'.
The thing is, first love rarely ever blooms. Even long term marriages don't bloom all the way. And usually it isn't from cheating, but life circumstances. Like when Daiki's dad himself explained why he divorced and that 'his feelings when he had proposed were not false'. And oftenwise, love doesn't bloom on the basis of someone needing another, nor does it bloom even after someone has done so many things to have earned enough medals to deserve to be the lover.
On Ren, I feel that he is someone who constantly tries to portray himself as mature and level headed when he's not to appease others and to always do the right thing, as seen when he feels bad even not looking at the girls when his name is called. (I have this headcanon that Ren comes from a family where his dad walked out on his mum and he is used to taking the burden on himself silently to do the right thing, supporting her emotionally and not to inconvenience others. And hold onto promises while having a poor knowledge of his own feelings, which is pointed out quite often by his friends.)
On Andou's ex-girlfriend, they didn't start out well at all. Now that, isn't cheating but it was pretty horrible too.
One of the reviews mentioned about stealing boyfriends/girlfriends. I agree that it was bad advice, but I feel the author was likely trying to go about it the realistic way. It does happen, with or without intent, and usually the grounds for it to happen is an already deteriorating relationship. Is it the moral thing? I believe not. Is a relationship ending due to that a moral thing? That depends on the person in question. Was he/she happy in the existing relationship to have made the choice? Did they come off better with their choice?
What could be done better?
tldr:
Overall, I feel that the message delivered was that first love doesn't always bloom.
Love is always changing according to life circumstances, as you grow to maturity, and even as you enter marriage and your priorities and commonalities shift. It's also great in how it shows the blossoming and fading of each romance and how no one really knows what life will bring next, so youth should take things slow in their self-discovery as they grow into adulthood.
Love is indeed messy, and most times we are uncertain of our actions and how we feel and are able to force/limit ourselves to behave the way we want to. It also doesn't mean that you'd end up forever with a first love, and I know of people who did and were happy decades later. I feel this manga has captured the start and end of both beautifully. One panel hits this spot on where Yutaro (center parting guy whatshisname) says that every relationship will meet hurdles and you have 'to decide for yourself whether you want to adjust your hold on the person you love or let go', and points that Ren is facing that now.
One of my favourite panels is when the cafe owner flips through the Maths book and is flabbergasted at the questions. I relate to that completely as a 'useless adult'.
... Last updated on August 7th, 2016, 10:13am
Don't get me wrong, there were still plenty of cliches but the vast majority is nicely dealt with.
It's really refreshing. Not to mention interesting on how different the perspectives are on the manga. Here's mine below.
My take on it is this manga is about the feelings and growth of first love, and how relationships and people (of all ages) change as life happens and they discover more about themselves along the way.
I find it curious of mentions about cheating from other reviewers, as personally I didn't see how there was any aspect going on here as:
Spoiler (mouse over to view)
1. They had only truly confessed to each other at the end. And neither was even sure of the other's feelings. Yes, at the beginning she had confessed once, but I view it as a superficial one and I'll get to that later.
2. Ninako had never once intentionally or actively interfered in their relationship. I know she still spoke to him and cared about him but it's not like you can coldly cut off a person and just stop being friends or even acquaintances like magic.
In fact, she does avoid him wherever she can, as shown during the Christmas period where she spies him working but chooses not to go ahead. And, in all the times she and Andou were 'double dating' with them, in every scenario she ends up fleeing from them. Literally.
3. When she had confessed to him at the start, it was more of her getting the feeling off her chest and into the open and she didn't know he had a gf. And when she does find out, she's merely contented with being on the sidelines. Even Andou had warned her about her feelings reaching a limit point. She being the naive heroine that almost ALL shoujo mangas have, carries on in her pseudo optimistic way.
4. Which brings me to this. The way Ren falls for her is slow and it's through her own natural personality and interactions that brought them closer over time. When he finds out his own feelings, he goes out of his way to stick by his gf and avoid Ninako.
5. Which, at that point in time, his and Mayuka's relationship were already shown to be long since at a standstill and in retrogression. The author shows in direct contrast the ongoing dynamics in a few important panels.
http://m.mangatown.com/manga/strobe_edge/v02/c007.5/47.html
http://m.mangatown.com/manga/strobe_edge/v02/c007.5/49.html
http://m.mangatown.com/manga/strobe_edge/v02/c007.5/53.html
and
http://m.mangatown.com/manga/strobe_edge/v03/c008/13.html
http://m.mangatown.com/manga/strobe_edge/v03/c008/14.html
I find this to be a complete contrast of their ongoing dynamics. Ren and Mayuka's relationship was a flashback to their past, and their feelings were very real back then. But it always seemed to me that she was dependent on him in a way that hadn't changed all along. Along the way, her priorities for work came first, as shown in another contrast panel of her and Ninako. Mayuka says 'don't leave me' because of her own need for him, while Ninako is referenced to state she will 'leave him alone' because she was thinking more about him rather than herself.
Daiki himself has personally made references to it, stating time and time again on how she depends on Ren a lot over their parents' breakup. In one panel, she comes to notice this and other things, when it stated by him that Ren has 'never shown her his other side'. She only sees him as the mature Ren. The one that doesn't even enjoy sweets. And when Ninako asks to herself if that is what 'boyfriend girlfriend' is like, it kinda makes you wonder really, just how much common ground (and 'less centering on oneself love' in Mayuka's case) plus openness, Mayuka and Ren had in the first place, much less to be walking on the same page with her gradual shift towards work and them simply growing apart as each grew up. (I'd find all the panels but I'm too lazy for it)
I find it refreshing and like how there is no melodrama in the breakup and it is Mayuka herself who comes to terms with their diverging dynamics and priorities, and made her own, long overdue choice.
http://m.mangatown.com/manga/strobe_edge/v05/c019/40.html
http://m.mangatown.com/manga/strobe_edge/v05/c019/41.html
http://m.mangatown.com/manga/strobe_edge/v05/c019/42.html
http://m.mangatown.com/manga/strobe_edge/v05/c019/43.html
http://m.mangatown.com/manga/strobe_edge/v05/c019/44.html
ps. this part was heartbreaking for me too.
In here, you see the opposite. Ren, whom I was led to think was the mature kid, isn't at all as mature as he appears to be. He doesn't know how to deal with his own inner turmoil and gives me the feeling that throughout the end of his relationship with Mayuka, he was the only one constantly reassuring her that he will 'always be there for her' from a promise they made when he was much younger, in middle school and barely recognizing any internal or external changes as they both grew up.
http://m.mangatown.com/manga/strobe_edge/v05/c019/46.html
http://m.mangatown.com/manga/strobe_edge/v05/c019/47.html
http://m.mangatown.com/manga/strobe_edge/v05/c019/48.html
As said by his younger self, she was his 'first love'.
The thing is, first love rarely ever blooms. Even long term marriages don't bloom all the way. And usually it isn't from cheating, but life circumstances. Like when Daiki's dad himself explained why he divorced and that 'his feelings when he had proposed were not false'. And oftenwise, love doesn't bloom on the basis of someone needing another, nor does it bloom even after someone has done so many things to have earned enough medals to deserve to be the lover.
Spoiler (mouse over to view)
This is shown how again and again, Ninako rejects going out with Daiki and from the beginning to the end, she states continuously how Ren has always been the only one she can see. It's frustrating as hell, not being able to control your feelings in love, and I feel this manga has shown it well. I've seen plenty of others going the cliched route of actually having them go out and the main guy finds himself jealous and throws a hissy fit, then he realizes ka-boom he's in love with the naive MC but his gf finds out and turns into jealous mean bitch.
Granted, I didn't like how Andou was handled at the end and I was shamelessly rooting for him all along. But I did feel the way Ren and Ninako's chemistry and dynamics were going, they made a lovely match. I've never seen him laugh so much with anyone not even his own gf or friends than with her. She on the other hand...I had at one point shipped her with Danchou (is that how you spell it?). And Shachou.
I like how the breakup wasn't a melodramatic one and was due to personal differences, and also that they had closure at the end. I also find that Ninako and Ren 'click' well, in their common interests and perspectives.
Granted, I didn't like how Andou was handled at the end and I was shamelessly rooting for him all along. But I did feel the way Ren and Ninako's chemistry and dynamics were going, they made a lovely match. I've never seen him laugh so much with anyone not even his own gf or friends than with her. She on the other hand...I had at one point shipped her with Danchou (is that how you spell it?). And Shachou.
I like how the breakup wasn't a melodramatic one and was due to personal differences, and also that they had closure at the end. I also find that Ninako and Ren 'click' well, in their common interests and perspectives.
On Ren, I feel that he is someone who constantly tries to portray himself as mature and level headed when he's not to appease others and to always do the right thing, as seen when he feels bad even not looking at the girls when his name is called. (I have this headcanon that Ren comes from a family where his dad walked out on his mum and he is used to taking the burden on himself silently to do the right thing, supporting her emotionally and not to inconvenience others. And hold onto promises while having a poor knowledge of his own feelings, which is pointed out quite often by his friends.)
On Andou's ex-girlfriend, they didn't start out well at all. Now that, isn't cheating but it was pretty horrible too.
Spoiler (mouse over to view)
I'm gonna be in the minority but then again I'm a jaded old soul, but I feel that the author made it turn out that she had liked him back only so that he won't be alone at the end. The way I see it, she hadn't loved him at all (she wouldn't have kissed Ren if she truly did), but grew to and yet, sadly only came to this realization after their breakup. Still, it's nice that she turned out to have genuine feelings for him in the end.
One of the reviews mentioned about stealing boyfriends/girlfriends. I agree that it was bad advice, but I feel the author was likely trying to go about it the realistic way. It does happen, with or without intent, and usually the grounds for it to happen is an already deteriorating relationship. Is it the moral thing? I believe not. Is a relationship ending due to that a moral thing? That depends on the person in question. Was he/she happy in the existing relationship to have made the choice? Did they come off better with their choice?
What could be done better?
Spoiler (mouse over to view)
I would have liked more of Andou and Ninako but that would really actively play into a love quadrant cliche.
I would have liked it better if Ninako hadn't fallen in love with Ren so fast at the start. But I'm just glad she got to know his actual self later on for the real confession to happen.
Also, if Ninako hadn't needlessly hesitated in her confession over Andou with the fight out of nowhere in bad taste. But yeah, it would have weighed down on her conscience at that moment. Bad timing for a confession after the guy who likes you is seriously and literally beaten down.
I would have liked it better if Ninako hadn't fallen in love with Ren so fast at the start. But I'm just glad she got to know his actual self later on for the real confession to happen.
Also, if Ninako hadn't needlessly hesitated in her confession over Andou with the fight out of nowhere in bad taste. But yeah, it would have weighed down on her conscience at that moment. Bad timing for a confession after the guy who likes you is seriously and literally beaten down.
tldr:
Overall, I feel that the message delivered was that first love doesn't always bloom.
Love is always changing according to life circumstances, as you grow to maturity, and even as you enter marriage and your priorities and commonalities shift. It's also great in how it shows the blossoming and fading of each romance and how no one really knows what life will bring next, so youth should take things slow in their self-discovery as they grow into adulthood.
Love is indeed messy, and most times we are uncertain of our actions and how we feel and are able to force/limit ourselves to behave the way we want to. It also doesn't mean that you'd end up forever with a first love, and I know of people who did and were happy decades later. I feel this manga has captured the start and end of both beautifully. One panel hits this spot on where Yutaro (center parting guy whatshisname) says that every relationship will meet hurdles and you have 'to decide for yourself whether you want to adjust your hold on the person you love or let go', and points that Ren is facing that now.
One of my favourite panels is when the cafe owner flips through the Maths book and is flabbergasted at the questions. I relate to that completely as a 'useless adult'.
... Last updated on August 7th, 2016, 10:13am
I never seen such manga that takes unrequited love to the extreme and the writer of this story conveniently write in a way that Ren gets to have a relationship with the heroine, it thought contrieved how Ren likes Ninako more then girlfriend, given the fact he hardly knew the girl. Just a series that relies on making forced solution which leads the writing to feel unnatural.
I admit it had potential talking about unrequited love. But another unnatural writing is when ninako rejects ren not to hurt Takumi feelings when she doesn't even like Takumi so unrealistic and it just unnecessarily prolonged the series
Also the side characters are superfluous with them having weak roles and also giving terrible love advice such as stealing a boyfriend when he had a girlfriend which enrages quite a bit and how you confess to someone when he has girlfriend which he is currently happy with. "If you love someone set them free" not selfishly think about your own happiness but the one you love's happiness.
Although Daiki and sayuri subplot felt like it was very well written and genuine in my opinion
Better shojo manga in my opinion would be my little monster, Taiyou no Ie and Orange
... Last updated on July 7th, 2016, 3:36pm
I admit it had potential talking about unrequited love. But another unnatural writing is when ninako rejects ren not to hurt Takumi feelings when she doesn't even like Takumi so unrealistic and it just unnecessarily prolonged the series
Also the side characters are superfluous with them having weak roles and also giving terrible love advice such as stealing a boyfriend when he had a girlfriend which enrages quite a bit and how you confess to someone when he has girlfriend which he is currently happy with. "If you love someone set them free" not selfishly think about your own happiness but the one you love's happiness.
Although Daiki and sayuri subplot felt like it was very well written and genuine in my opinion
Better shojo manga in my opinion would be my little monster, Taiyou no Ie and Orange
... Last updated on July 7th, 2016, 3:36pm
As a previous comment said, this series really made me re-think my opinion on relationship where one person leaves to be with another person. I really appreciated the author's efforts to explore this territory that is seldom explored in shojo manga. Real relationships are not black & white, and people DO in fact change - for better or worse.
Many people have commented complaining about Ninako's "interference" in what seemed to be a perfectly fine relationship. But honestly, 1) I don't feel Ninako ever interfered in their relationship and 2) It didn't seem like their relationship was that strong in the first place. Ninako never actively pursues Ren...she states multiple times she just wants to stay friends and respects Ren's love for Mayuka. She fell in love before she knew he had a girlfriend, and once those feelings start they can be difficult to dispel. She continues to be herself and ultimately
So while many people may complain about these things, I actually think that's what makes the manga really great. And I really like Ninako as well. She handled somethings poorly and others great, but that's refreshingly realistic. The important thing is is that her heart always seemed to be in the right place and she always stayed true to her feelings. The only reason I'm not giving this a 10 is because some portions (like Daiki's super abrupt love interest switch and everything to do with Andou) were annoying and cliched. But over all I'd say this is a really great read.
Many people have commented complaining about Ninako's "interference" in what seemed to be a perfectly fine relationship. But honestly, 1) I don't feel Ninako ever interfered in their relationship and 2) It didn't seem like their relationship was that strong in the first place. Ninako never actively pursues Ren...she states multiple times she just wants to stay friends and respects Ren's love for Mayuka. She fell in love before she knew he had a girlfriend, and once those feelings start they can be difficult to dispel. She continues to be herself and ultimately
Spoiler (mouse over to view)
that is what makes Ren fall in love with her. It was not through any conscious effort of her own
. As for my second point, Spoiler (mouse over to view)
the author makes it very apparent that the Ren with Ninako is much more animated and excited than the Ren with Mayuka. While they might've had a normal, healthy relationship, it is obvious to me that he was happier and more true to himself with Ninako, which is FINE. I mean, he met Mayuka when he was in like 8th grade. People are almost guaranteed to change between 8th grade and high school. Mayuka realized this (along with the realization that she loved her job more than Ren) and did the adult thing and ended it. In my opinion, both of them were holding onto the relationship for so long because it was comfortable and familiar. I'm not saying they didn't love each other at the beginning, but somewhere along the road they both changed - a very normal and human thing to do.
So while many people may complain about these things, I actually think that's what makes the manga really great. And I really like Ninako as well. She handled somethings poorly and others great, but that's refreshingly realistic. The important thing is is that her heart always seemed to be in the right place and she always stayed true to her feelings. The only reason I'm not giving this a 10 is because some portions (like Daiki's super abrupt love interest switch and everything to do with Andou) were annoying and cliched. But over all I'd say this is a really great read.
this story changed my life. i used to be judgmental on why people would even dare to cheat, etc. but this story gives me a different perspective on "cheating". also i don't have much experience with dating and being in a relationship so this was an eye opener for me. it also taught me how to deal with my emotions, as dramatic as that may sound.
just to clarify this story isn't only about "cheating". it involves relationship struggles as well as friendship and loss and coping.
i hope i can help someone.
just to clarify this story isn't only about "cheating". it involves relationship struggles as well as friendship and loss and coping.
i hope i can help someone.
I agree with you all that sometimes feeling change, and breakups happen in reality. But because of that, we must admit one thing that if Ren did change heart once when he began to have feeling for Ninako, so what guarantee that he won't change heart again? Sure he seems so much in love with Ninako now, but he used to have a beautiful love with Mayuka too and please don't say they didn't love each other or it's because of her job. They did love each other, but he has a change of heart. So Ren and Ninako seem so much in love now, but what makes sure that in the future he wouldn't fall for someone else. Same goes with Ninako.
I think while it's good that this manga teaches us that sometimes relationship doesn't last, and while you love someone, you can still fall for another. But after ch.19,
And yup, from what portrayed, I don't believe Ren is a loyal type. He changed heart once, he can change it again.
P/s: I would proably rate 10 of there is a situation where after they got together, Ren has shaky feeling for another girl and I could see how Ninako deal with this, rather than just showing their puppy love.
Pp/s: I really like Mayuka, what she did was couragous and kind. She would totally be my type of heroine.
... Last updated on November 10th, 2015, 10:59am
I think while it's good that this manga teaches us that sometimes relationship doesn't last, and while you love someone, you can still fall for another. But after ch.19,
Spoiler (mouse over to view)
where Ren broke up with his girlfriend
, it went downhill, returns to being a cliche romance, with a no-good heroine and one girl/many guys relationship.And yup, from what portrayed, I don't believe Ren is a loyal type. He changed heart once, he can change it again.
P/s: I would proably rate 10 of there is a situation where after they got together, Ren has shaky feeling for another girl and I could see how Ninako deal with this, rather than just showing their puppy love.
Pp/s: I really like Mayuka, what she did was couragous and kind. She would totally be my type of heroine.
... Last updated on November 10th, 2015, 10:59am
I don't exactly remember how I came upon this story, but I'm glad I did. Even more so that I stuck to read it past the first chapter. It is not your typical shoujo, where the heroine is a whiner, who thinks that its the end of her world because her love is unrequited. It was refreshing to see how she gathered up her nerves and confessed, for the simple fact of letting those feelings have an outlet. And Ren's absolute cuteness in regards to his girlfriend and those that he considers friends is just ahh! I think that this is something that could happen in real life. Ninako didn't confess, and decided to be his friends with the objective of making him fall in love with her, she just wanted to at least be friends with such a good and respectful guy.
She never made any move towards breaking them up, nor showed any advance past confessing the first time, so people please calm down because if you listen to those that are saying that it was wrong of her to choose FRIENDSHIP over parting ways, you'll be the one losing. It is a very heartwarming story. This is coming from someone that does not tolerate cheating, or interference in a relationship. My heart clenched a couple of times, because Ninako's feelings were so genuine, and all the other supporting characters were so down to earth as well.
Definitely worth a read, and a second and a third. For me, this is a 10 in comparison to so many others where they fall as easily in love as out of it. Slow to come and lasting love is so much better. It may seems as she falls too easily, but while it might not be considered love at first, she grows into it.
Just really love this manga. Recommended.
... Last updated on May 9th, 2015, 7:56pm
She never made any move towards breaking them up, nor showed any advance past confessing the first time, so people please calm down because if you listen to those that are saying that it was wrong of her to choose FRIENDSHIP over parting ways, you'll be the one losing. It is a very heartwarming story. This is coming from someone that does not tolerate cheating, or interference in a relationship. My heart clenched a couple of times, because Ninako's feelings were so genuine, and all the other supporting characters were so down to earth as well.
Definitely worth a read, and a second and a third. For me, this is a 10 in comparison to so many others where they fall as easily in love as out of it. Slow to come and lasting love is so much better. It may seems as she falls too easily, but while it might not be considered love at first, she grows into it.
Just really love this manga. Recommended.
... Last updated on May 9th, 2015, 7:56pm
You must login to comment for this series! Register an account.
