HIGH SCHOOL DEBUT (VOLUME 8)
January 6th 2010 05:59
Category: Graphic Novels/Comics
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC
Story & Art by: Kazune Kawahara
Translation & Adaptation: Gemma Collinge
Touch up Art & Lettering: Rina Mapa
Design: Izumi Hirayama
Cost: US $8.99
Things have moved along in this high school romantic comedy. When I first came across this particular incarnation of shojo manga the story was focused primarily around protagonist, Haruna Nagashima’s efforts in that truly tricky arena of human interaction…love. Not sure at what she’s doing wrong in her efforts to find a boyfriend she enlists the aid of love coach, sophomore student Yoh Komiyama, a guy who knows what guys look for in a girl. In the initial volume of this series you would think that the erstwhile love coach whilst having some knowledge in the nuances of interpersonal relations has possibly bitten off more than he can chew. Haruna unfortunately has no idea, she is clueless but despite that lack she is an enthusiastic individual who will give it her all so perhaps there is hope for her. Say what you will about Haruna in regards to her cluelessness she is very much a likeable character, when you read this manga you feel for her which makes the reading experience all that more pleasurable. No one likes reading a novel, manga or comic where the main character is someone you’d cheerfully drop down a bottomless pit regardless of the genre of said work.
As with the bulk of manga produced today, even though it has been translated into English the actual reading format remains in the original Japanese format. You read from right to left, rather than left to right. If you are unaware of this there is a handy little guide at the ‘front’ of the volume that lets you know your reading the wrong way and how you should be proceeding. This is immensely handy if it’s your first encounter with manga and the rather unusual print format. Have to admit it takes a while to get the hang of and for a while I had a bit of trouble wrapping my little grey cells around the concept, thankfully now I have no problemos. Like riding a bike really, once you get the hang of it you never forget…
But let me return back to the unfolding high school romance. As I said earlier Haruna has inevitably fallen for the guy who was her love coach, an unforseen circumstance from her point of view, although the reader was no doubt aware that this was going to happen sooner or later. Romance though is not without its pitfalls though as the two have found out, and now it seems that the focus of these pitfalls is Haruna herself. At the start of her second year in high school she participates in the school’s entrance ceremony and helps out three young male freshman students not thinking anything about potential consequences that this might have…
Looks like these three guys in some way have the hots for Haruna, or as Yoh’s friend Asaoka remarks Haruna has suddenly entered her desirable period, apparently everyone has a desirable period at some stage in their lives and this might be hers. Interesting concept, couldn’t say if there is anything behind that but it works well for the story and naturally sends Haruna off on a totally different tangent. She has no idea that apart from being a comment on her it’s also a warning that trouble may ensue. By the pricking of my thumbs kind of stuff, certainly her boyfriend is up on what potential danger may lurk around the corner…literally.
It’s a wonder that Yoh hasn’t had a coronary with his worrying about Haruna and her seemingly unawareness about things, just goes to show that he obviously has a strong sense of resolve and will. From potential danger in the guise of three freshmen students the drama moves into high gear as Haruna’s birthday fast approaches and the two seek how they’re going to approach this momentous occasion. As usual Haruna is happy to take whatever comes as long as it involves the two of them being on this particular special day, naturally Yoh would like to hear something more specific. He’s obviously a guy who likes to have things planned out, but needs a bit of input from the other person…the birthday girl as to what he should plan for her. No one likes to do something for someone special in their life only to find out it makes them allergic or they come out in hives. Still rather him than me, it’s not a predicament I’d like to be in. High School Debut is filled with humour and exuberance that makes it very enjoyable reading, if you’re into high school romantic comedies then this is up your alley.
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