With intriguing twists and more depth to the narrative than initially meets the eye, "You're So Cool" captivated me from start to finish.
The story begins straightforwardly, with our protagonist, Nan Woo, harboring a crush on the high school 'prince,' Seung Ha. As their relationship evolves, so too do the characters and the plot. A subplot involving Nan Woo's uncle, Jae, and his personal struggles mirrors the main storyline, eventually merging seamlessly into the central theme.
STORY: The progression of the story is smooth, building up to the climax without rushing or losing momentum. Although primarily a dramatic romance, the narrative is peppered with humor, keeping the mood light despite tackling some profound issues. One standout aspect for me was how the story is narrated mainly through Nan Woo's perspective, yet it ultimately revolves around Seung Ha. As Nan Woo uncovers more about her new boyfriend, the reader does as well.
It starts with familiar high school dilemmas, introducing us to the characters, then gradually shifts focus away from the school setting to explore life beyond it, where personal challenges take center stage.
ART: While I wouldn't call myself an art critic, even as a manga/manhwa enthusiast, I genuinely appreciated the artwork. The settings and environments were vividly depicted, and subtle changes in the characters over time were noticeable without being overwhelming.
CHARACTER: For me, character development was the highlight of the story. Though the tale is told through Nan Woo's eyes, it centers on Seung Ha's journey as he confronts his past, family, and the impact his new girlfriend has on his life. At the same time, we witness Nan Woo's growth as she comes to understand that appearances can be deceiving.
There's an element of tragedy woven into the narrative, and the characters' responses to each challenge they face are compelling, culminating in the resolution of the primary conflict.
ENJOYMENT: I thoroughly enjoyed the story. There were moments when you might feel like yelling at the main characters, but you never lose the desire to learn more about them. It was incredibly difficult for me to put down.
OVERALL: In conclusion, whether you're a devoted manhwa fan or not, this story was immensely engaging, offering enough depth to transcend typical shoujo clichés.
[This is my first review. Please share your thoughts on what you liked or how I could improve! Thank you.]
This manga was definitely a change of pace for me—a pleasant surprise.
The first two chapters didn't do much for me, and I almost dropped it right there. But when I reached chapter three, everything took a complete turn. It's not your typical shoujo manga, and that was refreshing with its unique concept.
Not your average princess-prince love story.
If you're in the mood for something that will make you laugh and don't mind a slowly developing romance, this is definitely worth checking out. The story has plenty of interesting twists, and the characters are far from ordinary. I also really enjoyed the artwork. Overall, it was a very enjoyable read.
"And, I want to tell you something... You are so cool!"
Story: Initially, the story seems quite typical—ordinary girl, super cool guy. But nothing could be further from the truth. The plot is intriguing, and we follow not just the main couple but also the love story of the protagonist's uncle. There's plenty of comedy, especially when it comes to the female lead's family—it's amazing how refreshing it feels. It's strictly a love story, and it has everything it needs to be exceptional, evoking emotion, curiosity, sadness, and laughter.
Characters: They are undoubtedly the shining star of the series. They are interesting and unique. The male lead is... well, cool, and makes your heart flutter, while the heroine is funny yet refreshing after reading countless mangas with shy and timid girls.
Art: Let's be honest. It's a manhwa. It looks different from manga, especially in terms of the guys. You need to appreciate this style to enjoy it. Personally, I found it very appealing; I adore the characters' outfits and their overall appearance.
For who: Definitely for romance enthusiasts. If you're seeking a strong (even if a bit of a crybaby, it’s all about charisma) female lead and a sexy, cool, and slightly aloof male lead, this is perfect. It's profound, with significant drama, but the character development is outstanding. So, if you're looking for a non-smutty, more mature romance filled with genuinely funny moments and enjoy the manhwa art style—definitely give it a try, as it's worth it.
Art 5: First off, it's clear this story was crafted by a yaoi/shonen ai author. The yaoi hands are everywhere in the story and they never fail to give me chills.
The way the main female character, Nan Woo, was drawn caught my attention. At seventeen, she is extremely skinny; I thought her development might have been stunted due to malnutrition. She looked like an elementary school boy. But when you look at her mother, it’s easy to see where it comes from. The heroine doesn’t conform to traditional beauty standards — which is actually a positive thing. I appreciate seeing a variety of female protagonists.
I just felt that the author gave her the body of a young boy and simply labeled her as a "girl." That’s fine, I can accept it.
It was odd to see her next to her love interest, Seung Ha. He appeared much taller in comparison, which really skewed my perception of their height difference.
The art will be my lowest rating because everything else about the story was pretty solid. And I genuinely recommend you read it.
Characters = 8: Moving past the art, the characters were my favorite aspect and they were highly enjoyable. Seung Ha (the male love interest) and Nan Woo make a pretty comedic pair. Even though they look mismatched, their love feels realistic. I understand why Seung Ha — this super cool prince of their high school — was interested in her. And I get why Nan Woo stayed with him even when he didn’t turn out to be the perfect prince of her dreams.
Enjoyment = 7: It was a very entertaining experience. I was emotionally invested in the characters. The only part I didn’t enjoy was the BL (boy's love) subplot between Nan Woo's uncle and Seung Ha's friend. It’s just not my thing. Still, I liked the characters involved in the BL, so it wasn’t too off-putting.
Overall = 8: I had abandoned this story once before, turned off by the BL. However, I’m glad I picked it back up. Seung Ha and Nan Woo are just too entertaining to pass up. Their relationship is strange but, hey, it works.
I discovered this manga when I was just getting into the world of mangas. I chose it at random since the title seemed entertaining and the artwork was appealing. I fell in love instantly! This is one of my all-time favorite mangas.
While it has a somewhat typical shoujo storyline, there are distinct differences. You might expect him to be the typical nice guy, but Seung Ha proves otherwise, delivering quite the surprise.
If you enjoy comedy and romance, you should definitely give this a try!
Seriously funny and refreshing shoujo manwha that I devoured in a single day.
At first, the initial chapters had me questioning my choice, thinking, "Oh no, here we go again with the typical shoujo trope of a slightly quirky girl falling for the most popular guy." However, I persevered, lured by the promise of an impending plot twist. Having been a long-time shoujo enthusiast, I knew all too well how such twists could either elevate or ruin a manga/manwha, so I was genuinely curious to see which direction this one would take.
I have to admit, I was thoroughly surprised, and the manwha significantly improved from that point onward. I believe many readers who found the early chapters challenging might share this sentiment because it seems the author herself wasn't fully settled into her story yet—or perhaps she was building up to the twist more deliberately than we anticipated!
Regarding the story itself, I described it as refreshing earlier, and it truly deserves that label. After navigating countless mangas filled with overused shoujo clichés delivered with dramatic flair, I can confidently say this manwha didn't rely on them at all. There was no convoluted love triangle, no ex-lovers resurfacing to stir up trouble. Reflecting on it now, I'm genuinely astonished because despite feeling like so much unfolded, most shoujos require leaning on those familiar clichéd arcs to drive the narrative forward. I'm not criticizing these tropes; when executed well, they can be effective. But Lee Young-hee's ability to craft a compelling, entertaining story without resorting to them is certainly praiseworthy.
Shifting focus to the characters, this is where the story falters slightly. With six volumes and no reliance on clichés, Young-hee had ample opportunity to delve into backstories. Personally, I adore exploring character histories as they provide deeper insight into motivations and development. While we learned a decent amount about Seung Ha (which is common for main male leads), I would have appreciated more depth regarding the two side characters—Jae and Hyun Ho—each with their own subplots. Particularly Jae, whose storyline felt underdeveloped, as though Young-hee attempted to explore his arc but lacked the right tools to fully excavate it.
That said, the humor in this manwha was outstanding. The unique approach and storyline naturally lent themselves to humor throughout, and the author capitalized on this effectively.
Lastly, the art. As a fan of manwha aesthetics, I appreciate its slightly more realistic style compared to traditional manga. For reference, think "Teen Spirit" to understand what I mean. While the artwork here wasn't groundbreaking, it maintained consistency, ensuring characters remained recognizable across panels—a trait I value highly.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend this manwha. It’s concise yet impactful, packed with excellent humor, making it a top contender among quality shoujo manwhas. I’m already on the hunt for more works by this author.
Popular Reviews
The story begins straightforwardly, with our protagonist, Nan Woo, harboring a crush on the high school 'prince,' Seung Ha. As their relationship evolves, so too do the characters and the plot. A subplot involving Nan Woo's uncle, Jae, and his personal struggles mirrors the main storyline, eventually merging seamlessly into the central theme.
STORY: The progression of the story is smooth, building up to the climax without rushing or losing momentum. Although primarily a dramatic romance, the narrative is peppered with humor, keeping the mood light despite tackling some profound issues. One standout aspect for me was how the story is narrated mainly through Nan Woo's perspective, yet it ultimately revolves around Seung Ha. As Nan Woo uncovers more about her new boyfriend, the reader does as well.
It starts with familiar high school dilemmas, introducing us to the characters, then gradually shifts focus away from the school setting to explore life beyond it, where personal challenges take center stage.
ART: While I wouldn't call myself an art critic, even as a manga/manhwa enthusiast, I genuinely appreciated the artwork. The settings and environments were vividly depicted, and subtle changes in the characters over time were noticeable without being overwhelming.
CHARACTER: For me, character development was the highlight of the story. Though the tale is told through Nan Woo's eyes, it centers on Seung Ha's journey as he confronts his past, family, and the impact his new girlfriend has on his life. At the same time, we witness Nan Woo's growth as she comes to understand that appearances can be deceiving.
There's an element of tragedy woven into the narrative, and the characters' responses to each challenge they face are compelling, culminating in the resolution of the primary conflict.
ENJOYMENT: I thoroughly enjoyed the story. There were moments when you might feel like yelling at the main characters, but you never lose the desire to learn more about them. It was incredibly difficult for me to put down.
OVERALL: In conclusion, whether you're a devoted manhwa fan or not, this story was immensely engaging, offering enough depth to transcend typical shoujo clichés.
[This is my first review. Please share your thoughts on what you liked or how I could improve! Thank you.]
The first two chapters didn't do much for me, and I almost dropped it right there. But when I reached chapter three, everything took a complete turn. It's not your typical shoujo manga, and that was refreshing with its unique concept.
Not your average princess-prince love story.
If you're in the mood for something that will make you laugh and don't mind a slowly developing romance, this is definitely worth checking out. The story has plenty of interesting twists, and the characters are far from ordinary. I also really enjoyed the artwork. Overall, it was a very enjoyable read.
Story: Initially, the story seems quite typical—ordinary girl, super cool guy. But nothing could be further from the truth. The plot is intriguing, and we follow not just the main couple but also the love story of the protagonist's uncle. There's plenty of comedy, especially when it comes to the female lead's family—it's amazing how refreshing it feels. It's strictly a love story, and it has everything it needs to be exceptional, evoking emotion, curiosity, sadness, and laughter.
Characters: They are undoubtedly the shining star of the series. They are interesting and unique. The male lead is... well, cool, and makes your heart flutter, while the heroine is funny yet refreshing after reading countless mangas with shy and timid girls.
Art: Let's be honest. It's a manhwa. It looks different from manga, especially in terms of the guys. You need to appreciate this style to enjoy it. Personally, I found it very appealing; I adore the characters' outfits and their overall appearance.
For who: Definitely for romance enthusiasts. If you're seeking a strong (even if a bit of a crybaby, it’s all about charisma) female lead and a sexy, cool, and slightly aloof male lead, this is perfect. It's profound, with significant drama, but the character development is outstanding. So, if you're looking for a non-smutty, more mature romance filled with genuinely funny moments and enjoy the manhwa art style—definitely give it a try, as it's worth it.
The way the main female character, Nan Woo, was drawn caught my attention. At seventeen, she is extremely skinny; I thought her development might have been stunted due to malnutrition. She looked like an elementary school boy. But when you look at her mother, it’s easy to see where it comes from. The heroine doesn’t conform to traditional beauty standards — which is actually a positive thing. I appreciate seeing a variety of female protagonists.
I just felt that the author gave her the body of a young boy and simply labeled her as a "girl." That’s fine, I can accept it.
It was odd to see her next to her love interest, Seung Ha. He appeared much taller in comparison, which really skewed my perception of their height difference.
The art will be my lowest rating because everything else about the story was pretty solid. And I genuinely recommend you read it.
Characters = 8: Moving past the art, the characters were my favorite aspect and they were highly enjoyable. Seung Ha (the male love interest) and Nan Woo make a pretty comedic pair. Even though they look mismatched, their love feels realistic. I understand why Seung Ha — this super cool prince of their high school — was interested in her. And I get why Nan Woo stayed with him even when he didn’t turn out to be the perfect prince of her dreams.
Enjoyment = 7: It was a very entertaining experience. I was emotionally invested in the characters. The only part I didn’t enjoy was the BL (boy's love) subplot between Nan Woo's uncle and Seung Ha's friend. It’s just not my thing. Still, I liked the characters involved in the BL, so it wasn’t too off-putting.
Overall = 8: I had abandoned this story once before, turned off by the BL. However, I’m glad I picked it back up. Seung Ha and Nan Woo are just too entertaining to pass up. Their relationship is strange but, hey, it works.
While it has a somewhat typical shoujo storyline, there are distinct differences. You might expect him to be the typical nice guy, but Seung Ha proves otherwise, delivering quite the surprise.
If you enjoy comedy and romance, you should definitely give this a try!
At first, the initial chapters had me questioning my choice, thinking, "Oh no, here we go again with the typical shoujo trope of a slightly quirky girl falling for the most popular guy." However, I persevered, lured by the promise of an impending plot twist. Having been a long-time shoujo enthusiast, I knew all too well how such twists could either elevate or ruin a manga/manwha, so I was genuinely curious to see which direction this one would take.
I have to admit, I was thoroughly surprised, and the manwha significantly improved from that point onward. I believe many readers who found the early chapters challenging might share this sentiment because it seems the author herself wasn't fully settled into her story yet—or perhaps she was building up to the twist more deliberately than we anticipated!
Regarding the story itself, I described it as refreshing earlier, and it truly deserves that label. After navigating countless mangas filled with overused shoujo clichés delivered with dramatic flair, I can confidently say this manwha didn't rely on them at all. There was no convoluted love triangle, no ex-lovers resurfacing to stir up trouble. Reflecting on it now, I'm genuinely astonished because despite feeling like so much unfolded, most shoujos require leaning on those familiar clichéd arcs to drive the narrative forward. I'm not criticizing these tropes; when executed well, they can be effective. But Lee Young-hee's ability to craft a compelling, entertaining story without resorting to them is certainly praiseworthy.
Shifting focus to the characters, this is where the story falters slightly. With six volumes and no reliance on clichés, Young-hee had ample opportunity to delve into backstories. Personally, I adore exploring character histories as they provide deeper insight into motivations and development. While we learned a decent amount about Seung Ha (which is common for main male leads), I would have appreciated more depth regarding the two side characters—Jae and Hyun Ho—each with their own subplots. Particularly Jae, whose storyline felt underdeveloped, as though Young-hee attempted to explore his arc but lacked the right tools to fully excavate it.
That said, the humor in this manwha was outstanding. The unique approach and storyline naturally lent themselves to humor throughout, and the author capitalized on this effectively.
Lastly, the art. As a fan of manwha aesthetics, I appreciate its slightly more realistic style compared to traditional manga. For reference, think "Teen Spirit" to understand what I mean. While the artwork here wasn't groundbreaking, it maintained consistency, ensuring characters remained recognizable across panels—a trait I value highly.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend this manwha. It’s concise yet impactful, packed with excellent humor, making it a top contender among quality shoujo manwhas. I’m already on the hunt for more works by this author.