Story

Yokoi Taku, a doujin artist and newspaper deliverer, lives quietly in his apartment. Knock knock, Yokoi opens the door to an unexpected visitor; Saitou Megumi. Moved by Yokoi's work depicting school bullying, Saitou came all the way to meet her idol and intends to live with him. As they coexist in Yokoi's rundown apartment, they learn more about each other.

• If you haven't figured it out by the title already, Saitou is diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. The story depicts an array of challenges and situations she faces on a daily basis and how Yokoi learns to adapt and support Saitou. Mundane things, such as going to the bathhouse or walking past dogs, prove tedious. Brief conversations with strangers prove near impossible. Happy, tranquil situations will turn distressing and frightening in the next panel. To sum up this series in one word ... Unpredictable.
• Now, I don't possess extensive knowledge about mental illnesses or medication. But I can say that I'm impressed by this series' down-to-earth, detailed portrayal of them. Saitou's intense panics and thoughts and Yokoi's fumbling and worrisome nature over her shatters through my screen and invokes empathy in me, even though I can never fathom to imagine what being in their shoes is like.
• Yokoi and Saitou's relationship is one full of learning, adapting and empathizing. Similar to nursing an injured animal, it may seem that it's one-sided, but both parties do receive mutual support according to their needs. Yokoi receives psychological support and acceptance that she's never had before. Saitou receives someone. Someone, not really a lover, friend, or family; but someone who listens to him, reads his work, sleeps together with him, walks with him. And someone who provides ... special things, too.

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Characters

• Yokoi: An ordinary fellow. But his compassionate nature is unordinary. Taking in a complete stranger without any physical compensation. Going to extensive lengths to care for her. Researching her particular condition to further support and understand her. Truly, a reincarnated Buddha. But he has his own problems, too, which haven't been extensively revealed compared to Saitou. It'll be interesting as more is revealed. Has some quirky characteristics, too. Overall, a guy with a heart of gold.

• Saitou: The Asperger's heroine of this series. She has a multitude of traumatic experiences and in dire need of mental support and love. Like Yokoi, I grew to care immensely for her. With only Yokoi to lend her a hand, she faces struggles wherever she goes. However, thanks to Yokoi, she steadily grows and improves. Though she still frequently experiences distress and guilt, we see her smile, laugh and experience new things with Yokoi. You can't help but root for her.

Art

• The artstyle doesn't have much to be commented on. Does the job for a slice-of-life/drama series like this.

• The series does well in artistically portraying the dark moments. The background is often tenebrous and the character expressions are grim. Sometimes they seem out of nowhere, giving a sense of shock and urgency.

Enjoyment

• An easy 10/10 in the enjoyment dept. The variety of situations the two encounter are fresh and very interesting to see how they'll play out. The humor often comes unexpected in the general gloomy mood, providing me frequent toothy grins. Most of all, I love seeing Saitou's situation slowly improve and these two learning more about each other.

Final Words

• If you're searching for a more grounded depiction of mental illness, drama and quirky relationships, then I don't think you'll be disappointed with Asper Kanojo. A series that will have your heart thumping and rooting for the protagonists.