"There's no way I could like this manga, right? I mean c'mon... It's from the mid-2000s, and the reviews seem to be mixed!"
I said this to myself on an uneventful Wednesday evening. Four days later, on a Saturday, I've finished the entire emotional journey Suzuka had to offer. I'm a big fan of Seo's works - I actually got introduced to Kimi no Iru Machi first before anything else, but I just love his art and the emotional plot twists/story-telling he incorporates, so I thought I'd give Suzuka a try after much debate. Needless to say, throughout its ups and downs, I don't regret reading this piece at all! I definitely recommend it, but read my full breakdown below first:
Story - 7: For me, the story was alright. It was strong enough to pull me into binge reading multiple chapters at a time with cliffhangers waiting at the end of each one. At times, the plot felt like it stagnated, while at other times, certain unprecedented (and perhaps odd) shifts in the story dynamics and focus put me off. For example, for the majority of the beginning and middle, Yamato (our male MC) chases after Suzuka and bounces his focus between his crush and track and field. However, I didn't think enough progress was implemented for most of the plot at a timely manner, and instead of faster character development (I'll get to that soon), we introduced love rivals and other love boundaries to cause drama instead.
Additionally, the love rivalries felt slightly inconsistent, with not as much value to the plot (besides the obvious first one) as I initially thought. But then, other somewhat improper tropes were introduced as well, such as long-distance relationships, parents' approval of relationships, etc. I'll stop there before spoilers are revealed.
For the ending - it was noticeably rushed, but not to the point where it was unenjoyable - the ending is satisfying as could be considering what our characters went through. I wished it wasn't as rushed and there were properly executed closures for some of the other characters, but at least we get the main ending we needed.
Overall, despite the inconsistencies or odd patterns of drama vs. slice of life vs. happy arcs, which caused the plot to progress non-linearly, I can't deny that at the chapter level, the details were spectacular and the cliffhangers were great, if not critical.
Art - 9: If there's anything I loved from the top of my mind about Seo's works, it's his art style. He makes the characters look gorgeous and perfectly befitting that of certain emotions to fit whatever dramatic commotion is taking place. This speaks volumes for a 2004-2007 manga - I would've never guessed his art was invented this long ago already.
Characters - 7: Man oh man, here it comes - Asahina Suzuka and Akitsuki Yamato are one polarizing pair of MCs, that's for sure. They both have clear flaws in their characters which frustrate the readers, but both go through visible development as well, which makes up for it. Still, I'd like to warn incoming readers on a few points.
Asahina Suzuka may take some time to grow on you - she's unfairly cold to Yamato for the majority of the manga. I'd give her some patience to really understand her character more, but I wish Seo went in to flesh out more of her character and why she acted the way she did toward Yamato for the first half of the story. I want to understand more on why she made the decisions she did or acted the way she did.
Meanwhile, Yamato, despite being likable for some, was also frustrating at times. His head-scratching decisions and a faithful prioritization of love for Suzuka above all else in life may frustrate you. However, you'll grow to like and appreciate his growth near the end :)
As for the rest of the cast, it all depends on the character. The love rivals (as well as other supporting characters), each have their own unique stories and arcs, but the closure for some of them near the end of the manga felt rushed or executed in a way in which it was forced.
Enjoyment/Overall - 8:
This is a recommended read, but I do advise to brace yourself - you're in for a wild dynamic ride of frustration and satisfaction. I'd say the satisfaction tops out at the end! The drama isn't as heart-hitting as other shounen romance/dramas I've read, but definitely still there enough to pull you in.
Suzuka is a deeply satisfying romance manga. At first glance, it might appear to be just another harem story filled with clichés, but it's not. Be patient with it. It’s one of the best romance manga I have ever encountered. The characters are relatable and ordinary, making it easy to see yourself in their situations. One of its strongest aspects is that it doesn't exaggerate scenarios or relationships for cheap humor, which makes it easier to connect with the story. This also applies to the characters' struggles; they aren’t overblown and can sometimes be quite subtle about what they’re thinking or feeling. But don’t worry—there’s plenty of humor to enjoy as well.
What's truly remarkable is how the last 60 chapters managed to bring tears to my eyes, something even IS and Good Ending couldn’t achieve for me. You will cry, laugh, feel good, and be inspired after reading this manga. It’s nearly perfect overall, leaving you wishing for more stories featuring these charismatic characters. This manga delivers an emotional journey that touches on various human experiences, making it a standout in the genre.
I'm utterly speechless by how this terrible manga garnered such a high score. No real man would ever fall for Suzuka, who treats the protagonist like dirt, yet he keeps falling head over heels for her. The character development is laughably poor, yet fans seem to think it's incredibly realistic and tragic. I can't believe diehard fans shed tears at the manga's conclusion. It was so awful that I felt embarrassed reading it. I read it years ago, but decided to pen this review because I recalled this rubbish.
I remember something about the main guy getting Suzuka pregnant, then facing the wrath of her father. He apologized, yet HE STILL GOT HER PREGNANT AGAIN, as depicted on her wedding day in the final chapter. The guy has zero self-control. Suzuka is an annoying bitch. You might wonder why I continued reading if I despised it? I was hoping the protagonist would give the other sweet girl a chance, but it never materialized because he was too much of a coward or waited too long. Oh well, she was too good for him anyway. I bet in ten years, Suzuka would have ten more kids if the manga kept going. How can people enjoy this garbage? It just drags on and on... with the same stupid arguments. Just because it reflects some real-life situations doesn’t make it good manga material. It’s mind-numbingly boring. Anyway, rant over.
I recently began reading manga and continued from where the anime left off. Honestly, I really enjoyed it. Although I don't usually read manga, this one is exceptional, and you must read it to discover what happens after the anime ends. The artwork is fantastic, and the story is engaging too. However, what I liked most were the last few chapters. They beautifully depict how the characters transition into adulthood and how both of them start to change. Suzuka begins to pay more attention to Yamato and his feelings, while he gains confidence and starts showing that he's a man after all. So, I highly recommend you read it because if you enjoyed the anime, you will absolutely love this manga.
At first, I assumed this would be just another typical romance manga. To some extent, it is, but every chapter is excellent and the story improves as you continue reading.
The plot is exceptional because it includes twists that I never saw coming. It kept me on my toes throughout.
In general, the storyline is fantastic. The artwork is among the best I've seen. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire manga. It made me cry, laugh, and sometimes even frustrated. This manga has all the elements a romance manga should have. Overall, this is one of my all-time favorite mangas.
tl;dr: A romance manga featuring a solid main couple but bogged down by drama that feels more frustrating than engaging.
This manga centers on young adult relationships, primarily focusing on romance. Specifically, it hones in on the relationship between Yamato and Suzuka, relying heavily on their dynamic to carry the story. However, it never really felt like either character or their relationship evolved significantly. By the end, they are closer together, but this progression seems forced. It felt as though the author could have continued milking tension, arguments, and melodrama from their relationship indefinitely if not for the predetermined happy ending. The primary issue is that nothing up until the conclusion felt impactful or important. For instance, their breakup was supposed to be a pivotal moment that drastically altered their relationship, possibly even ending it permanently. Yet, they reunite almost immediately, making the event feel trivial. Although everyone knows things will work out eventually, the journey should still give such events weight, which didn't happen here.
In terms of characters, while Yamato and Suzuka do complement each other well, I found Suzuka's character unlikable, along with the other heroines. Yamato’s openness and honesty were refreshing since most manga of this type usually thrive on hidden secrets causing drama. But the author seemed to create scenarios where being truthful led to conflict, which I wasn't particularly fond of. When the main couple was together, their chemistry was great. Unfortunately, because they were essentially the only focus, whenever they felt off, the entire manga felt off. This happened frequently, making the manga drag at times. Regarding character development, themes like dedication and honesty were briefly explored but often reversed, minimizing any perceived growth.
The side characters were adequate as background players, but attempts to make them more significant felt awkward and ultimately pointless. In the end, the main couple was the only successful element, which isn’t bad, but it made other storylines feel futile. The ending was peculiar. It was handled decently, showcasing their relationship at its peak, but it also disregarded much of what transpired throughout the manga, creating issues. Moreover, it resolved too easily. The artwork was good but not exceptional.
Despite all of Suzuka's flaws—and there are many—there is something about this manga that leaves you wanting more. After 17 volumes, however, I found myself unsatisfied, questioning whether I wasted my time and money giving this manga a chance.
What Suzuka got right: There are some genuinely good romantic scenes in this manga, from confessions to kisses and reconciliations. Suzuka is an inherently interesting love interest, despite the flaws in her character development. Additionally, some of the track arcs were entertaining and gave me a sense of what it might be like to be a star on a high school track team.
What Suzuka got wrong: This list will be longer. One of my biggest complaints is how the author introduces new love rivals purely for drama. This is a common issue in romance mangas, but Suzuka suffers from it more than others. It seems like the main character cannot sneeze without making a girl fall head over heels in love with him. As soon as things calm down, another girl appears to stir up trouble. The unrealistic way every girl vies for the MC’s love made the story less enjoyable and believable for me. Especially in the later volumes, it baffled me how these girls appeared solely to create drama and disappeared when they were no longer needed. However, in a way, these girls were necessary because of the second issue...
Suzuka promises more than it delivers in terms of character development and plot resolution. Suzuka had issues getting over her senpai's death, but she gives up on him after meeting the MC and initially struggling with it. However, she still pulls away from the MC in the end and has epic mood swings directed at him. Is there some underlying issue that comes out late in the manga to explain all this? Does Suzuka still harbor feelings for her dead senpai? No, you never hear about it again. Is there any resolution or development at all? Not really. We don't get a good explanation for why Suzuka acts the way she does except that she is selfish and has issues getting along with the MC. In the end, there is no grand apology or epic make-up, or confession of love. Things just sort of work themselves out the same way they always were. Even the track arc is unresolved. We never see Yamato race against his rival or compete in the IS event. Ultimately, the manga felt less like an overarching story and more like a slice-of-life heavy character study.
Overall, I am rating Suzuka a 7 because that is how I felt while reading it. There's no denying that while going through the chapters, I was interested in how the MC’s relationship with Suzuka would develop. The art was lacking at times, but not enough to be unenjoyable. The lack of character and story progression/resolution keeps this romance manga from reaching the heights of similar ones like GE, in my opinion. At the end, you may feel unfulfilled, but the journey was entertaining nonetheless.
I will tell you that if you're a decent person who has been in a real relationship, you know that some of these things never happen unless a person is too stubborn or doesn't have respect for themselves. So I recommend that if you are mature and want some real adult content, this manga might catch your attention. BUT at some point, it will keep repeating the same stuff AGAIN AND AGAIN. And if you don't have respect for yourself or enough self-control, just like Yamato (the main character), you're going to waste your time. But if you want to waste time, I recommend you read it because it has interesting elements, though it doesn't use them effectively.
Story 2/10: The story starts off well with really good goals at the beginning of the manga. There's a lot about being successful, relationships, confidence, determination, and such. But ALL that gets thrown away because the main characters ARE IRRESPONSIBLE and make mistakes.
There are small mistakes and stupid decisions that we all can relate to because sometimes we get caught up in our own heads and don't see what others see. But the story can make you lose brain cells because the characters sometimes do things they would never do OR develop as a person but revert back to their old selves a few chapters later as if nothing happened.
Art 4/10: Not the best art, but it has its moments. You know, ecchi moments.
Character 3/10: The main characters are a girl (Suzuka) and a boy (Yamato). Yamato is basically an introvert who is actually an extrovert who thinks out loud! He is irresponsible and doesn't know much about girls, or maybe he just doesn't know at all. But he falls for Suzuka, who is a girl with trauma.
Suzuka basically gives Yamato an emotional ride where Yamato is just as confused as the reader THROUGHOUT THE FUCKING STORY. She acts cold and hot repeatedly. She is basically a fucking bitch who isn't a slut.
YAMATO IS BASICALLY A GUY WHO CAN'T GET OVER A GIRL WHO IS SAD BECAUSE A GUY SHE LIKED DIED AND DOESN'T LIKE HIM BACK!!!
So this guy literally gets treated like a dog throughout the manga. He finds a girl who likes him but decides to go back to his owner and get treated like shit.
But then again, if you look at Yamato's family, they treated him like shit, so that's probably why he wants Suzuka.
Suzuka is a manga by Kouji Seo that masterfully blends sports and romance. From the very first chapter, this manga had me captivated, and it will do the same for you.
Yamato Akitsuki has recently moved from his home in Hiroshima Prefecture to live at his aunt's dormitory in Tokyo. He quickly falls for his new next-door neighbor, Suzuka Asahina, a girl from Yokohama who was scouted by a local high school due to her impressive high jump abilities. These simple romantic elements set the stage for the story and drama of Suzuka.
The artwork in Suzuka is what makes Kouji Seo a standout manga artist. His detailed illustrations never miss a beat.
There are numerous characters in Suzuka, most of whom play significant roles in the story. Yamato Akitsuki and Suzuka Asahina undergo substantial development from the first chapter to the last. The characters we meet at the beginning of the manga are vastly different from those we see at the end. However, these two aren't the only ones who evolve; Honoka Sakurai and Yasunobu Hattori also play crucial roles and experience immense growth throughout the manga.
I read this manga in just two days. I thoroughly enjoyed it, even though romance isn't usually my genre. This manga is exceptional and a must-read for all romance fans and even shounen enthusiasts.
Suzuka is... well, to put it simply, it's absolutely fantastic! I genuinely recommend this manga to anyone new to romance manga or seasoned readers alike. Initially, I wasn't a fan of this manga. I couldn't connect with any of the characters, and I strongly believed "A Town where you live" was superior. However, three years have passed, and surprisingly, my opinion has changed. Suzuka felt better the second time around for me. My initial bias seemed harsh in hindsight.
Moreover, Suzuka wasn't just enjoyable because I reread it. It was good because I could appreciate the dynamic and back-and-forth relationship between Yamato and Suzuka. Admittedly, it was amusing to see Yamato fail at his attempts to reconcile with Suzuka, but I felt genuinely happy once they did make up. This highlighted that couples fight and reconcile, but as long as they forgive each other and truly love one another, nothing else matters. At first, I didn't like Yasunobu's character because I thought he only caused trouble for Yamato. That wasn't the case. In fact, he often tried to guide Yamato and help him with problems involving Suzuka. Some of his advice was somewhat joking, but he earnestly listened to Yamato throughout.
Without giving too much away, I highly recommend Suzuka!!
Now that I've finished Suzuka, the only thing I can say is how challenging it was to read this work. The author chose to write a very intricate story from start to finish. At no point does the protagonist get a break; his decisions, the characters' uncertainty, and the complications of life make Suzuka a landmark work for Kouji. Many elements in the work made me angry—not the story itself, but the way it was developed.
1 - Story [6/10] - It's worth mentioning that in many parts of the work, the author made interesting decisions that added value. However, some things bothered me so much that I gave it a 6 (something average). The development of certain characters seemed amateurish at times. In fact, all moments not involving the MC (Yamato) and FMC (Suzuka) were not well thought out or complex. It's also worth noting that the conclusions of certain arcs were lazy or simply meant to prolong the story further. Additionally, there was a huge problem with some characters who were never developed or even abandoned. While reading, I felt caught up in the plot between the MC and FMC, where the author stretched until he couldn't anymore. Anyway, some parts really made me happy, like the ending.
2 - Art [8/10] - I always appreciate manga with good scenery and beautiful character designs. Kouji really knew how to draw scenarios well. The only complaint I have is the lack of creativity in some characters throughout the story.
3 - Characters [7/10] - Many people hate the protagonist of Suzuka, especially because he makes some terrible decisions. But I'm surprised by some aspects: He's not shy, he makes decisions even if they're wrong, and he matures over time. The other characters are interesting but some are just for comedic content, and some barely participated actively, appearing as extras. For this reason, I think an 8 would be the best score.
4 - Enjoyment [7/10] - That agony you feel, the loss of hope in life, all the difficulties in the story. At times, Suzuka makes your chest ache with uncertainty, sadness, anger, and happiness. The formula used in Kimi no Iru Machi was tested here, but it wasn't the best approach. Sometimes, it feels like a child making decisions for entertainment. So, I think this rating is perfect for Suzuka.
Overall - If you're willing to read Suzuka, a story with an incredible yet still amateur romance formula, more than acceptable art, and an ending that divided opinions, you won't regret it!
You might want to check out other reviews if you're looking for more insights into the story. I noticed quite a few average ratings, but the overall score intrigued me. Whether you believe it or not, this manga was worth every second I spent reading it, from the first chapter all the way to the end.
Story: 9
Art: 10
Character: 10
Enjoyment: 10
Overall: 10
The storyline is decent, though it shifts plots rather quickly, which didn't bother me at all. Essentially, I enjoyed everything about this manga. There are no perfect characters, and the art is just fine. It only took me two days to finish reading it because it was so captivating that I couldn't put it down.
I think it's better suited for those who prefer a lighter story. It's not a flawless manga, but in my opinion, it deserves a 10/10 rating.
Popular Reviews
"There's no way I could like this manga, right? I mean c'mon... It's from the mid-2000s, and the reviews seem to be mixed!"
I said this to myself on an uneventful Wednesday evening. Four days later, on a Saturday, I've finished the entire emotional journey Suzuka had to offer. I'm a big fan of Seo's works - I actually got introduced to Kimi no Iru Machi first before anything else, but I just love his art and the emotional plot twists/story-telling he incorporates, so I thought I'd give Suzuka a try after much debate. Needless to say, throughout its ups and downs, I don't regret reading this piece at all! I definitely recommend it, but read my full breakdown below first:
Story - 7:
For me, the story was alright. It was strong enough to pull me into binge reading multiple chapters at a time with cliffhangers waiting at the end of each one. At times, the plot felt like it stagnated, while at other times, certain unprecedented (and perhaps odd) shifts in the story dynamics and focus put me off. For example, for the majority of the beginning and middle, Yamato (our male MC) chases after Suzuka and bounces his focus between his crush and track and field. However, I didn't think enough progress was implemented for most of the plot at a timely manner, and instead of faster character development (I'll get to that soon), we introduced love rivals and other love boundaries to cause drama instead.
Additionally, the love rivalries felt slightly inconsistent, with not as much value to the plot (besides the obvious first one) as I initially thought. But then, other somewhat improper tropes were introduced as well, such as long-distance relationships, parents' approval of relationships, etc. I'll stop there before spoilers are revealed.
For the ending - it was noticeably rushed, but not to the point where it was unenjoyable - the ending is satisfying as could be considering what our characters went through. I wished it wasn't as rushed and there were properly executed closures for some of the other characters, but at least we get the main ending we needed.
Overall, despite the inconsistencies or odd patterns of drama vs. slice of life vs. happy arcs, which caused the plot to progress non-linearly, I can't deny that at the chapter level, the details were spectacular and the cliffhangers were great, if not critical.
Art - 9:
If there's anything I loved from the top of my mind about Seo's works, it's his art style. He makes the characters look gorgeous and perfectly befitting that of certain emotions to fit whatever dramatic commotion is taking place. This speaks volumes for a 2004-2007 manga - I would've never guessed his art was invented this long ago already.
Characters - 7:
Man oh man, here it comes - Asahina Suzuka and Akitsuki Yamato are one polarizing pair of MCs, that's for sure. They both have clear flaws in their characters which frustrate the readers, but both go through visible development as well, which makes up for it. Still, I'd like to warn incoming readers on a few points.
Asahina Suzuka may take some time to grow on you - she's unfairly cold to Yamato for the majority of the manga. I'd give her some patience to really understand her character more, but I wish Seo went in to flesh out more of her character and why she acted the way she did toward Yamato for the first half of the story. I want to understand more on why she made the decisions she did or acted the way she did.
Meanwhile, Yamato, despite being likable for some, was also frustrating at times. His head-scratching decisions and a faithful prioritization of love for Suzuka above all else in life may frustrate you. However, you'll grow to like and appreciate his growth near the end :)
As for the rest of the cast, it all depends on the character. The love rivals (as well as other supporting characters), each have their own unique stories and arcs, but the closure for some of them near the end of the manga felt rushed or executed in a way in which it was forced.
Enjoyment/Overall - 8:
This is a recommended read, but I do advise to brace yourself - you're in for a wild dynamic ride of frustration and satisfaction. I'd say the satisfaction tops out at the end! The drama isn't as heart-hitting as other shounen romance/dramas I've read, but definitely still there enough to pull you in.
Suzuka is a deeply satisfying romance manga. At first glance, it might appear to be just another harem story filled with clichés, but it's not. Be patient with it. It’s one of the best romance manga I have ever encountered. The characters are relatable and ordinary, making it easy to see yourself in their situations. One of its strongest aspects is that it doesn't exaggerate scenarios or relationships for cheap humor, which makes it easier to connect with the story. This also applies to the characters' struggles; they aren’t overblown and can sometimes be quite subtle about what they’re thinking or feeling. But don’t worry—there’s plenty of humor to enjoy as well.
What's truly remarkable is how the last 60 chapters managed to bring tears to my eyes, something even IS and Good Ending couldn’t achieve for me. You will cry, laugh, feel good, and be inspired after reading this manga. It’s nearly perfect overall, leaving you wishing for more stories featuring these charismatic characters. This manga delivers an emotional journey that touches on various human experiences, making it a standout in the genre.
I'm utterly speechless by how this terrible manga garnered such a high score. No real man would ever fall for Suzuka, who treats the protagonist like dirt, yet he keeps falling head over heels for her. The character development is laughably poor, yet fans seem to think it's incredibly realistic and tragic. I can't believe diehard fans shed tears at the manga's conclusion. It was so awful that I felt embarrassed reading it. I read it years ago, but decided to pen this review because I recalled this rubbish.
I remember something about the main guy getting Suzuka pregnant, then facing the wrath of her father. He apologized, yet HE STILL GOT HER PREGNANT AGAIN, as depicted on her wedding day in the final chapter. The guy has zero self-control. Suzuka is an annoying bitch. You might wonder why I continued reading if I despised it? I was hoping the protagonist would give the other sweet girl a chance, but it never materialized because he was too much of a coward or waited too long. Oh well, she was too good for him anyway. I bet in ten years, Suzuka would have ten more kids if the manga kept going. How can people enjoy this garbage? It just drags on and on... with the same stupid arguments. Just because it reflects some real-life situations doesn’t make it good manga material. It’s mind-numbingly boring. Anyway, rant over.
I recently began reading manga and continued from where the anime left off. Honestly, I really enjoyed it. Although I don't usually read manga, this one is exceptional, and you must read it to discover what happens after the anime ends. The artwork is fantastic, and the story is engaging too. However, what I liked most were the last few chapters. They beautifully depict how the characters transition into adulthood and how both of them start to change. Suzuka begins to pay more attention to Yamato and his feelings, while he gains confidence and starts showing that he's a man after all. So, I highly recommend you read it because if you enjoyed the anime, you will absolutely love this manga.
At first, I assumed this would be just another typical romance manga. To some extent, it is, but every chapter is excellent and the story improves as you continue reading.
The plot is exceptional because it includes twists that I never saw coming. It kept me on my toes throughout.
In general, the storyline is fantastic. The artwork is among the best I've seen. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire manga. It made me cry, laugh, and sometimes even frustrated. This manga has all the elements a romance manga should have. Overall, this is one of my all-time favorite mangas.
tl;dr: A romance manga featuring a solid main couple but bogged down by drama that feels more frustrating than engaging.
This manga centers on young adult relationships, primarily focusing on romance. Specifically, it hones in on the relationship between Yamato and Suzuka, relying heavily on their dynamic to carry the story. However, it never really felt like either character or their relationship evolved significantly. By the end, they are closer together, but this progression seems forced. It felt as though the author could have continued milking tension, arguments, and melodrama from their relationship indefinitely if not for the predetermined happy ending. The primary issue is that nothing up until the conclusion felt impactful or important. For instance, their breakup was supposed to be a pivotal moment that drastically altered their relationship, possibly even ending it permanently. Yet, they reunite almost immediately, making the event feel trivial. Although everyone knows things will work out eventually, the journey should still give such events weight, which didn't happen here.
In terms of characters, while Yamato and Suzuka do complement each other well, I found Suzuka's character unlikable, along with the other heroines. Yamato’s openness and honesty were refreshing since most manga of this type usually thrive on hidden secrets causing drama. But the author seemed to create scenarios where being truthful led to conflict, which I wasn't particularly fond of. When the main couple was together, their chemistry was great. Unfortunately, because they were essentially the only focus, whenever they felt off, the entire manga felt off. This happened frequently, making the manga drag at times. Regarding character development, themes like dedication and honesty were briefly explored but often reversed, minimizing any perceived growth.
The side characters were adequate as background players, but attempts to make them more significant felt awkward and ultimately pointless. In the end, the main couple was the only successful element, which isn’t bad, but it made other storylines feel futile. The ending was peculiar. It was handled decently, showcasing their relationship at its peak, but it also disregarded much of what transpired throughout the manga, creating issues. Moreover, it resolved too easily. The artwork was good but not exceptional.
Spoilers Ahead.
Despite all of Suzuka's flaws—and there are many—there is something about this manga that leaves you wanting more. After 17 volumes, however, I found myself unsatisfied, questioning whether I wasted my time and money giving this manga a chance.
What Suzuka got right: There are some genuinely good romantic scenes in this manga, from confessions to kisses and reconciliations. Suzuka is an inherently interesting love interest, despite the flaws in her character development. Additionally, some of the track arcs were entertaining and gave me a sense of what it might be like to be a star on a high school track team.
What Suzuka got wrong: This list will be longer. One of my biggest complaints is how the author introduces new love rivals purely for drama. This is a common issue in romance mangas, but Suzuka suffers from it more than others. It seems like the main character cannot sneeze without making a girl fall head over heels in love with him. As soon as things calm down, another girl appears to stir up trouble. The unrealistic way every girl vies for the MC’s love made the story less enjoyable and believable for me. Especially in the later volumes, it baffled me how these girls appeared solely to create drama and disappeared when they were no longer needed. However, in a way, these girls were necessary because of the second issue...
Suzuka promises more than it delivers in terms of character development and plot resolution. Suzuka had issues getting over her senpai's death, but she gives up on him after meeting the MC and initially struggling with it. However, she still pulls away from the MC in the end and has epic mood swings directed at him. Is there some underlying issue that comes out late in the manga to explain all this? Does Suzuka still harbor feelings for her dead senpai? No, you never hear about it again. Is there any resolution or development at all? Not really. We don't get a good explanation for why Suzuka acts the way she does except that she is selfish and has issues getting along with the MC. In the end, there is no grand apology or epic make-up, or confession of love. Things just sort of work themselves out the same way they always were. Even the track arc is unresolved. We never see Yamato race against his rival or compete in the IS event. Ultimately, the manga felt less like an overarching story and more like a slice-of-life heavy character study.
Overall, I am rating Suzuka a 7 because that is how I felt while reading it. There's no denying that while going through the chapters, I was interested in how the MC’s relationship with Suzuka would develop. The art was lacking at times, but not enough to be unenjoyable. The lack of character and story progression/resolution keeps this romance manga from reaching the heights of similar ones like GE, in my opinion. At the end, you may feel unfulfilled, but the journey was entertaining nonetheless.
I will tell you that if you're a decent person who has been in a real relationship, you know that some of these things never happen unless a person is too stubborn or doesn't have respect for themselves. So I recommend that if you are mature and want some real adult content, this manga might catch your attention. BUT at some point, it will keep repeating the same stuff AGAIN AND AGAIN. And if you don't have respect for yourself or enough self-control, just like Yamato (the main character), you're going to waste your time. But if you want to waste time, I recommend you read it because it has interesting elements, though it doesn't use them effectively.
Story 2/10: The story starts off well with really good goals at the beginning of the manga. There's a lot about being successful, relationships, confidence, determination, and such. But ALL that gets thrown away because the main characters ARE IRRESPONSIBLE and make mistakes.
There are small mistakes and stupid decisions that we all can relate to because sometimes we get caught up in our own heads and don't see what others see. But the story can make you lose brain cells because the characters sometimes do things they would never do OR develop as a person but revert back to their old selves a few chapters later as if nothing happened.
Art 4/10: Not the best art, but it has its moments. You know, ecchi moments.
Character 3/10: The main characters are a girl (Suzuka) and a boy (Yamato). Yamato is basically an introvert who is actually an extrovert who thinks out loud! He is irresponsible and doesn't know much about girls, or maybe he just doesn't know at all. But he falls for Suzuka, who is a girl with trauma.
Suzuka basically gives Yamato an emotional ride where Yamato is just as confused as the reader THROUGHOUT THE FUCKING STORY. She acts cold and hot repeatedly. She is basically a fucking bitch who isn't a slut.
YAMATO IS BASICALLY A GUY WHO CAN'T GET OVER A GIRL WHO IS SAD BECAUSE A GUY SHE LIKED DIED AND DOESN'T LIKE HIM BACK!!!
So this guy literally gets treated like a dog throughout the manga. He finds a girl who likes him but decides to go back to his owner and get treated like shit.
But then again, if you look at Yamato's family, they treated him like shit, so that's probably why he wants Suzuka.
Suzuka is a manga by Kouji Seo that masterfully blends sports and romance. From the very first chapter, this manga had me captivated, and it will do the same for you.
Yamato Akitsuki has recently moved from his home in Hiroshima Prefecture to live at his aunt's dormitory in Tokyo. He quickly falls for his new next-door neighbor, Suzuka Asahina, a girl from Yokohama who was scouted by a local high school due to her impressive high jump abilities. These simple romantic elements set the stage for the story and drama of Suzuka.
The artwork in Suzuka is what makes Kouji Seo a standout manga artist. His detailed illustrations never miss a beat.
There are numerous characters in Suzuka, most of whom play significant roles in the story. Yamato Akitsuki and Suzuka Asahina undergo substantial development from the first chapter to the last. The characters we meet at the beginning of the manga are vastly different from those we see at the end. However, these two aren't the only ones who evolve; Honoka Sakurai and Yasunobu Hattori also play crucial roles and experience immense growth throughout the manga.
I read this manga in just two days. I thoroughly enjoyed it, even though romance isn't usually my genre. This manga is exceptional and a must-read for all romance fans and even shounen enthusiasts.
Suzuka is... well, to put it simply, it's absolutely fantastic! I genuinely recommend this manga to anyone new to romance manga or seasoned readers alike. Initially, I wasn't a fan of this manga. I couldn't connect with any of the characters, and I strongly believed "A Town where you live" was superior. However, three years have passed, and surprisingly, my opinion has changed. Suzuka felt better the second time around for me. My initial bias seemed harsh in hindsight.
Moreover, Suzuka wasn't just enjoyable because I reread it. It was good because I could appreciate the dynamic and back-and-forth relationship between Yamato and Suzuka. Admittedly, it was amusing to see Yamato fail at his attempts to reconcile with Suzuka, but I felt genuinely happy once they did make up. This highlighted that couples fight and reconcile, but as long as they forgive each other and truly love one another, nothing else matters. At first, I didn't like Yasunobu's character because I thought he only caused trouble for Yamato. That wasn't the case. In fact, he often tried to guide Yamato and help him with problems involving Suzuka. Some of his advice was somewhat joking, but he earnestly listened to Yamato throughout.
Without giving too much away, I highly recommend Suzuka!!
Now that I've finished Suzuka, the only thing I can say is how challenging it was to read this work. The author chose to write a very intricate story from start to finish. At no point does the protagonist get a break; his decisions, the characters' uncertainty, and the complications of life make Suzuka a landmark work for Kouji. Many elements in the work made me angry—not the story itself, but the way it was developed.
1 - Story [6/10] - It's worth mentioning that in many parts of the work, the author made interesting decisions that added value. However, some things bothered me so much that I gave it a 6 (something average). The development of certain characters seemed amateurish at times. In fact, all moments not involving the MC (Yamato) and FMC (Suzuka) were not well thought out or complex. It's also worth noting that the conclusions of certain arcs were lazy or simply meant to prolong the story further. Additionally, there was a huge problem with some characters who were never developed or even abandoned. While reading, I felt caught up in the plot between the MC and FMC, where the author stretched until he couldn't anymore. Anyway, some parts really made me happy, like the ending.
2 - Art [8/10] - I always appreciate manga with good scenery and beautiful character designs. Kouji really knew how to draw scenarios well. The only complaint I have is the lack of creativity in some characters throughout the story.
3 - Characters [7/10] - Many people hate the protagonist of Suzuka, especially because he makes some terrible decisions. But I'm surprised by some aspects: He's not shy, he makes decisions even if they're wrong, and he matures over time. The other characters are interesting but some are just for comedic content, and some barely participated actively, appearing as extras. For this reason, I think an 8 would be the best score.
4 - Enjoyment [7/10] - That agony you feel, the loss of hope in life, all the difficulties in the story. At times, Suzuka makes your chest ache with uncertainty, sadness, anger, and happiness. The formula used in Kimi no Iru Machi was tested here, but it wasn't the best approach. Sometimes, it feels like a child making decisions for entertainment. So, I think this rating is perfect for Suzuka.
Overall - If you're willing to read Suzuka, a story with an incredible yet still amateur romance formula, more than acceptable art, and an ending that divided opinions, you won't regret it!
Story: 9
Art: 10
Character: 10
Enjoyment: 10
Overall: 10
The storyline is decent, though it shifts plots rather quickly, which didn't bother me at all. Essentially, I enjoyed everything about this manga. There are no perfect characters, and the art is just fine. It only took me two days to finish reading it because it was so captivating that I couldn't put it down.
I think it's better suited for those who prefer a lighter story. It's not a flawless manga, but in my opinion, it deserves a 10/10 rating.
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