A review by helterskelliter
Shikimori's Not Just a Cutie, Vol. 1 by Keigo Maki
4.0
Izumi and Shikimori are the cutest couple!
These high school sweethearts hold hands in the hall, walk home together, and, of course, tease each other. Izumi is kindhearted and a little clumsy, often getting himself into trouble that Shikimori has to help him out of it—which is no problem.
See, Shikimori’s not just a cutie—she’s super cool too!
This is such a CUTE STORY!
I appreciate the main characters Izumi and Shikimori each on their own but, I really their relationship and I appreciate how they interact with each other and play off the other. For me, this comes across as a refreshing addition to the genre.
I always appreciate shoujo series that have female characters with strong agency. Shikimori has her own motivations and is her own distinct character, separate from her love interest. I think it would be easy for a character like her to be cast as the remarkable girl who is paired with some mediocre guy for no discernible, logical reason beyond the author’s intent—but this story seems to take lengths to avoid that easy plot.
Again, I think these characters have such a refreshing dynamic and I am so looking forward to reading more.
Also, I just want to say it’s so much FUN to read a shoujo series with a female character who isn’t a shrinking Violet, always catering to the male gaze and expectations of young womanhood. I appreciate seeing Shikimori cast as the cool character, as the standout, as the character this series revolves around. She’s not just an accessory to Izumi.
Definitely recommend for readers who enjoy a thoughtful romance series that revolves around a peculiar relationship~
These high school sweethearts hold hands in the hall, walk home together, and, of course, tease each other. Izumi is kindhearted and a little clumsy, often getting himself into trouble that Shikimori has to help him out of it—which is no problem.
See, Shikimori’s not just a cutie—she’s super cool too!
This is such a CUTE STORY!
I appreciate the main characters Izumi and Shikimori each on their own but, I really their relationship and I appreciate how they interact with each other and play off the other. For me, this comes across as a refreshing addition to the genre.
I always appreciate shoujo series that have female characters with strong agency. Shikimori has her own motivations and is her own distinct character, separate from her love interest. I think it would be easy for a character like her to be cast as the remarkable girl who is paired with some mediocre guy for no discernible, logical reason beyond the author’s intent—but this story seems to take lengths to avoid that easy plot.
Again, I think these characters have such a refreshing dynamic and I am so looking forward to reading more.
Also, I just want to say it’s so much FUN to read a shoujo series with a female character who isn’t a shrinking Violet, always catering to the male gaze and expectations of young womanhood. I appreciate seeing Shikimori cast as the cool character, as the standout, as the character this series revolves around. She’s not just an accessory to Izumi.
Definitely recommend for readers who enjoy a thoughtful romance series that revolves around a peculiar relationship~