Nobody-Neverwas

I’d Like to Write About Love

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Handano has been caught in a very troubling cycle. Despite being an author, he’s can’t seem to keep his pen on the page, feeling as though he has nothing to write about. Because of this, he can’t sleep, and since he can’t sleep, he can’t write. Though coffee definitely helps, there’s another annoying pest he has to deal with at his usual cafe, and he goes by the name Furukawa. This sleep obsessive salesman is too good with people to the point were he’s able to appeal to anyone, especially when it’s to avoid conflict. Even though Handano has dubbed this devilishly handsome man a coward, he can’t deny that Furukawa is just his type. Too bad he hates people to begin with.

This one is definitely charming. The characters are striking, and the art style is absolutely appealing. The story was really entertaining throughout, even though I do think it’s a little cheesy. It’s almost like something I would find on the Hallmark channel to be honest (not in a bad way). Though I enjoyed reading it, I did find it hard to connect with the characters. This could be a me thing, but I feel like a lot of the conflicts weren’t that big of a deal and just boils down to trust issues. Which makes sense since it IS a central part of the plot, but I don’t think it was executed well.

Shout Loud My Heart

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Who would’ve thought that such a mesmerizing voice would come from such a weird guy. Gen was the guitarist in the band “Eve”, but he wasn’t one for crowds or socializing. So when a peculiar stranger starts talking to him, Gen is quick to shoo him away. To Gen’s surprise, that stranger happened to have the most captivatingly clear singing voice he has ever heard. That stranger also turns out to be the vocalist Mike from another band called “Adam”. Mike is not only Gen’s fellow class mate in college, but is also his biggest fan!

Show stopping, spectacular, absolutely peak! I love this title with all my heart. The story keeps things simple and the humor is sweet. The art style is just so lovely, and I love the characters as well as their designs. It’s so rare to get a couple this compatible, and Gen and Mike are just perfect for each other. I would be so grateful if this one gets more content in the future.

23:45 (just say 11)

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Having moved to Tokyo to fulfill his Otaku dream life, Kurihara Iku has hit a snag when it comes to his peace. You see, a ghost haunts the footbridge on his way home. Iku was able to ignore it most of the time, but one day it followed him home to return a manga Iku had dropped. And now he’s just living in Iku’s place?! As if things couldn’t get any stranger, the ghostly Seo Mimori is nothing like your textbook spirit. Though he has no memories beyond the bridge, he can interact with objects and Iku just fine, and he’s more bright and cheery than any living person. What could’ve happened that lead to his end? And why does Iku want him to stay?

I truthfully dislike this one. Now to be fair, the original “23:45” is fine, the characters are cute, and the story has a bittersweet ending that I think works really well. My one complaint is that there’s too much filler text, making the panels feel crowded and hard to focus on the scenes. However, the entire story gets dragged down by the sequel, “23:45 Re”. The sequel more or less backtracks the original ending and tries to focus on Mimori’s perspective in the aftermath, but it’s just a jumble mess! It’s trying to do this profound, thought provoking ideology, but it gets lost because it feels like the story is out of order. Even if that was the intention, the ending makes no sense if you think about all the characters had gone through.

The New Recruit

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Woo Seunghyun needed a fresh start. After he spent years drowning in a one sided crush, he finally got his first job as an intern for a large advertising company. Though he had some help from his close friend and college senior to get the position, that wouldn’t spare him from being placed under the terrifying Kim Jongchan. As the two begin to work closely together, Woo could help but see the gentler side to the cold Mr. Kim. But is this nearly 30 year-old virgin ready to risk his heart on an office romance?

Oh boy, where do I begin? To start with the positives, the story overall is sweet for being a textbook ‘Boss x Subordinate’. For being on the shorter end with only 45 chapters total, I think it does a decent job with balancing Woo and Kim’s development, both in and out of their relationship (though pacing is still a bit of a problem). I also enjoy the softer, more vibrant art style. Despite all this, my biggest issue are the bedroom scenes, and by god there are a TON. Each one takes about 2-3 chapters, which is a lot with such a small chapter count, and are a bit much for me personally. To each their own, but this was almost too dodgy for my taste. So this is a fair warning if you aren’t used to the stereotypical Manhwa spice.

My Pet Rat is an S-Rank Awakener

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Kang Soul shouldn’t be here. Moments after waking up in this strange world, he is chased by hoards of monsters in this “tutorial field”. While others are able to adapt quickly thanks to their “status window”, Soul’s won’t show up no matter what he tries. Turns out, it’s not Soul who was ment to be summoned, but his pet Rat who was sleeping in his shirt pocket?!? With everything going on, and with all the info he can’t even comprehend, he knows one thing; He needs to train his sweet and precious Rat to be a strong Awakener in less than three months or else they’ll never make it home.

To be honest, I’m a little bit disappointed. Don’t get me wrong, I can see the vision and can smell the potential, but this just doesn’t hit for me. This isn’t the first ’Owner x Pet’ I’ve read, far from the worst, but I feel like I’m missing huge chunks of the plot through out the story. This is especially true in the early chapters, it would just skip major developments or just say it happened. It’s not all bad, I actually like the art style, Soul and Rio (Squeaky? Chirpy? idk) are fun characters, and the comedy got a few chuckles out of me. Still, it wasn’t easy to stick with.

I Need More Than Just Romance

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Shuji and Kosuke have been going out for a while now. They get along well, even when they just complain about work or talk about mundane things. Not one moment is anything but pure bliss. And Shuji just can’t take it anymore! When will this guy get a clue? This may be his first relationship with a guy, but Kosuke hasn’t even kissed him yet! Sure, the sugar is good, but Shuji is in desperate need of Kosuke’s spice.

Trust me when I say that this one is so good! I was genuinely surprised that this is more of a comedy than anything, and that we get such a sweet relationship in a such a raunchy title. It’s also nice to see the more adult side to relationships, like sexual desires, self-doubt, and especially communication! I also think Shuji’s family are a hilarious addition.

The Beasts’ Flowers Taken by Storm

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The Black Tiger was once the most formidable hit man in the whole underground, having been trained by the Yandouke organization since he was a child. But that was all behind him now, since Taiga has found a new life working at a peaceful flower shop. Though it’s still a learning curve - not to mention the constant fear of his former group hunting him down - he couldn’t have done it without his savior, Hibiya. Hibiya was not only his new employer, but also tall, handsome, well built, and truly the kindest man Taiga has ever known. He hopes that his new life will stay like this for awhile, but little does he know of the beast that hides among the flora.

Guys, let me tell you, this was honestly super fun to read! It’s everything I expected it to be, but I was still giggling like a school girl the entire time. The plot is straight forward but still enticing, and it even avoids those pesky conflicts that would normally drag out the plot. The characters are absolutely hilarious! I love how well balanced the determined yet naive Taiga and the protective yet slightly obsessed Hibiya are. Don’t worry folks, Hibiya is 100% a green flag (well, towards Taiga at least). The bedroom scenes aren’t bad either, but it does keep things on the simpler side. No real complaints though.

Manly Appetites: Minegishi loves Ostu (a.k.a: Mineginshi-san Wants Otsu-kun to Eat)

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Otsu would be the first to claim that he’s not the most attractive guy around. That honor goes to his coworker, Minegishi. He’s tall, trimmed, well groomed, and naturally kind to everyone in the office. This only infuriates Otsu even more! How dare he act so perfect while constantly giving him tasty treats, as if he wants him to gain even more weight!?! Though Minegishi truly has no ill intentions, he can’t deny how much he adores Ostu, especially when he eats something delicious!

What an insufferably adorable read this one is! This slice-of-life romance comedy is packed with all the knee slapping humor and heart squeezing fluff you could ever want. Otsu and Minegishi are obnoxiously perfect for each other, and knowing you aren’t the only one suffering from their ‘are-they-aren’t-they’ plot is just the cherry on top. Speaking of, the side characters are honestly some of the best out there, each having distinctive personalities and how they help the main characters throughout. They’re honestly the biggest reason I love this one so much.

The Cat Proposed (a.k.a: Bakeneko Katatte Sourou)

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Feeling the pull of his darkest thoughts, Matoi Souta came across a Koudan show (a form of traditional storytelling) on his way home from work. After endless days of working till his bones grew weary, hearing the sound of the storytellers voice filled his senses like never before. Unsure if it was the fatigue or his imagination, but did the storyteller just turn into a cat?! After fainting from the shock, he awakes in the home of Kihachi, the very Bakeneko he saw. His troubles only build when he’s informed that he would have to marry Kihachi less they both be killed.

This title truly exceeded my expectations. The plot is fun and genuinely entertaining, and the development of Souta and Kihachi’s relationship is incredibly sweet. I love the art style, the facial expressions, and the exceptional humor. The story does touch on subjects of suicidal thoughts and poor work life balance, but it handles it respectfully and thoughtfully.

Tell Me You Can Hear It

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Beak Do-Kwon has one weakness in this world. He may be the prim and studious senior class president, but he’s a sucker for a handsome face. To keep his secret fixation, he forces a frown whenever he sees someone undeniably attractive. The victim of this menacing expression is Lee Ryeo-soo, the most attractive guy in their grade. Do-Kwon can barely contain himself just being in his presence, much less getting to speak to him! As Do-Kwon’s thoughts run wild, Ryeo-soo can hardly hold back his amusement. Never had he heard someone’s thoughts be so sincere and endearing before, especially when giving him such a nasty look.

This one’s on the shorter side at 15 chapters, but I still enjoyed it to the fullest! Though mind reading tropes aren’t uncommon, this title stands out to me for having a shared perspective with its main characters. Even with the small chapters count, it’s still a bit of a slow burn with it taking its time to really sell you on their development. Do-Kwon is such a fun and silly character, and Ryeo-soo truly a green flag. An incredibly sweet and charming story overall.

Admittedly, this Manhwa does suffer from the curse of your classic ‘Yaoi Anatomy’. It’s not constant throughout, but it’s noticeable from time to time. In all fairness, this is the creator’s first webcomic and it doesn’t distract from the plot in any way.

I Can See Your Stats!

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In the isolated estate of Solath, the new lord, Eyra Synn Solath, has been given a terrible hand. The title wasn’t expected, but with the recent murder of his entire family leaving him the sole heir, he now must shoulder the responsibility of the land and its people. However, as a mage from Labyrinth City, he receives an ironically cold welcome from his citizens. Though their distain for him won’t be for long, since Eyra has gained an ability that shows his city will face its doom in less than a year’s time. In his scurry to change his homeland’s fate, Eyra has caught the attention of a peculiar, red-haired stranger.

This was quite the enjoyable read. The characters are all fun and unique, and the art style is perfectly clean. Eyra is a peculiar main character, in the sense that he IS incredibly powerful and skilled, but he never feels like a self-insert or a Mary Sue. Yanu also works really well because you can genuinely feel his development over time. Their bedroom scenes aren’t bad per se, but they match each other’s freak so I’ll give it a pass. The side characters are surprisingly relevant, with each one having some sort of purpose through out the story. The plot itself is somewhat predictable in the first half, but you actually feel satisfyingly rewarded for guessing it correctly. Overall, this title is almost perfect. . . Almost.

Despite my praises, I have one teenie-tiny complaint; the story IS an Isekai. It’s only relevant in the first couple of chapters and is used as an excuse to explain how Eyra’s ability works, but then it’s dropped completely by season 2. The actual concept of the world is interesting (a parallel world is that’s just a magnet hub for reincarnators, transmigrators, and otherworlders in general), but it’s not even relevant by the end of the story. This doesn’t affect my opinion on the title overall, but it’s honestly kind of a waste. If the author DOES make another manhwa, I hope the follow this concept through.

Deko-Boko Sugar Days

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They had been the closest friends since childhood. To the 165cm (5’4ft) Matsukaze Yuujirou, no one is cuter than his first love, Hanamine Rui. There are three problems though; Rui is a guy, 186cm tall (6’1ft), and Yuujirou is far too stubborn to just confess already! Will Yuujirou overcome his height complex, or will he loose his chance with the sweet and tempting Rui.

This one is absolutely delightful! I love the art style and the story hilariously compelling. The characters are genuinely enjoyable, especially both Rui and Yuujirou’s development. There is a sequel as well, Deko-Boko Bittersweet Days, which takes a more serious turn as the two look forward to their future together. A near perfect continuation of original story overall.

Wimpy Demon King and Tsundere Hero

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After traveling all the way to this far away kingdom, to slay the Demon King and proclaim himself a hero, Prince Ike has hit a road block; The Demon King is a total softy!? Constantly avoiding his attacks, evading his ambushes, and even escaping every ‘fight’. All the while, The Demon King is constantly dotting on the human prince. Feeding, boarding, and even tending to his wounds. How is Ike supposed to prove himself to his uncaring homeland if he can’t overcome the Demon’s warmth?

Honestly, this was unnecessarily funny! The characters are a colorful bunch and I just love the romance between Ike and the Demon King. The story itself isn’t bad and the art style is appealing throughout. My one complaint is that the title doesn’t take itself seriously. It’s not really a bad thing, but things like how Ike is a runaway prince from the opposing country, or the tension between humans and demons is kinda just, on the back burner? I don’t mind focusing on the romance first and foremost, but for as long as these chapters are I honestly wanted just a little bit more world building. Regardless, I still think this is such a hilarious and unique story overall.

My Instructor Won’t Yield

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Everyday Chiba deals with the same problem of his female students falling for him. Sure, that feeling of security and trust you get from your Driving Instructor is one thing, but having to constantly turn down girls over and over can get exhausting! Dealing with the young ladies was one thing, but the princely looking, 30 year-old Yaotame as his student was another. To his surprise, Yaotame’s dashing looks completely contrast his jittery nature, and being a nervous wreck behind the wheel. Something about him has peeked Chiba’s interest, wanting to know the true character behind such a Prince Charming.

This one is a nice and casual read. The story is simple but sweet, even when the third act conflicts come up. The characters are realistic and incredibly enjoyable, and both of the leads receive the perfect amount of development. The are style is also really appealing, which is what drew me to it in the first place. Admittedly, the title isn’t ground breaking, but not every good story has to be.

Number Call

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Numbers can be found in the most unusual places, but the number 8 has always been a sore spot for Tachibana. Ever since he was younger, he’s been stuck with the nickname “Eighto” despite his protests (since ‘Eito’ sounds like Eight-o), and has grown resentful of his name. By chance he meets a fellow classmate, Hatta Tomoya, who goes by the nickname “Hachi”. Since he also has the number 8 in his name, Hachi was delighted to come across ‘Eighto’, even if it was by coincidence. Hearing Hachi call him by that accursed nickname, for some reason, made Tachibana think it wasn’t so bad after all.

What a wonderfully wholesome read this one was. I genuinely enjoyed the story and the characters are delightfully charming. I think my only complaint is that there are a few moments where the dialogue sort of repeats itself, but other than that the writing is pretty good. I especially found the twist to be both shocking and extremely endearing.

Love at First Fright

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First impressions can often be misleading at times, since you never know what a person is going through. This is especially true for Yeo Eunseong, who not only has to deal with literal pretty-boy syndrome, but is now facing his worse fear of living in a haunted apartment! With no friends, family, or even a lover to turn to, he has no choice but to ask for the help of a complete stranger. That stranger ended up being the nosy and judgmental Seo Taejeong. Taejeong first believed Eunseong to be harsh and insensitive, but seeing him in need of help was something he couldn’t ignore. It just so happens Taejeong can see the ghost that haunt Eunseong’s home.

Folks, I can guarantee that this one is absolutely perfect! The story was so much fun to read, well written, and incredibly sweet. The characters are fantastic with Taejeong’s only toxic trait being too much of a green flag, and Eunseong being too cute for his own good. I won’t lie, the bedroom scenes are some of the best I’ve seen in Manhwa to date, being sweet, spicy, and tender. With only 1 season with 21 chapters, it’s safe to say that my only complaint is that there isn’t more to read.

Melting Point (boiling my patience)

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Ice Hockey was just an old dream that Baek Eunsan had left behind back in high school. The mere thought of getting back on a pair of skates was enough to bring him to a panic. The Irony of working for a sports apparel company doesn’t pass him, especially now that their target endorsement is none other than Ryu Ian. Ryu Ian was the hottest rising Hockey star in this day and age, was Baek Eunsan’s former teammate, underclassman, and the source of all his problems. To make matters worse, Ryu would only sign for the company if Baek Eunsan is the one in charge of his account. How could he possibly make Eunsan’s life even more stressful?!

ADHD the Manhwa is the only way I can describe this title. Though the art style and the character designs aren’t bad if not basic, the story itself is all over the place. It just keeps throwing crumbs at you, trying to hook your attention, only for these plot points to go almost nowhere. And just when you think the story is flowing smoothly, we jump cut to a completely different scene with only a flashback to reassure you that you didn’t just skip a chapter or two. The main characters are so inconstant that it’s hard like or enjoy their development. Eunsan has a load of baggage thanks to Ian, but that plot is drop when he’s suddenly “cured” and now has a superiority complex. Ian is no better, starting off as a cunning prick wanting Eunsan’s attention, to a desperate, love-sick dog who’s more of a weight on Eunsan’s shoulders. The original tension is gone, and now it’s just a waiting game for when something - ANYTHING - is explained in depth.

Look, I understand that this is a first season with only 26 chapters, and there ARE a ton of really good concepts that they can work with, but concepts aren’t stories. They just need to slow down and follow through on at LEAST one plot point before moving on to the next. I can only hope that season 2 will clean things up a bit more.