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Makoto Amano dreams of becoming an actor, but his strict father insists that he spend the last two years of high school as a girl if he wants to pursue his passion. Makoto soon befriends Ito Miura, a popular tomboy and fellow drama enthusiast at his new school. Ito is the only student who discovers Makoto's secret, but could their relationship be more than just friendship?
(Source: VIZ Media)
W-Juliet was published in English by VIZ Media under the Shojo Beat imprint from November 10, 2004, to January 9, 2007. A digital edition was released from September 17, 2013, to March 18, 2014.
W-Juliet stands out as one of the most heartfelt, exceptional, and underappreciated manga I've ever encountered. The plot seems like a stereotypical high school romance with gender-bending elements, leading to the assumption that a tomboyish girl will fall for the beautiful and popular boy, but this isn't the case, at least not for most of the story. The core of the manga revolves around the theater club, where both Makoto and Ito are members. It's fascinating to see how Emura created worlds within a fictional world. For instance, Swan Lake receives a complete revamp, as does Romeo and Juliet. Both Makoto and Ito strive to pursue their dreams, yet for one of them, it becomes significantly more challenging to achieve what they've always wanted: being together and starring in theaters. Given this, it's easy to understand why I adore this manga so much. The characters develop distinct personalities throughout the story, growing up and living lives of their own. They both grapple with discerning right from wrong, whom to trust, and whom not to. It illustrates that even when circumstances obstruct your path, making it hard to overcome, you still have a chance at luck. And you must make the best of it. An A+ original story, featuring awesome characters who will break your heart more often than you'd like, all in all, an incredibly rich narrative.
I genuinely adore W-Juliet. It stands as one of my favorite manga for several reasons.
The leading female character, Ito Miura, is a breath of fresh air compared to the typical crying protagonists found in other romance shoujo manga I've encountered. She doesn't shed tears over every little thing. I truly appreciated how her personality subtly evolved and how aspects like her style transformed over time. This progression vividly demonstrates her character development, infusing the manga with an excellent vibe. The main male character, Makoto Narita, also captured my heart completely. His unwavering commitment to his goals and his relentless perseverance were qualities I admired greatly. He was sweet and never rude, which made him even more endearing. What topped it all off was the chemistry between Ito Miura and Makoto Narita; they were such adorable characters. I loved their distinct yet complementary personalities. Each chapter brought something slightly different to the story while maintaining the same overarching plot and theme, making the reading experience intriguing and enjoyable.
Overall, I fell in love with everything about this manga and would definitely recommend it to those who prefer romance that's not overly mushy but rather calm and sweet. Especially if you enjoy gender-bender stories, this manga is a must-read. (I would absolutely read this again!)
I truly enjoyed this manga! It features a diverse array of characters. The author did an excellent job keeping me eagerly anticipating until the very end... I couldn't stop until I finished it!
The narratives are intriguing and full of surprises. If you're a fan of this genre, don't miss out on this one!
W-Juliet stands out as one of the finest manga series, featuring characters that are instantly likable and relatable. However, what truly sets this manga apart is its plot—a classic tale of boy meets girl but with a quirky twist. The main female character resembles and behaves like a male, while the male protagonist disguises himself as a girl to impress his father, aiming for an acting career. This storyline is brilliantly crafted and unfolds beautifully. Beyond romance, the manga cleverly incorporates comedy and other elements, such as the protagonists' shared passion for acting. Overall, I rate this manga a solid 9/10.
I'll be frank. I'm quite selective when it comes to art and stories. Typically, I dislike narratives where a male character has to masquerade as a girl in school because, in my view, the outcomes are usually disappointing. However, this story was an exception – I genuinely loved it. The dynamic between Makoto and Ito stands out compared to similar manga plots, showcasing substantial development between the characters. Unlike many stories that rely on clichéd hurdles for character growth, this one takes a refreshing approach. It's a fantastic classic worth reading or rereading. Additionally, there’s a sequel that further develops their relationship.