A Condition Called Love - Volumes 1 and 2 (Manga Review)

    A few more volumes are going to be needed to really assess "A Condition Called Love." So far, I've read the first two volumes. Basically, it's a high-school romance between a guy who loves hard and a girl who isn't sure she's interested in love. They decide to have a trial relationship, and by volume 2, she's interested in continuing to see where it goes. The art is decent. Just a straightforward Shoujo series on the surface.

    However, I am either intrigued or concerned about how they depict the boy and his actions. In some ways he could be seen as a very loving boyfriend who dotes on her. But it comes off as obsessive and a bit creepy to me. That could be good if it decides to really explore his past, maybe there's trauma there, maybe he's overcompensating, or maybe this series becomes dark like "Kare Kano." That would be really cool to see it dig in.

    But two volumes in, so far it's taken a very straightforward approach with no hints that the author is troubled by this boys behavior and is going to explore or comment on that. It reads at face value and if it stays that way and doesn't explore why he acts like this, then it will not only be a lost opportunity, but it would signal a dangerous regression to the 90s manga of nice girls dating bad men but with no real commentary on the fact they're treating the girl badly (Peach Girl anyone?).

    I'll definitely read a few more volumes to see if it starts hinting at or commenting on the underlying darkness and obsessiveness in his character. If it does, then it could be a much stronger series than your typical romance Shoujo. But if it doesn't, then I'll drop it so quick. We'll see. Stay tuned.

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Please legitimately purchase or borrow manga and anime. Never read scanlations or watch fansubs. Those rob the creators of the income they need to survive and reduce the chance of manga and anime being legitimately released in English.

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