Book reviews

BanchoBaby12
Apr 02, 2021
Koukou Debut review
High School Debut is a fairly good anime. At the start, things might seem a bit off. A stupid idiotic high school girl throws the usual cliché tantrums of wanting a boyfriend and she bumps into Yoh and asks him to coach her (in becoming an ideal girl) for he seemed eligible for that post to her. Perhaps it was due to his integrity. But as the story progresses, you’ll be surprised to see how hooked on you get to this manga.
It gets so funny that you can’t help but give it a 10 on 10. But as you proceed further into the story, some peculiar characters (trust me, completely different than the usual shit) invade into the manga, make things haphazard and then disappear. I feel the writer could and should have utilized these characters better. The smooth flow of the story was disrupted. But after these characters finally made their exit, the story returned to its original rhythm.

The protagonists were the best. Yoh might seem the usual clichéd coconut (hard outside, soft inside) guy but there are these several tiny tiny things about him that garner and make him superrrrrrr unique! He might not be one of those dreamy guys I wanna scream over and wish to marry but he’s the ideal fellow who will dwell on in my memory.
The female protagonist is THE HERO, THE MAN, THE HOTSHOT! I love her. Trust this random stranger when she says this that, SHE’S NOT, DEFINITELY NOT like any of the female protagonists I have ever seen before. She’s not all gooey-mooey girly, got muscles, great in sports, strong and with the scope of no doubt, SUPER DUPER CUTE! >~<

That’s all to my review! If not for the unnecessary happenings, I would have given Koukou Debut a 10 on 10. So go ahead and give it a shot.

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Nia90013
Apr 02, 2021
Koukou Debut review
Koukou Debut is about a sporty, tomboyish gal with no sense of fashion whatsoever who's trying to find love in high school. She's dense and thickheaded and that's also the cause for many misunderstandings and laughter. She met Yoh by chance and begged him to be her personal image consultant so that she can get a boyfriend. Yoh agreed under the condition that she doesn't fall in love with him because he's such a knockout and he dislikes gals in general (but he's not a jerk though). And of course, we all know what happens next...

When I saw that Haruna and Yoh got together very early in the series, I was dismayed as I thought the manga was gonna roll down the boring hill with typical dating scenes to the cultural festival, summer festival, beach, etc. Well, they did do all those things... but very differently (LOL), and that's the charm of this manga - turning all sorts of seemingly typical high school life into things unexpected. Therefore, the typical dating life turn out not so typical after all. And I love it.

For the doki-doki moments that this manga sometimes lack, it more than made up for it with the laughter created by Haruna. And no matter what trials come their way, Haruna & Yoh always shine through with their love and trust for each other - that makes you feel all fuzzy inside and you wish that you have such a relationship as well.

Koukou Debut pulls apart the conventional and shows you that love doesn't always fit into a typical mould. Haruna and Yoh are polar opposites who may seem constantly uncoordinated but their love is one of endurance, faith and trust. I'll always be rooting for them.
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Jans6ever3
Apr 02, 2021
Koukou Debut review
High School Debut does not lack reviews, but well, I'll write another one, because I feel like - even if the score on MAL is quite high - this manga is unappreciated.
Warning: this is gonna be loooooong!

I wasn't expecting much - plot sounded kinda cheeky and very typical-shoujo-like. But! How could it be typical, if the author is Kazune Kawahara, who is also after stories of (the most unique, original, too cute to handle) Ore Monogatari!! and (wonderful, warm, touching) Tomodachi no Hanashi? But I'm glad that I didn't realize who she is, thus I had no high expectations...
What a sweet surprise it was!

Story - 9 - GREAT
At first, story seems cliche. Haruna was busy with sports in middle school, and since she always give her best at whatever she does, she didn't have any time for love life. However, it's not like she hasn't thought about it! She's been reading loads of shoujo mangas and magazines, and she's promised to herself that she will find a boyfriend in high-school.
The problem is... Haruna doesn't know how to attract boys, what's more - she is driving them away with her weird, overdone outfits. Her friend gives her an idea: why won't she look for a coach? It worked well with softball, why not love&beauty?
Good thing that there is someone ideal for such job - Yoh Komiyama, handsome and popular guy that Haruna earlier met! Although he claims that he hates girls, eventually he agrees to be Haruna's coach with one condition - she can't fall in love with him.
That's how their story started.
It's pretty predictable what will happen next, right? Well, hell yes,

!!!OBVIOUS SPOILER!!!

she falls for him, but not instantly. She gets to know him, and he gets to know her. Their bond is something that forms very naturally, you don't feel like it's just mangaka's caprice. Relationship between those two progresses through whole manga, and I don't mean that it's slow, but that their affection grows and becomes more mature, just like it should be. Sometimes in shoujo characters just get stupider and more childish with time, but not here.

The story is simply about their relationship. It's nothing really big, so why I scored it so high? Well, because it's nothing really big. There are none imposed dramas. There are many moments of struggle, sure, but characters don't act like their lives are going to end because of it, they just solve their problems, and it's so great to watch them do it!
Also, you won't have any fireworks festival here, neither beach day nor camping. The story is simple, but yet not cliche.

Why I didn't give it a 10? Because in this manga you will meet plenty of interesting characters, and you'll only know stories of few. I want moar! Also, there are some ideas that could be expanded. Not need, but could.

Art - 9 - GREAT
It's simple, but pretty. I like that heroine is muscular and not slender - she is strong and good at sports, and she looks like it. Besides, her smile will brighten your day.
What's also great - every character is different, with their own unique features, like shape of eyes and stuff, they don't only differ in hair colours (yes, I'm refering to most of shoujo bishes).
I'm taking one point off because I can't really say anything about backgrounds. They were. That's all.

Character - 10 - OUTSTANDING
Yes, they deserve a ten!
Haruna may seem like your typical cheerful naive girl, but she is a ray of sunshine. How often you hear from a girl "I'll protect you" towards a guy? She's all about protecting Yoh! She treasures him so much, that it will melt your heart.
WARNING: watch out if you easily get secondhand embarrassment (like me), because Haruna is incredibly straight-forward, she doesn't beat around the bush at all. So be ready.
Despite her joyful, silly behaviour, she really is sensible, strong and brave. If she does wrongly, she notices it and improves.

Speaking of improving - Yoh! Your gloomy tsundere boy. The character development is strong with this one! He changes, but somehow he's always himself. He's awfully blunt, but also very kind. He has his problems and scars, but he isn't unable to move on. He's not the first to talk about how he feels, but when he does... he makes you melt, just like Haruna. Don't judge him by his looks and first impression, there sooo much more in him.

Their friends are all very interesting, but I think that Asaoka and Assa are most intriguing. Assa, Yoh's sister, claims that she has bad personality - well, she isn't wrong. She always tease Haruna, act mean very often, is narcissistic and not sincere... but she is likeable, somehow. There is a lot of complexity in Assa, and you should form your own view about her.
And Asaoka? I'm still not sure what's on his mind. He is kinda manipulative, smart, intelligent, cunning, but he cares about his friends. You can say that Assa teases Haruna, and Asaoka teases Yoh...

Enjoyment - 10 - OUTSTANDING
What can I say? It was really a sweet surprise.
The characters haven't disappointed me single time. I enjoyed every one of Haruna's and Yoh's interactions, their progress and changes. It was so nice to watch them surmount obstacles. Gags (and Haruna... mostly Haruna) made me laugh to tears, and the story made THINGS to my heart.

Overall - 10 - OF COURSE!
If you are tired of cliches, read this manga. If you are tired of stupid dramas, read it. If you crave some solid character development and healthy relationship between characters, read it. If you want to have THINGS done to you heart (what even), I highly recommend this manga.
If a simple shoujo manga makes one go spend their evening on wirting ridicously long review, you know it's good.
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WaiifuPillow13
Apr 02, 2021
Koukou Debut review
High School Debut Manga Review
By: Kazune Kawahara
December 26, 2019

Plot:

In this present time, most won't want someone who doesn't get dress properly, who doesn't put on a makeup and wear cute dresses, who doesn't have that aura and pleasing personality. Girls, not all but most, dress up for the one they love or must we say to attract someone who can love them. In this story, there's a girl standing in front of everyone and waiting to get picked up, hopelessly wishing that a guy will like her, with his not so good fashion sense. She will come to know a guy who will teach her how to dress up properly, who will be her mentor and friend, who will always be there for her and can understand her gestures without her uttering a word. Isn't loving each other the only natural result we'll get?

Characters:

I love how every character on this story grows. How each of them realizes their own feelings and faces them even with fear. What I love the most is who the guy is so attentive on every move the girl takes, how he understands her and how he makes decisions based on what he knows she will be happy for and not just because he doesn't want it. The story is light and pure. It is slow pace and every chapter will be a step by step process of them getting to know and caring for each other.

Art:

The art looks like Dengeki Daisy. I've always admired these kinds of drawing. The proportion of the body and the distinction of gender is just too irresistible. How manly and girly characters can be, adding their attitude which suits them the best is just great. Their expressions also when they are shy, when they don't know what to do or in pain is perfect.

Enjoyment:

This kind of manga is what I want to read the most. Something funny, but at the same time, lovely. Well, it's cute how you see characters fell in love and do embarrassing things. Teenagers will really love this story, that's for sure. Loving for the first time, experiencing your first date, your first kiss, holding hands and sweet gestures, reading manga like this once in a while is not bad, I guess.

Ending:

I'm glad that the story ends with the girl overdoing it again. Like, most stories ended up with having marriage and daughter or son. And that's what made it different. It feels like it is their first meeting but the reaction of the guy is so funny. She overdid it, but his reaction is cute.
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SugarJane13
Apr 02, 2021
Koukou Debut review
I'm not really a type of girl who likes shoujou manga but then when i read this manga..

It kind of changed my way of life.

The story of this manga is unique and it kind of reminds of the movie "A walk to remember" well sort of.. especially the line of Yoh which he said this to Haruna: "I want you to never fall in love with me." Kind of like what Jamie said in the movie.. Anyway, moving on.. The story centers a simple plot which a girl is not that attractive and she wants to have a boyfriend since she'd always have been concentrating on sports when she was in elementary. Then she met a boy.. A boy which she wanted him to be her coach in making her attractive. I enjoyed the story but it still lacks something.

The art was good because there are some parts wherein I get a little conscious about Yoh's body and face.. sometimes the body is too tall but it isn't really that half bad. Still, I think Yoh is sexy.. When it comes to the clothes of each manga character.. it's really fascinating and cute. Especially with the clothes of Yoh's sister.


The characters were simply outstanding!! Everyone has different personalities that are very unique! It must be pretty hard for the writer to think of the attitudes and the personalities of each character in the manga. Each of them brings laughs and funny moments whenever I see them. Especially, Haruna. Her aspects and her innocence somehow really makes me laugh! There are many giggle moments whenever there are love scenes in the manga.


I enjoyed it A LOT. But I still give it a 9 because it really lacks a little something.. They should've made it longer but unfortunately, they finished the manga with 14 volumes. I still long for the adventures of Haruna and Yoh but sadly, there are no chapters left.

Overall everything was flawless. Great story, great characters, good art and eventually, I fell in love with this manga series. Lately, I've been thinking.. what if i watch the live action? naaaah.. I'm too lazy to do that and i'm too loyal for the manga. I hope you guys got motivated about this review.. Because even me at first I didn't like this manga but when I started to read it.. soon enough I knew... I fell in love with this manga.
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Moridin5088
Apr 02, 2021
Koukou Debut review
At first, I did not think I would like this manga, but I held on because I love the Mangaka's other work. I am so happy that I continued, because this series is incredibly enjoyable!

-Story- 9
The story is very sweet, simple and funny. After having spent all of middle school on the softball team, Haruna Nagishima decides that this year she would really like to have a boyfriend and become more popular. She bumps into this guy that seems to understand fashion and love, so she asks him to coach her. Fortunately he agrees and their relationship blooms from there. They have challanges and misunderstandings, but they make it through. To many, they may appear to have a typical shoujo relationship, but is actually like that on purpose, which makes it very atypical. Haruna and Yoh both learn how to be romantic through shoujo manga, funny enough. It makes me laugh so hard when Haruna whips out a manga before a date to see how she should act. Every chapter in this series felt important, no pointless-filler pages I should say.

-Art- 9
The artwork is very cute and pleasent to look at. The faces and little chibi characters never fail to make me smile.

-Characters- 10
The manga's high point. The characters in this series are great. There is a good variety and they are all multi-faceted. Some you'll adore , others you will hate (Miyabi Jouhou!). Our main couple is very likable and you will fall in love with them. Haruna is kind-hearted, silly, but can somtimes be a little naive. Yoh can seem a bit harsh, but he's actually super sweet, he's just a bit embarrassed about his feelings.

-Enjoyment- 10
This manga is a super fun, and moderately fast read. There is so much to like about the story as a whole. Really funny, sweet, and well-told.
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dattebayo_475
Apr 02, 2021
Koukou Debut review
Okay, for me, this is one of the best mangas I have ever read. I loved the art and liked how each character had their own attributes, features, facial expressions, style, and differences. One of the best things about this manga, is that the girl (Haruna) isn't "helpless" and only loved based on her looks. Haruna's personality was the best thing about her, it made her extremely cute n__n Every chapter I read had me wanting to read more and more (I finished all 14 volumes in just a couple of days). The story was so good, it was just too hard to stop! I felt that the author, Kawahara, wrote it in such pure perfection! The romance between Yoh and Haruna was just too cute. There were clear explanations and reasons for why they loved each other, and it wasn't for material or external reasons. They truly connected, and truly loved each other. It wasn't all about Haruna's looks or about the "physical" parts of a relationship, Kawahara portrayed Yoh's feelings and love towards Haruna very well. His feelings were clear and they were because he loved her so much for just being her. I got so many sad and happy feelings out of the story, I recall getting so giddy when I read something sweet or cute! I could go on and on but, this manga to me was perfection! It was unlike any shoujo manga I have read. (I also recommend Lovely Complex because to me they are very similar!) If you want to experience a manga that is heart warming, realistic, and comical, you HAVE to read this!

I loved the ending, but I couldn't help wanting to see even more~
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susumepirates14
Apr 02, 2021
Koukou Debut review
*Review contains spoilers*

Story 7/10
After reading the first chapters, I had so much hope for this manga. The premises of the story were different, appealing and exciting. At first, I loved the dynamic between the main characters and the way the story was going. Surprisingly enough, not too much cliche, apart from main female character being a crybaby. However, midway the manga, the story just started becoming dull, nothing really important or major happening. I felt many arcs were unnecessary and didn't really add to the overall story. At some point, I felt arcs were being recycled for the sake of keeping the manga going. Had the manga been shorter, cutting off all the arc that felt like fillers, the story would have been more impactful. By the end of it, I just wanted to get it over with (because I very rarely drop anything I am reading not matter how bad it is). So summarizing, I thought it was going to be a lot better than it was (mind you I read it without really knowing what it was about). This manga really had a lot of potential.

I did like that although the story was a bit predictable, things didn't necessarily happen the way you would expect. For ex., I really thought Yoh would be the one confessing first as Haruna would be too scared to tell him she had fallen in love with him after he warned her not to do so. Also, I thought it was going to take them way longer than it did to get together. They got into that relationship fairly easy. I also liked how relatable Haruna's feelings were at times. For ex., I could completely understand her sadness and insecurity at thinking what Yoh had done or not with his ex...not that it makes sense that people feel bad about their partner's past, but it happens and it's a valid emotion. Also, bravo!! NO love triangles. Along this line, Yoh's ex was well played for the advancement of Yoh and Haruna's relationship.

Art 8/10
Not bad, not the best I have seen. I did like that attention was paid into drawing the characters and nothing seemed like out of place. I also liked that the physical appearance of the characters really matched well with their personalities.

Character 8/10
I really liked the dynamic between Yoh and Haruna. They were both really odd people in their own ways, but a perfect match for each other. I found it hilarious when Yoh told Haruna he felt he had found himself a boyfriend and how patient he was with allowing her to be who she was without not judgement.
Haruna: I really liked her determination and how she was such a good-hearted person and pure soul, that she didn't even notice when people were trying to be mean with her. Haruna was who she was, not afraid to show it. Now on the things I didn't like, why did she get SO incredibly awkward after her first kiss with Yoh? she made me literally cringe while seeing her reaction...I get we all get nervous after our first time doing stuff, but gheez!! I feel that was exaggerated a bit too much. And I also feel her "male role" (being overprotective and super strong) were also exaggerated. It was funny for a few times, but then it started to get old. Also, why did she have to physically fight girls to demonstrate her love for Yoh? that was a bit out of place for me.
Yoh: nothing particularly stands out from Yoh, but he is a likable character. Although he was the one doing the coaching for Haruna's growth, I feel Yoh is the one who actually grew a lot from their relationship. I enjoyed watching his transformation and very much liked that it wasn't too radical, like he was a very cruel and mean guy that changed into a sweetheart because he felt in love (that is not believable and very cliche!)...It seems Yoh was always a great guy who never allowed people to get too close in order to discover that until Haruna came around.
In regards to the other characters, Mami and Fumi were very nice people. But I Hated Asami, with capital H!...I honestly could not understand or tolerate her behavior at all...suddenly becoming interested in Fumi once she found out Haruna liked him? making Fumi suffer for no reason? hating on Haruna all the time despite all the times Asami took advantage of Haruna and Haruna being so nice to her? it's not just childish...is very selfish and conceited and spoiled and made me want to slap her across the face!...and don't even get me started on that creepy ass sister complex!! I also found Asaoka really creepy too...with his type of personality, you could never trust that what he was saying was real or not. I would definitely not be friends with someone who comes as far as almost kissing my partner "to get a point across". I think he specially meant every word he said when he was making a move on Haruna and not doing it for Yoh's sake.

Enjoyment 7/10
So, for the first 20 or 30 something chapters, I was really enjoying the story. However, it all went downhill until the end, which was a fairly good ending for the story.

Overall 7/10
It is an enjoyable manga, just that the initial chapters made me expect more from the story than what it turned out to be.


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kanemalakos7
Apr 02, 2021
Koukou Debut review
This is going to be a really short review, but I just wanted to say a couple of things about this manga. (Sorry if there are any mistakes, English is not my first language)

Koukou Debut is a enjoyable manga depending on what you look for in a shoujo manga, most of the people who read shoujo mangas (including myself) are just looking for a simple story that entertain us, and that's the reason why we usually ignore the sexist aspects that most of these mangas have, or the poorly way they are written sometimes.

I had to say it. Haruna, the main character (from my point of view) apart from not having the delicate figure that most of shoujo heroines have, is nothing but a stereotypical high school girl. Because of that, I couldn't relate to her, she just overreacted to every little thing that happened near her, and her boyfriend just had to make sure she was okay. It's not that I didn't like her because of her selfishness or how dense and innocent she was, it's just that even though she made mistakes, she didn't learn from them most of the time, and that attitude just stress me out a little bit. I mean, whereas Yoh went through a huge character development, she barely progressed.
Besides, sometimes it was difficult for me to find the logic in some character's actions, since there were just for the sake of the drama.

I can understand if you disagree with me at this, but you can't tell me that the main premise of this manga, where the proganist's main goal when she arrived to high school was just to find a boyfriend, isn't a little bit sexist. A girl is nothing without a boy by her side, huh? I understand that this is fiction, but in my case, I think it just made the story less believable.

But, don't get me wrong, overall I enjoyed the series, and I don't regret reading it. I even found myself laughing out loud at it a couple of times. It's a fine reading if you are looking for a light-hearted manga, but it's nothing memorable.
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Koukou Debut
Koukou Debut
Author Kawahara, Kazune
Artist --