Creative Staff:
Writer/Artist: Aya Nakahara
Translated by: Pookie Rolf
What They Say
Risa has finally realized that she has feelings for Otani, and can’t wait to confess her love. But dense Otani won’t take her hints! With the help of all their friends and a romantic beach vacation, can Risa get her affections past his thick head?
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
Love Com is one of those exceptional series that, at just four volumes, I want to read as soon as I have the book in my hands. The likable characters, the perfectly-timed comedy, and the off-the-wall humor from Aya Nakahara’s sidebars are enough to make this something that isn’t typical shoujo. This is reinforced by the pace at which the fourth volume proceeds; after Risa just having come to terms with the fact that she liked Otani in the previous volume, it takes just a few words of encouragement from her oblivious crush to inspire her to confess. And what’s even more impressive is that, after a few failed attempts, she has done just that by the halfway point of this volume.
Risa’s determination to confess is really quite admirable, as it takes a special type of person to continue in the face of Otani’s idiocy. Unfortunately, it’s that latter part that mars this volume. After all of the hints he receives before the actual confession, it’s hard to accept that he doesn’t believe it even when Risa flat-out tells him in what should have been the perfect confession. Thankfully, Risa descends into a pit of despair for only one chapter before she gathers up her courage and does it again. That alone is enough to show what propels Love Com so far beyond many of its competitors. It has a resilient, likable heroine who isn’t afraid to take charge of the situation and doesn’t let her crush on the male lead turn her into some kind of doormat. Risa is a realistic character who as inspiring of a female
The interactions between the two of them are strained when he does finally realize, which is a shame. Otani and Risa’s interaction has always been my favorite part of the series; no matter how well-crafted the tension between them is, it’s still less enjoyable than their usual bickering.
In Summary:
Thankfully, Nakahara breaks up the drama of the last chapter, all the while reminding us just how well-suited the two of them are for each other. In case, you know, you had forgotten that they’re almost perfectly matched in every aspect except height. Hopefully, the future volumes will see Otani get over that one difference, and soon, because the last pages of this volume were about as heartbreaking as I can handle from a romantic comedy.
Content Grade: B+
Art Grade: B+
Packaging Grade: B
Text/Translation Grade: B
Age Rating: 13+
Released By: Viz Media
Release Date: Januray 1st, 2008
MSRP: $8.99
