I am absolutely entranced by Kareshi Kanoujo no Jijou.

Underneath what may seem a simple romance budding between our main characters, Arima Souchirou and Miyazawa Yukino, lies a multi-faceted story of love, childhood, family and friendship. I have to admit, in the beginning, I have underestimated this manga. The art did not particularly appeal to me and although the story did, I was sceptical about whether or not it could capture my attention.

I was wrong.

With 21 volumes, Kareshi Kanoujo no Jijou (Kare Kano in short) seemed like a huge read. Well it was, to a certain extent. But what comes from that huge read is a deep and dark story revolving around the main characters, Arima and Miyazawa. In the surface, you do see the comedy and light-hearted tone of high school romance. But once the manga reaches its peak in that, it switches to a heavy story that draws you deeper and deeper until you are unable to stop reading.

The strength of Kare Kano as a manga lies truly in its character development. Although the story is outstanding in itself, the characters' development throughout the series outshines other elements of the manga. While Kare Kano does delve into the stories of other characters besides Arima and Miyazawa, they seem slightly dull in comparison to the journey of Arima and Miyawa as a couple. What's truly fascinating is Arima's character. Arima's façade and the secret that lies behind it may evoke surprise due its darkness, but it's absolutely entrancing.

Kare Kano's art may not be its best point but I still adored how the characters are drawn. When the story is serious, the art conveys that serious tone but when it switches to the comedy side, the art is cute and adorable!

Without spoiling the story any further, I can say that Kare Kano is one of the most surprising manga I've ever read (in a good way). It's similar to a Chinese box in a way that once you open the box containing the past and story of the characters, there's more that awaits in the smaller boxes until you reach the end of it. This is a highly recommended manga particularly to those who are looking for deep, dark and realistic story encased in romance and comedy.

Thank you so much for reading my first review on MyAnimeList!