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Love Roma, Volume 1 (Love Roma, #1)

Minoru Toyoda

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Aug 14, 2009 Xelloss-kun rated it it was amazing

Shelves: manga-series

I initially picked up this title when I saw the first two volumes on the shelf and the back of the second declared "We have been telling all the people we meet to read this manga!" (quote by CLAMP). It's a somewhat typical romance told in a very atypical style. The book has a simplistic but nice art style which gradually improves as you progress through the volume (which is not unexpected given that the manga-ka created it over an extended period).

With the initial story's being written as a stan I initially picked up this title when I saw the first two volumes on the shelf and the back of the second declared "We have been telling all the people we meet to read this manga!" (quote by CLAMP). It's a somewhat typical romance told in a very atypical style. The book has a simplistic but nice art style which gradually improves as you progress through the volume (which is not unexpected given that the manga-ka created it over an extended period).

With the initial story's being written as a standalone comic initially, you could stop after reading just that, but I can't see why anyone would want to do so! Hoshino Hajime goes into the class next to his one day, walks up to a girl who doesn't know him, then bluntly (and quite loudly) announces that he has feelings for her and would like her to go out with him. Negishi Yumiko, the object of Hoshino's affections, got his attention because of her natural candor and outgoing personality.

Brief synopsis
At this point, many of you probably think that this sounds like the same thing you've read not less than a dozen times before; however, that's where you would be wrong. This manga doesn't read like a typical shoujo series, nor does it read like one of the scant few shounen romance series. Instead, it has a personality all its own, removing the majority of inner monologue and personal qualms about whether or not to say something and replacing them with very open (and, in Hoshino's case, very formal) statements, questions, and observations. Both Hoshino's best friend and Negishi's best friend find the couple amusing (as does the rest of each of their classes), and enjoy "subtly" suggesting things which would normally cause a lot of angst but instead lead to amusing situations which are generally quickly resolved. As an example, even prior to their first official date, Hoshino's friend gives him a condom "just in case" and Hoshino has no problem telling Negishi exactly what transpired in the short exchange she saw them have. Unfortunately, Hoshino is painfully blunt sometimes and has virtually no sense of tact. Fortunately, Negishi seems to get upset but actually finds his down-to-earth attitude refreshing.

I would recommend this book to just about anyone. If you're looking for something with a lot of undertones and metaphorical events, this is definitely not for you. If you enjoy a cute comedy or just want a reprieve because you just finished reading Monster: Terrible Story, definitely give this series a chance. ...more

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