Favorite Shojo Manga Vol.2!
Today on the blog, I’m delving into the wonderful world of Shojo Manga once again! Click here to see part one!
For those who are unfamiliar with the term. “Shojo Manga” is usually aimed at a teenage female target-demographic readership. The word “shojo” literally translates to “young woman” and covers many subjects in a variety of narrative styles, from historical drama to science fiction, often with a focus on romantic relationships or emotions.
I’ve read so many over the years, but here are some picks of stories that I’ve read and continue to stick with me. Enjoy! 🙂
Synopsis: Oriana is a young woman who currently has no money, no job and her father won’t return her phone calls. Stressed and in sore need of a good break, Oriana finds herself in a difficult position when her bossy little cousin tricks her back to their home country, South Korea. Come and join Oriana as she learns how to handle her troublesome family members and strange new friends, who all bring new and unwanted stress to her life.
Oriana has a very good heart and is always looking out for others which I admired. At times her character is a bit over-the-top at time, but tries she keep herself well grounded. The thing that stood out most to me about this series is that it’s not only focused on romance, but mainly self-love. It has an incredibly powerful and uplifting message on body image, finding yourself,and family; which was really refreshing to see.
Synopsis: Little did Nao Kogure realize back in middle school that when she left an umbrella and a box of bandages in the rain for injured delinquent Taiga Onise that she would meet him again in high school. Nao wants nothing to do with the gruff and frightening Taiga, but he suddenly presents her with a huge bouquet of flowers and asks her to date him—with marriage in mind! Is Taiga really so scary, or is he a sweetheart in disguise?
Honey So Sweet is one of the cutest manga I have ever read, from the cover art to the illustrations that line the pages of the book. Though its set in a high school it’s got a very innocent feel and look as it tells the story of a budding romance. Nao and Onise are likable characters, but are very naive. It’s a bit frustrating that they can’t always pick up on each other’s feelings, but once they get to one know another once they become more comfortable around each other.
Synopsis: Risa Koizumi is the tallest girl in class, and the last thing she wants is the humiliation of standing next to Atsushi Otoni, the shortest guy. Fate and the whole school have other ideas, and the two find themselves cast as the unwilling stars of a bizarre romantic comedy duo. Rather than bow to the inevitable, Risa and Atsushi join forces to pursue their true objects of affection. But in the quest for love, will their budding friendship become something more complex?
Lovely Complex (even though I have yet to finish all of the manga) is a manga I can always go back to for a re-read. It’s a cute story where opposites attract and it’s full of so many humorous antics to keep the reader laughing. Every time I read this manga it makes me smile. I really appreciate how the author takes time to develop the two leads and their romance. It’s something they grow into (a relationship) and it also shows how they mature as they eventually date.
Synopsis: Yukari wants nothing more than to make her parents happy by studying hard and getting into a good college. One afternoon, however, she is kidnapped by a group of self-proclaimed fashion mavens calling themselves “Paradise Kiss.” Yukari suddenly finds herself in the roller coaster life of the fashion world, guided by George, art-snob extraordinaire. In a glamorous makeover of body, mind and soul, she is turned from a hapless bookworm into her friends’ own exclusive clothing model.
I’m such a fan Yazawa’s work! In my last shojo manga post I also mentioned her series Nana which is equally as good as this one. It’s a coming of age story set among the backdrop of the fashion world. The artwork is incredibly stunning, especially the attention to detail in the outfits showcased throughout the series. Yukari is pushed out of her comfort zone and it’s interesting to follow her journey as she learns about herself, falls in love, and obstacles that she encounters. It feels very realistic and at some parts the story is deeply emotional.
Synopsis: Asuka Masamune is a guy who loves girly things – sewing, knitting, making cute stuffed animals and reading shojo comics. But in a world where boys are expected to act manly, Asuka must hide his beloved hobbies and play the part of a masculine jock instead. Ryo Miyakozuka, on the other hand, is a girl who can’t sew or bake a cake to save her life. Asuka finds himself drawn to Ryo, but she likes only the manliest of men! Can Asuka ever show his true self to anyone, much less to the girl that he’s falling for?
This is series that is lighthearted, but also talks about gender stereotypes. The main character, Asuka, is expected to act very masculine by his peers and family, but he’s a softie at heart. He loves to bake along with other hobbies, but feels as if he has to keep things a secret. The conversation of stereotypes plays a big role of the story and eventually things shift to a more positive outlook. I need to go back and complete the series, but I will say this series has a refreshing new take in the shojo genre with a positive narrative.
Synopsis: When Haruna Nagashima was in junior high her life consisted of playing softball and reading comics. But now that she’s going to high school, Haruna decides to put all of her energy towards getting a boyfriend and having the high school romance of a lifetime. To help in her quest, she enlists cute upperclassman Yoh Komiyama to coach her as she eschews her jock tendencies and turns herself into the kind of girl who can catch a guy. Yoh agrees, with one catch: Haruna had better not fall for him!
This series is adorable! Haruka is a bit of a tomboy so asks Yoh to be her boyfriend coach in order to learn to be more feminine and learn how to date. This story is about loving yourself and embracing who you are. As Yoh and Haruka start to become closer to one another he helps her realize the beauty within. Haruka learns to embrace what she loves. It seems like a typical “makeover manga story” on the outside, but the narrative is a lot deeper once you actually read it. It’s a cute and entertaining series.
Synopsis: Yuki Cross has no memory of her past prior to the moment she was saved from a vampire attack ten years ago. She was adopted by the headmaster of Cross Academy, and now works alongside Zero to guard the Academy’s secret. Cross Adademy is attended by two groups of students: the Day Class and the Night Class. At twilight, when the students of the Day Class return to their dorm, they cross paths with the Night Class on their way to school. Yuki Cross and Zero Kiryu are the Guardians of the school, protecting the Day Class from the Academy’s dark secret: the Night Class is full of vampires!
This was a binge-read series for me back in the day since I was obsessed with the Twilight series. It appeals to paranormal/fantasy romance readers. It has a interesting concept of having a a Day & Night class within this boarding school. Of course like other similar series, once you get introduced to everyone and the setting, there happens to be a greater mystery. There’s a lot of questions that need to be answered and my inquisitive nature got me hooked into the mystery aspect of the series!
That concludes the second installment list of my favorite shojo manga! What are your favorites or recommendations?
