The Worst Manga I Have Ever Read - Review by Addison

    I had always thought myself of being pretty open when it comes to mangas, especially in this genre. Sure, they were all basically the same book over and over, but that's how I knew I would like it. Never before have I ever read a worse manga than this one.
    Classmates (also known as Dou kyu sei) was written in 2006 by Asumiko Nakamura. It follows the story of two boys (Hikaru Kusakabe and Rihito Sajo) trying to fall in love in an all-boys high school. Sajo and Kusakabe's romance is like any other stereotypical relationship in a young adult novel; the laid-back extrovert falls head over heals for the intelligent introvert, We've seen it many times before, which is why it isn't a shock when they get together.
    Obviously, there is no issue with this trope. People like it, so it keeps doing so well when published. What I don't like, however, is the quick plot that is overwhelming. So overwhelming that it feels like you've sunk no information in by the time you complete the book. I'll admittedly say that I had to look at the Wikipedia page multiple times to really grasp what was going on. When I did realize how something happened, it just raised more questions.
    At one point, it is revealed that one of Sajo's teachers and Sajo were involved in a romantic relationship. When this is said, it gets resolved by the next page and they never bring it up again. This is a common theme in this book. They will drop a bombshell down on the reader, and then just shrug it off like it was nothing.
    Out of every manga I have ever read, this was the worst one I have ever read. If you have it on your TBR, take it off. It's honestly just a waste of time.

Comments

  1. Hey Addison! I have never even touched a manga, online or in real life. In fact, didn't know manga books existed until embarrassingly recently. This book review made me rethink my strong dislike for this kind of genre seeing as you seem very opinionated and enthusiastic yourself. Great job!!

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  2. Nice review Addison! I also dislike books with quick plots and random bombshells. This manga would be better in helping the reader understand if they revisited these big bombshell events. I found this review very interesting, nice job!

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  3. Hi Addison! I like that you took the time to write this review considering you didn't actually like the book -- I'm sure you really must've hated it to speak so passionately about your dislike! Although I've never read a manga in my life, I've definitely thought about checking some out. The premise of the book honestly seems like something that would appeal to me, so I appreciate the warning! Would you recommend any manga that you actually like as an entry into the genre?

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    Replies
    1. I have many recommendations! One of my favorite series, Waiting for Spring by Anashin is an amazing manga to start off with. There are a lot of volumes, but it is an adorable read and very heartwarming. There is a bit of angst, however, that just makes for an even better plot! Another one is Blue Flag by Kaito. This one is a good one to read if you want a more serious read, but not so serious where it is boring. Of course, this is all opinion-based, but these two are definitely good starter-mangas!

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  4. Hey Addison! I have read quite a few manga, but I mostly read more Shonen/Seinen type manga (Stuff like Vinland Saga, Berserk, or One Piece). I have tried in the past to branch out to other genres like romance, although I have run into problems like the ones in this manga (reliance on tropes and way too quickly resolving plots). Unfortunately after I see a trope once or twice, I get bored of it, so not many romance mangas have captured my interest. Due to this I will definitely be avoiding this manga. Thanks for the warning and nice review!

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