Inishie Otaku no Koiwazurai
My Lovesick Life as a '90s Otaku

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Reading this Manga as an American Otaku from the early 2000's has a strange sense of relatability that is definitely stronger to Japanese readers born in the 90's, but the setting and familiarity of the situation is neither here nor there when comes to this romance series. The real juicy part is the DRAMA. The main character's Otaku side is almost like a superhero secret identity, and I'm a sucker for secret identity plots. The character dialogue, motivations, and dynamics are all masterfully done. I read the first volume only an hour after I started it and then I had to wait for Volume 2 ... to release. Now, as I write this review, I greatly anticipate Volume 3!

The easter eggs of various now retro media either directly or indirectly being referenced is great, and I was smiling about each one the whole read through.

There is something beautifully realistic about this one the bad timing, lack of self-esteem, regret, fear, and shame to show your true self to someone whose approval you crave.

The art is wonderful, and this a short and bittersweet story. The main characters are oh-so-relatable, I found myself feeling frustrated, and upset in certain situations. For example; characters who would flee from situations rather than face them like Megumi and Masamune's mom. Yet even though the situations are upsetting you still find yourself having compassion and understanding.

Honestly 10/10

Also like the other reviewer mentioned the reference to other manga was awesome, Sakura knows about them fox ... eyes getting serious.