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私の拳をうけとめて! #2
Catch These Hands!, Vol. 2
Soramori has always held a torch for her old high school rival, Takebe. Now, thanks to one mean shoulder throw, the two former (?) delinquents have started going out. But Soramori has a couple problems...For one thing, what’s a “proper” date supposed to look like anyway? And what if she’s not the only one with a thing for Takebe? Love’s a battle in more ways than one!
162 pages, Paperback
First published February 4, 2019
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195 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
August 18, 2022
Two women in their twenties continue to develop their odd little relationship. Once high school street-fighting rivals, one now wants a romantic relationship and the other seems to simply crave human contact after years of scaring people off with her gruff demeanor. They are in a limbo where they are technically dating but mostly end up doing platonic hangs.
But it is fun to hang with them, even if it is for pretty mild warm fuzzies. The introduction of a romantic rival tries to stir things up a little at least.
But it is fun to hang with them, even if it is for pretty mild warm fuzzies. The introduction of a romantic rival tries to stir things up a little at least.
September 6, 2025
RAAAA THERE SO CUTE
June 30, 2022
The ongoing saga of a woman who left her old life behind and the woman she loves, who can’t quite seem to get that far. Featuring cinematic ice cream, fine art, and a premise that quickly folds in on itself.
Hey, Takebe is dour, did you know that? If the first volume hadn’t gotten that across, this one will really hammer it home a few more times as she and Soramori continue their somewhat different relationship. Also they’re gay.
Part of my issue with this book is that if you’re going to be a one note character with no verisimilitude to speak of, you could at least do the audience the courtesy of being wildly hilarious and, while I will admit that parts of this story are good, this is fitfully amusing at best.
But Soramori is the one who tends to be funny, while Takebe just grumps and gets frustrated. She shows affection to her new partner in subtle ways, but there’s very little indication she’s ever particularly thrilled moment to moment.
The two best storylines involve Soramori’s attempts at injecting actual dating into the proceedings. The first such attempt made me laugh just because the manga doesn’t care enough to dress up its gallery, literally slapping a sigh out front that reads ‘Fancy Art Gallery’.
This is where Soramori learns a lesson about being herself and listening to Takebe better, although the ice cream gag goes to a weird place by the end that makes Soramori come across as particularly dumb.
Next comes the ‘meet the parents’ arc, which introduces the family and the very, very annoying ‘cousin with a crush’. This type of character doesn’t ever do much for me and watching her and Soramori compete to see who can be clingiest while driving Takebe nuts is probably the lowest point of this volume.
Fortunately, the next section, where Soramori decides to try cheap couples ideas and the women end up taking origami classes, is the best part this time out. It’s nice to see Takebe coming out on top, ridiculously so, and it once more teaches Soramori some valuable stuff about herself and her relationship.
It’s just the same joke and not much by way of romance. I would be lying if I said I was excited to see what new developments were in store or what they might get up to next. There’s not enough romance, not enough story, not enough comedy. If you like these two there’s definitely enough of them being themselves to make it worth your while, but I just don’t see the point.
3 stars - I literally just said that it’s not doing enough of anything that it wants to be doing to stand out, honestly. There are definitely some amusing parts, but it’s not something that I’ll necessarily stick with, even with said bright spots.
Hey, Takebe is dour, did you know that? If the first volume hadn’t gotten that across, this one will really hammer it home a few more times as she and Soramori continue their somewhat different relationship. Also they’re gay.
Part of my issue with this book is that if you’re going to be a one note character with no verisimilitude to speak of, you could at least do the audience the courtesy of being wildly hilarious and, while I will admit that parts of this story are good, this is fitfully amusing at best.
But Soramori is the one who tends to be funny, while Takebe just grumps and gets frustrated. She shows affection to her new partner in subtle ways, but there’s very little indication she’s ever particularly thrilled moment to moment.
The two best storylines involve Soramori’s attempts at injecting actual dating into the proceedings. The first such attempt made me laugh just because the manga doesn’t care enough to dress up its gallery, literally slapping a sigh out front that reads ‘Fancy Art Gallery’.
This is where Soramori learns a lesson about being herself and listening to Takebe better, although the ice cream gag goes to a weird place by the end that makes Soramori come across as particularly dumb.
Next comes the ‘meet the parents’ arc, which introduces the family and the very, very annoying ‘cousin with a crush’. This type of character doesn’t ever do much for me and watching her and Soramori compete to see who can be clingiest while driving Takebe nuts is probably the lowest point of this volume.
Fortunately, the next section, where Soramori decides to try cheap couples ideas and the women end up taking origami classes, is the best part this time out. It’s nice to see Takebe coming out on top, ridiculously so, and it once more teaches Soramori some valuable stuff about herself and her relationship.
It’s just the same joke and not much by way of romance. I would be lying if I said I was excited to see what new developments were in store or what they might get up to next. There’s not enough romance, not enough story, not enough comedy. If you like these two there’s definitely enough of them being themselves to make it worth your while, but I just don’t see the point.
3 stars - I literally just said that it’s not doing enough of anything that it wants to be doing to stand out, honestly. There are definitely some amusing parts, but it’s not something that I’ll necessarily stick with, even with said bright spots.
January 3, 2023
The first two chapters were really cool, I was so ready to give this 4 stars! But then this loli came around and... oof. These are one of the most annoying characters.
I also really dislike the mom, because she didn’t tell her daughter about the move. It’s one thing needing to clean up your room bc you moved somewhere else, but a total different thing when someone else moves in there. Especially if it’s someone you don’t even like.
But I really loved the second half of the volume, with the origami and the camping!
I also really dislike the mom, because she didn’t tell her daughter about the move. It’s one thing needing to clean up your room bc you moved somewhere else, but a total different thing when someone else moves in there. Especially if it’s someone you don’t even like.
But I really loved the second half of the volume, with the origami and the camping!
July 26, 2025
Another cute but short volume. I love the side characters, they add more humor and have some really good advice at times as well. The characters are also more distinct in this volume.
Check out my YouTube channel for bookish videos and monthly wrap ups!
Check out my YouTube channel for bookish videos and monthly wrap ups!
October 9, 2022
still cute and fun! disliked the cousin subplot but really enjoyed the camping trip with the other lesbian couple. it still got a few chuckles out of me but I hope the next volume builds the relationship more
February 6, 2023
3.5 stars, if we’re being specific!
I definitely enjoyed this one more than the previous one. Different types of relationships were finally acknowledged in this one. Soramori seems to realizing that while her and Takebe’s relationship may not fit into a mold, they enjoy their time together. So while it seemed like it was going at a snail’s pace in the last volume for me, seeing it through the lens of the relationship potentially being ace really opened my eyes. If the volumes continue to steadily improve like this, then I’m looking forward to the next one!
I definitely enjoyed this one more than the previous one. Different types of relationships were finally acknowledged in this one. Soramori seems to realizing that while her and Takebe’s relationship may not fit into a mold, they enjoy their time together. So while it seemed like it was going at a snail’s pace in the last volume for me, seeing it through the lens of the relationship potentially being ace really opened my eyes. If the volumes continue to steadily improve like this, then I’m looking forward to the next one!
November 10, 2023
It's so cute :3
February 24, 2024
Takebe being stuck in the same mindset and them technically dating but staying platonic dragged on a bit too long for me, but it was still cute :)
July 6, 2022
'Catch These Hands' is (I have discovered since the last volume) about an aro-ace relationship, and that's even more adorable watching these two ex-delinquents figuring out how to relate to each other! I love they way they're both trying to be good for each other, even as things get upset by not falling into familiar social roles, and the way they they can come back from their upsets. Excited to get more of their interactions in future volumes!
October 11, 2022
i love rude girls, girls who yell!! i love rivals bonding over their love for someone else trope
September 25, 2022
Growing up is still a pain in the butt.
Failing to understand modern art. Squeaking by yet another awkward interaction with aging parents. Surviving haphazard dates with sort-of girlfriends. CATCH THESE HANDS v2 resumes its course as a pseudo-documentary on the growing pains afforded twentysomething Takebe, while offering plenty of space to her lovesick partner, Soramori.
Takebe and Soramori are dating now. Kind of. Sort of. Maybe? They're trying. The problem for these adults is that neither really knows what the heck they're doing. Soramori is so high-strung and overinvested in proving she's a capable girlfriend that she blatantly overcompensates. For example, the only date-like things she can think of are awkwardly traditional: food, movies, and arcade games. And she's painfully indecisive about what food to eat, what movie to watch, and what games to play. Takebe, on the other hand, comically recedes into her characteristically blunt personality: she doesn't care what they do, because, bottom line: "it's obviously better if we both enjoy ourselves."
CATCH THESE HANDS v2 is about two dorks who care more about their partner than they're willing to admit. Soramori's emotions are easy to read, but she's incredibly shy when it comes to voicing her concerns (e.g., obsessing over what defines a "proper date"). Takebe is cool, casual, and just wants to get the point (but not before chomping into three scoops of ice cream).
By now, one must note this yuri manga is more of a situational comedy than a relational or character drama. Nothing romantic or theatrical actually happens in this comic book, and almost all of the character development occurs obliquely, when humor acquiesces to the weight of the moment.
Normally, readers would shift to the edges of their seats when Takebe abruptly ends her arcade date with Soramori to see if her mother and father are okay. But it turns out mom and pop are fine, and they just want their lazy adult daughter to move her unused stuff out of her old room. The whole event is innocent, inoffensive, and devolves into comical bickering. Until, in the closing pages, Soramori circuitously internalizes a lesson of being mindful of others' emotions.
The same occurs with the manga's secondary cast, which now includes other, former gang members among its ranks. All parts socially aloof, publicly sisterly, and seemingly indifferent to romance, Maria and Miharu acknowledge their "relationship dynamic" is atypical. Their brusque teasing feels off to Soramori, who pines to be swept off her feet. But these other women, friends who have already endured the rigors of love's uncertainty, offer some solid advice in the end: "[A]ll that matters is that we both want to be together."
CATCH THESE HANDS v2 thoroughly maneuvers this manga series toward Japanese genre expectations for yuri content (in contrast to lesbian content): no physical affection; character growth arrives at the expense of some other trope (i.e., coming-of-age humor); romance is ever-present but very slow-moving; and the characters regularly fail to prove their fondness for one another before they ever succeed. For western readers unaccustomed to this deliberate splicing or differentiation of plot conventions, Catch These Hands could prove a lengthy and tiresome read. Otherwise, it's a fun, open-hearted comic book.
Visually, the manga's character art remains warm and wholesome. But the artistic and editorial staff deserve high marks for adjusting their approach to word balloons in this second volume. Specifically, the team recently integrated inverted balloon tails (the "apple bite" balloons) for off-panel speakers. This style is native to Japanese comics, but not all artists use it (and western artists could definitely be more conscious of its benefits). Granted, some books aren't written such that the apple-bite balloons are necessary, but Catch These Hands pivots viewer perspective several times over the course of each scene, and this adjustment in lettering manifests a small but impressive (important) change in the comic's readability.
Failing to understand modern art. Squeaking by yet another awkward interaction with aging parents. Surviving haphazard dates with sort-of girlfriends. CATCH THESE HANDS v2 resumes its course as a pseudo-documentary on the growing pains afforded twentysomething Takebe, while offering plenty of space to her lovesick partner, Soramori.
Takebe and Soramori are dating now. Kind of. Sort of. Maybe? They're trying. The problem for these adults is that neither really knows what the heck they're doing. Soramori is so high-strung and overinvested in proving she's a capable girlfriend that she blatantly overcompensates. For example, the only date-like things she can think of are awkwardly traditional: food, movies, and arcade games. And she's painfully indecisive about what food to eat, what movie to watch, and what games to play. Takebe, on the other hand, comically recedes into her characteristically blunt personality: she doesn't care what they do, because, bottom line: "it's obviously better if we both enjoy ourselves."
CATCH THESE HANDS v2 is about two dorks who care more about their partner than they're willing to admit. Soramori's emotions are easy to read, but she's incredibly shy when it comes to voicing her concerns (e.g., obsessing over what defines a "proper date"). Takebe is cool, casual, and just wants to get the point (but not before chomping into three scoops of ice cream).
By now, one must note this yuri manga is more of a situational comedy than a relational or character drama. Nothing romantic or theatrical actually happens in this comic book, and almost all of the character development occurs obliquely, when humor acquiesces to the weight of the moment.
Normally, readers would shift to the edges of their seats when Takebe abruptly ends her arcade date with Soramori to see if her mother and father are okay. But it turns out mom and pop are fine, and they just want their lazy adult daughter to move her unused stuff out of her old room. The whole event is innocent, inoffensive, and devolves into comical bickering. Until, in the closing pages, Soramori circuitously internalizes a lesson of being mindful of others' emotions.
The same occurs with the manga's secondary cast, which now includes other, former gang members among its ranks. All parts socially aloof, publicly sisterly, and seemingly indifferent to romance, Maria and Miharu acknowledge their "relationship dynamic" is atypical. Their brusque teasing feels off to Soramori, who pines to be swept off her feet. But these other women, friends who have already endured the rigors of love's uncertainty, offer some solid advice in the end: "[A]ll that matters is that we both want to be together."
CATCH THESE HANDS v2 thoroughly maneuvers this manga series toward Japanese genre expectations for yuri content (in contrast to lesbian content): no physical affection; character growth arrives at the expense of some other trope (i.e., coming-of-age humor); romance is ever-present but very slow-moving; and the characters regularly fail to prove their fondness for one another before they ever succeed. For western readers unaccustomed to this deliberate splicing or differentiation of plot conventions, Catch These Hands could prove a lengthy and tiresome read. Otherwise, it's a fun, open-hearted comic book.
Visually, the manga's character art remains warm and wholesome. But the artistic and editorial staff deserve high marks for adjusting their approach to word balloons in this second volume. Specifically, the team recently integrated inverted balloon tails (the "apple bite" balloons) for off-panel speakers. This style is native to Japanese comics, but not all artists use it (and western artists could definitely be more conscious of its benefits). Granted, some books aren't written such that the apple-bite balloons are necessary, but Catch These Hands pivots viewer perspective several times over the course of each scene, and this adjustment in lettering manifests a small but impressive (important) change in the comic's readability.
November 8, 2022
3.5 🌟
This took me a while to finish, but mostly because work has been a lot lately 😩
Regardless, I like to read this as a story between an ace and aro protagonist. I’ve hear murmurings that something along those lines is canon, but the language hasn’t been used AT ALL in the manga. I still really enjoy reading it that way as someone who is ace 💖
I would say, however, that I didn’t like this volume as much as I did the first one. It was still fun and enjoyable, but it was missing a little something. I do like that we did get to see them going on different kinds of dates! I also enjoyed seeing Takebe starting to appreciate the time she spends with Soramori. It warms my heart. This means my favorite “dates” were the origami classes.
I do have to say that I really didn’t need the romantic rival character. It feels excessive especially when her attentions are directed at Takebe who already is the one that leans on the aro part of the spectrum. Like, leave this poor woman alone please 💀 Especially as well because it throws in incest vibes since Takebe calls her a cousin. Please spare me 💀
Anyway, I liked that the volume rounded out with Soramori learning more about how couples can be “unconventional” but still very happy 💖
This took me a while to finish, but mostly because work has been a lot lately 😩
Regardless, I like to read this as a story between an ace and aro protagonist. I’ve hear murmurings that something along those lines is canon, but the language hasn’t been used AT ALL in the manga. I still really enjoy reading it that way as someone who is ace 💖
I would say, however, that I didn’t like this volume as much as I did the first one. It was still fun and enjoyable, but it was missing a little something. I do like that we did get to see them going on different kinds of dates! I also enjoyed seeing Takebe starting to appreciate the time she spends with Soramori. It warms my heart. This means my favorite “dates” were the origami classes.
I do have to say that I really didn’t need the romantic rival character. It feels excessive especially when her attentions are directed at Takebe who already is the one that leans on the aro part of the spectrum. Like, leave this poor woman alone please 💀 Especially as well because it throws in incest vibes since Takebe calls her a cousin. Please spare me 💀
Anyway, I liked that the volume rounded out with Soramori learning more about how couples can be “unconventional” but still very happy 💖
February 20, 2023
I would say the gears are starting to turn in this volume but it still feels slow going to get anywhere beyond surface level. Then again, that's kind of the point? These characters are trying to figure out how to get closer and have a relationship, and learning to let go of their ideas of what a relationship has to be and who they're supposed to be as adults. And while I appreciate that being the centre point, I'm not finding myself enjoying much of it because it feels like we're way above the surface.
That said, I did enjoy seeing new characters, and they're getting better at discussing what they want. Not quite sure if I want to continue with this series just yet though...
That said, I did enjoy seeing new characters, and they're getting better at discussing what they want. Not quite sure if I want to continue with this series just yet though...
August 1, 2022
Takebe and Soramori are dating and the fun filled date that Soramori has planned does not go as planned.
It was refreshing seeing them get to know each other. Which also added to the humor in this series.
Takebe cousins being added to the mix was annoying at first but funny later one when Takebe told off both her cousin and Soramori.
Takebe is just going with the flow with no romantic interest in Soramori at all, but seeing them go camping and find a balance in their relationship that works for them, is nice to see.
It was refreshing seeing them get to know each other. Which also added to the humor in this series.
Takebe cousins being added to the mix was annoying at first but funny later one when Takebe told off both her cousin and Soramori.
Takebe is just going with the flow with no romantic interest in Soramori at all, but seeing them go camping and find a balance in their relationship that works for them, is nice to see.
September 13, 2023
September 2023. Sapphic September categories: part of a series, comfy, quick read, 2023 (for final volume).
A cute and light series about two women who had been rival delinquents in their teens. Now adults, one of them challenged the other to a battle with the agreement that they have to date if she wins.
A real grump x sunshine situation, with a comedic premise.
I felt that volume 2 in particular suffered from lack of focus and just too much repetitiveness of the nice MC being anxious and overthinking things. I’d say volume 2-4 could’ve been 2 volumes instead of 3, with the younger cousin drama removed entirely.
Overall I liked it quite a bit, but it didn’t keep the tighter momentum of volume 1. Worth a borrow, and volume 4 was stronger and won me back over.
“Catch These Hands” vol 2-4 by Murata.
A cute and light series about two women who had been rival delinquents in their teens. Now adults, one of them challenged the other to a battle with the agreement that they have to date if she wins.
A real grump x sunshine situation, with a comedic premise.
I felt that volume 2 in particular suffered from lack of focus and just too much repetitiveness of the nice MC being anxious and overthinking things. I’d say volume 2-4 could’ve been 2 volumes instead of 3, with the younger cousin drama removed entirely.
Overall I liked it quite a bit, but it didn’t keep the tighter momentum of volume 1. Worth a borrow, and volume 4 was stronger and won me back over.
“Catch These Hands” vol 2-4 by Murata.
July 6, 2022
Didn't enjoy this as much as the last volume- the 'rivalry' with the cousin was both eye-rolling and uninteresting, and there weren't any delinquent shenanigans. However, I did like the last chapter where we got to see more of the mc's friend and her girlfriend. More loving former delinquent gfs already in a functional relationship mentoring the main pair! Hopefully the next volume will step up its game.
May 16, 2023
These two fools are so funny. I forgot how much volume one made me laugh out loud so it was nice to see that volume two was just as hilarious.
In volume two we get to meet Takebe’s parents, a rival or two in our couple’s love story, and a series of ridiculously bad dates as planned by Soramori. Honestly, these tools give me hope for myself. I can’t wait to see what volume three shenanigans they are about to get into.
In volume two we get to meet Takebe’s parents, a rival or two in our couple’s love story, and a series of ridiculously bad dates as planned by Soramori. Honestly, these tools give me hope for myself. I can’t wait to see what volume three shenanigans they are about to get into.
August 6, 2022
Still very cute and enjoyable, but now that things are established, this volume was about building the relationship and is very much the slower middley bits of the story so it had a little less to grab me than the first one. I’m still super invested in this couple though and looking forward to the rest of their story!
December 24, 2022
I want to like this series because the art and premise is so cute but I feel like I just…don’t care about these characters…? hopefully the next volumes or so gives them more depth and develops their relationship a bit more. I think the last few scenes were really sweet and promising.
that cousin “crush rivalry” situation was weird, though. I hope that it doesn’t turn out to be anything.
that cousin “crush rivalry” situation was weird, though. I hope that it doesn’t turn out to be anything.
April 12, 2022
This review is for the series as a whole.
And, I have to say, it was a delight! A low-stakes romance. Never was there a BIG blow-up or misunderstanding, to cause extra drama. That just wouldn’t fit into the personalities of Takebe and Soramori. Part of the point of this series is that they’re kind of…boring. And them coming to terms and embracing BEING kind of boring. It’s refreshing to see a romance where no one is running after a departing plane or wailing in the rain. They’re adults.
The ending is quite satisfying. It’s not a grand happily-ever-after, but you’re sure, as a reader, that these two are set for life. They’ll slip into a life together, not because they have to make sudden decisions, but because, say, one of their apartment leases is up, and wouldn’t it be easier to just move in together? And that is just…really calming.
Simple romance, low stakes. A+.
And, I have to say, it was a delight! A low-stakes romance. Never was there a BIG blow-up or misunderstanding, to cause extra drama. That just wouldn’t fit into the personalities of Takebe and Soramori. Part of the point of this series is that they’re kind of…boring. And them coming to terms and embracing BEING kind of boring. It’s refreshing to see a romance where no one is running after a departing plane or wailing in the rain. They’re adults.
The ending is quite satisfying. It’s not a grand happily-ever-after, but you’re sure, as a reader, that these two are set for life. They’ll slip into a life together, not because they have to make sudden decisions, but because, say, one of their apartment leases is up, and wouldn’t it be easier to just move in together? And that is just…really calming.
Simple romance, low stakes. A+.
July 21, 2022
This is the funniest thing in the whole wide world. Angry eyebrows girl cracks me up, cuz like bruv why you so angry - you have a girlfriend who wants to take you on dates - relax your shoulders. Her dad's eyebrows are angry too. LOL!
December 29, 2022
The positives are that I am enjoying the humor and gags. The negatives are that the progression of feelings is too slow for me to really enjoy. Hopefully the third volume brings more than just comedy.
December 1, 2023
Lowkey forgot I was reading this series took a while to get back into the book but solid romance book so far, we got introduced to new character like takebes mother and father as well as Maria girlfriend Miharu who is a gang leader in a biker club.
January 10, 2024
3 stars. I’m still meh on this series as I’m not buying into the chemistry between Takebe and Soramori. I don’t mind them as individuals but as a couple I’m not feeling it just yet. I don’t know about this series but I’ll keep going I guess.
January 13, 2025
I really enjoyed this series, it has hilarious characters and a very sweet romance and happy ending.
I looooved Takebe Ayako’s character, she was so funny and honestly cool. I loved her permanent scowl even when she was enjoying herself, and her continual consternation.
Highly recommend!
I looooved Takebe Ayako’s character, she was so funny and honestly cool. I loved her permanent scowl even when she was enjoying herself, and her continual consternation.
Highly recommend!
September 22, 2025
the last half of this book shifted the series from a shallow one note to a story actually saying something and I am def glad I have v3 on hand to continue! hoping i get more of this kinda story please!
July 1, 2022
Gotta love the slow burns.
July 13, 2022
Very cute and funny. The dating attempts continue, but they can't figure out the proper way to do so.
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