Don't Toy With Me, Miss Nagatoro

If you can get past the first x chapters, which are more about bullying than provoking the main character, you'll enjoy the rest of the manga. There are some moments that may be on the edge, but I don't live in the US, I'm not a snowflake, and I grew up in an environment where we were teased in various ways, so as the plot unfolded, her bullying turned more into teasing. As they say in my country "the quarrel of lovers is renewal of love". We've had x chapters that are just for laughs and don't have much impact on the story, but thenwe have several arcs that span several chapters and help the characters grow. We don't have a deeper look at why Nagatoro acts the way he does or why Senpai is so closed off. Rather, their characters and how their characters evolve over time are introduced. The side characters are pretty clearly distinguishable from each other, which I'd say is quite an exception compared to other manga I've read, because I always have to wonder who's who. The side characters here serve more as a help to the main characters, rather than sabotaging their relationship or getting an inordinate amount of time to rant and solve their problems. Some of the characters here are really just there as comedic relief, but at times you really get a laugh with them. Of course, we have to have wacky siblings, creepy friends, etc. here. But sometimes these characters are useful to the main characters. Possible spoilers: For me the TOP chapters are 107/109.5, 114, 144, There are more of course, but these are the ones I like to come back to. I thought the finale of the manga was perfect. No unnecessary plot twist or unnecessary final drama. I'm a bit sorry that there wasn't some sort of time skip where there was a glimpse of their life together, because the adult Nagatoro, from Senpai's imagination, was perfect.

Look, this show will annoy you in the first few chapters. BUT, and I mean a BIG BUT>>>.>..........Trust the process and read it. If you finish and still dislike it, feel free to come back to this comment and cuss me out for wasting your time. If you're a romcom fanatic, you're in for a treat. Since the genre is popular, you'd think everything is predictable, but don't be mistaken. This story is quite unique. The art style also fits the story, so expect some calm/goofy art. I think the side characters really complement our two mains. Sometimes it'll look like they're getting in the way, buttowards the end, they come in real handy. Don't expect things to be super realistic. This is a manga after all, it's supposed to be fun. After reading all this, if you still don't want to give it a try, I suggest that you do try it for the sole purpose of cussing me out.

If a manga has ever suffered from losing a lot of readers at the first chapter, then Ijiranaide, Nagatoro-san is it. This manga follows a submissive, nerdy MC who is ultimately embroiled in a pseudo-masochistic friendship with the titular character, Nagatoro. As alluded to previously, you might read the first chapter and think this is going to be a difficult read that glorifies bullying - but it absolutely is not. Rather, over time Nagatoro inadvertently toughens him up, and they both develop along the way. Romcoms are absolutely my favourite genre, and I can wholeheartedly say that plenty of the moments produced in this story are someof the most sweet and wholesome I've ever seen. It's not high art - nor does it need to be. Artwork is also superb; every scene is expressive and detailed where necessary. The final third of the manga suffers from some meandering plot lines, but is ultimately wrapped up in a nice way. Comedic moments land fairly often, and the side characters are interesting enough to never feel like page fillers. Ijiranaide, Nagatoro-san is, despite initial appearances, a manga about personal growth and the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone. I will miss it dearly! Plot: 6.5 Characters: 8 Art: 9 Enjoyment: 9