A review by miistical
Classmates Vol. 2: Sotsu gyo sei (Winter) by Asumiko Nakamura

emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

"And you need to give me half of you."
"I could give you all of me, though."
"Nah, that's fine. Just save half for me."

No matter your opinion on its contents, "Classmates" can create emotional interest in a way few romance manga can. This is something the first volume does well, but Winter takes it up a notch. The reactions between Sajo and Kusekabe are - not relatable, per se, but very sincere. The art style helps with this feeling; the body proportions might set you off, but the facial expressions are wonderful.

Hara-sensei makes a greater appearance in this volume. His story line is pretty weak outside of his genre, but works well for what it is. He is emulating the behavior he had once experienced as a high schooler. And while it is very funny to read about him and Kusekabe having a dick-measuring contest (the translator who wrote "Pervy Hara-sensei! More like Hara-ssment!" is the funniest person alive), Sajo certainly isn't backing off when he should. It really is only after Harasen directly asks Sajo about his feelings that anything feels resolved.

(Also, I have no idea why so many people are commenting on the teachers being pedophiles? One other teacher makes a sympathetic comment to Harasen that he had a similar interest in a student, which only maybe became something when she had grown up. That's it.)

The second name of the game here is emotional availability. Not only does Sajo finally express his frustration of Kusekabe not telling him anything about his life, he makes the first move! For Kusekabe, he seems to be slipping out of the mindset that he always has to be cool for Sajo, especially when he talks about his jealousy and how he just wants to be there for Sajo. I can't wait to see what they do next.
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