This manga was quite the puzzle for me; it's been praised by many, but for various reasons. Is it because the female lead treats the male lead like absolute s**t and manipulates him in every chapter? I'm not entirely sure, but there are indeed some redeeming qualities here.
Story: 5/10
Is there even a story? Kind of. We follow Hideo and Kurumi's "adventures" in the "Roman Club," where they search for aliens. These adventures often involve exploring creepy places, and, of course, something pervy happens between the two in every chapter. Look, I understand this is an ecchi manga, but some of the fetishes depicted are just awkward to endure (and I consider myself pretty open-minded). That said, the manga is genuinely hilarious at times. There were countless moments where I found myself laughing out loud. The author deserves credit for their comedic talent.
Art: 8/10
The artwork isn't bad. It has a rough aesthetic in certain scenes, which might have been intentional to some extent. Both Hideo and Kurumi are well-defined during more serious or "otherworldly" moments. The quality of the art seemed to improve as the manga progressed.
Characters: 9/10
The characters are hilarious—every single one. While they fit into some typical archetypes, they work exceptionally well together. They all contribute significantly to the comedy aspect of the manga. Hideo and Kurumi have good chemistry beyond the questionable moments, such as the infamous "peeing on each other" scene.
Overall: 7.3/10
I enjoyed reading this manga, though with a hint of regret. The ending was surprisingly mature and left me somewhat taken aback. The characters excelled in delivering funny moments, but the awkwardness of certain fetishes detracted from my overall enjoyment. If you're into ecchi and comedy, you'll likely appreciate this manga.
Enjoyment: 4/10
Thanks for reading my review! If you liked my writing style, want to check out more reviews, or just feel like chatting, feel free to visit my page!
Reading around, I eventually came across this one, and I must say, it's quite a unique story. First off, let me clarify that this is an adult comic, and it's very hardcore. However, it could still be worth a read for teenagers because the issues the characters encounter are relatable to anyone who has ever been through high school. The comic effectively illustrates how sex and love are interconnected, albeit in an exaggerated yet plausible manner. As this is the first comic I've read that tackles such a tired topic in such a refreshing way, I can't help but recommend it to anyone who has even thought about reading it. That said, I must warn you to keep an open mind, as the content is indeed intended for adults.
A local bookstore of mine was closing due to the tough economic times we're experiencing, but that didn't stop me from taking advantage of their massive clearance sale. In the mature manga section, I stumbled upon this title, and it seemed someone had already broken the seal before me. Whoever did it, I owe them a thank you.
"Sundome" offers a unique story unlike anything I've encountered in my manga reading journey so far. The main character, Aiba-kun, is an otaku with very specific tastes. Enter Kurumi-chan, a transfer student with a distinctive personality. Aiba can be described as a shy otaku, yet when he desires something, he's determined to achieve it. Kurumi appears to recognize this and exploits it, though her true intentions remain unclear.
The artwork initially stands out as different from most, but it remains recognizable and maintains consistent quality throughout the first volume. Fanservice occasionally surfaces, but it's well-placed to create an illusion of seduction. I wouldn't label it as "dirty" or "tasteless" as some reviews suggest, as I've seen much worse.
Character development is present; you gain insight into the main characters while also getting a good view of the supporting cast. Each chapter shows Aiba progressing, even if his goals seem trivial, which is understandable given his teenage years.
The enjoyment factor is fantastic. It's one of the few manga that has genuinely made me laugh out loud and kept a smile on my face throughout. There are numerous hilarious moments involving the club members in the story.
Some readers might note the manga's nihilistic undertones, making it not suitable for everyone. You either love it or you don't. I'd argue this is one of the most realistic stories, as these scenarios could easily occur in the real world.
The future path of Aiba and Kurumi remains uncertain, but their contrasting behaviors reveal one thing: they need each other.
My ratings may seem a bit disjointed or exaggerated, but truly, Sundone elevates Character to such a level that it could become the new textbook example, and its Story is an absolute magnificent masterpiece in how it crafts, utilizes, and ultimately delivers on anticipation—only to incinerate it in one hot, fiery, yet simultaneously cold and dark ending.
The art was exceptionally well-executed and played a crucial role in tying the story together. There was never any loss of detail that confused the background or environment, and the various angles brought not only life to parts of the story but also perfectly captured the tone at each point.
It could have been improved by placing more focus on developing new backgrounds and atmospheres. However, the art deserves significant credit for prioritizing the story's aspects: art serving the story, rather than existing solely for its own sake.
I would have enjoyed this more if the story hadn't already begun its irreversible, slow, and careful ascent into a real foreboding darkness halfway through. In the first 4 volumes or so, there is some comedy in Sundome, but suspense and tension gradually take precedence, regardless of whether they are part of the immediate storyline. If the story had stretched out its more fanservice-y early phase to balance the length of its darker second half, it might have been more enjoyable overall. Of course, this might detract from the smooth and constant transition crafted by the mangaka throughout, and some might argue that abandoning certain risqué elements would cause readers to miss the underlying story behind what some call the "tasteless" aspects.
I recommend, to anyone seeking a new romance-related story, to carefully consider reading this. If you're unfamiliar with what some might term more extreme ecchi content—not intercourse itself, but essentially everything leading up to it, with only subtle allusions to those moments—you might still be okay with this manga. All interactions are consensual; in fact, a key character development for the protagonist revolves around his journey of giving and eventually finding reconciliation in providing consent (while notably avoiding the use of the word, which I personally appreciated, as the Western legal concept of consent doesn't naturally permeate Japanese culture—or many other Asian or European cultures). There isn't a single scene I recall where both parties don't fully want what's happening (except for comical otaku moments like upskirt shots, which are often removed anyway).
Much of the plot revolves around the consideration—or lack thereof—that characters give to sexual-related choices. This manga doesn't use ecchi-related content purely for fanservice; instead, it employs such content as a central plot device.
Overall, I gave this manga a 10 because, honestly, the story is incredibly well-developed, carefully and meaningfully resolved, and anything that feels lacking is due to the storyteller's deliberate effort to highlight the story's inherent strengths, which it possesses in abundance from the start.
I came across this manga being discussed alongside Oyasumi Punpun in a few online communities, which piqued my interest and made me want to give it a try. However, those who speak highly of this manga are, in my opinion, entirely wrong.
This manga is riddled with strange kinks throughout—primarily involving urination, including drinking urine, anal themes, and degradation. Initially, I tried to overlook how uncomfortable these elements made me, hoping that the story would evolve into something more substantial as it progressed. I was told the initial ecchi content would eventually lead to deeper, more meaningful storytelling, transcending basic hentai. Unfortunately, that transformation never occurred.
I understand what the story aimed to achieve: portraying the bond between the two main characters. However, the impact of this manga could have been far stronger if their connection had been built through interactions that didn't revolve around bizarre sexual acts. Every time the characters grew closer, a sexual scene inevitably followed. It was frustrating and utterly unnecessary.
Some of the characters were charming and had the potential to form a delightful friend group if not for the overwhelming perversion that dominated every aspect of the manga. You couldn't get through three panels without encountering something grotesque or gratuitous.
I'll just say this right off the bat. Sundome does have some really perverted and frustrating elements to it. If you can't stand a main character that is a masochist or any manga that depicts fetishes that are on the extreme side, you probably aren't going to be able to make it through this manga. If you can put that aside though, you'll find that Sundome deep down is actually a beautiful story of love, growth, and friendships.
Sundome has plenty of foreshadowing, subtlety, character growth, drama, comedy, ecchi, ups, downs, etc... that you would expect from a good story. I think as long as you aren't turned off by the S&M elements, this is definitely worth the read.
In my view, categorizing this manga is incredibly challenging. It incorporates numerous elements, some of which are quite contradictory. Primarily, the interplay between comedy and tragedy.
Initially, what drew me in was its uniqueness compared to anything else I've read.
The protagonist is an Otaku, which isn't particularly remarkable. However, things change when Kurumi enters the scene, and their relationship begins to develop.
Honestly, the sexual aspect was also very appealing to me because I have a soft spot for mature romance. But calling it mature romance might be an understatement.
The psychological dimension is exceptional, offering insight into Hideo's mind and revealing what his devotion—and Kurumi—can drive him to do and endure.
There was plenty of comedy, yet I didn't laugh once. This is because there was an oppressive atmosphere, a sense that something dark and ominous lurked in the background. In my opinion, this is the manga's strongest feature: the unsettling feeling that things won't end well.
Two moments in the manga hit me like a punch to the gut:
1. Kurumi telling Hideo that she used to be a boy.
2. Kurumi revealing to Hideo that she is actually his sister.
I'm not sure why, but these moments really struck a chord with me.
When I read a great manga, I can empathize with the characters, sometimes even imagining myself as one of them. Sundome certainly achieved this. After finishing it, I felt an overwhelming sense of sadness.
I also felt angry at the mangaka for not explaining what exactly happened to Kurumi in the end and seemingly forgetting about her. He skipped over the part right after her death. I wanted more information and to see the other characters grieving for her.
But upon reflection, I realized the author made the right choice. It would have been too heart-wrenching for me to handle.
For me, the characters and story take precedence over the art in a manga. However, the art had its standout moments, such as the title pages featuring Kurumi.
DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME. READ SOMETHING ELSE LIKE YOUR LIE IN APRIL. For more detail, keep reading if you wish. I had to write a review about this manga after seeing how popular it was and the praise it received from a bunch of people who truly seem to enjoy it.
Story: The story is nonsensical. It begins with a group of boys attending high school and having fun together in some sort of mystery/folklore/alien finder club they formed. However, the absurd part is that they are tied to an organization/scholarship/society that will ensure their life after high school is filled with opportunities for college and beyond, but only if they remain virgins and abstain from any form of sexual intercourse. It opens with one of the members returning to his friends after giving up his innocence when "the organization" sent a spy to offer him anal sex (his fetish), which he accepted (all this retold by the friend). Then the main female lead, a transfer student, joins their club and inexplicably tells the main character that she will never have sex with him or let him cum ever. The entire manga revolves around the club, plus another girl who's somewhat the dumb school slut, joining the club and going on random adventures while the main character, who is in love with the transfer student, becomes her slave out of his love for her. She teases him and only gives him permission to cum when she feels like it. Meanwhile, there's foreshadowing of her having some sort of illness that progresses throughout the book.
The way the information I've described is presented to the reader is total nonsense, and you don't even understand how serious or real the organization is or how it can tell when a guy has sex. Honestly, it's just complete nonsense.
Art: Terrible. Bland. The artist draws every girl with an exaggerated vagina/camel toe visible even in jean shorts, making it look like it was painted on them after being kicked in the crotch and now swollen to all hell.
Characters: There's zero character development or building, except maybe the slut girl and one of the guys as their relationship forms. The main girl (transfer student) is a total sadistic bitch, and yes, you know that she can't have sex with him because she wants him to get that scholarship/acceptance/support from the organization, but I just don't understand why they made her so cruel for no reason.
Enjoyment: I did not enjoy it at all. I kept waiting to be captivated and fall in love with this like all the high praise reviewers, but just like our main hero, I had blue balls for enjoyment the whole time.
Overall: It's honestly aggravating to me when people rate this garbage a 10 and say they cried so hard and this and that at the end. Maybe they're 14 years old and found this manga deep or something, but honestly, I'd be insulting 14-year-olds by saying that. DO NOT READ THIS MANGA. I understand what they were trying to achieve, but this is complete and utter trash. I've read a lot of manga and was looking for something emotional and gripping after reading Oyasumi PunPun (read that!) and came across this. BIG mistake.
Go read Your Lie in April. It has all the emotions this story attempts to bring about (according to what readers say, I guess, because how the author thought this book would elicit those emotions is beyond me) and so much more, minus all the poorly drawn vaginas, camel toes, and boobs (Your Lie in April is not an ecchi).
<p>Overall, it's quite good in comparison to others. The story falters at certain points, but they manage to tie it together by the end. The characters are decent, albeit a bit perverted. The conclusion is somewhat open to interpretation since it wasn't thoroughly explained. Personally, I thought it was great, but I don't believe it was tailored for the "average person."</p>
<p>we have a pitiful male protagonist, the kind that seems to be adored by some audiences in Japan, who essentially subjugates himself to a random female character transferred into his school. From this point onward, the manga spirals into a series of sexual escapades involving the hapless man and a generic, unremarkable anime girl. The male lead complies with every demand from the female lead because, apparently, the author believes men are brainless creatures driven solely by the prospect of sexual gratification—this comes dangerously close to misandry. Beyond the lackluster plot, the artwork is mediocre, featuring poorly designed characters and bland backgrounds. The cast is as forgettable as the protagonist himself. There are far better ways to waste your time; watching paint dry might even prove more entertaining than enduring this garbage.</p>
When I initially stumbled upon this manga, my expectations were low. Despite the "psychological" tag, the ecchi elements in the early chapters led me to believe it would just be a typical, borderline hentai manga with a few unique twists.
How wrong I was.
Story: 8
The tale of a young, nerdy underachiever hooking up with a cute girl is a common trope in ecchi manga. It's been reused countless times, and for many, reading one feels like reading them all. However, Sundome stands apart. Instead of using sexuality merely to tantalize male (and female) readers, this manga delves into sexuality to make a broader statement about the human condition. While fanservice is abundant throughout the story, much of it serves to heighten the raw emotions and carnal desires expressed within. Rather than resorting to cheap panty shots and breast grabs, Sundome fearlessly explores darker sexual fetishes such as erotic asphyxiation. Much of the narrative leans into the dirty, gritty, and unsettling aspects of sexual fetishes, yet strangely, this enhances the believability of the romance between the two protagonists.
The ending of Sundome may be controversial for some, but I found it to be the only "true" conclusion for a story like this. Although the title, Sundome, refers to stopping just before orgasm during a sexual act, the story evolves to focus less on sex and more on love and loss.
Art: 7
The art style in Sundome varies at certain points throughout the manga, which might be jarring for some. During slice-of-life school scenes, the art is simpler, with minimal shading or detail to body contours. In contrast, scenes depicting sexual acts and various perversions are more fluid and detailed. Given the nature of this manga, this fluctuation is expected, so I had no issues with it. Overall, the art effectively conveys the story without much room for critique.
Character: 10
This is where Sundome truly shines. Our protagonist, Hideo Aiba, begins as a shy, awkward, nerdy high schooler with no grand plans beyond the porn magazine he intends to masturbate to that night. When he meets Sahana Kurumi, the "female love interest," it's love at first sight, and his entire life changes. Except... it's not quite that simple. Sahana proves to be far darker than your average shounen romance female lead. She doesn't fit the mold of a tsundere, kuudere, or any type of dere, which was incredibly refreshing. Although she's cute and upbeat at school, her darker side emerges when she's with Aiba. Speaking of Aiba, he too undergoes significant growth throughout the series, becoming stronger and more responsible while simultaneously devolving into a sexual deviant. It was fascinating to witness his transformation. Additionally, two side characters develop an intriguing relationship. All in all, the characters in Sundome are portrayed very realistically, despite the sexual tension. It's rare to find this level of psychological character development in an ecchi series, and this is definitely not Love Hina.
Enjoyment: 8
I thoroughly enjoyed Sundome, even as a female reader bombarded with tons of fanservice. This manga proves that a work centered on sexual themes can be dark, thought-provoking, and almost tragic. Although the middle sections may have dragged slightly, Sundome was overall an extremely enjoyable and emotional read.
Overall: 8
Sundome is a manga I would recommend to anyone not overly disturbed by sexual perversions. Readers need to be mature enough to handle certain themes, but as long as that's not an issue, Sundome is a fantastic read. There's something for ecchi lovers, but there's also plenty of character development and dark romance for fans of those genres.
Sundome undoubtedly left an impression on me, and it will surely do the same for you.
Having a collection mostly filled with dark, gritty (and frankly, depressing!) manga, I decided it was time to try something different. I stumbled upon Sundome at my local bookstore. It was a complete series, so no preview was possible, and being a mature series, it seemed right up my alley!
After reading the first volume (I've just finished the third), the first word that came to mind was - PAINFUL. Not because it was a bad read, but due to the strong feelings I had for the main character, Hideo. His relationship with Kurumi is utterly fascinating. Watching how he transformed from the person he was in the first volume to who he has become in just three volumes is truly entertaining. I constantly question why Kurumi acts the way she does towards Hideo. Is it because she likes him, or is it because she's a sadist? This uncertainty is what keeps me hooked, as I eagerly await how their relationship will unfold and develop.
The book actually made me laugh out loud, which is quite rare. The supporting characters are hilarious, yet it's also great to witness their development.
Is it perverted? Yes! Is it entertaining? Hell yes! Is it worth the read? If you can overlook the obvious fan service – although it's not as extreme as, say, Battle Vixens – then give this a shot. You'll either love it or hate it after just the first volume. If you're not comfortable with themes involving masturbation, then steer clear of this manga!
Popular Reviews
This manga was quite the puzzle for me; it's been praised by many, but for various reasons. Is it because the female lead treats the male lead like absolute s**t and manipulates him in every chapter? I'm not entirely sure, but there are indeed some redeeming qualities here.
Story: 5/10
Is there even a story? Kind of. We follow Hideo and Kurumi's "adventures" in the "Roman Club," where they search for aliens. These adventures often involve exploring creepy places, and, of course, something pervy happens between the two in every chapter. Look, I understand this is an ecchi manga, but some of the fetishes depicted are just awkward to endure (and I consider myself pretty open-minded). That said, the manga is genuinely hilarious at times. There were countless moments where I found myself laughing out loud. The author deserves credit for their comedic talent.
Art: 8/10
The artwork isn't bad. It has a rough aesthetic in certain scenes, which might have been intentional to some extent. Both Hideo and Kurumi are well-defined during more serious or "otherworldly" moments. The quality of the art seemed to improve as the manga progressed.
Characters: 9/10
The characters are hilarious—every single one. While they fit into some typical archetypes, they work exceptionally well together. They all contribute significantly to the comedy aspect of the manga. Hideo and Kurumi have good chemistry beyond the questionable moments, such as the infamous "peeing on each other" scene.
Overall: 7.3/10
I enjoyed reading this manga, though with a hint of regret. The ending was surprisingly mature and left me somewhat taken aback. The characters excelled in delivering funny moments, but the awkwardness of certain fetishes detracted from my overall enjoyment. If you're into ecchi and comedy, you'll likely appreciate this manga.
Enjoyment: 4/10
Thanks for reading my review! If you liked my writing style, want to check out more reviews, or just feel like chatting, feel free to visit my page!
Sincerely,
Awesome Drummer
<p>
"Sundome" offers a unique story unlike anything I've encountered in my manga reading journey so far. The main character, Aiba-kun, is an otaku with very specific tastes. Enter Kurumi-chan, a transfer student with a distinctive personality. Aiba can be described as a shy otaku, yet when he desires something, he's determined to achieve it. Kurumi appears to recognize this and exploits it, though her true intentions remain unclear.
The artwork initially stands out as different from most, but it remains recognizable and maintains consistent quality throughout the first volume. Fanservice occasionally surfaces, but it's well-placed to create an illusion of seduction. I wouldn't label it as "dirty" or "tasteless" as some reviews suggest, as I've seen much worse.
Character development is present; you gain insight into the main characters while also getting a good view of the supporting cast. Each chapter shows Aiba progressing, even if his goals seem trivial, which is understandable given his teenage years.
The enjoyment factor is fantastic. It's one of the few manga that has genuinely made me laugh out loud and kept a smile on my face throughout. There are numerous hilarious moments involving the club members in the story.
Some readers might note the manga's nihilistic undertones, making it not suitable for everyone. You either love it or you don't. I'd argue this is one of the most realistic stories, as these scenarios could easily occur in the real world.
The future path of Aiba and Kurumi remains uncertain, but their contrasting behaviors reveal one thing: they need each other.
The art was exceptionally well-executed and played a crucial role in tying the story together. There was never any loss of detail that confused the background or environment, and the various angles brought not only life to parts of the story but also perfectly captured the tone at each point.
It could have been improved by placing more focus on developing new backgrounds and atmospheres. However, the art deserves significant credit for prioritizing the story's aspects: art serving the story, rather than existing solely for its own sake.
I would have enjoyed this more if the story hadn't already begun its irreversible, slow, and careful ascent into a real foreboding darkness halfway through. In the first 4 volumes or so, there is some comedy in Sundome, but suspense and tension gradually take precedence, regardless of whether they are part of the immediate storyline. If the story had stretched out its more fanservice-y early phase to balance the length of its darker second half, it might have been more enjoyable overall. Of course, this might detract from the smooth and constant transition crafted by the mangaka throughout, and some might argue that abandoning certain risqué elements would cause readers to miss the underlying story behind what some call the "tasteless" aspects.
I recommend, to anyone seeking a new romance-related story, to carefully consider reading this. If you're unfamiliar with what some might term more extreme ecchi content—not intercourse itself, but essentially everything leading up to it, with only subtle allusions to those moments—you might still be okay with this manga. All interactions are consensual; in fact, a key character development for the protagonist revolves around his journey of giving and eventually finding reconciliation in providing consent (while notably avoiding the use of the word, which I personally appreciated, as the Western legal concept of consent doesn't naturally permeate Japanese culture—or many other Asian or European cultures). There isn't a single scene I recall where both parties don't fully want what's happening (except for comical otaku moments like upskirt shots, which are often removed anyway).
Much of the plot revolves around the consideration—or lack thereof—that characters give to sexual-related choices. This manga doesn't use ecchi-related content purely for fanservice; instead, it employs such content as a central plot device.
Overall, I gave this manga a 10 because, honestly, the story is incredibly well-developed, carefully and meaningfully resolved, and anything that feels lacking is due to the storyteller's deliberate effort to highlight the story's inherent strengths, which it possesses in abundance from the start.
<p>
This manga is riddled with strange kinks throughout—primarily involving urination, including drinking urine, anal themes, and degradation. Initially, I tried to overlook how uncomfortable these elements made me, hoping that the story would evolve into something more substantial as it progressed. I was told the initial ecchi content would eventually lead to deeper, more meaningful storytelling, transcending basic hentai. Unfortunately, that transformation never occurred.
I understand what the story aimed to achieve: portraying the bond between the two main characters. However, the impact of this manga could have been far stronger if their connection had been built through interactions that didn't revolve around bizarre sexual acts. Every time the characters grew closer, a sexual scene inevitably followed. It was frustrating and utterly unnecessary.
Some of the characters were charming and had the potential to form a delightful friend group if not for the overwhelming perversion that dominated every aspect of the manga. You couldn't get through three panels without encountering something grotesque or gratuitous.
Not recommended.
Sundome has plenty of foreshadowing, subtlety, character growth, drama, comedy, ecchi, ups, downs, etc... that you would expect from a good story. I think as long as you aren't turned off by the S&M elements, this is definitely worth the read.
<p>
Initially, what drew me in was its uniqueness compared to anything else I've read.
The protagonist is an Otaku, which isn't particularly remarkable. However, things change when Kurumi enters the scene, and their relationship begins to develop.
Honestly, the sexual aspect was also very appealing to me because I have a soft spot for mature romance. But calling it mature romance might be an understatement.
The psychological dimension is exceptional, offering insight into Hideo's mind and revealing what his devotion—and Kurumi—can drive him to do and endure.
There was plenty of comedy, yet I didn't laugh once. This is because there was an oppressive atmosphere, a sense that something dark and ominous lurked in the background. In my opinion, this is the manga's strongest feature: the unsettling feeling that things won't end well.
Two moments in the manga hit me like a punch to the gut:
1. Kurumi telling Hideo that she used to be a boy.
2. Kurumi revealing to Hideo that she is actually his sister.
I'm not sure why, but these moments really struck a chord with me.
When I read a great manga, I can empathize with the characters, sometimes even imagining myself as one of them. Sundome certainly achieved this. After finishing it, I felt an overwhelming sense of sadness.
I also felt angry at the mangaka for not explaining what exactly happened to Kurumi in the end and seemingly forgetting about her. He skipped over the part right after her death. I wanted more information and to see the other characters grieving for her.
But upon reflection, I realized the author made the right choice. It would have been too heart-wrenching for me to handle.
For me, the characters and story take precedence over the art in a manga. However, the art had its standout moments, such as the title pages featuring Kurumi.
Sundome is undoubtedly a 10/10 for me.
Story: The story is nonsensical. It begins with a group of boys attending high school and having fun together in some sort of mystery/folklore/alien finder club they formed. However, the absurd part is that they are tied to an organization/scholarship/society that will ensure their life after high school is filled with opportunities for college and beyond, but only if they remain virgins and abstain from any form of sexual intercourse. It opens with one of the members returning to his friends after giving up his innocence when "the organization" sent a spy to offer him anal sex (his fetish), which he accepted (all this retold by the friend). Then the main female lead, a transfer student, joins their club and inexplicably tells the main character that she will never have sex with him or let him cum ever. The entire manga revolves around the club, plus another girl who's somewhat the dumb school slut, joining the club and going on random adventures while the main character, who is in love with the transfer student, becomes her slave out of his love for her. She teases him and only gives him permission to cum when she feels like it. Meanwhile, there's foreshadowing of her having some sort of illness that progresses throughout the book.
The way the information I've described is presented to the reader is total nonsense, and you don't even understand how serious or real the organization is or how it can tell when a guy has sex. Honestly, it's just complete nonsense.
Art: Terrible. Bland. The artist draws every girl with an exaggerated vagina/camel toe visible even in jean shorts, making it look like it was painted on them after being kicked in the crotch and now swollen to all hell.
Characters: There's zero character development or building, except maybe the slut girl and one of the guys as their relationship forms. The main girl (transfer student) is a total sadistic bitch, and yes, you know that she can't have sex with him because she wants him to get that scholarship/acceptance/support from the organization, but I just don't understand why they made her so cruel for no reason.
Enjoyment: I did not enjoy it at all. I kept waiting to be captivated and fall in love with this like all the high praise reviewers, but just like our main hero, I had blue balls for enjoyment the whole time.
Overall: It's honestly aggravating to me when people rate this garbage a 10 and say they cried so hard and this and that at the end. Maybe they're 14 years old and found this manga deep or something, but honestly, I'd be insulting 14-year-olds by saying that. DO NOT READ THIS MANGA. I understand what they were trying to achieve, but this is complete and utter trash. I've read a lot of manga and was looking for something emotional and gripping after reading Oyasumi PunPun (read that!) and came across this. BIG mistake.
Go read Your Lie in April. It has all the emotions this story attempts to bring about (according to what readers say, I guess, because how the author thought this book would elicit those emotions is beyond me) and so much more, minus all the poorly drawn vaginas, camel toes, and boobs (Your Lie in April is not an ecchi).
When I initially stumbled upon this manga, my expectations were low. Despite the "psychological" tag, the ecchi elements in the early chapters led me to believe it would just be a typical, borderline hentai manga with a few unique twists.
How wrong I was.
Story: 8
The tale of a young, nerdy underachiever hooking up with a cute girl is a common trope in ecchi manga. It's been reused countless times, and for many, reading one feels like reading them all. However, Sundome stands apart. Instead of using sexuality merely to tantalize male (and female) readers, this manga delves into sexuality to make a broader statement about the human condition. While fanservice is abundant throughout the story, much of it serves to heighten the raw emotions and carnal desires expressed within. Rather than resorting to cheap panty shots and breast grabs, Sundome fearlessly explores darker sexual fetishes such as erotic asphyxiation. Much of the narrative leans into the dirty, gritty, and unsettling aspects of sexual fetishes, yet strangely, this enhances the believability of the romance between the two protagonists.
The ending of Sundome may be controversial for some, but I found it to be the only "true" conclusion for a story like this. Although the title, Sundome, refers to stopping just before orgasm during a sexual act, the story evolves to focus less on sex and more on love and loss.
Art: 7
The art style in Sundome varies at certain points throughout the manga, which might be jarring for some. During slice-of-life school scenes, the art is simpler, with minimal shading or detail to body contours. In contrast, scenes depicting sexual acts and various perversions are more fluid and detailed. Given the nature of this manga, this fluctuation is expected, so I had no issues with it. Overall, the art effectively conveys the story without much room for critique.
Character: 10
This is where Sundome truly shines. Our protagonist, Hideo Aiba, begins as a shy, awkward, nerdy high schooler with no grand plans beyond the porn magazine he intends to masturbate to that night. When he meets Sahana Kurumi, the "female love interest," it's love at first sight, and his entire life changes. Except... it's not quite that simple. Sahana proves to be far darker than your average shounen romance female lead. She doesn't fit the mold of a tsundere, kuudere, or any type of dere, which was incredibly refreshing. Although she's cute and upbeat at school, her darker side emerges when she's with Aiba. Speaking of Aiba, he too undergoes significant growth throughout the series, becoming stronger and more responsible while simultaneously devolving into a sexual deviant. It was fascinating to witness his transformation. Additionally, two side characters develop an intriguing relationship. All in all, the characters in Sundome are portrayed very realistically, despite the sexual tension. It's rare to find this level of psychological character development in an ecchi series, and this is definitely not Love Hina.
Enjoyment: 8
I thoroughly enjoyed Sundome, even as a female reader bombarded with tons of fanservice. This manga proves that a work centered on sexual themes can be dark, thought-provoking, and almost tragic. Although the middle sections may have dragged slightly, Sundome was overall an extremely enjoyable and emotional read.
Overall: 8
Sundome is a manga I would recommend to anyone not overly disturbed by sexual perversions. Readers need to be mature enough to handle certain themes, but as long as that's not an issue, Sundome is a fantastic read. There's something for ecchi lovers, but there's also plenty of character development and dark romance for fans of those genres.
Sundome undoubtedly left an impression on me, and it will surely do the same for you.
After reading the first volume (I've just finished the third), the first word that came to mind was - PAINFUL. Not because it was a bad read, but due to the strong feelings I had for the main character, Hideo. His relationship with Kurumi is utterly fascinating. Watching how he transformed from the person he was in the first volume to who he has become in just three volumes is truly entertaining. I constantly question why Kurumi acts the way she does towards Hideo. Is it because she likes him, or is it because she's a sadist? This uncertainty is what keeps me hooked, as I eagerly await how their relationship will unfold and develop.
The book actually made me laugh out loud, which is quite rare. The supporting characters are hilarious, yet it's also great to witness their development.
Is it perverted? Yes! Is it entertaining? Hell yes! Is it worth the read? If you can overlook the obvious fan service – although it's not as extreme as, say, Battle Vixens – then give this a shot. You'll either love it or hate it after just the first volume. If you're not comfortable with themes involving masturbation, then steer clear of this manga!
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