Shikimori's Not Just a Cutie is a romcom (romantic comedy) manga by Keigo Maki. Originally, the manga started on Twitter but after gaining a lot of recognition from many people it was serialized in マガポケ (Magazine Pocket).The manga is about Shikimori and Izumi, a lovey-dovey couple enjoying the high school life together. Usually Shikimori is very cute, but whenever Izumi gets into trouble, she becomes very handsome and helps Izumi out.
The focus of this manga is on the cool and handsome side of Shikimori. Apart from that, Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie is a normal romantic comedy. There is not much depth to the story, but the various arcs, such as the school festival and class trips, provide a bit of (Japanese) typical bittersweet youth.
The author is doing a great job when it comes to the art. It is fantastic ! Shikimori's fashion coordination changes frequently, so you never get bored with her character design. Also, her facial expressions are the best. Cute, beautiful and always well drawn. It is the reason why I fell in love with Shikimori and therefore the art is the best part of this manga (at least for me).
There is not much to say about the characters. Shikimori is just a perfect girl and all her and Izumi’s friends are good people. They are all supportive and sometimes funny but not really special (not meant badly). One character that actually bothers me is Izumi. He is a caring good boy but has a so-called 不幸体質 (someone who is unlucky from the nature) and gets involved in many misfortunes. While Shikimori's charms are brought out by Izumi, who gets himself into trouble, he is pathetic exactly because he gets into so many troubles. Well since Izumi's misfortune is necessary for this manga I don't know how the author could have done it better...
The anime adaptation is horrible. Not only is Shikimori's charms not fully brought out, but the voice acting makes Izumi seem even more pathetic. That is why I only recommend the manga.
Romcom enjoyers should definitely read it. Each chapter is short therefore easy to read and it is fun to see Shikimori acting mostly adorable but sometimes manly and handsome. I will agree when people say that the story gets repetitive but I still find it enjoyable. But PLEASE do not watch the anime !!!
