Seinen Skip to Loafer by Misaki Takamatsu

[Erinyes]

Skip to loafer

Author : Misaki Takamatsu
Genre : School, Slice of Life, Seinen, Romance
Magazine : Afternoon (Kodansha)
Status : Ongoing


Synopsis :
"Iwakura Mitsumi always had big dreams, of leaving her small town, advancing to a top tier university, and then contributing to the country before retiring back to her home town. So focused is she on her goal that she is oblivious to all the other ways she comes up short, much to the chagrin and concern of her friends and family. Can a naive country girl make it in Tokyo ?" (from Mal)

 

[Erinyes]

This manga is so so underrated ! So far it is really enjoyable, its a slice of life/romance with a high school setting, the set up is/looks generic but its really nicely done, characterization is great, there are all the issues a highschooler can confronts (exam/careers, appearances/fashion, love, jealousy..) , but it's dealt in a mature way. Drama is balanced and there are fun parts. I like too, how narration can be subtle and things are sometimes suggested instead of told straight, other are revealed. Pacing is great too, i dont think that series is meant to last too long, so far there are 34 chapters out in scan. Art is really decent. It is so far, really a surprisingly good reading.
Characters are really engaging my fave might be Nao, and Yuzuki (one of Mitsu friends). Nao is Mitsumi aunt ( but actually she's her uncle) this character is amazing, his relation with his niece and her friends, and above all the way the author deals with the theme of gender finely with no drama. Nao is a stylist who quit being an office worker since he had some bad experience. The author shows the character's insecurities in a subtle way. pretty much most of all the characters are engaging and have some more depht than expected or have their moments anyway.

Some selected moments

More of Nao-chan

Spoiler

That scene when Misumi got humiliated and was made fun of, Yuzuki was the kindest to her :

Spoiler

Other Yuzu's kindness scenes
She was supportive to her friend who was feeling down after a date didnt went well. and came straight to see her.

Spoiler

Yuzu's bad experience with some friend(s)

Spoiler

 

[Erinyes]

Skip to loafer is nominated for 47th Kodansha Awards

--- Double Post Merged, May 10, 2023, Original Post Date: Apr 11, 2023 ---

Skip to loafer won it