Uwasa no Midori-kun!!

Out of all the works by this author that I've read, which are only a few, this one stands out as the most subversive. Particularly, the ending offers a refreshing change compared to many other manga with similar clichés. The manga deals with some tropes in a very mature manner, though some feel unnecessary. However, the ones handled well are truly excellent. The character arcs of some of the more problematic characters are especially well-crafted, leading me to actually forgive them.

The art style is very distinctive of this particular author, but personally, it's not my favorite. Though I can appreciate that it's part of her brand and find it cute, it ultimately comes down to personal taste. One aspect I didn't like about this story was the way girls were treated. It begins with a questionable scenario that doesn't receive the scrutiny it deserves. This issue is never properly confronted at the start, although there is some attempt to make up for it by the end—though not entirely convincingly. Apart from the main female character, it is assumed that all the girls fit a certain stereotype. While this might be attributed to teenage boys making these assumptions, it still left me feeling frustrated at times. Despite this, for the most part, I really enjoyed the manga.

This is my first time writing a review, so I will do my best. Among all the manga I've read, this one was the most touching. The ending wasn't exactly what I had hoped for, but it moved me deeply. The story features excellent character development and some adorable comedy scenes. Initially, I thought it would be a typical "love triangle" manga, but as the plot progressed, it turned out to be quite realistic. I strongly recommend everyone to read until the very end because the conclusion truly showcases the essence of love. What made this manga particularly special for me was the character of Hino Tsukasa; his journey left me profoundly touched and proud of him.

Story: A believable and realistic tale that resonates with everyone, whether it's about competitiveness, forgiveness, love, or other themes. I truly enjoyed the narrative!
Art: As always, the art was stunning! It was also hilarious at the same time, which I absolutely adore!
Characters: This was the highlight of this manga. The characters were well-developed and strong. Midori was a powerful and beautiful female character who could fend for herself and even take on guys when threatened. But deep inside, she had feelings and love, qualities I genuinely admired. Her childhood friend was complex too. He loved Midori but had a tough exterior, much like her, making him seem not very nice. And the guy who fell in love with Midori was an awkward 15-year-old boy, complex yet bold enough to stand up for the girl he loves.
Enjoyment: I truly loved this manga, and it's going straight into my favorites pile! I found the romance really cute and it had me rooting for both guys, which I kind of hated because it split my heart between them. In the end, I sided with the faithful, loving guy who was kind from the start. I also enjoyed the humor, as it made me laugh out loud, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Overall, this manga deserves a solid 10! It wasn't your typical shoujo manga where the girl can't stand up for herself and the guy always comes to the rescue. There was some of that, but who doesn't love a bit of heroic male influence in a manga? The strong characters enhanced the story, and the good plot helped the manga flow smoothly. The art was beautiful and brilliant, and this mangaka is definitely one of my favorites! So was the manga!

Why such a low score? Because the mangaka Ikeyamada Go consistently fails to grasp that consent is a basic principle, that rape isn't something to be taken lightly and it's disrespectful to use such an event as a plot device.

Not only that, but her female characters continue to exist merely as objects to be owned by male characters, perpetuating the idea that their value increases if they remain virgins.

This author promotes the notion that emotional and physical abuse can be romantic, which infuriates me because her works target younger audiences.

I completely lost interest in this manga from the very first chapter since it opens with a rape scene, and the rapist and his victim become the romantic "couple" we're supposed to root for.

I'm disappointed by how little soccer there is in this manga, and the ending felt like a huge slap in the face. SPOILERS: The main character spends years chasing after a promise, ultimately failing to achieve it.

I appreciate the art style, but everything else is nauseating.

I give this a 4/10.

Uwasa no Midori-Kun is a fantastic manga that promises endless enjoyment for readers. The character Midori is athletic and outgoing, making her an easily endearing protagonist. Her humor shines through as an ace soccer player, occasionally displaying social awkwardness, yet her personality remains delightful. Ikeyamada Go's artwork is stunning, with the two main male characters strikingly handsome and Midori appearing very cute, even when dressed as a boy. While the storyline may be somewhat predictable, it still delivers great pleasure. This manga is definitely worth reading, featuring beautiful artwork, wonderful characters, an original plot, and plenty of hilarity!

Uwasa no Midori-kun! is a delightful Shoujo, Sports, Gender Bender, and Romance manga that should not be overlooked due to its hilarious comedy and intense romance. However, it would have been even better if the sports gender bender aspect had been more realistic, similar to the movie "She's the Man," rather than sticking to typical shoujo romance tropes.

The story follows the adventures of our tomboy protagonist, Midori Yamate, who seeks revenge on her former love and admiration, Hino Tsukasa, by enrolling in an all-boys high school and joining their soccer team. It doesn't take long for her plan to involve an unsuspecting member of the soccer club, Kazuma Shinbashi, and they work together to keep her secret safe. If you've read this far, you can probably guess the type of manga this is—a sports gender bender about a girl trying to enter a boy's world that eventually evolves into a full-blown shoujo romance. The story can be quite cliché and unrealistic at times, especially since Midori is the least convincing boy ever. Nevertheless, if you can overlook these imperfections, you'll surely enjoy this manga for its romance filled with surprising developments.

I must say that Gou Ikeyamada seems to enjoy crafting love triangles because we get one here too. The story mainly revolves around Midori, the only significant female character in the manga, who offers a refreshing change from typical shoujo leads. Not to forget the male characters: Hino, the malicious sleazebag type, and Kazuma, the straight-laced gentleman type. Additionally, there are numerous important side characters, enough to make up two soccer teams, so getting to know them all is quite a feat.

If you're familiar with this mangaka's previous work (Moe Kare!!), then you can expect the same old typical shoujo style artwork. The characters are all pretty cute in their own defined way; however, I think it spends too much time in chibi form just for comic appeal.

Overall, Uwasa no Midori-kun! is undoubtedly a very enjoyable shoujo romance manga to read, offering plenty of laughs. However, it falls short as a gender bender. Moreover, the whole revenge plot never really takes off because she spends most of her time infatuated with the guy she supposedly hates. It's unfortunate that more focus was placed on the romance and typical shoujo devices (e.g., emotions) rather than creating a realistic portrayal of soccer.

*Be warned, there's some sexual content.*

Note: May edit if necessary. ^_^

This anime deserves more attention than it gets. With its intense romance, endearing characters, and hilarious comedy scenes, it's a standout. Initially, I assumed it would be just another overrated show with silly romance and juvenile humor. Boy, was I mistaken! The romance is anything but shallow; it has depth and touches the heart in unexpected ways. The comedy is top-notch, often leaving me laughing so hard I'd fall off my chair and have to reread parts because they were both romantic and funny enough to make you crave more. The blend of gender-bender elements and sports themes fits perfectly. This manga truly has it all, and I recommend it to everyone, even if you're not into sports or gender-bender stories. It's a solid 10/10.

Hope you enjoy Uwasa no Midori-kun!!