I feel like a thread like this has probably been made at some point, so forgive me in advance. I think what most turns me off from shoujo manga is the excessive amount of manga with stunningly handsome, perfect male leads. Considering the demographic I understand why this is often the case but it's not really what I'm looking for.

I've ignored most shoujo romance for a while, but I feel like it's a mistake to ignore a whole genre entirely. Can anyone recommend a shoujo romance with a male lead that's not the most popular and charming guy around? Preferrably looking for a down-to-earth male lead with somewhat average looks that's reasonably easy to relate to.

Last edited by wafflestatus at 2:52 pm, Aug 24 2012

I think, that Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun might be worth a look, because the male main character isn't your "usual counterpart" and pretty likeable. ^^



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Flower of Life - male love interest is a hardcore moe-obsessed otaku who's very unpopular, but he's very handsome

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Tennen Pearl Pink
Fujoshi Kanojo.
Kingyo Sou
Dengeki Daisy
Gokuraku Seishun Hockey Bu - more to comedy rather than romance
Mademoiselle Butterfly
Michibata no Tenshi
Penguin Kakumei

Here, try . . . Seishunchuu!

The guy in here isn't good looking nor anywhere near perfect.
Try it out, I think you'll like it.

Seishun Location
Lead guy = Otaku

Hibi Chouchou
Lead guy is rather average but lead girl is the most popular/cutest girl in the school.

Thanks for the replies. Hibi Chouchou and Dengeki Daisy were on my wishlist already so I'll probably start with those.

Any others?

Lovely Complex? A guy with a short height complex coupled with a girl with a tall height complex. lol. Other than that, guy seems pretty all rounded so not sure if it fits your criteria of perfect or not.

oh, yes.
From Far Away I mean, he's not perfect he just cares for her. A lot of this mangaka's works feature similar male leads
Love Gashapon 2nd story
Beast Master
Nineteen, Twenty One
March Rabbit
Please! Mr. Bear!
Liar x Liar I'm going to suggest this one because, even though he's popular, it doesn't really come into the story
Gakuen Babysitters
Six Half
360° Material
Ao haru ride and Strobe Edge by same author
V.B. Rose
P.A.

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I am the master of my fate;
I am the captin of my soul.
William Ernest Henely

I rate manga with 5 being the average score.

Try:

Saruyama!

Bitou Lollipop

Hanada

My Hero!

The heroine picks someone other than the gorgeous popular guy in all four of those.

Edit: I forgot, the hero in Hanada is actually popular (for being a nice guy), but he's a farmer and unconventional, not like the rich, handsome guy she was hoping for. He's definitely "down to earth." Maybe try the other three mangas first, especially My Hero. (The guy in that one is totally a regular teenage boy; you can't help relating to him.)

Last edited by brid at 3:01 pm, Aug 26 2012

I'd recommend Nanaco Robin in addition to some of the other titles already mentioned. In my opinion, the male and female leads are both extremely likable and do not conform to the main stereotypes that are usually found in their roles. (That is, the male lead is not perfect, superior, and princely, while the female lead is not helpless, enraptured by, or fully dependent on said 'prince'.)

I would say Dice.
Although they do become 'popular' in the epilogue. The majority of the story tries to keep 'em normal.

And maybe Hybrid Berry, Love Roma, or Aozora Yell.
Watashitachi no Shiawase na Jikan is good, if you're interested in seinen.

Last edited by Sphear at 3:28 am, Aug 28 2012

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