As much as I like my Steins;Gates, Fate/Zeros and Evangelions, there are far too many things about the Slice of Life genre that attract me so much to it. Probably because the so-called "otaku" influence had gotten to my head and got me so into such mundane settings. However, quite recently, I learned the reason as to why Slice of Life is, really, my most favorite genre and that is, not because I can relate, not because there are short skirts abound and most definitely not because I'm a teenager but ultimately because of the complexity of mundane human beings. Now, I know it sounds weird and creepy but it is what really makes the genre so captivating.
Now, I know most Slice of Life anime have failed to accomplish bringing about the highest potential of its most attractive feature, which is a shame, especially since most shows coming out nowadays pander to "otaku" standards and mostly create situations to make the viewer cry whilst trashing character exposition. (I'm looking at you, Charlotte). But when normal slice of life characters, the plainest you can find, are put into situations that can be life changing and a threat to their daily routine, and this is delivered to a great effect, we have Shishunki Bitter Change.

For a manga that's less than obscure, I'm probably giving it too much credit. But from what I've read thus far (22 chapters), I'm pretty sure I'm not.
Now, if you haven't read the synopsis and went straight to the reviews (What's wrong with you?), Shishunki Bitter Change revolves around two kids, a boy and a girl, who experience a body-swap and this said body-swap goes on for about six years. Yes, SIX YEARS (so far). Now that we have the huge introduction in order, on to the actual review.


Now, in majority of works, the idea of "genderbending" is often used as a gag. Now, don't get me wrong. Watching a dude trapped in a girl's body or vice versa, running about the hallways, getting in all sorts of mundane and perverted situations is, well, funny. This is evident in series like Yamada-kun, Pretty Face and Ouran High. But, what Shishunki does with this trope is entirely different. For a span of almost a decade, two individuals are trapped inside each others' body and takes a more serious approach on the trope. Yes, it does call for a lot of hilarious situations as the two try to cope with their new bodies (And not very original either. A Yamada moment here, and an Ouran moment there) but what's most evident is their actual struggle to maintain an image. The two main characters, while learning to cope, are in search also for a cure to their bodies. Though this plotline is heavily ignored throughout the progression of the story, the subplots helps the reader ignore this as well. And, there isn't much of a plot as Shishunki is, mainly, a character driven story.
Enter Yuuta and Yui, the two victims of this supernatural phenomena. Though the start is a bit rocky and cliche, the real juice comes from the actual interaction and actions these characters take. While in separate bodies, the two begin to react to each other's background and family and learn about each other as a result. As the two learn more about each other, they also learn more about other people and the opposite gender and are able to take action based on what they understand. This makes for one of the most interesting takes on human understanding, as, while they have an image to maintain, the two characters act in a way that they really do learn from others and act upon these new instincts. Though this theme is present among most genderbender stories, it's never used as the main meat of the series, whereas here, its one of its most interesting and key features.
Now, while both main characters are stars of the show, the story puts more emphasis on Yui, who suffers the most from this bitter change (no pun intended).
While Yuuta is able to cope with the change well, Yui suffers from both her own background and losing her identity to time and Yuuta tries to catch up to understanding this, though ever so slowly. When they're together, they're like a cat and mouse. They dislike each others' attitude and is often presented comedically. However, these two understand each other more when they're not together. An example is Yui, who sees how different "Yui" has become with Yuuta on the reigns. He's more active and friendlier to other people, which is self defeating when compared to Yui's past self. Just goes to show how different people really are.
The side characters are what really keep this story moving forward. Sounds a lot like plot device galore, no? Their interaction with the main characters impacts both themselves and the main characters, who both learn from each other. This is really what makes this manga shine- the character interaction. Even now, in its current high schools setting, among archetypes galore, the way they interact is still so interesting to read as their talks really reflect on one another. None of the conversation or exposition (unless intentionally comedic or pointless) feel shallow which is refreshing for a manga about genderbending.

As far as art goes... It's not the best. The drawings are simple but clean to look at. The 5-panel per page model is off-putting at first but it's acquired once you get used to it.

For the verdict, this manga gets a 9 from me, so far. I recommend Shishunki Bitter Change to anyone looking for the best the Body-Switch genre has to offer. A personal bias, of course, but it's just that good.

(TL;DR - It's good. It might not become shit so read it, k?)