Bitter Virgin turns out to be an unexpectedly mature, beautiful, and dark tale with a peculiar and deceptive title. Initially, upon seeing the title of Bitter Virgin, I assumed it was just another run-of-the-mill Ecchi/Comedy featuring a girl with exaggeratedly large breasts, unappealingly hugging random men as their heads disappear into her chest—a classic trope, right? Naturally, with that assumption, I chose to overlook the series and wasn't even searching for new reads at the time, focusing instead on what I was already enjoying. I occasionally heard its name mentioned later, and eventually decided to take a closer look. To my surprise, neither ecchi nor comedy appeared in its genre list; rather, it was labeled as a dramatic romance story.
Despite this revelation, memories of NANA came to mind—how it portrayed the tumultuous lives of women (admittedly, individuals who frequently changed partners and fantasized about having sex with various people) and received acclaim (never a fan of such characters)—and I dismissed it once more. Today, however, I gave it a chance, and it began much like I had originally imagined: the protagonist Suwa as a womanizer, attractive women pursuing him, and similar elements, albeit presented in a serious manner. But everything shifts dramatically when Suwa relaxes in a church he spread rumors about being haunted, hiding when someone enters, believing it might be one of the girls he had just escaped from. Instead, he's shocked to find his classmate Hinako, whom he had previously tried to flirt with only to have her flee. He pretends to be a priest but receives a confession—an intense one indeed. Not just Suwa, but I too was taken aback by the gravity of the sudden plot twist and quickly grasped the direction of the story: a sorrowful romance centered on overcoming the past or something akin to that.
Bitter Virgin is a misleading masterpiece, offering a predominantly somber yet beautiful and hopeful narrative with a profound message.
Ordinarily, I would preserve the secret as just that, letting you discover it through the book itself rather than hearing it from me. However, since other reviews have already disclosed it, there seems no point in withholding it now. Hinako acquired a stepfather, and her mother appeared happier than ever; naturally, Hinako desired her mother’s happiness. Yet, on the first night her mother worked late, the stepfather grabbed and raped Hinako. Hinako cried uncontrollably upon seeing her mother the following day, but the stepfather swiftly intervened, leaving Hinako silent, wanting her mom to remain happy and fearing the consequences of speaking up. The stepfather continued his abuse, eventually impregnating her. After experiencing symptoms, she was taken to the doctor, where her mother learned of the pregnancy. Her mother grew furious, and when Hinako revealed it was her stepfather, she refused to believe her, forcing Hinako to undergo an abortion and not informing the stepfather to avoid tarnishing his perception of her. The abuse persisted, and Hinako became pregnant again, this time covered in bruises, making it impossible to deny the truth. Her mother made the stepfather leave, but Hinako was left scarred for life, terrified of men. You can likely deduce the rest of the story from here, watching as Hinako and Suwa grow closer, with Hinako gradually accepting him. It's a brilliant narrative, especially if you're interested in the more serious aspects of romance.
The artwork is commendable, blending Seinen and Shojo styles effectively. I recall moments with flowers blooming behind smiling or blushing characters, though the story remains intensely mature, occasionally delving into darker themes reflected in the illustrations. While nothing extraordinary, everything is skillfully drawn, neither enhancing nor detracting from the series, with all characters looking quite good.
The characters are well-developed, and despite the dark storyline, they incorporate some humor as well. Suwa cautiously approaches Hinako despite his feelings for her, always vigilant in protecting her from other men while attempting to help heal her fears, never revealing to her that he knows her secret. Hinako, for her part, remains relatively cheerful, particularly around Suwa. Naturally, mentions of babies or proximity to males terrify her or make her melancholic, which is entirely understandable. These two are the primary characters, with recurring supporting characters as well. For instance, Suwa's mother desires him to impregnate a local underage teen and settle down as the keeper of her shop. Additional characters are introduced over time, each well-crafted, contributing both comedic elements and significant dramatic ties to the story.
In conclusion, Bitter Virgin is an exceptional read despite its brevity, maintaining focus on the core narrative without any unrelated side stories and effectively developing the characters within that short span, allowing us to witness Hinako gradually overcome her past, with substantial support. Ultimately, don't let the title deter you; Bitter Virgin is an outstanding read for anyone who appreciates the dramatic and mature facets of romance and is highly recommended to fans of either genre.
Introduction
This manga falls under the romance, drama, and seinen genres (with a touch of comedy). This is my first review here, so yoroshiku onegaishimasu!
Story - 8
The story revolves around the male protagonist, Suwa Daisuke, who initially doesn't consider the female lead, Aikawa Hinako, his type due to her extreme shyness and reserved nature. However, Daisuke uncovers a dark, sad, and repulsive secret about Hinako that has caused her immense fear of men. This revelation leads him to pity her and change his perception of her. He comes to understand why she acted the way she did all along and decides to protect her while gradually falling in love with her more and more.
The plot isn't overly original and is somewhat simple, but since the manga is short, the creator executed it well. Daisuke is extremely cautious not to scare Hinako away, as mentioned earlier. Over time, Hinako also begins to develop feelings for Daisuke, but he hesitates to get too close, knowing her fear of men and being aware that he's a man himself. This dynamic continues until tensions between the characters escalate, secrets are uncovered, and matters come to a head.
Art - 6
The art style of this manga reminds me of a mix between shounen and shoujo. I thought it was decent. The female lead didn't appear particularly attractive at first, but she seemed cuter later on, which I believe reflects the artist's growth in portraying her. One downside is that the artist seems to reuse certain drawings frequently, especially with the main character, Hinako, appearing in similar poses repeatedly.
NOTE: I'm not objective when it comes to art. Manga with extreme shoujo art styles, such as NANA, would receive low ratings from me, even if many people find it beautiful. So feel free to disregard my opinions on this aspect.
Characters - 8
As a short four-volume manga, there aren't too many characters, so I'll focus on the more significant ones. There are two characters worth highlighting because of their compelling personalities: Daisuke and his sister, Suwa Izumi. I'll discuss them briefly before moving on to the others.
What makes Daisuke remarkable is his sincerity when he admits his love for Hinako. He's always concerned about scaring her off, which adds a cute dimension to his character. Although he lacks the courage to end things with his "girlfriend" (a flaw), he remains a genuinely good person.
Then there's his sister, Izumi, who exhibits a tough yet caring personality with an unconventional way of thinking. Despite her quirks, she's cool, and her inclusion in the manga was a great decision. She has her own subplot involving pregnancy, but I won't spoil anything.
Now for the other characters:
Hinako was somewhat monotone and predictable but served her purpose well within the plot.
The antagonist-like character, Ibuse Kazuki, is despicable and causes chaos, but thankfully, the creator didn't take things too far. You'll see.
There's also Daisuke's childhood friend, Yamamoto Yuzu, who is likable until the middle, but she makes a foolish move near the end.
Enjoyment - 10
Reading this manga was an extraordinary experience for me.
+ The romance was incredibly sweet, and the characters' thoughts were well-expressed.
+ The drama was executed effectively.
+ Daisuke, whose perspective dominates the story, is a reliable and admirable protagonist.
+ The plot contains engaging twists.
+ The story handles its conflicts responsibly without going overboard.
+ It was thrilling throughout.
+ The comedic elements complemented the narrative without detracting from it.
Ending - 9
Since spoiler tags are no longer available in reviews, I can only say that I was thoroughly satisfied with the ending. It incorporates some mature themes.
Overall - 10
For me, Overall = [Enjoyment + Ending] / 2 rounded up. The other categories merely serve as incentives to keep reading. I haven't encountered an anime or manga that earned a 10 from me in a long time. This was an exceptional romance drama where the creator avoided major pitfalls throughout the series and the conclusion. It left a significant impact on me as a romance enthusiast. I highly recommend this manga to fans of romance dramas, but for those who aren't big fans of the genre, I don't suggest it. Additionally, some readers might find the girl's dark secret unsettling, which could affect their enjoyment.
Bitter Virgin is a remarkably crafted masterpiece. It intricately depicts the struggles of a shattered girl with a genuinely realistic and captivating plot.
This story deserves a solid 10. I thoroughly appreciated the complexity of the relationships in this manga. It addresses and explores a frequently taboo subject with elegance and due respect. Issues like rape and teenage pregnancy are often overlooked in many books, but this manga not only tackles these topics but also delves into their aftermath effectively. Despite being only four volumes long, the story unfolds at an appropriate pace, and the character relationships evolve naturally.
Art - 7: The artwork is serviceable but lacks brilliance. While it conveys the necessary elements, it falls short in detailing movement. Additionally, characters tend to remain in similar poses frequently. Although the art isn't exceptional, it doesn't detract from the narrative.
Characters - 8: The main characters are superbly developed and multi-dimensional. Aikawa is depicted as a fragile, scarred, and broken individual, and witnessing her growth throughout the story is remarkable. Suwa's transformation, though less dramatic, sees him confronting life's harsh realities and becoming more empathetic. I rated the characters an 8 because some supporting characters feel slightly contrived. For instance, his sister comes across as overly cheerful and indifferent to her circumstances.
Enjoyment - 10: This manga was profoundly moving, evoking genuine empathy for its characters. It was an emotional journey, and I cherished every moment of it.
Overall - 9: This is a stunning and poignant work that lingers in the mind with its intricate yet straightforward storyline. It captivates the reader and prompts reflection on the tough real-life decisions faced by the characters. In summary, it's an outstanding and deeply touching read.
This is an incredibly mature Manga, so do not let a child read it. I have a soft spot for a deep and carefully crafted storyline, and I discovered it in this series. It's an excellent story about an abused girl who believes she will never be able to love again after being mistreated by her stepfather, yet she falls in love with a boy. The boy, who reciprocates her feelings and is aware of her terrible secret, must figure out how to express his affection without pushing her away and without revealing that he knows about her painful past. This was a fantastic manga, very profound and emotional, and I absolutely loved it. That's all I really have to say.
Definitely one of the best mangas I've read. The story, the characters, and the maturity infused in these pages are simply amazing. The manga will evoke a sense of sadness, yet it makes you reflect on what true love really is. The ending might be a bit underwhelming compared to expectations, but upon reflection, there's no doubt they'll be together for life and will have the support of everyone around them. Those without hesitation.
This was a nice story with a very satisfying ending.
I've seen some complaints that people wanted more than just a kiss. However, I feel that if the story had gone further, it might have taken away from the fact that one of the characters has so much baggage. It wouldn't really make sense either. I was sure the ending would be a letdown, but I was pleasantly surprised when the story concluded in a way that felt just right.
The rest of the story is good, though it does have a few issues:
- Some events feel forced or too unlikely to be believable. For example, the situations involving one of the main character's sisters seem overly contrived.
- There are moments when you want the characters to say certain things, and it feels obvious. But the story doesn't go there. Like when the male protagonist hears people talking about the other main character—you kind of want him to get defensive.
- The story also includes an unnecessary character in the form of a "bitch." She's portrayed as psycho throughout, and her presence doesn't add anything meaningful to the narrative.
Overall, this was a very good story with some minor flaws.
Popular Reviews
Despite this revelation, memories of NANA came to mind—how it portrayed the tumultuous lives of women (admittedly, individuals who frequently changed partners and fantasized about having sex with various people) and received acclaim (never a fan of such characters)—and I dismissed it once more. Today, however, I gave it a chance, and it began much like I had originally imagined: the protagonist Suwa as a womanizer, attractive women pursuing him, and similar elements, albeit presented in a serious manner. But everything shifts dramatically when Suwa relaxes in a church he spread rumors about being haunted, hiding when someone enters, believing it might be one of the girls he had just escaped from. Instead, he's shocked to find his classmate Hinako, whom he had previously tried to flirt with only to have her flee. He pretends to be a priest but receives a confession—an intense one indeed. Not just Suwa, but I too was taken aback by the gravity of the sudden plot twist and quickly grasped the direction of the story: a sorrowful romance centered on overcoming the past or something akin to that.
Bitter Virgin is a misleading masterpiece, offering a predominantly somber yet beautiful and hopeful narrative with a profound message.
Ordinarily, I would preserve the secret as just that, letting you discover it through the book itself rather than hearing it from me. However, since other reviews have already disclosed it, there seems no point in withholding it now. Hinako acquired a stepfather, and her mother appeared happier than ever; naturally, Hinako desired her mother’s happiness. Yet, on the first night her mother worked late, the stepfather grabbed and raped Hinako. Hinako cried uncontrollably upon seeing her mother the following day, but the stepfather swiftly intervened, leaving Hinako silent, wanting her mom to remain happy and fearing the consequences of speaking up. The stepfather continued his abuse, eventually impregnating her. After experiencing symptoms, she was taken to the doctor, where her mother learned of the pregnancy. Her mother grew furious, and when Hinako revealed it was her stepfather, she refused to believe her, forcing Hinako to undergo an abortion and not informing the stepfather to avoid tarnishing his perception of her. The abuse persisted, and Hinako became pregnant again, this time covered in bruises, making it impossible to deny the truth. Her mother made the stepfather leave, but Hinako was left scarred for life, terrified of men. You can likely deduce the rest of the story from here, watching as Hinako and Suwa grow closer, with Hinako gradually accepting him. It's a brilliant narrative, especially if you're interested in the more serious aspects of romance.
The artwork is commendable, blending Seinen and Shojo styles effectively. I recall moments with flowers blooming behind smiling or blushing characters, though the story remains intensely mature, occasionally delving into darker themes reflected in the illustrations. While nothing extraordinary, everything is skillfully drawn, neither enhancing nor detracting from the series, with all characters looking quite good.
The characters are well-developed, and despite the dark storyline, they incorporate some humor as well. Suwa cautiously approaches Hinako despite his feelings for her, always vigilant in protecting her from other men while attempting to help heal her fears, never revealing to her that he knows her secret. Hinako, for her part, remains relatively cheerful, particularly around Suwa. Naturally, mentions of babies or proximity to males terrify her or make her melancholic, which is entirely understandable. These two are the primary characters, with recurring supporting characters as well. For instance, Suwa's mother desires him to impregnate a local underage teen and settle down as the keeper of her shop. Additional characters are introduced over time, each well-crafted, contributing both comedic elements and significant dramatic ties to the story.
In conclusion, Bitter Virgin is an exceptional read despite its brevity, maintaining focus on the core narrative without any unrelated side stories and effectively developing the characters within that short span, allowing us to witness Hinako gradually overcome her past, with substantial support. Ultimately, don't let the title deter you; Bitter Virgin is an outstanding read for anyone who appreciates the dramatic and mature facets of romance and is highly recommended to fans of either genre.
This manga falls under the romance, drama, and seinen genres (with a touch of comedy). This is my first review here, so yoroshiku onegaishimasu!
Story - 8
The story revolves around the male protagonist, Suwa Daisuke, who initially doesn't consider the female lead, Aikawa Hinako, his type due to her extreme shyness and reserved nature. However, Daisuke uncovers a dark, sad, and repulsive secret about Hinako that has caused her immense fear of men. This revelation leads him to pity her and change his perception of her. He comes to understand why she acted the way she did all along and decides to protect her while gradually falling in love with her more and more.
The plot isn't overly original and is somewhat simple, but since the manga is short, the creator executed it well. Daisuke is extremely cautious not to scare Hinako away, as mentioned earlier. Over time, Hinako also begins to develop feelings for Daisuke, but he hesitates to get too close, knowing her fear of men and being aware that he's a man himself. This dynamic continues until tensions between the characters escalate, secrets are uncovered, and matters come to a head.
Art - 6
The art style of this manga reminds me of a mix between shounen and shoujo. I thought it was decent. The female lead didn't appear particularly attractive at first, but she seemed cuter later on, which I believe reflects the artist's growth in portraying her. One downside is that the artist seems to reuse certain drawings frequently, especially with the main character, Hinako, appearing in similar poses repeatedly.
NOTE: I'm not objective when it comes to art. Manga with extreme shoujo art styles, such as NANA, would receive low ratings from me, even if many people find it beautiful. So feel free to disregard my opinions on this aspect.
Characters - 8
As a short four-volume manga, there aren't too many characters, so I'll focus on the more significant ones. There are two characters worth highlighting because of their compelling personalities: Daisuke and his sister, Suwa Izumi. I'll discuss them briefly before moving on to the others.
What makes Daisuke remarkable is his sincerity when he admits his love for Hinako. He's always concerned about scaring her off, which adds a cute dimension to his character. Although he lacks the courage to end things with his "girlfriend" (a flaw), he remains a genuinely good person.
Then there's his sister, Izumi, who exhibits a tough yet caring personality with an unconventional way of thinking. Despite her quirks, she's cool, and her inclusion in the manga was a great decision. She has her own subplot involving pregnancy, but I won't spoil anything.
Now for the other characters:
Hinako was somewhat monotone and predictable but served her purpose well within the plot.
The antagonist-like character, Ibuse Kazuki, is despicable and causes chaos, but thankfully, the creator didn't take things too far. You'll see.
There's also Daisuke's childhood friend, Yamamoto Yuzu, who is likable until the middle, but she makes a foolish move near the end.
Enjoyment - 10
Reading this manga was an extraordinary experience for me.
+ The romance was incredibly sweet, and the characters' thoughts were well-expressed.
+ The drama was executed effectively.
+ Daisuke, whose perspective dominates the story, is a reliable and admirable protagonist.
+ The plot contains engaging twists.
+ The story handles its conflicts responsibly without going overboard.
+ It was thrilling throughout.
+ The comedic elements complemented the narrative without detracting from it.
Ending - 9
Since spoiler tags are no longer available in reviews, I can only say that I was thoroughly satisfied with the ending. It incorporates some mature themes.
Overall - 10
For me, Overall = [Enjoyment + Ending] / 2 rounded up. The other categories merely serve as incentives to keep reading. I haven't encountered an anime or manga that earned a 10 from me in a long time. This was an exceptional romance drama where the creator avoided major pitfalls throughout the series and the conclusion. It left a significant impact on me as a romance enthusiast. I highly recommend this manga to fans of romance dramas, but for those who aren't big fans of the genre, I don't suggest it. Additionally, some readers might find the girl's dark secret unsettling, which could affect their enjoyment.
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This story deserves a solid 10. I thoroughly appreciated the complexity of the relationships in this manga. It addresses and explores a frequently taboo subject with elegance and due respect. Issues like rape and teenage pregnancy are often overlooked in many books, but this manga not only tackles these topics but also delves into their aftermath effectively. Despite being only four volumes long, the story unfolds at an appropriate pace, and the character relationships evolve naturally.
Art - 7: The artwork is serviceable but lacks brilliance. While it conveys the necessary elements, it falls short in detailing movement. Additionally, characters tend to remain in similar poses frequently. Although the art isn't exceptional, it doesn't detract from the narrative.
Characters - 8: The main characters are superbly developed and multi-dimensional. Aikawa is depicted as a fragile, scarred, and broken individual, and witnessing her growth throughout the story is remarkable. Suwa's transformation, though less dramatic, sees him confronting life's harsh realities and becoming more empathetic. I rated the characters an 8 because some supporting characters feel slightly contrived. For instance, his sister comes across as overly cheerful and indifferent to her circumstances.
Enjoyment - 10: This manga was profoundly moving, evoking genuine empathy for its characters. It was an emotional journey, and I cherished every moment of it.
Overall - 9: This is a stunning and poignant work that lingers in the mind with its intricate yet straightforward storyline. It captivates the reader and prompts reflection on the tough real-life decisions faced by the characters. In summary, it's an outstanding and deeply touching read.
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Sorry for the bad English.
I've seen some complaints that people wanted more than just a kiss. However, I feel that if the story had gone further, it might have taken away from the fact that one of the characters has so much baggage. It wouldn't really make sense either. I was sure the ending would be a letdown, but I was pleasantly surprised when the story concluded in a way that felt just right.
The rest of the story is good, though it does have a few issues:
- Some events feel forced or too unlikely to be believable. For example, the situations involving one of the main character's sisters seem overly contrived.
- There are moments when you want the characters to say certain things, and it feels obvious. But the story doesn't go there. Like when the male protagonist hears people talking about the other main character—you kind of want him to get defensive.
- The story also includes an unnecessary character in the form of a "bitch." She's portrayed as psycho throughout, and her presence doesn't add anything meaningful to the narrative.
Overall, this was a very good story with some minor flaws.