Kare wa Tomodachi

I have to say that this story's plot was unexpected, yet rather DISSAPOINTING for a guy like me reading this.

There are specific reasons why I don't particularly like this manga. The story is about this girl, Hiyori, who first falls in love with a nice guy named Ren. The two of them go through various troubles though, and it's those troubles that shows how very selfish and immature Hiyori is, despite being the main character. Hiyori fails to realize Ren's situations, fails to understand how very kind and caring he is, and above all fails to see how much Ren actually loves her. From a guy's perspective, sometimes it seems like girls simply can't tell the difference between friendship and love. Maybe that's why girls always put guys into the "friend zone," no matter how good the guy may be. Thus the title, Kare Wa Tomodachi ("He is My Friend").

Another reason is Hiyori's mindset and flexibility. Never once does she think properly and clearly about Ren's feelings; she only thinks about her own predicament, and thus she asks Ren to cater to her own feelings so that she can get over her heartbreak, instead of properly talking to Ren and understanding the circumstances. Hiyori's heart never had any tenacity for love and relationships; deep inside was just a selfish concern for herself.

Overall, this manga is a terrible read for guys who understand what it's like to be treated without understanding each other. In my opinion, this kind of manga can be appealing to girls who like to create drama with guys and aren't interested in any real relationships involving trust, sacrifice, and hope.

Kare wa tomodachi is one of my top ten go to drama-romances and with good reason. No manga reader picks up a shoujo romance title and thinks to himself "Sheesh, there sure seem to be a lot of misunderstandings between these people and a lot of unnecessary conflict and pain is resulting from it. If only they grew up and stopped making such a big deal out of small things!" Hahah, OK while reading, maybe we do let slip such harsh thoughts, but honestly, being a teen is hard, and it is precisely this anguish and delight of being a teen, finding and losing and picking up the pieces of first love that Kare wa tomodachi expresses with gusto.

So as the story always goes, we have an (uncharacteristically) level headed and otherwise ordinary shoujo lead Hiyori. Her heart goes doki doki for the popular and friendly Mizuno in the next class but gosh darn it, how is she to approach him when his hoard of female fans won't let her through? Hmm, maybe his best friend who serendipitously happens to be seated next to her could help her out. However Sasamoto, accustomed to being the gentleman in waiting for Mizuno wants nothing to do with Hiyori. He's had enough of helping girls get to Sasamoto, using him as a stepping stone. But after much pleading he relents to poor ol' Hiyori's requests. And things even started going well... If by well you mean Mizuno being approached by his ex girlfriend for reconciliation just when Hiyori is about to make a play for herself and having that same ex girlfriend have a change of heart when Hiyori decides to back down. Tsk... kids today. So tempestuous!

The story seems original enough. Obviously by original I do not refer to a girl falling for a prince like character and trying to make him notice her, but the subtleties of the plot, the round about way each character's past and tenuous relationships are explored and how they determine their destinies is novel. For a drama, this story is refreshingly free of frustrating shoujo stereotypes and annoying character traits which make you want to hurl a television at the character's head.
Unpredictable plots are introduced just when the story is about to settle into a nice groove (it's a drama, it's no-one's fault!) but are handled sincerely. No turn seems outrageous or contrived and the characters make the entire situation very believable. Their are couples you root for, villains you want to throw eggs at and dashing bishies you just want to glomp.

Art is an interesting part of Yoshioka Ririko's works. While it's not particularly groundbreaking or breathtaking, it's cute enough, not overly flowery but it is impactful and original. Sure, they could keep their mouths closed a bit more, but then what would the reader whine about?! Precise characters are drawn with interesting expressions and fashionable clothes. The backgrounds and panel could have been cleaner and sometimes makes for distractions in reading, but it's not the roses and hearts and polka dots which can really be a deterrent.

Characters: Aaaah the meat and potatoes of this story. All the characters, invoke really strong reactions in even the most seasoned shoujo reader. They're quite original both in their motivations and how they handle situations. You really bawl when some particularly sad event occurs in the heroine's life or when her bishi imposes a punishment on himself for no fault of theirs, and the antagonists really make you grind your teeth together, plotting their downfall. I think that's the proof of a good story, when you immerse yourself so fully in your characters that you forget they're just figments of somebody's imagination and you wait with bated breath for someone to finally catch a break or even... GASP a happy ending! Well I'm still waiting for any happy ending, but the plot really sucks you in while retaining its freshness.

Though drama is definitely the foremost element of this story, the characters don't take themselves too seriously. There is plenty of humor and good natured joshing throughout the manga. There is also a healthy sprinkling of fun and carefree school experiences portrayed to keep the story grounded and perhaps as a break for the leads all dealing with a lot for ordinary 16 year olds!

I really enjoyed KwT. Each chapter doesn't necessarily end at a big cliffhanger, but you do feel uneasy until you know what happens next. No couple falls in love at first sight, nor do they break up over tiny misunderstandings. First kisses and sex aren't made the focal point of the entire series, though they're given adequate significance. Cliche premises are kept at bay and novel and realistic situations are explored instead. These are clearly a bunch of smart kids and you feel happy while reading this, rather than contemptuous or disdainful towards even one of them.

So would I recommend this story? Yes, if you like to invest deeply in riveting story lines. Yes, if you're not easily moved by substandard romances and are longing for something real but heart throbbing at the same time. Yes, if you want to cheer on for a girl looking to have a happy life, even if that means being single. But if you're looking for instant gratification and are quick to feel bad when anguish befalls the lead characters, then tread carefully. These kids are about to enter high school, and there's heartbreak, angst and longing around every corner!

This manga was pretty good, not going to lie. At first the plot was pretty light and not that intense but then while the story was developing so were the characters. The plot is not the extremely original but it is original enough that you will have a break from all the predictable typical shoujo mangas out there. At first when i was reading it I said it was all cute and stuff then it got more intense and i kept wanting to read more. And the author develops the characters well like there were multiple times where i wanted to punch some of them in the face (if that were possible) Also there are so many misunderstandings that make you pissed off but that is what keeps the story going. Once you start reading you do not want to stop (i think i finished it in a day) The art is pretty nice, well done. It isn't going to hurt your eyes (like some i've read in the past) This manga is not your typical shoujo manga story (which i hate because i can predict them ugh) it is a great read!

OVERALL: 8

Alright. so I'm not the best at writing reviews, but I'll try to make things clear. I hate stories where it's the same thing over and over again. It shows that the author isn't creative, and keeps going through the same ring. I'm pretty sure this author must have some good stories, but this was definalty not one of them. Most teenagers read manga for enjoyement and to escape reality, but if the manga reminds them too much of reality, than it's going to be something not many peopel will like. I found this story too much near reality due to all the heartbreaks and breakups. I really think the plot line could of gone a different direction. To be honest, this reminded me as well of Mars because of the depressing vibes it gave, and I hated Mars.

For those who would prefer to stay away from reality based stories and depressing vibes, don't read this story. I know I sound harsh, but this si my opinion.

Story - 10/10
I really have to admit that I hate love triangles because they just repeat themselves like any other manga. However, in my 3 years of otaku, this is the very first time I found something really WORTH reading(for love triangles or something like that).. and this was Kare wa Tomodachi. At first I thought that it was just similar to those other mangas but I'm lucky that I gave it a shot. I can assure you that this is a very good drama-romance manga. There will be lots of lessons to learn as well. I love how the mangaka did the ending.. really very good that I was almost fascinated.
*
Art - 9/10
There art wasn't so bad either. I also like how the mangaka draw each character. They were like really normal.. not all mangakas can draw that well, right? However, the thing that made me snatch away one point was because sometimes, I get bothered by their lips. But anyway, I still love the way the mangaka draws and it's always clean. ^.^
*
Character - 10/10
I like each and every character here as well as their personalities. Even the bad ones which turned at good at the end.. well not really 'bad'. I'm glad that the main heroine is not 'stupid' , 'dense' , 'naive , 'dumb' like almost all other mangas. I also fancy the guys here. ^_^
*
Enjoyment - 10/10
I really enjoyed this manga very much and there is nothing I could say further more.

Overall - 10/10
It was great and worth reading!

here are the things i hafto say about this manga, they ignore ALL PROBLEMS in this manga, for a guy reading this... its really apalling considering how the author totally avoids all the problems that come up in this manga and tries to cover it up with an another problem that isnt even a really big deal... reading this trully will put a HOLE THRU A MAN'S FUCKING PRIDE, do urself a favor when u read this, be aware of how girls think they can come back to u even after all the bitchy shit they did to u and expects that u can totally accept it without caring about ur own pride. this is actually really typical with shoujo authors, only in shoujo can the girl do things like this to a guy.

For me this was the best manga I've read in a very long time. I've read pretty much all the popular/ suggested mangas which set the bar really high.... But for one that isn't as well known, this one really hit the mark for me in a good way, it was really REAL.

Characters: 9/10 You've got an annoying female character, the strong but passive female lead, a male lead that is quiet and doesn't show his emotions very well, and the popular male that gets what he wants, which leads us to having a not original story line, but it plays out well thanks to how real this manga is. PS THe characters are dynamic and develop.

Story: 7/10 As some of the other review mention, the beginning of this manga starts off some what light. Very happy and typical, but when you get towards the middle the drama begins. Our characters go through a phase of many trials: fighting with their weak selves and losing what is important to them, regret, mistakes. To the very end when the biggest mistake happens (though I don't really want to call it a mistake). It's something that happens in real life. You're in a relationship but one person doesn't trust/believe the other as much as they really should, because of that the one that was truthful ends up terrible hurt. Thankfully this is a happy ending, but the happy was too short.... I wish they would've expanded.

Romance: 7/10 It was more painful to read than it was happy. There were so many no no's and mistakes, but that's what I loved most about this manga. It portrayed the very real romance of young adults and the mistakes that can possible be made. Things like dating to forget, or letting those teenage hormones get the best of you. To relying to much on someone else's existence pretending you're okay when you're really not. Like I said, THANK GOODNESS this was a happy ending.

Overall: if you want to read romance that is real with very real scenarios give this one a shot. Everything makes sense and you can't exactly hate any one person... (well maybe except that other female lead..) I give this a high 8. Almost 9 if they would have had a longer happy ending :)

Kare wa Tomodachi is probably one of the most amazing mangas I've ever read in my whole life. Why? Let me tell you.

First: STORY
The story is something every teenager (which is most manga readers) can understand. It doesn't run around the bush but instead, it goes straight to the point. "I like you." that isn't really hard to understand, right? Although I must admit it can be quite annoying sometimes but it goes well in the end or it goes to a different way you'd thought it would be. It changes. Because life changes as well.

Secod: ART
The art is not perfect but good enough. It is well drawn and almost similar to Bokura Ga Ita. Its great but not that outstanding.

Third: CHARACTER
Like I said, the characters are quite complicated. They do this and do that then it will affect something or some other character. That is what they are supposed to do anyway. The way how they react to the situation sometimes annoys me especially someone from the main character. You'll figure it out when you read it; I bet most people hate that person actually.

Fourth: ENJOYMENT
I enjoyed it. I cried, I laughed, I swore and I cried. Okay more like more crying but less laughing. Its a story of someone's life (can be) of course you'll have to cry when you finally understand the main character's position. Her decision affects her way of living and the way how other people sees her. Its something you'll enjoy if you're a teenager or prefer reading Slice of Life mangas.

Fifth: OVERALL
Amazing. Amazing. Outstanding. I like it and I hope you'll love it as much as I did. You can cry, you can love and as well you can hate them. Its up to you but of course, depending on the situation :p

umm... i can't FOR THE LIFE OF ME understand why this has good reviews?

this was probably the worst thing i've ever read? at the very least it's the worst shoujo manga i've ever read to date (and that's saying something, considering my strong distaste for ao haru ride lol)

first of all... i understand creating "complicated characters" but... two attempted rapists making up part of the main cast? troublesome!!!!! pathetic!!!! freaky!!!! disgusting!!!!! i'm genuinely wondering if the author has something wrong with them to write something like this like... not to be MEAN? but you're not okay if you enjoyed this. go to therapy!

the beginning was like... alright and then it divulged into this horrid mess of dramatic cliches and absolutely ALL nuance is lost in this story, trust me. there's absolutely no way to understand what the main characters are thinking at any given time, which can be done fine (and has been, much better, in other mangas) but it's soooo god damn frustrating to have to sit through 7 fucking volumes of this dreck for literally no payoff.

near the end there i was thinking "oh... well even though i hated the first 6 volumes, this one hasn't been as abhorrent as the rest so maybe i'll at least give it a 5 when i'm done with it?" but nah. the last fucking thing we get from the two main characters we're supposed to have watched sort through their issues and make something out of what they're left with (not much, honestly) is them fucking yelling at each other and then hugging. :|

like... am i supposed to care? after 7 fucking volumes of this inane shit am i supposed to care that these 16 year olds love each other? after hiyori had a miscarriage because her dumbass boyfriend didn't use a condom and everyone was too busy making a trauma-porn out of her life to the point where she didn't feel like eating anymore... am i supposed to care that she finally hugged "the right boy"?

because i don't. this is garbage. i really AM getting too old for this shit. i'd rate it 1/10 if the last 2 chapters hadn't brought at least a little bit of levity, but that's the only good thing i can say about it whatsoever. absolutely fucking terrible story. thanks!

This is my very very very first time writing a review and I'm not really good speaking English so I might use wrong words and/or grammar..

First:
I really like this manga because I really miss my High School days and High School Lovelife and this stories reminds me of them

Story: 10/10

I really like how the story goes and how realistic the characters are

Art: 9/10

I like to rate it 10/10 but sometimes I don't get some of its chapter or part of the chapter, something like the author skipped some scenes but overall it was awesome..

Characters: 10/10
I really like how characters are made..
They're level headed for their age but their still a "kid' so recklessness are there

Enjoyment: 10/10

I really enjoy this manga
I didn't sleep just to finish this manga in 1 night

I know you won't find this helpful
But I really want to write this to express my feeling towards this manga