Manga Review: So Cute It Hurts!! #1 by Go Ikeyamada
When the Kobayashi twins, Megumu and Mitsuru, were born, their parents named them after people important in the life of feudal warlord Date Masamune. It seems that their family was descended from retainers of that Warring States era general. When they grew to adolesence, Mitsuru became an athlete, specializing it kendo, the art of the sword. Megumu, on the other hand, became a history nerd.
Mitsuru is failing history, and unless he aces a series of make-up tests, he’ll have to give up his Sundays off for cram classes. There’s no way he’s going to get high enough scores, but Mitsuru has a plan. If Megumu disguises herself as him, and attends his school as him for a week, she can pass the tests and he can get on with his life. Megumu thinks this is a terrible idea and refuses. But on the day, Mitsuru steals a march by swiping Megumu’s school uniform and going to her school as her–so Megumu has to go along with the plan….
This shoujo (girls’) manga pulls a version of the classic “twin switch” plotline. The siblings look very much alike aside from the obvious, so it’s initially easier than you might think. However, passing as each other is the least of the complications. It seems Mitsuru forgot to tell his sister that his all-boys school is ruled by delinquents who have frequent status battles, and he’s relatively high on the totem pole. And the top fighter is a total hunk who bears a strong resemblance to Date Masamune! Megumu can’t help acting a little attracted.
Over on the other side of town, Mitsuru gets himself in hot water with the school’s most influential girl, and develops a crush on a cute deaf-mute (and he immediately starts learning sign language once he catches on.) He’s not sure how he’s going to break the news that he’s actually a guy.
Some other folks get crushes too, and the romantic comedy hijinks begin.
Mitsuru is kind of an ass, but has good guy attitudes that shine through. Megumu is quieter and less self-confident, but nicer. The mean girl is kind of a stereotype, but we will hope for some character development in future volumes. The situation is very contrived and does not lend itself to a long series, but I could roll with it for two or three volumes.
The art is decent, but may be too cutesy for some readers.
Recommended for those who like adorable love stories with lots of silliness.
Lol I might get one of those books they look fun.
It makes a nice change from some of the more angsty teen romances I’ve seen.
Sounds like so much fun and mischievous!
Doesn’t it, though?
My mother was a fraternal twin and I’ve always thought it would be fabulous to have some switch-out adventures. I’ll have to check this out.
It’s cute and likable. And yes, the twin switch is a reliably intriguing plot device.
I have not read the book The Parent Trap was based on – i may check it out – I loved that little movie as a kid. What a fun story!!! thanks for sharing – reading children’s books is always a plus
I only found out about “Lottie and Lisa” because the Japanese educational network NHK did an adaptation of it that was much more faithful to the book.
Well….who doesn’t like “adorable love stories with lots of silliness”….sounds like a keeper to me!!
I am hoping the author can keep up he quality in future volumes.