Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun
Recently, I was introduced to this four-panel manga series interestingly titled 'Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun'. An anime adaptation will be airing really soon; according to the official anime website, it premieres on July 6th (TV Tokyo). I'm so looking forward to joining Nozaki-kun and his friends in this anticipated series. If anyone has realised already, Nozaki-kun is indeed a male; the preceding 'Gekkan Shoujo' actually defines Nozaki-kun's somewhat secret identity. Apart from being a high-school student, Nozaki-kun is also a popular, best-selling mangaka (comic artist) going by the pen-name Yumeno Sakiko. His manga is being serialised in a shoujo manga magazine conveniently (?) titled 'Gekkan Shoujo Romance'. So, is there anyone who is (still) confused? I've got to admit that I was initially a little baffled!
Anyway, moving on...I consider four-panel manga to be quite the necessity in my reading habits. It comes in handy especially when I'm feeling a little sluggish yet I would still want to do something to kill time (and hopefully be rejuvenated in some way eventually). The stories are pretty much standalone, although it would be rather odd to simply jump straight into midpoint before anywhere else. A good bet would be to at least know some background information before skipping around. That said, I couldn't seem to locate any of the volumes of 'Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun' anywhere in Kinokuniya. While I wouldn't mind reading online scanlations, a book is still much preferred. Anyway, the first few pages are enough to entice me to follow up on Nozaki-kun and the gang in their daily (mis)adventures!
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| From L ~ R: Wakamatsu Hirotaka, Seo Yuzuki, Sakura Chiyo, Nozaki Umetarou, Mikoshiba Mikoto, Kashima Yuu and Hori Masayuki (^^) |
I've more or less introduced Nozaki-kun, so how about meeting the others? Enter Sakura Chiyo, the petite and kawaii second-year who has a major crush on Nozaki-kun yet her confessions have been mistaken for a fan's love by Nozaki-kun, who at the beginning gave her a personal autograph. She winds up assisting him at the inking stage of the creative process. Her trademark is two huge ribbons on her hair.
Next, we have Mikoshiba Mikoto, or Mikorin as he is nicknamed. A tsundere who is easily prone to embarrassment over his own words, Mikorin's talent lies in the background of Nozaki-kun's manga - dazzling flowers that add charm points to the characters. His personality is the foundation for Nozaki-kun's creation and development of the female lead in the manga.
Seo Yuzuki is Chiyo's classmate and best friend. She comes across as extremely crude, loud and oblivious to just about anything. Yet for some weird reason, Yuzuki is often wanted for club activities, particularly basketball. She seems to take a liking to Wakamatsu Hirotaka, who is active in the basketball team. She also has another identity which (presently) only Chiyo and Nozaki-kun know of.
Wakamatsu Hirotaka is Nozaki-kun's junior and assistant. Primarily in charge of tones, Wakamatsu has much respect for his senpai's talents which is usually evident when he tries to entice the latter to play some basketball. Wakamatsu has a rather strong dislike for Yuzuki, yet he sort of becomes an affection of her, which takes on different forms.
Kashima Yuu is Mikorin's classmate and best friend. Standing at 176cm, Kashima has short hair and a prince-like personality which makes her extremely popular among girls. Yet she is also the victim of Hori Masayuki's violent acts, which are (un)intentionally caused by her own 'stupidity'. Kashima is active in the drama club.
Hori Masayuki is a senior and the president of the drama club who assists Nozaki-kun in backgrounds. He is considerably shorter than the average guy, hence he is usually seen backstage making props and such instead of acting which he is actually very good at. Because Kashima is frequently getting on his nerves, Hori often displays extremely violent behaviour towards her.
Well, I hope that I haven't missed anybody out! 'Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun' is easily one of my favourites for ticklish, fun-filled moments. Seriously, I'm really looking forward to the anime! Gosh, can the day come any sooner? (> <)
Eccentrically Yours.
Written by J.Fluffysheep ♪
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