So I actually decide to read the manga of Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun after watching its anime last year. Why did it took me a year? Well, I dislike anime where the ending of it is lackluster and to see more information about it, I'm forced to read the manga. The characters on the anime are really good, but what made them lackluster (in terms of development) is because of that lackluster ending.

I decided to read the manga just now, because I really have nothing to do throughout the summer. I mean, I'm watching Jojo (the first season), but it's not hyping me up (Unlike what other people say. I'm even beginning to doubt that maybe Stardust Crusaders is where the hype is) and it isn't giving me spice.

So we have a cold-hearted girl named Mizutani, Shizuku who only cares about her grades. She then meets this eccentric, happy go lucky boy named Yoshida, Haru. This is where their romance begins to develop in a comedic, slice of life way. I know this isn't a SOL manga, but I do get that vibe as I read the manga.

What makes the story good is how it drives with its characters. Basically, the story doesn't progress without its character's motives. It doesn't even feel forced. I'm not only talking about Shizuku and Haru, I'm also talking about its side characters like Sasayan, Natsume, Yamaken, Ooshima, and so on. The side characters don't even feel left out. They also have their moments where they are the reason why the story is progressing between Shizuku and Haru and that's what I love about the manga - the way it progresses and it doesn't feel forced. The story tackles the romance, family, and friendship aspect and they do it really well. I gave the story and the characters a 10/10 because although it maybe simple, again, the way they it blends with its characters is what makes it outstanding.

For the art, it isn't really detailed, but in terms of the style, it's really good. All of the characters look attractive especially the girls. They look kawaii. For the men, they also look kawaii (No homo).

This is the very first Shojo manga that I finished, so some of you may disagree to what I say (And might say that I have to read other Shojo manga to see for myself), but I still think this manga is great no matter how many Shojo manga I've read. I enjoyed it because of its characters and the way the story progresses. This is way better than the anime... Obviously.

My score for this manga is a 9/10. Outstanding story and characters though it falls in terms of art which is why this manga didn't hit a 10/10. This manga is great for both beginners and veterans. It's great for beginners as this manga doesn't really fall in any cliche tropes (like "fanservice"), so I thought this manga maybe a good introduction to beginners out there.