The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn't a Guy at All Vol. 1 Review

The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn't a Guy at All

Review

Rating

9

Good

Writer: Sumiko Arai

Artist: Sumiko Arai

Publisher: Yen Press

Release Date: October 22, 2024

Page Count: 184

Format: Manga

Sumiko Arai's The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn't a Guy at All is the perfect blend of romance and music. While it does rely on some familiar tropes for its foundation, the romance manga's snappy pacing and charming characters make for an enjoyable read.

The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn't a Guy at All

Review

Writer: Sumiko Arai

Artist: Sumiko Arai

Publisher: Yen Press

Release Date: October 22, 2024

Page Count: 184

Format: Manga

Sumiko Arai's The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn't a Guy at All is the perfect blend of romance and music. While it does rely on some familiar tropes for its foundation, the romance manga's snappy pacing and charming characters make for an enjoyable read.

Rating

9

Good

In today's digital age, it's always exciting to see creatives carve out unique stories that resonate with readers worldwide. Rising mangaka Sumiko Arai has done just that. Her series, The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn't a Guy at All, started as a lighthearted comic on her Twitter page, quickly garnering a devoted following. Since then, it has evolved into a serialized romance manga published by Pixiv, Kadokawa, and Yen Press, reaching audiences across the globe. With the English release finally hitting stores in October, I had the chance to check out this highly beloved series myself. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into my full review of the series’ first volume!

Overview

Aya Oosawa is a gyaru high school girl with a crush on the sharply dressed, mysterious clerk at her favorite record store. What Aya doesn’t know, however, is that this intriguing figure is none other than her loner classmate, Mitsuki Koga. Through a series of chance encounters at school and the shop, Aya and Mitsuki grow closer, unwittingly forming a heartwarming bond over their shared love of music. But eventually, the truth about Mitsuki’s true identity is revealed.

Image: Yen Press

Review

It doesn’t take long for The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn't a Guy at All to prove itself as a delightful and refreshing manga. With its charming characters and vibrant art style, this story offers something engaging on every page. While Aya and Mitsuki fit into familiar romance manga archetypes—the bubbly gyaru and the reserved loner—Sumiko Arai breathes fresh life into these tropes by crafting a bond that feels authentic and sincere. It’s charming to see the two share a love for music retro rock music, the type you’d expect much older generations to be into. Speaking as a millennial, it’s refreshing to see bands like Radiohead, Nirvana, and Guns n’ Roses revered by such quirky manga characters. So as different as Aya and Mitsuki may seem aesthetically, they are both just music dorks at the end of the day, making their relationship all the more heartwarming to follow.

That said, the manga’s main premise requires some suspension of disbelief at times. It can get a bit silly when you think about how long it takes for Aya to realize the charming store clerk’s true identity. After all, a face mask and glasses do a lot to hide a person’s real face, right? But the charm of their interactions and the humor woven throughout make it easy to forgive these moments. The mistaken identity trope, while a romantic comedy staple, is handled with enough creativity and heart to keep readers engaged as the truth slowly unfolds.

Image: Yen Press

What truly stands out about this romance manga is its pacing. With its origins as a series of four-page social media strips, the storytelling is quick, snappy, and utterly addictive. Each chapter delivers a satisfying bite-sized narrative, keeping the momentum high and ensuring there’s never a dull moment. If you’re a fan of romance manga that skips unnecessary drama in favor of lighthearted fun, The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn't a Guy at All will have you hooked in no time. 

I must also say how beautifully distinct Arai's art style is in this series. The use of neon green accents to fill negative space gives the romance manga a punk-rock aesthetic that perfectly complements its music-centric theme. This vibrant color choice particularly shines in the record store scenes, where it evokes the energy and atmosphere of live music. Beyond the innovative use of color, the character designs are equally noteworthy. Aya’s fashion-forward gyaru outfits contrast beautifully with Mitsuki’s understated, low-key style, visually reinforcing their differing personalities while highlighting their unique connection.

Image: Yen Press

Final Thoughts

The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn't a Guy at All is a feel-good romance manga bursting with charm and personality. While it may not reinvent the genre, it delivers a delightful story centered around two music-loving characters whose bond feels genuine and heartfelt. Fans of series like Horimiya or Komi Can't Communicate will find a lot to love here, but its distinct art style and focus on music help it carve out its own identity. Sumiko Arai has created an endearing, lighthearted romance that’s perfect for readers looking for humor, heart, and a touch of nostalgia.

Why You Should Read The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn't a Guy at All

• The romance manga features a fun, lighthearted story with charming characters that subvert typical tropes.
• Its origins as a webcomic give it a snappy, engaging pace that keeps pages turning.
• The unique art style stands out with its use of neon green accents.
• Fans of romantic comedy manga will find a familiar but refreshing take on the genre.