Dating Story Volume 1 Review: The Experienced You and The Inexperienced Me – Anime UK News
To the surprise of many earlier this year, Panini Publishing ventured into manga publishing with a new imprint, Panini Manga. While they started with a selection of Disney titles, this month, they expanded the range to include two Square Enix titles. Today, we delve into one of those two series: Our Dating Story: The Experienced You and The Inexperienced Me. Let’s see if the first volume lives up to expectations!
Unexpected Love Story Unfolds
The story centers on high school student Ryuto Kashima, who harbors a crush on the most popular girl in school, Runa Shirakawa. Despite being perceived as a nerd and keeping to himself in class, Ryuto rarely has the chance to interact with Runa, let alone consider dating her. However, a twist of fate changes everything when Ryuto loses a challenge with his friends and must confess his feelings to Runa as a penalty, expecting rejection.
Surprising Turn of Events
Contrary to Ryuto’s expectations, Runa accepts his confession and even asks him out on a date. As their relationship progresses, Ryuto becomes increasingly apprehensive about Runa’s intentions. Is she playing a prank? Or is she merely passing the time and planning to break up with him impulsively? The duo’s first day together takes a mysterious turn as they find themselves alone at Runa’s house.
Challenges of Past Experiences
Their relationship faces hurdles as Runa reveals her history of toxic relationships with previous boyfriends who took advantage of her. Despite her initial reservations, Ryuto is determined to make their relationship work and to treat Runa with the respect she deserves. As they navigate their differences and insecurities, the bond between them grows stronger.
Artistic and Publishing Details
The manga adaptation, illustrated by Carpaccio Noyama, successfully captures the essence of the light novels with expressive characters and stylish designs. While the story occasionally delves into fan-service scenes, it remains tasteful and engaging. The release by Panini, priced at £10 in the UK, offers a premium reading experience with color pages and bonus content.
Overall, Our Dating Story: The Experienced You and The Inexperienced Me Volume 1 is a delightful romance title that appeals to both existing fans and newcomers. With a compelling narrative and charming characters, this manga promises an enjoyable reading experience. As the UK market continues to evolve, Panini’s quality release at an affordable price is a welcome addition to the manga scene.
Our review copy from Panini was provided by Turnaround Comics.
