Sublime 2012 - Libre 2004
4+ volumes
4+ volumes
Fangirl rating: 10!
Subdued Rating: 8
Translation: Tetsuichiro Miyaki
Translation: Tetsuichiro Miyaki
The fangirl rating should tell you what kind of review this will be and that is basically one big squee because this is one of my favourite BL manga! I love cute romantic comedies and this series is one of the cutest and sweetest out there. If you're a fan of this type of story I implore you to check this out. If you're more a fan of alternative BL then this probably isn't for you, it's very generic and mainstream as far as BL goes, though I would argue that this is one of the better examples of its kind, not original but good at what it does.
Written by popular mangaka Takanaga Hinako of The Tyrant Falls in Love fame, this is my favourite work of hers by a long shot. Whereas Tyrant had a non-con aspect to its couple's relationship that was slightly off-putting to some readers, Awkward Silence is sweetness all the way.
The story's charm lies with its lovable protagonist, Toono, a quiet expressionless boy who's bad at communicating his thoughts and emotions. He's shocked when his longtime crush, Tamiya, the popular outgoing ace pitcher of the high school baseball team, confesses to him. The story follows the ups and downs of their budding relationship. Toono is pretty much the make-or-break factor in this series; if you find him super-adorable, like I do, then you'll enjoy the series and watching Toono's struggles to overcome his natural reservations and learn to express himself; if you find him to be just another stereotypical uke then there isn't much else in the story to recommend itself. There's no plot to speak of, the first chapter is about them getting together and the rest of the series sees them facing minor misunderstandings and obstacles thrown their way. However, if you like the couple, then you'll want to read about them no matter what they get up to. In later volumes the focus shifts to a secondary couple but I find myself looking forward to the brief moments when our main couple reappear, such is my affection for them.
What could have been a very pedestrian work is elevated to another level by Takanaga's expressive art, lighthearted humour and well-paced balance between romance, comedy and angst. Toono could have been a difficult character to depict since he's supposed to have an inscrutable face but Takanaga compensates with cute chibi faces that show his inner thoughts (see above cover illustration) and in the rare moments when he does reveal his feelings he is all the more adorable (and Tamiya is suitably smitten). I find most of sensei's works to be very well-paced, and this manga is no exception. The story is never rushed, the couple are given ample time to develop their feelings, explore their anxieties and then resolve their problems through better understanding of themselves and as a couple. There's usually a generous bit of smut to close out chapters as well, which is always welcome.
If you like manga that gives you a warm fuzzy feeling then I'd say that Awkward Silence is a good bet.
Written by popular mangaka Takanaga Hinako of The Tyrant Falls in Love fame, this is my favourite work of hers by a long shot. Whereas Tyrant had a non-con aspect to its couple's relationship that was slightly off-putting to some readers, Awkward Silence is sweetness all the way.
The story's charm lies with its lovable protagonist, Toono, a quiet expressionless boy who's bad at communicating his thoughts and emotions. He's shocked when his longtime crush, Tamiya, the popular outgoing ace pitcher of the high school baseball team, confesses to him. The story follows the ups and downs of their budding relationship. Toono is pretty much the make-or-break factor in this series; if you find him super-adorable, like I do, then you'll enjoy the series and watching Toono's struggles to overcome his natural reservations and learn to express himself; if you find him to be just another stereotypical uke then there isn't much else in the story to recommend itself. There's no plot to speak of, the first chapter is about them getting together and the rest of the series sees them facing minor misunderstandings and obstacles thrown their way. However, if you like the couple, then you'll want to read about them no matter what they get up to. In later volumes the focus shifts to a secondary couple but I find myself looking forward to the brief moments when our main couple reappear, such is my affection for them.
What could have been a very pedestrian work is elevated to another level by Takanaga's expressive art, lighthearted humour and well-paced balance between romance, comedy and angst. Toono could have been a difficult character to depict since he's supposed to have an inscrutable face but Takanaga compensates with cute chibi faces that show his inner thoughts (see above cover illustration) and in the rare moments when he does reveal his feelings he is all the more adorable (and Tamiya is suitably smitten). I find most of sensei's works to be very well-paced, and this manga is no exception. The story is never rushed, the couple are given ample time to develop their feelings, explore their anxieties and then resolve their problems through better understanding of themselves and as a couple. There's usually a generous bit of smut to close out chapters as well, which is always welcome.
If you like manga that gives you a warm fuzzy feeling then I'd say that Awkward Silence is a good bet.
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