Love Roma: Number 1

名手の初連載作が装い新たに復活！『友達１００人できるかな』『タケヲちゃん物怪録』でおなじみ、とよ田みのるの初連載作が復活！直球すぎる、初々しすぎる少年少女の等身大ラブコメ！！

Grade 7-9–Two young people experience the trials and tribulations of first love: the first kiss, everyone knowing and interfering, someone else vying for affection, meeting the family. However, there are no real subplots and after a while readers are sure to realize that nothing is happening. The characters are one-dimensional and not very interesting. The book is done in back to front, right-to-left format with manga-style black-and-white illustrations that complement the story.–Ronnie Gordon, Brooklyn Public Library, NY
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An honest portrayal shows something that is what it is, with acceptance if not understanding. That's the underlying theme of this manga that feels like a minicomic. Hoshino confesses his love to Negishi in a classroom full of students, although she doesn't even know his name. He's oblivious to many of the niceties of interpersonal relations, single-mindedly pursuing his goal without consideration of reality. Hoshino has no pretense, and he doesn't care what anyone thinks of him. He says he loves Negishi because around her he can be himself, but he doesn't seem to have much trouble any other time. The simple, flat faces and two-dimensional drawings are reminiscent of the works of American indie creators like John Porcellino or Jeffrey Brown, but with more shading. Paradoxically, the simplified art style, combined with Hoshino's unthinking exposure of himself, creates a perception of depth. One of a small but welcome number of naturalistic manga coming to America, this book follows the clumsy procession through dating, first kiss, first fight, meeting the parents and so on, with a simple charm that anyone can relate to. (Sept.)
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Gr. 8-11. Here's a great addition to the manga shelf. Hoshino and Negishi's romance begins awkwardly and in front of their entire class when Hoshino declares his feelings. While initially resistant to falling for such a blunt, straightforward boy, Negishi finds herself drawn to his honesty. As the young people get to know each other, Negishi deals with the complications and embarrassments of Hoshino's knack for announcing relationship details to the entire school. Their best friends, Yoko and Tsukahara, delight in egging him on from the background. This is a sweet, funny book with a different take on teen romance. Hoshino is blunt and earnest and not the least bit coy about his feelings for Negishi, even when his candor makes him his own worst enemy. The art, too, is a twist on the standard manga fare; characters have slightly less exaggerated features and the line work is tighter than usual. Bonuses include a section explaining the Japanese honorifics and notes on the translation. Tina Coleman
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