Love Roma 1 [Paperback]

Minoru Toyoda (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

An honest portrayal shows something that is what it is, with acceptance if not understanding. That's the underlying theme of this manga that feels like a minicomic. Hoshino confesses his love to Negishi in a classroom full of students, although she doesn't even know his name. He's oblivious to many of the niceties of interpersonal relations, single-mindedly pursuing his goal without consideration of reality. Hoshino has no pretense, and he doesn't care what anyone thinks of him. He says he loves Negishi because around her he can be himself, but he doesn't seem to have much trouble any other time. The simple, flat faces and two-dimensional drawings are reminiscent of the works of American indie creators like John Porcellino or Jeffrey Brown, but with more shading. Paradoxically, the simplified art style, combined with Hoshino's unthinking exposure of himself, creates a perception of depth. One of a small but welcome number of naturalistic manga coming to America, this book follows the clumsy procession through dating, first kiss, first fight, meeting the parents and so on, with a simple charm that anyone can relate to. (Sept.)
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From School Library Journal

Grade 7-9–Two young people experience the trials and tribulations of first love: the first kiss, everyone knowing and interfering, someone else vying for affection, meeting the family. However, there are no real subplots and after a while readers are sure to realize that nothing is happening. The characters are one-dimensional and not very interesting. The book is done in back to front, right-to-left format with manga-style black-and-white illustrations that complement the story.–Ronnie Gordon, Brooklyn Public Library, NY
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 16 and up
  
• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Del Rey (August 30, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 034548262X
• ISBN-13: 978-0345482624
• Product Dimensions: 5 x 0.7 x 7.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,668,587 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kare Kano Lite, September 11, 2005

By 

J. Sturges (Hampton, VA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Love Roma 1 (Paperback)

I enjoyed this volume because it takes an otherwise common formula--boy declares love for girl, girl stumped--and makes light of all of the usual emotional and shoujo-esque aspects of relationships in manga. It's very much like Kare Kano (Kareshi Kanojo no Jijou/His & Her Circumstances) without the emotional baggage, heavy storylines, and occasional complete changes of story focus on what should be minor characters. Granted, this is only the first volume, but it's certainly well-grounded in what it's trying to express, and the upbeat and almost comic-strip-like art keep the series from collapsing on itself with too much drama. Totally recommended, especially if you've just gotten through a far more serious manga series.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars TRUE LOVE BLOOMS IN FITS AND STARTS, November 3, 2005

By 

Sesho "www.sesho.libsyn.com" (Pasadena, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Love Roma 1 (Paperback)

Negishi thinks of herself as a rather average and plain-looking high schooler until a boy named Hoshino declares his love and asks her to go out as her stunned classmates look on. While put off at first by his open heart, Negishi submits to his attentions because of peer pressure and her own secret desire to fall in love. Volume 1 of Love Roma is mainly about the couple's first bumbling attempts to get to know each other and to carve out their own space in the realationship. It is filled with light-hearted and innocent comedy and some occasional deeper insights into the human heart that alternately craves solitude and company. Adding to the comedy are the friends of the couple, Tsukahara and Yoko, whose deadpan attitudes about life offer constant counterpoints to Negishi's excitibility and Hoshino's one track mind. The story is slow-paced and comfortable and feels like a window into a naive but warm world. The art is a bit more cartoony and American-seeming than most manga, but it suits the story. The author has really drawn and plotted a winner here.

I would also recommend the manga Aria, which also has a laid-back plot and mood. Also, the Azumanga Daioh anime and manga. His and Her Circumstances is a good anime that delves into a little more seriousness than is seen in Love Roma.

5.0 out of 5 stars azumanga diaoh romantic comedy, May 9, 2008

By 

G. R. Harp "Keichi Morisato" (Saratoga, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Love Roma 1 (Paperback)

Just the most hilarious manga, ever!

The artwork is unique; I didn't like it at first, but don't hesitate! The characters are wild, good natured, and just plain silly. Plenty of laugh out loud gags, over the top situation comedy, and a story line running through it. Plenty of Tsukkomi/Boke. Nandeyano?!

I want more!!!

If you don't believe me, believe CLAMP. They are telling all their friends to "read this manga!"