Manga Review: Kubo Won’t Let Me Be Invisible 1 by Nene Yukimori
Some people are extroverts, who project themselves out into the world. Others are introverts, who tend to withdraw from the world. And then there’s Junta Shiraishi. His lack of presence makes him effectively invisible. Ordinary folks don’t notice him unless he directly calls their attention to himself; he has to specifically tell teachers that he was present to get counted on attendance sheets. Sometimes, automatic doors won’t open for him! So it’s a bit of a shock when he gets to high school and the girl sitting next to him in class, Nagisa Kubo, can see him just fine.
Kubo finds the fact that other people don’t notice Shiraishi fascinating, and likes doing experiments to see how far it extends like having him stand on his chair in class. Shiraishi is embarrassed by this, but also somewhat pleased in an odd way. Kubo is the closest thing to a friend he’s ever had!
This is another romantic comedy in the currently fashionable sub-sub-genre of “girl who teases boy.” Kubo comes across less mean-spirited than some of the other examples I’ve seen, as it’s clear that her teasing is mild and not meant to hurt. It’s obvious to others that Kubo is falling in love, but neither of the protagonists are quite ready to admit that’s what’s going on.
The pair slowly get to know each other, and we meet other members of their families. Shiraishi’s younger brother Seita can see him just fine, but his mother sometimes loses track of whether he’s supposed to be in the house or not. Kubo’s older sister teases her, and can also see Shiraishi (so maybe it’s a family gift?)
The volume concludes with a special Christmas chapter. Kubo and Shiraishi make arrangements to meet up, so it’s effectively a date, and exchange presents.
Shiraishi’s invisibility issues are more interesting to me than the stock teen romance moments, which will be familiar to anyone who’s read a few romantic comedy manga. When he’s not dealing with invisibility, Shiraishi is pretty bland. (On the other hand, I can strongly identify with being socially invisible and the loneliness that brings on.) The art reflects this too, with Shiraishi being simply drawn and Kubo appearing in loving detail.
Content note: We see the cover of a naughty magazine. Shiraishi is curious, but does not get to see inside. This book should be suitable for junior high readers on up.
This series is currently available on the official Shonen Jump website, but Volume 1 is in print in English. It’s mildly amusing and may well improve as it goes along. Recommended especially for boys who enjoy the fantasy of having a girl put in the effort to get to know a boy.
