nooooooo Ethan what are you thinking....please give them good news...hoping the pups will come up with a plan...hopefully paisley lets them in the secret about dad so they can come up with a plan...please
This is hands down my favorite romance of all time. That said, I wouldn’t recommend it to just anyone. The book stands out with its unique approach, luring readers in with provocative imagery while weaving in elements of mystery. This depth, breaking away from the typical two-dimensional narratives common in the genre, is exactly why I hold it in such high regard. Overall: 10/10
Perhaps you're drawn to it for the sexual themes—many probably are, given the cover and synopsis. Rest assured, if that’s what you’re after, you won’t be disappointed. Some scenes edge close to pornography, which also makes this a title I can’t easily share with most people I know. Not everyone will find this appealing, and that’s perfectly fine.
Now, let’s touch on the art, which matters to some—and rightly so. The artwork is serviceable but not exceptional. It never detracted from the story for me, and that’s ultimately what counts. Art: 8/10
Character development is deceptively simple—or so it seems—and this simplicity enhances the repetition within the narrative, making it even more impactful. It’s been quite a while since I last read Sundome, so I hesitate to delve into specifics about the characters, as it might spoil the twist. Characters: 10/10
I thoroughly enjoyed this—for the romance, naturally. Enjoyment: 10/10
If you’re still unsure, trust me when I say the story, despite its lewd content, delivers an unforgettable payoff. I can’t recommend this enough to fans of romance.
Sundome is a manga that, despite its deeply depraved sexual content, attempts to convey touching themes about the power of love and personal growth. At least, that's what one might infer from certain interpretations. In reality, Sundome is essentially a mindless ecchi comedy with a poorly executed romance story. With a few tweaks, it could have passed as satire.
Be warned: this review will be filled with spoilers. I don't want anyone to read this manga, so I'll spoil quite a bit to explain why.
If you're familiar with the setup, feel free to skip ahead.
One day, a mysterious girl named Kurumi Sahana transfers into the same class as our protagonist, Hideo Aiba, who instantly falls in love with her. Conveniently, she sits next to him, and they move their desks together to share a textbook. This simple act excites Hideo immensely. Unfortunately, when Kurumi drops her eraser, it lands near his crotch, accidentally brushing against his erection. She doesn't seem to notice at first.
We are then introduced to the "Roman Club," which has nothing to do with ancient Rome or the language. Instead, "Roman" refers to youthful romanticism and dreams. The club promises to fund members' dreams if they graduate without losing their virginity or getting a girlfriend. However, this comes with risks, including tests from alumni and encounters with "assassins"—women sent to rid members of their virginity. The club consists of four members: Hideo, who joined on a whim; the ex-president, known for his anal fetish and crude humor; Katsu Toshitsuku, a peeping pervert aspiring to become a lawyer; and Tatsuya Yatsu, a cowardly otaku with a leg fetish who dreams of becoming a politician.
Kurumi visits the club and decides to join. Alone with Hideo, she tells him to masturbate. Though hesitant, fearing he'll lose her interest, he agrees, even attempting to use a nail. After failing, Kurumi bluntly states she will never have sex with him, even if they were the last two people on Earth. Despite this, Hideo remains devoted, finding joy simply in her presence. From here, the story progresses slowly, marked by repetitive and forced comedy, along with embarrassing ecchi scenes.
What does Sundome try to achieve?
The narrative seems to aim for a tragic storyline centered around Kurumi. She appears to have a terminal illness and spends her remaining time trying to improve Hideo in bizarre ways, supposedly part of the alumni's plan. However, this wish-granting concept and the idea of assassins are merely plot devices explaining random coincidences. Kurumi's actions often involve setting challenges for Hideo, rewarding him erotically. These rewards range from touching or licking her to permission to masturbate or being urinated on. Challenges vary from mundane tasks to life-threatening ones.
Throughout, Hideo proves willing to endure anything for Kurumi, whether dangerous or humiliating. For example, he agrees to live as her pet, staying in a cardboard box and refusing to leave, even for the bathroom. When given more demanding tasks, he trains and finds a job to support her. His jealousy also makes him more confrontational, wanting Kurumi all to himself. All his improvements revolve around pleasing her. Ultimately, the author tries to portray these developments positively, but they come off as driven by lust.
The manga concludes with Kurumi hospitalized. Hideo breaks her out to show her a special place—a boring beach. They end up in a sleeping bag together, with her final moments spent watching Hideo masturbate on top of her. Time passes, Hideo becomes a doctor, marries happily, and keeps Kurumi as a cherished memory.
Why does it fail?
The core concept of their relationship—using love to inspire self-improvement—is solid. However, Sundome's execution is nonsensical and disturbing. How can Hideo be seen as improving when his actions stem solely from lust? He loves Kurumi unconditionally, accepting whatever she does to him, even risking death. His dream of becoming a doctor only arises after meeting her. Thus, the main theme of their relationship fails.
Worse still, the methods used are abusive and glorified as positive. Moments meant to depict romantic unity often involve degrading acts, like Hideo drinking Kurumi's urine. Their relationship lacks healthiness; Hideo prioritizes Kurumi's happiness over his own, showing little self-respect. Even when Kurumi allegedly sleeps with an older man (her doctor), Hideo takes no action, instead boasting about his unique relationship with her. Framing such behavior as growth is absurd.
The erotic elements, while varied initially, eventually repeat, losing novelty. Many scenarios blend together, focusing on similar acts. The humor, largely revolving around the Roman Club, relies heavily on running gags tied to each character's quirks. These jokes rarely land, making the comedy ineffective.
Additionally, there's a pointless romance subplot between Kyouko and Katsu. Kyouko, once promiscuous, starts dating Katsu, a nice guy. This subplot adds nothing to the narrative and could easily be removed.
Lastly, the art is inconsistent and subpar. Character designs switch between super-deformed and realistic styles, depending on the scene. Some characters remain stuck in joke mode even during serious moments, breaking immersion. The drawing quality is poor, with reused expressions and awkward proportions. Erotic scenes lack appeal due to weak anatomy skills.
In conclusion, Sundome is a terrible romance, comedy, and art showcase. It's a manga best left unread.
Where to start! After going through the initial chapters, you get this sense that it's undoubtedly going to be a tale like no other you've encountered, and by the time you reach the conclusion, you genuinely understand what an epic journey it was.
I won't reveal too much about the plot, but I must caution that while it does include ecchi elements, it presents a deeply mature exploration of human sexuality and psychology. If all you're after is superficial thrills, this isn't the story for you.
This is an emotional rollercoaster that will have you laughing, cringing, and crying from one page to the next... and as for the ending, all I can say is that even if the mangaka had chosen the exact opposite conclusion, it still would have been flawless.
If you're seeking an intelligent, dark, and mature examination of the human mind, sexuality, and love, with rich character development, and you're comfortable with your own sexuality, then I highly recommend "Sundome."
~WiruSempai
This is one of those risqué mangas that really pushes the boundaries; it's almost borderline hentai. I stumbled upon it in an anime magazine one day and thought I'd give it a try. It's not great as far as mangas go, but it's a decent read if you're in the mood for something a bit naughty, I suppose.
Ultimately, it's nothing extraordinary, but it's worth checking out if you're looking for a good laugh.
My take on Sundome differs from many other reviews, not because I consider it better or worse—ultimately, opinions are deeply personal—but because my evaluation doesn't rely on so-called "objective" categories like Art, Story, or Characters. When I rate something, I focus solely on one aspect: how the work made me feel and what emotions it stirred within me during the experience of engaging with the author's creation. For me, Sundome is a solid 10/10. This manga took me on an intense emotional rollercoaster, evoking feelings of anger, happiness, cringe, and profound sadness and despair. It's not without flaws; secondary characters don't get much screen time to develop fully, but I don't believe this detracts from the overall brilliance of the manga. The bond between the two main characters is exquisitely crafted, compelling you to genuinely care about and root for them. Rarely have I encountered a manga that kept me hooked and emotionally invested in the way Sundome did. That's why, in my view, Sundome deserves a 10/10 rating and ranks among my all-time favorites. <p>
Sundome
Throughout my life, I’ve encountered various things—watched them, read them, experienced them—and Sundome truly stands out as a remarkable experience.
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
I don’t think there’s much about Sundome's story that I could say differently from what others have already expressed, so I’ll focus on the aspects I believe were exceptionally well-executed.
I must commend Sundome for its realistic portrayal of a serious illness. It didn’t resort to contrived, "HEY LET'S MAKE HER LIVE SO PEOPLE WILL BE HAPPY" tropes. I’ve seen such clichés in works like Clannad and Great Teacher Onizuka, but not here. While I love fantasizing about a world where every story ends with a golden Hollywood happy ending, I recognize that this isn’t—and never will be—the reality. This manga excels because it builds its narrative on a foundation of realism and concludes with the same authenticity, creating an oddly profound emotional impact. For me, it takes a lot for anything to genuinely make me feel sad; Sundome is undoubtedly one of the few works that has achieved this. From the moment Kurumi had her first nosebleed, I suspected she wouldn’t survive the entire manga. This made me hope against hope that I was wrong—but unfortunately, I was right. Watching someone gradually deteriorate over time isn’t easy to confront, yet Hideo (the protagonist) handles it in the most realistic way possible, through true acceptance. It resonated deeply with me because I’ve personally experienced the range of emotions leading up to the loss of someone I deeply cared about. Throughout the story, Hideo progresses through each stage of the Kübler-Ross model of grief: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and finally Acceptance. The manner in which he navigates these stages significantly enhances the tone of the final chapters, and I can’t praise the author enough for evoking the same feelings I’ve experienced in the past.
The characters in Sundome are, for the most part, highly three-dimensional, relatable, humorous, and authentic. It’s impressive how I felt as though I’ve met people in real life who resemble these characters. What makes it even better is that they aren’t confined to their surface-level traits. As you delve deeper into the story, you witness how the hormone-driven, sex-obsessed teenagers evolve into individuals you genuinely care about.
As for the art in Sundome, aside from the excellent use of shading, it’s nothing extraordinary—but it doesn’t need to be. I’ve always believed that anime and manga don’t require stunning visuals to be great. It’s the story and characters that elevate the literature to excellence.
Sundome is undoubtedly worth reading. Many people seem deterred by preconceived notions about how sex is portrayed in the manga. The same misconception applies to Onani Master Kurosawa, which, by the way, is also an exceptional piece of literature. Before reading it, I assumed it would be some trivial ecchi nonsense. I was very wrong, and I’m glad I won’t make that mistake again. So, really, don’t judge a book before giving it a chance.
Popular Reviews
This is hands down my favorite romance of all time. That said, I wouldn’t recommend it to just anyone. The book stands out with its unique approach, luring readers in with provocative imagery while weaving in elements of mystery. This depth, breaking away from the typical two-dimensional narratives common in the genre, is exactly why I hold it in such high regard. Overall: 10/10
Perhaps you're drawn to it for the sexual themes—many probably are, given the cover and synopsis. Rest assured, if that’s what you’re after, you won’t be disappointed. Some scenes edge close to pornography, which also makes this a title I can’t easily share with most people I know. Not everyone will find this appealing, and that’s perfectly fine.
Now, let’s touch on the art, which matters to some—and rightly so. The artwork is serviceable but not exceptional. It never detracted from the story for me, and that’s ultimately what counts. Art: 8/10
Character development is deceptively simple—or so it seems—and this simplicity enhances the repetition within the narrative, making it even more impactful. It’s been quite a while since I last read Sundome, so I hesitate to delve into specifics about the characters, as it might spoil the twist. Characters: 10/10
I thoroughly enjoyed this—for the romance, naturally. Enjoyment: 10/10
If you’re still unsure, trust me when I say the story, despite its lewd content, delivers an unforgettable payoff. I can’t recommend this enough to fans of romance.
<p>
Be warned: this review will be filled with spoilers. I don't want anyone to read this manga, so I'll spoil quite a bit to explain why.
If you're familiar with the setup, feel free to skip ahead.
One day, a mysterious girl named Kurumi Sahana transfers into the same class as our protagonist, Hideo Aiba, who instantly falls in love with her. Conveniently, she sits next to him, and they move their desks together to share a textbook. This simple act excites Hideo immensely. Unfortunately, when Kurumi drops her eraser, it lands near his crotch, accidentally brushing against his erection. She doesn't seem to notice at first.
We are then introduced to the "Roman Club," which has nothing to do with ancient Rome or the language. Instead, "Roman" refers to youthful romanticism and dreams. The club promises to fund members' dreams if they graduate without losing their virginity or getting a girlfriend. However, this comes with risks, including tests from alumni and encounters with "assassins"—women sent to rid members of their virginity. The club consists of four members: Hideo, who joined on a whim; the ex-president, known for his anal fetish and crude humor; Katsu Toshitsuku, a peeping pervert aspiring to become a lawyer; and Tatsuya Yatsu, a cowardly otaku with a leg fetish who dreams of becoming a politician.
Kurumi visits the club and decides to join. Alone with Hideo, she tells him to masturbate. Though hesitant, fearing he'll lose her interest, he agrees, even attempting to use a nail. After failing, Kurumi bluntly states she will never have sex with him, even if they were the last two people on Earth. Despite this, Hideo remains devoted, finding joy simply in her presence. From here, the story progresses slowly, marked by repetitive and forced comedy, along with embarrassing ecchi scenes.
What does Sundome try to achieve?
The narrative seems to aim for a tragic storyline centered around Kurumi. She appears to have a terminal illness and spends her remaining time trying to improve Hideo in bizarre ways, supposedly part of the alumni's plan. However, this wish-granting concept and the idea of assassins are merely plot devices explaining random coincidences. Kurumi's actions often involve setting challenges for Hideo, rewarding him erotically. These rewards range from touching or licking her to permission to masturbate or being urinated on. Challenges vary from mundane tasks to life-threatening ones.
Throughout, Hideo proves willing to endure anything for Kurumi, whether dangerous or humiliating. For example, he agrees to live as her pet, staying in a cardboard box and refusing to leave, even for the bathroom. When given more demanding tasks, he trains and finds a job to support her. His jealousy also makes him more confrontational, wanting Kurumi all to himself. All his improvements revolve around pleasing her. Ultimately, the author tries to portray these developments positively, but they come off as driven by lust.
The manga concludes with Kurumi hospitalized. Hideo breaks her out to show her a special place—a boring beach. They end up in a sleeping bag together, with her final moments spent watching Hideo masturbate on top of her. Time passes, Hideo becomes a doctor, marries happily, and keeps Kurumi as a cherished memory.
Why does it fail?
The core concept of their relationship—using love to inspire self-improvement—is solid. However, Sundome's execution is nonsensical and disturbing. How can Hideo be seen as improving when his actions stem solely from lust? He loves Kurumi unconditionally, accepting whatever she does to him, even risking death. His dream of becoming a doctor only arises after meeting her. Thus, the main theme of their relationship fails.
Worse still, the methods used are abusive and glorified as positive. Moments meant to depict romantic unity often involve degrading acts, like Hideo drinking Kurumi's urine. Their relationship lacks healthiness; Hideo prioritizes Kurumi's happiness over his own, showing little self-respect. Even when Kurumi allegedly sleeps with an older man (her doctor), Hideo takes no action, instead boasting about his unique relationship with her. Framing such behavior as growth is absurd.
The erotic elements, while varied initially, eventually repeat, losing novelty. Many scenarios blend together, focusing on similar acts. The humor, largely revolving around the Roman Club, relies heavily on running gags tied to each character's quirks. These jokes rarely land, making the comedy ineffective.
Additionally, there's a pointless romance subplot between Kyouko and Katsu. Kyouko, once promiscuous, starts dating Katsu, a nice guy. This subplot adds nothing to the narrative and could easily be removed.
Lastly, the art is inconsistent and subpar. Character designs switch between super-deformed and realistic styles, depending on the scene. Some characters remain stuck in joke mode even during serious moments, breaking immersion. The drawing quality is poor, with reused expressions and awkward proportions. Erotic scenes lack appeal due to weak anatomy skills.
In conclusion, Sundome is a terrible romance, comedy, and art showcase. It's a manga best left unread.
I won't reveal too much about the plot, but I must caution that while it does include ecchi elements, it presents a deeply mature exploration of human sexuality and psychology. If all you're after is superficial thrills, this isn't the story for you.
This is an emotional rollercoaster that will have you laughing, cringing, and crying from one page to the next... and as for the ending, all I can say is that even if the mangaka had chosen the exact opposite conclusion, it still would have been flawless.
If you're seeking an intelligent, dark, and mature examination of the human mind, sexuality, and love, with rich character development, and you're comfortable with your own sexuality, then I highly recommend "Sundome."
~WiruSempai
Ultimately, it's nothing extraordinary, but it's worth checking out if you're looking for a good laugh.
Throughout my life, I’ve encountered various things—watched them, read them, experienced them—and Sundome truly stands out as a remarkable experience.
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
I don’t think there’s much about Sundome's story that I could say differently from what others have already expressed, so I’ll focus on the aspects I believe were exceptionally well-executed.
I must commend Sundome for its realistic portrayal of a serious illness. It didn’t resort to contrived, "HEY LET'S MAKE HER LIVE SO PEOPLE WILL BE HAPPY" tropes. I’ve seen such clichés in works like Clannad and Great Teacher Onizuka, but not here. While I love fantasizing about a world where every story ends with a golden Hollywood happy ending, I recognize that this isn’t—and never will be—the reality. This manga excels because it builds its narrative on a foundation of realism and concludes with the same authenticity, creating an oddly profound emotional impact. For me, it takes a lot for anything to genuinely make me feel sad; Sundome is undoubtedly one of the few works that has achieved this. From the moment Kurumi had her first nosebleed, I suspected she wouldn’t survive the entire manga. This made me hope against hope that I was wrong—but unfortunately, I was right. Watching someone gradually deteriorate over time isn’t easy to confront, yet Hideo (the protagonist) handles it in the most realistic way possible, through true acceptance. It resonated deeply with me because I’ve personally experienced the range of emotions leading up to the loss of someone I deeply cared about. Throughout the story, Hideo progresses through each stage of the Kübler-Ross model of grief: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and finally Acceptance. The manner in which he navigates these stages significantly enhances the tone of the final chapters, and I can’t praise the author enough for evoking the same feelings I’ve experienced in the past.
The characters in Sundome are, for the most part, highly three-dimensional, relatable, humorous, and authentic. It’s impressive how I felt as though I’ve met people in real life who resemble these characters. What makes it even better is that they aren’t confined to their surface-level traits. As you delve deeper into the story, you witness how the hormone-driven, sex-obsessed teenagers evolve into individuals you genuinely care about.
As for the art in Sundome, aside from the excellent use of shading, it’s nothing extraordinary—but it doesn’t need to be. I’ve always believed that anime and manga don’t require stunning visuals to be great. It’s the story and characters that elevate the literature to excellence.
Sundome is undoubtedly worth reading. Many people seem deterred by preconceived notions about how sex is portrayed in the manga. The same misconception applies to Onani Master Kurosawa, which, by the way, is also an exceptional piece of literature. Before reading it, I assumed it would be some trivial ecchi nonsense. I was very wrong, and I’m glad I won’t make that mistake again. So, really, don’t judge a book before giving it a chance.
<p>