Ichikawa Kei is great at creating these slice-of-life stories that aren't particularly steamy, but will still tug at your heartstrings. Slow Starter is no different.

Frankly, Ino and Kiyo are adorable. Both are a little awkward with one another, but they're just so happy to spend time together - it's heart-warming. What I love about this manga is that it leaves out a lot of the romantic plot tropes that we usually see (like a character being bullied, neglected or injured in some other way). Ichikawa Sensei completely ignores the Seme/Uke dichotomy, with both Ino and Kyo being your average High-school males - and that's so refreshing.

It's important to keep in mind that this is a Shounen-Ai manga, so any steamy parts are kept to a bare minimum. But, that doesn't take away from this story at all - instead it keeps the focus on Ino and Kiyo's relationship from a romantic point of view rather than a sexual one.

The artwork itself isn't extraordinary by any means, but it's not bad either. Ichikawa Kei has a way of drawing her characters that feels sweet and wholesome. When the characters smile - you'll smile and when they laugh - you'll laugh.

Overall, I'd say this is a fantastic Manga if you want something that's heartwarming and sweet - and because there's hardly any graphic images, this book is safe for younger teenage readers as well.