My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected

(This review was written in my native language and I didn't check the entire text properly, just bear with me)

OreGairu is one of the most famous titles in the high school slice of life genre, and most of the community has seen or at least heard of Wataru Watari and Ponkan8's work. But I believe that a relatively smaller number actually read the light novel to completion. The reason for this is that Novel/LN media has a very different model from what the general public watches or reads. Unlike the ninth art (comics/manga) and animation/anime, with sequential movements and a sense close to the seventh art, Novels are close to literature. And, from time to time, we have some prints and art (if it's one you have). The format causes disinterest in the public that does not have the habit of reading, which does not only concern LNs, but literature in general. However, the media thrives a lot among the public that have attachment and habit. And I can only hope it keeps growing.

That said, what's so special about OreGairu? What would motivate someone to read a juvenile title that has around 168 chapters? The story revolves around Hikigaya Hachiman, an antisocial 2nd year student at Sobu High School. One day, he is taken by teacher Hiratsuka Shizuka to the Volunteer Club room. In which the only member at the moment is Yukinoshita Yukino, an exemplary student with a unique appearance. According to Hiratsuka, the objective of bringing him there was so that he could have his "distorted" ideals fixed. But through self-reflection, conditioned by Yukinoshita. Such action was encouraged, in large part, by an essay written by Hikigaya, in which he wrote abominations to the youthful spirit and the "riajuus" (the popular kids).

Initially, both students dislike each other, as they are theoretically opposites. However, when passing the first chapter, it becomes clear that both are very similar in terms of interaction skills. Both don't have friends, but for different reasons. Hachiman for her antisocial and withdrawn attitude, and Yukino for being “perfect” in the extreme. The teacher then decides to establish a bet, in which both should strive to help as many people as possible in the club. The one who won could ask someone else for a favor. Such a gamble earns Yukino's revulsion, but she later reluctantly accepts. A few moments later, Yuigahama Yui arrives, the first person to open the bet. Yui is popular and, although not a bright student, she has a friendly attitude towards her fellow members and is kind. His aura is bright and spontaneous, the opposite of the two students. Yuigahama was asked to learn how to make cookies; such an arduous task is taken up by Yukinoshita, a proficient cook. After this unusual situation, which would be remembered many volumes later, our main trio takes shape. Over time, many other beloved characters emerge, each with their background and story worked on.

Although I have a lot of praise for the series, it is necessary to admit that everything started to take shape little by little. The first 3 volumes focus on daily problems and requests throughout the Sobu School. However, over time, the construction and destiny of the characters (and the protagonists in particular) intertwine, to the point that the story turns to what they really want. The trio begins to bond emotionally, to the point that they yearn for the Volunteer Club. An affection and companionship grows between the two girls in the club. The atmosphere and togetherness, even if routine, is a portrait of what is so special about them. A small fragment of daily life, which only gets due attention after a breakup. Be it due to raids and fights or the passing of the school years.

OreGairu shows that even if precious moments are lived, they won't be forever. The journey is about looking for “something genuine”, but also about breaking cycles. Which is evident from volume 10 onwards. There is a melancholy amidst the happiness during Novel. The feeling that those shards of joy will pass. For a significant amount of time, Hachiman struggles with his inner self. Self-sacrifice, not caring about those who care and want good is a recurring theme.

The lonely boy has always dealt with his problems using rough methods, but when in conflict with Yukino, they cause a bitter and distant feeling. Yui ends up always trying to unite the trio, even through superficial conversations. Speaking of which, authenticity is another notable theme. The need to maintain their appearances and masks is visible in order to have a favorable school life. What is Hachiman's point of criticism ends up turning against him. The loner who has always boasted of his emotional independence, when faced with people who become important, begins to fear losing his special days with his clubmates.

There is a sense of realism in each of the characters that I rarely find in industry work. My only criticisms overall would be a few points in Watari's writing. He likes to throw in a lot of references to games and manga. It doesn't bother me in general, but in some chapters it fills with references and this ended up getting a little off topic at certain times. Even so, I interpret it as an immersion into the world of youth and adolescence. And, of course, he never does this in more serious and tragic moods. And by the way, there's a slightly dramatic sense to OreGairu. Especially close to completion. And a lot of the time, the drama is timed right. I find the conclusion memorable and nostalgic, in part because of the tone adopted in his writing. Of course, I couldn't stop talking about the meticulous art of Ponkan8. One of my favorite illustrators in the Novel industry. I believe his art has evolved (and a lot) over time. There is even a separate book with her illustrations, with a great sense of fashion.

Overall, I consider OreGairu an amazing journey. With its ups and downs, the series shone a lot, especially in the triad of volumes 8, 9 and 10 (my favorite ones). OreGairu is a Novel aimed at everyone who wants to read something authentic.

Thanks for reading <3