I absolutely loved "Kiss yori mo Hayaku" (Faster Than a Kiss), and it was one of the first mangas I read online (thanks to translations). The story revolves around Fumino, a 16-year-old girl who loses her parents and finds herself responsible for her younger brother, Teppei. One day, her English teacher, Ojiro Kazuma, proposes marriage, offering her and Teppei a stable home with no strings attached.
This sets the stage for a charmingly slow-paced love story as Fumino gradually develops feelings for Kazuma, and Kazuma begins to reciprocate. Their relationship is marked by mutual respect, which I found to be a refreshing element (even though I spent most of the manga wishing they'd just kiss already). Despite knowing he loves Fumino and wants her to stay his wife, Kazuma resolves not to kiss her until she's old enough to legally marry him.
In any case, "Kiss yori mo Hayaku" is a delightful and lighthearted tale. While it does have its share of serious moments and some angsty twists to keep things interesting, it's mostly an enjoyable read. It wasn't perfect, but overall, I'd rate this an 8/10 because it was engaging, beautifully illustrated, and featured fun, relatable characters.
<p>I absolutely adore this series. It's incredibly funny and highly entertaining, with characters who often possess dual personalities that alternate throughout the chapters, leaving you either laughing uncontrollably or cheering enthusiastically.<br />The protagonist female is naive yet captivating; though she might not grasp things initially, she ultimately does, preventing any prolonged annoyance. The male lead is exceptionally engaging! He's playful, protective, and deeply caring, with just the right amount of mischief (every woman's ideal!). Women of all ages won't regret indulging in this comedy.<br />It's quite refreshing to have a male lead who acknowledges his emotions and doesn't behave like an outright pervert. He's a gentleman with imperfections but boasts a personality that's surprisingly rare in the Shojo genre.</p>
Aww I really enjoyed this manga, I feel like it left an empty space in my heart when it ended, really memorable.
Well, the first thing that is very clear from the beginning of the manga is the enormous chemistry between Kazuma and Fumino. It's a shame that the manga doesn't clarify how they met or fell in love, but that didn't affect the connection I managed to build with them.
And, about the other characters, Teppei is simply the most precious manga character, I want to grab him and lock him in a box. And I feel kind of bad for Shouma, he's just a little boy who wants to be loved :(<
"Welcome home!", says a female high school student dressed in cosplay to her husband who is also her...teacher?
I'll admit, I didn't have such a great impression when I first read the summary and the beginning of the first chapter. A relationship between a teacher and a student isn't exactly the social norm. But hey, I was in the mood for indulging in a happy romance manga, and that's exactly what I got!
I gave the story a ranking of 8 mainly because the plot isn't something to be shocked or surprised about. If you're an avid reader of the romance genre like I am, everything was expected. Even so, this manga didn't fail to give me a sense of warmth in my heart, as I was able to really sympathize with the characters. As weird as it is to say, the actual contrast of a mature teacher and a young student was a strong point of the dialogue, interactions, and the whole story in general. If you're turned off by the whole "taboo" aspect of the relationship, then I will truthfully say that you will be missing out on a beautiful romance that definitely falls into the cliche, but is still ridiculously satisfying to read. But that's just me, a fanatic of the romance genre. (I'm all about those cliches haha)
The explanation behind the story ranking is basically the same as the character ranking. The characters kind of gave me the vibe of Usui and Ayuzawa from Kaichou wa Maid Sama. There wasn't anything unique, but I couldn't help but fall in love with their personalities. Considering how I'm a high school student myself, I was able to relate to those feelings of jealousy, selfishness, and overall internal turmoil haha.
Out of everything, I absolutely adored the art. It's exactly what you would expect from a quality shoujo manga. You know what I'm talking about. Sparkly circles/pentagons, intense blushes, sparkly tears, sparkly faces...SPARKLES EVERYWHERE!...man...I love shoujo manga art styles xD One thing I couldn't get over about the art, however, is the teacher's little transformation from an adult to the appearance of a...(because it's the first word that came to mind)...hot teenage boy. I won't say when it happens, but there are times when you will question his age just because of the art. But hey, gotta appeal to us fangirls somehow right?
9/10. I only give it this overall because again...it's one out of many romance/comedy anime/manga I've experienced. Unless something really stands out about it or something just clicks within me saying, "This is the one!", I won't give it a 10/10 haha. I liked reading this manga though. It wasn't spectacular, but it was a nice adventure.
I'm going to attempt to keep this review brief and spoiler-free.
STORY:
The plot unfolds as follows... The two main protagonists, Ojiro Kazuma and Kaji Fumino, are student and teacher at school, but in reality, they're married to each other. If their relationship is discovered, the teacher risks losing his job, so they must keep it a secret from everyone else.
While striving to conceal their relationship, they experience numerous events that heighten their romance and strengthen their bond with one another. Throughout these interactions, there's comedy and elements of school life sprinkled in. Although the manga doesn't fully succeed in presenting the story realistically, the concept it explores is quite enjoyable.
ART:
As for the art... I'll refrain from critiquing it too harshly since I haven't read many mangas. However, there were some scenes where, no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't fully grasp them.
CHARACTER:
This manga showcases an impressive development of its main characters, though in doing so, the supporting characters are somewhat neglected. Personally, it didn't bother me much since I wasn't particularly interested in the other characters, so I'd rate the character aspect an 8.
ENJOYMENT:
I truly adored this manga. It was filled with romance, which was all I needed. The developments weren't drastic; they were easy to follow and comprehend for the most part. After reaching a certain point, this manga started feeling like an anime in my mind. The characters' efforts to stay connected with each other were genuinely romantic and adorable. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this manga.
OVERALL:
I wasn't really into reading manga before, but after experiencing this one, I think I'll give more manga a try. I highly recommend this manga to you if it aligns with your preferences!
After reading this manga, I found myself deliberating on the rating it deserves. Initially, when I was midway through the story, I had decided to give it a 7-star rating. However, the ending blew me away! I absolutely adored it. It was nothing like I had anticipated, and that was such a relief. After the scene with Sensei's father, I thought the story would become clichéd, but wow! The ending took an unexpected turn. It's a perfect Happily Ever After (HEA), and as someone who loves those, I couldn't be happier. I'm genuinely thrilled with how everything unfolded. I even shed a tear, which shows just how much I felt connected to the story and the emotions of Sensei and Fumino at that moment.
Kisu Yori mo Hayaku, or Faster Than a Kiss in English, revolves around Fumino, a high school student who, tired of moving from one relative to another, decides to run away with her younger brother, Teppei. While in the park, her teacher approaches them and asks what she's doing. Annoyed, she demands that he marry her so he can take care of her and her brother. In the heat of their confrontation, Sensei agrees, marking the start of their "secret" married life.
Unlike book reviews, I don't mind sharing spoilers when reviewing a manga, so get ready! What made me emotional? It was the part where Fumino walks down the aisle toward Sensei. That scene was incredibly heartwarming. No words were spoken; it was just the two of them gazing lovingly at each other. If this manga were adapted into an anime, I'd undoubtedly watch that scene repeatedly. It's rewarding to see them overcome all they've been through—the happy moments and hardships—and finally get truly married. And speaking of beautiful moments, their first kiss was breathtaking. This might make me reconsider my feelings about rain, but you'll have to discover why for yourself. *wink*
The concept of a student falling in love with her teacher isn't new to me. I've read and watched similar stories before, so I was eager to see how the author would put a unique spin on it and keep me engaged until the end. And boy, did I enjoy this one!
Some might find the age difference unsettling, but come on, the professor is only 24 years old, so it's fine. Plus, with his handsome face, I wouldn't hesitate. He looks hot both with and without glasses, though I prefer him with glasses. Why? Well, he's so dang attractive without them that it might cause trouble with other women, and I could get jealous! Haha.
I always enjoy high school romances, so it wasn't surprising that I liked this one. Faster Than a Kiss wasn't initially on my radar until I stumbled upon it. With only 12 volumes and already completed, I checked out the synopsis. I liked the premise, and the characters looked great together, so why not? It was the shortest on my manga To-Be-Read list, so I decided to start with it. Usually, I read the manga after watching the anime, but since there was no anime adaptation, I figured I'd dive right in.
I must say, Faster Than a Kiss isn't your typical student-falling-for-their-teacher story. It's more than just romance. Despite being only 12 volumes, it has numerous chapters. I thought I knew what would happen next or how it would end, but the author added unexpected scenes that kept me surprised. The story also delves into friendship, family relationships, especially sibling bonds, and even features not just a love triangle but perhaps five. Oh, and Fumino is somewhat like Rapunzel due to her long hair, adding a humorous touch.
I was torn between giving it a 3.5 or 4-star rating because some chapters were confusing. I'm not just referring to the artwork but also the English translation. However, I realized I should be grateful. Without these amazing translators working hard, often without compensation, I wouldn't have been able to read this story. So, the only issue for me was the artwork. It's not bad, but there were a few scenes that were unclear, making me spend extra time examining the pages to understand them. But overall, most chapters were fantastic. Speaking of great, you can check out my favorite scenes from this manga here. *wink*
The conflicts in this story are plenty, but I'm glad the author didn't include annoying ones. Well, unless you count the part about Sensei's father, which was quite irritating, but it didn't drag on too long since we got to see Fumino and Sensei's wedding soon enough. Even without the wedding, with cute Teppei around, they already look like a charming family. And let's not forget how adorable Fumino and Teppei are when they cosplay to welcome Sensei every time he comes home.
While there aren't many annoying conflicts, there is one character I wanted to strangle. Who is that? None other than Sensei's younger brother, Shouma. Ugh, he's such a pain. He's hot and cold and falls squarely into the category of class A jerks. I understand his feelings for Fumino, but his actions of trying to come between Sensei and Fumino were extremely frustrating and irritating to read. Luckily, Sensei handled it maturely, though not always perfectly.
Fumino's character is introduced as a tough girl who beats up guys bullying her classmates, but once living with Sensei, she seems to lose some of that edge, frequently finding herself in situations where Sensei has to rescue her. Don't get me wrong; I like her character, but the damsel-in-distress trope was overused. On the flip side, her devotion to her younger brother is admirable. I adore how she'd do anything for him, which really touched my heart. And of course, I appreciate her kindness, even to those who don't deserve it, her coolness, courage, and determination. This girl is truly something special. Moreover, I love how she fights fiercely for Sensei. She knows what she wants and goes after it, which is the kind of heroine attitude I admire.
Sensei, on the other hand, is definitely prince charming material. He's nice, good-looking, and possesses all the qualities one could desire in a partner. His perfection makes his character somewhat unrealistic. Yet, despite his flawless exterior, his troubled past adds depth, making him relatable. What he's been through and how he overcame it makes me proud of him. I'm glad he became the person he is today and found the woman who loves him and brings him happiness.
There are still unresolved issues regarding his father and their relationship from the past that weren't fully explained, but the moment he bought Fumino's wedding dress was touching enough to compensate for that.
Most of the manga's perspectives are taken from the main characters or a third party, but this one is primarily from Fumino's point of view, except for a few parts like Shouma's struggle with his feelings for Fumino. It was great to have a chapter solely from Sensei's perspective, even if brief, especially when he expresses his feelings for Fumino.
Both main characters confess their feelings early in the volumes, so I expected the rest to be predictable, but the twists and turns caught me off guard.
This is the third shojo manga I've read, though not my first shojo anime, so I have plenty to compare it to, but so far, I found this one enjoyable. It didn't just make me fall in love but also made me laugh heartily.
And almost forgot—aside from the romance and comedy, I must mention Fumino's younger brother, Teppei. He's one of the cutest characters I've encountered!
If you're into Young Adult (YA) stories and fantasizing about a hot teacher, then Faster Than a Kiss is definitely worth checking out.
Forbidden relationships always make for intriguing reads. Whether it's incest, yaoi/yuri (if you even consider those "forbidden"), or teacher/student dynamics, the appeal often hinges on how realistically these relationships are portrayed, given their societal stigma. "Faster than a Kiss" explores a forbidden love scenario and delivers... an adequate portrayal of its unfolding drama.
The narrative is straightforward. Our protagonist, Fumino, tires of constantly relocating with her younger brother, Teppei, following their parents' death. Determined to stabilize their lives, she opts to drop out of school to support them both and secure a permanent home. Her English teacher, Kazuma, becomes the sole person seeking her out, eventually proposing a marriage of convenience to provide for Fumino and Teppei, inviting them into his apartment. The story chronicles their efforts to conceal Fumino and Teppei's presence while navigating their growing romantic feelings amidst familial and external pressures.
A key challenge lies in the questionable realism of character actions. Their decisions may not align with what one might expect in certain situations, yet this invites introspection about personal choices under similar circumstances. The plot follows a conventional trajectory, featuring numerous arcs where Fumino (and occasionally Teppei) requires rescue by Kazuma. These arcs are brief, contributing modestly to the overarching storyline. Additionally, side characters and their conflicts with Fumino and Kazuma are explored, enriching the narrative through backstory revelations.
While the story isn't groundbreaking, it surpasses typical shoujo manga expectations. It allows readers time to connect with the characters before delving into their backstories. Though episodic, the chapters cohesively advance the developing student/teacher relationship. Comedy and fluff elements are well-integrated without excess, culminating in a cheesy but satisfying conclusion. Despite lacking realism and consistency, the tale remains above average.
The artwork excels, avoiding over-the-top shoujo eyes for female characters, a refreshing change. High-quality character designs and backgrounds enhance the school setting. Fluff scenes particularly shine, though more consistent application of the mangaka's talent would be welcome. Nevertheless, all visual aspects remain commendable.
Characters aren't exceptionally unique. Fumino, a "delinquent" prone to fighting for justice, evolves into a more responsible individual. Kazuma, an "average" English teacher with a troubled past, and Shouma, the competitive sibling, exhibit initial defining traits. Development focuses primarily on the romance, somewhat neglecting character growth. Greater evolution in Fumino's arc would have been beneficial, yet the romance unfolds convincingly.
Romance enthusiasts will likely appreciate this manga. Personally drawn to its fluff moments, I found them rewarding. The story is accessible, maintaining a balance between romance and deeper content, making it an enjoyable read.
In summary, "Faster than a Kiss" transcends standard shoujo tropes to craft a compelling romance. Though not original or deeply developed, these shortcomings are easily overlooked when savoring the manga's offerings. While not a masterpiece, it stands as a memorable piece likely to satisfy any shoujo aficionado.
When I was just starting to read manga, I came across this one. Initially, I thought, "Nah, not another teacher-student romance nonsense!" (=___=)
I mean, those kinds of relationships don't really happen so easily in real life, do they?
But I was intrigued because the Female Protagonist's Brother caught my attention, so I decided to give it a try. I had nothing else to do anyway. At first, it seemed like your typical macho shoujo romance with the cool guy in glasses, rivalries, and all that stuff...
I thought I was over these kinds of stories after watching anime series.
However, as I started reading, there was a certain charm that hooked me and made me want to read more. The innocent moments and straightforward gags brightened my day and encouraged me to keep going. The deeper I got into the story, the more my emotions were set free.
It turned into such a positive manga experience. I genuinely hoped they would adapt it into an anime, but I knew it might be challenging due to its teacher-student theme.
This manga brought tears to my eyes, and I could hear voices in my head, imagine original soundtracks playing, and even visualize my own anime opening and ending songs. For a moment, I thought I might be losing my mind, but no, it was simply the magic of positivity and love woven into the story. It truly inspired me when the teacher made the decision to wait until she graduates before kissing her. And then, the time finally arrived...
THE LONG-AWAITED MOMENT
The sense of fulfillment is undeniable in this manga. Before you know it, you'll crave more and more of it...
Nevertheless, it was an incredible read and remains one of my favorite romance anime to this day!
I honestly can't recall why I thought this would be an enjoyable read. Perhaps someone recommended it to me. Regardless, I deeply regret reading "Faster than a Kiss." Not only was it highly implausible, but I also found it downright disgusting.
Assuming you've already read the synopsis, let me highlight the positive aspects—there are indeed plenty of surprises and twists in the story. The manga features some creative cosplay ideas scattered throughout. I genuinely appreciated the characters on an individual level. Despite the underlying perversion, I liked Sensei Ma-kun and found his backstory compelling. The author did an admirable job crafting a world for the characters. There were moments in the manga that weren't pervy at all but instead sweet, caring, considerate, and touching family moments.
On the other hand, what I detested is as mentioned earlier—I don’t know why I thought I'd enjoy a teacher-student romance manga; I generally find them repulsive. However, once I start a manga, I feel compelled to finish it (yes, it’s a flaw). The reasons behind the sensei taking in the girl and her brother were noble. The idea of a secret marriage, though, made no sense—he could have adopted them. Having a young girl (even more immature than her years) proved challenging for the sensei, leading to complications. Throughout the manga, the sensei would go to great lengths to rescue his student, which was absurd given that the heroine was initially portrayed as strong, wanting to care for her brother independently. This dynamic reduced a potentially strong heroine to just another typical shoujo character.
Overall, the manga was mediocre at best, and I could have done without the progressively pervy characteristics of the sensei referring to his young student as a wife and making "future" plans with her. But without those elements, what would the story even be? Maybe this read is better suited for a younger audience, but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone except pre-teens (who shouldn't be reading this) who have a crush on their teachers (which they shouldn't).
P.S. The ending is rushed and unsatisfying.
P.P.S. Apologies for overusing the term "pervy."
Overall, so far I think this manga has excellent potential to evolve into something truly great. It revolves around a 'forbidden student-teacher relationship,' and initially, the way the two characters ended up in that situation felt a bit odd to me.
I enjoy this manga (so far) because it strikes a perfect balance between drama, tons of comedy, and heartwarming fluffy moments. Tanaka-sensei skillfully reveals bits and pieces of each character gradually, making the story engaging with those adorable and sometimes hilariously stupid/cute moments — the kind that would make you laugh out loud if they happened in real life.
In the serious or dramatic scenes, the artwork becomes more detailed, enhancing the beauty of the moment. However, these parts can occasionally feel a little rough around the edges or slightly dull for my taste. On the other hand, the artwork during the funny parts perfectly complements the humor, adding an extra layer of enjoyment.
Definitely give this story a try — the beginning might seem a bit unusual, but the chemistry between the couple will leave you eagerly anticipating the next chapter!
It's a fantastic source of laughter when you need it, along with plenty of fluff to give you that much-needed dose of happiness and giddiness.
I awarded a high rating to this manga because it exudes that classic manga vibe. It avoids overt promiscuity, features compelling backstories, well-developed characters, engaging dialogue, impeccable comedic timing and artwork, and delivers a powerful message. Typically, I'm not a fan of teacher-student romances, but this one stands out due to Ojiro Kazuma's remarkable patience and warmth. He deeply respects women, which sets him apart. Unfortunately, the manga lacks an in-depth explanation for why Kazuma is so eager to assist Kaji Fumino and her brother, Teppei, beyond his role as her homeroom teacher.
Fumino endured a tragic past; both her parents passed away when she was 15, she was disowned by her grandfather, and subsequently moved through multiple foster homes. Despite these hardships, she's a resilient girl who fearlessly confronts school bullies and even local gangsters.
On the other hand, Kazuma was once a delinquent who severed ties with his influential family. Following his mother's death, he was primarily raised by handlers and had limited contact with his father. Later, he learned that his father intended to remarry and already had a son with his new wife. Feeling alienated, he embraced a life of delinquency in school but eventually reformed.
Popular Reviews
Storyline, art, characters, and overall enjoyment are all 10+ outstanding.
Overall, I thought it was incredible!
I can't wait to re-read it again—it kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
This sets the stage for a charmingly slow-paced love story as Fumino gradually develops feelings for Kazuma, and Kazuma begins to reciprocate. Their relationship is marked by mutual respect, which I found to be a refreshing element (even though I spent most of the manga wishing they'd just kiss already). Despite knowing he loves Fumino and wants her to stay his wife, Kazuma resolves not to kiss her until she's old enough to legally marry him.
In any case, "Kiss yori mo Hayaku" is a delightful and lighthearted tale. While it does have its share of serious moments and some angsty twists to keep things interesting, it's mostly an enjoyable read. It wasn't perfect, but overall, I'd rate this an 8/10 because it was engaging, beautifully illustrated, and featured fun, relatable characters.
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Well, the first thing that is very clear from the beginning of the manga is the enormous chemistry between Kazuma and Fumino. It's a shame that the manga doesn't clarify how they met or fell in love, but that didn't affect the connection I managed to build with them.
And, about the other characters, Teppei is simply the most precious manga character, I want to grab him and lock him in a box. And I feel kind of bad for Shouma, he's just a little boy who wants to be loved :(<
~ Nine <3
I'll admit, I didn't have such a great impression when I first read the summary and the beginning of the first chapter. A relationship between a teacher and a student isn't exactly the social norm. But hey, I was in the mood for indulging in a happy romance manga, and that's exactly what I got!
I gave the story a ranking of 8 mainly because the plot isn't something to be shocked or surprised about. If you're an avid reader of the romance genre like I am, everything was expected. Even so, this manga didn't fail to give me a sense of warmth in my heart, as I was able to really sympathize with the characters. As weird as it is to say, the actual contrast of a mature teacher and a young student was a strong point of the dialogue, interactions, and the whole story in general. If you're turned off by the whole "taboo" aspect of the relationship, then I will truthfully say that you will be missing out on a beautiful romance that definitely falls into the cliche, but is still ridiculously satisfying to read. But that's just me, a fanatic of the romance genre. (I'm all about those cliches haha)
The explanation behind the story ranking is basically the same as the character ranking. The characters kind of gave me the vibe of Usui and Ayuzawa from Kaichou wa Maid Sama. There wasn't anything unique, but I couldn't help but fall in love with their personalities. Considering how I'm a high school student myself, I was able to relate to those feelings of jealousy, selfishness, and overall internal turmoil haha.
Out of everything, I absolutely adored the art. It's exactly what you would expect from a quality shoujo manga. You know what I'm talking about. Sparkly circles/pentagons, intense blushes, sparkly tears, sparkly faces...SPARKLES EVERYWHERE!...man...I love shoujo manga art styles xD One thing I couldn't get over about the art, however, is the teacher's little transformation from an adult to the appearance of a...(because it's the first word that came to mind)...hot teenage boy. I won't say when it happens, but there are times when you will question his age just because of the art. But hey, gotta appeal to us fangirls somehow right?
9/10. I only give it this overall because again...it's one out of many romance/comedy anime/manga I've experienced. Unless something really stands out about it or something just clicks within me saying, "This is the one!", I won't give it a 10/10 haha. I liked reading this manga though. It wasn't spectacular, but it was a nice adventure.
STORY:
The plot unfolds as follows... The two main protagonists, Ojiro Kazuma and Kaji Fumino, are student and teacher at school, but in reality, they're married to each other. If their relationship is discovered, the teacher risks losing his job, so they must keep it a secret from everyone else.
While striving to conceal their relationship, they experience numerous events that heighten their romance and strengthen their bond with one another. Throughout these interactions, there's comedy and elements of school life sprinkled in. Although the manga doesn't fully succeed in presenting the story realistically, the concept it explores is quite enjoyable.
ART:
As for the art... I'll refrain from critiquing it too harshly since I haven't read many mangas. However, there were some scenes where, no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't fully grasp them.
CHARACTER:
This manga showcases an impressive development of its main characters, though in doing so, the supporting characters are somewhat neglected. Personally, it didn't bother me much since I wasn't particularly interested in the other characters, so I'd rate the character aspect an 8.
ENJOYMENT:
I truly adored this manga. It was filled with romance, which was all I needed. The developments weren't drastic; they were easy to follow and comprehend for the most part. After reaching a certain point, this manga started feeling like an anime in my mind. The characters' efforts to stay connected with each other were genuinely romantic and adorable. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this manga.
OVERALL:
I wasn't really into reading manga before, but after experiencing this one, I think I'll give more manga a try. I highly recommend this manga to you if it aligns with your preferences!
Kisu Yori mo Hayaku, or Faster Than a Kiss in English, revolves around Fumino, a high school student who, tired of moving from one relative to another, decides to run away with her younger brother, Teppei. While in the park, her teacher approaches them and asks what she's doing. Annoyed, she demands that he marry her so he can take care of her and her brother. In the heat of their confrontation, Sensei agrees, marking the start of their "secret" married life.
Unlike book reviews, I don't mind sharing spoilers when reviewing a manga, so get ready! What made me emotional? It was the part where Fumino walks down the aisle toward Sensei. That scene was incredibly heartwarming. No words were spoken; it was just the two of them gazing lovingly at each other. If this manga were adapted into an anime, I'd undoubtedly watch that scene repeatedly. It's rewarding to see them overcome all they've been through—the happy moments and hardships—and finally get truly married. And speaking of beautiful moments, their first kiss was breathtaking. This might make me reconsider my feelings about rain, but you'll have to discover why for yourself. *wink*
The concept of a student falling in love with her teacher isn't new to me. I've read and watched similar stories before, so I was eager to see how the author would put a unique spin on it and keep me engaged until the end. And boy, did I enjoy this one!
Some might find the age difference unsettling, but come on, the professor is only 24 years old, so it's fine. Plus, with his handsome face, I wouldn't hesitate. He looks hot both with and without glasses, though I prefer him with glasses. Why? Well, he's so dang attractive without them that it might cause trouble with other women, and I could get jealous! Haha.
I always enjoy high school romances, so it wasn't surprising that I liked this one. Faster Than a Kiss wasn't initially on my radar until I stumbled upon it. With only 12 volumes and already completed, I checked out the synopsis. I liked the premise, and the characters looked great together, so why not? It was the shortest on my manga To-Be-Read list, so I decided to start with it. Usually, I read the manga after watching the anime, but since there was no anime adaptation, I figured I'd dive right in.
I must say, Faster Than a Kiss isn't your typical student-falling-for-their-teacher story. It's more than just romance. Despite being only 12 volumes, it has numerous chapters. I thought I knew what would happen next or how it would end, but the author added unexpected scenes that kept me surprised. The story also delves into friendship, family relationships, especially sibling bonds, and even features not just a love triangle but perhaps five. Oh, and Fumino is somewhat like Rapunzel due to her long hair, adding a humorous touch.
I was torn between giving it a 3.5 or 4-star rating because some chapters were confusing. I'm not just referring to the artwork but also the English translation. However, I realized I should be grateful. Without these amazing translators working hard, often without compensation, I wouldn't have been able to read this story. So, the only issue for me was the artwork. It's not bad, but there were a few scenes that were unclear, making me spend extra time examining the pages to understand them. But overall, most chapters were fantastic. Speaking of great, you can check out my favorite scenes from this manga here. *wink*
The conflicts in this story are plenty, but I'm glad the author didn't include annoying ones. Well, unless you count the part about Sensei's father, which was quite irritating, but it didn't drag on too long since we got to see Fumino and Sensei's wedding soon enough. Even without the wedding, with cute Teppei around, they already look like a charming family. And let's not forget how adorable Fumino and Teppei are when they cosplay to welcome Sensei every time he comes home.
While there aren't many annoying conflicts, there is one character I wanted to strangle. Who is that? None other than Sensei's younger brother, Shouma. Ugh, he's such a pain. He's hot and cold and falls squarely into the category of class A jerks. I understand his feelings for Fumino, but his actions of trying to come between Sensei and Fumino were extremely frustrating and irritating to read. Luckily, Sensei handled it maturely, though not always perfectly.
Fumino's character is introduced as a tough girl who beats up guys bullying her classmates, but once living with Sensei, she seems to lose some of that edge, frequently finding herself in situations where Sensei has to rescue her. Don't get me wrong; I like her character, but the damsel-in-distress trope was overused. On the flip side, her devotion to her younger brother is admirable. I adore how she'd do anything for him, which really touched my heart. And of course, I appreciate her kindness, even to those who don't deserve it, her coolness, courage, and determination. This girl is truly something special. Moreover, I love how she fights fiercely for Sensei. She knows what she wants and goes after it, which is the kind of heroine attitude I admire.
Sensei, on the other hand, is definitely prince charming material. He's nice, good-looking, and possesses all the qualities one could desire in a partner. His perfection makes his character somewhat unrealistic. Yet, despite his flawless exterior, his troubled past adds depth, making him relatable. What he's been through and how he overcame it makes me proud of him. I'm glad he became the person he is today and found the woman who loves him and brings him happiness.
There are still unresolved issues regarding his father and their relationship from the past that weren't fully explained, but the moment he bought Fumino's wedding dress was touching enough to compensate for that.
Most of the manga's perspectives are taken from the main characters or a third party, but this one is primarily from Fumino's point of view, except for a few parts like Shouma's struggle with his feelings for Fumino. It was great to have a chapter solely from Sensei's perspective, even if brief, especially when he expresses his feelings for Fumino.
Both main characters confess their feelings early in the volumes, so I expected the rest to be predictable, but the twists and turns caught me off guard.
This is the third shojo manga I've read, though not my first shojo anime, so I have plenty to compare it to, but so far, I found this one enjoyable. It didn't just make me fall in love but also made me laugh heartily.
And almost forgot—aside from the romance and comedy, I must mention Fumino's younger brother, Teppei. He's one of the cutest characters I've encountered!
If you're into Young Adult (YA) stories and fantasizing about a hot teacher, then Faster Than a Kiss is definitely worth checking out.
The narrative is straightforward. Our protagonist, Fumino, tires of constantly relocating with her younger brother, Teppei, following their parents' death. Determined to stabilize their lives, she opts to drop out of school to support them both and secure a permanent home. Her English teacher, Kazuma, becomes the sole person seeking her out, eventually proposing a marriage of convenience to provide for Fumino and Teppei, inviting them into his apartment. The story chronicles their efforts to conceal Fumino and Teppei's presence while navigating their growing romantic feelings amidst familial and external pressures.
A key challenge lies in the questionable realism of character actions. Their decisions may not align with what one might expect in certain situations, yet this invites introspection about personal choices under similar circumstances. The plot follows a conventional trajectory, featuring numerous arcs where Fumino (and occasionally Teppei) requires rescue by Kazuma. These arcs are brief, contributing modestly to the overarching storyline. Additionally, side characters and their conflicts with Fumino and Kazuma are explored, enriching the narrative through backstory revelations.
While the story isn't groundbreaking, it surpasses typical shoujo manga expectations. It allows readers time to connect with the characters before delving into their backstories. Though episodic, the chapters cohesively advance the developing student/teacher relationship. Comedy and fluff elements are well-integrated without excess, culminating in a cheesy but satisfying conclusion. Despite lacking realism and consistency, the tale remains above average.
The artwork excels, avoiding over-the-top shoujo eyes for female characters, a refreshing change. High-quality character designs and backgrounds enhance the school setting. Fluff scenes particularly shine, though more consistent application of the mangaka's talent would be welcome. Nevertheless, all visual aspects remain commendable.
Characters aren't exceptionally unique. Fumino, a "delinquent" prone to fighting for justice, evolves into a more responsible individual. Kazuma, an "average" English teacher with a troubled past, and Shouma, the competitive sibling, exhibit initial defining traits. Development focuses primarily on the romance, somewhat neglecting character growth. Greater evolution in Fumino's arc would have been beneficial, yet the romance unfolds convincingly.
Romance enthusiasts will likely appreciate this manga. Personally drawn to its fluff moments, I found them rewarding. The story is accessible, maintaining a balance between romance and deeper content, making it an enjoyable read.
In summary, "Faster than a Kiss" transcends standard shoujo tropes to craft a compelling romance. Though not original or deeply developed, these shortcomings are easily overlooked when savoring the manga's offerings. While not a masterpiece, it stands as a memorable piece likely to satisfy any shoujo aficionado.
I mean, those kinds of relationships don't really happen so easily in real life, do they?
But I was intrigued because the Female Protagonist's Brother caught my attention, so I decided to give it a try. I had nothing else to do anyway. At first, it seemed like your typical macho shoujo romance with the cool guy in glasses, rivalries, and all that stuff...
I thought I was over these kinds of stories after watching anime series.
However, as I started reading, there was a certain charm that hooked me and made me want to read more. The innocent moments and straightforward gags brightened my day and encouraged me to keep going. The deeper I got into the story, the more my emotions were set free.
It turned into such a positive manga experience. I genuinely hoped they would adapt it into an anime, but I knew it might be challenging due to its teacher-student theme.
This manga brought tears to my eyes, and I could hear voices in my head, imagine original soundtracks playing, and even visualize my own anime opening and ending songs. For a moment, I thought I might be losing my mind, but no, it was simply the magic of positivity and love woven into the story. It truly inspired me when the teacher made the decision to wait until she graduates before kissing her. And then, the time finally arrived...
THE LONG-AWAITED MOMENT
The sense of fulfillment is undeniable in this manga. Before you know it, you'll crave more and more of it...
Nevertheless, it was an incredible read and remains one of my favorite romance anime to this day!
Assuming you've already read the synopsis, let me highlight the positive aspects—there are indeed plenty of surprises and twists in the story. The manga features some creative cosplay ideas scattered throughout. I genuinely appreciated the characters on an individual level. Despite the underlying perversion, I liked Sensei Ma-kun and found his backstory compelling. The author did an admirable job crafting a world for the characters. There were moments in the manga that weren't pervy at all but instead sweet, caring, considerate, and touching family moments.
On the other hand, what I detested is as mentioned earlier—I don’t know why I thought I'd enjoy a teacher-student romance manga; I generally find them repulsive. However, once I start a manga, I feel compelled to finish it (yes, it’s a flaw). The reasons behind the sensei taking in the girl and her brother were noble. The idea of a secret marriage, though, made no sense—he could have adopted them. Having a young girl (even more immature than her years) proved challenging for the sensei, leading to complications. Throughout the manga, the sensei would go to great lengths to rescue his student, which was absurd given that the heroine was initially portrayed as strong, wanting to care for her brother independently. This dynamic reduced a potentially strong heroine to just another typical shoujo character.
Overall, the manga was mediocre at best, and I could have done without the progressively pervy characteristics of the sensei referring to his young student as a wife and making "future" plans with her. But without those elements, what would the story even be? Maybe this read is better suited for a younger audience, but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone except pre-teens (who shouldn't be reading this) who have a crush on their teachers (which they shouldn't).
P.S. The ending is rushed and unsatisfying.
P.P.S. Apologies for overusing the term "pervy."
I enjoy this manga (so far) because it strikes a perfect balance between drama, tons of comedy, and heartwarming fluffy moments. Tanaka-sensei skillfully reveals bits and pieces of each character gradually, making the story engaging with those adorable and sometimes hilariously stupid/cute moments — the kind that would make you laugh out loud if they happened in real life.
In the serious or dramatic scenes, the artwork becomes more detailed, enhancing the beauty of the moment. However, these parts can occasionally feel a little rough around the edges or slightly dull for my taste. On the other hand, the artwork during the funny parts perfectly complements the humor, adding an extra layer of enjoyment.
Definitely give this story a try — the beginning might seem a bit unusual, but the chemistry between the couple will leave you eagerly anticipating the next chapter!
It's a fantastic source of laughter when you need it, along with plenty of fluff to give you that much-needed dose of happiness and giddiness.
Fumino endured a tragic past; both her parents passed away when she was 15, she was disowned by her grandfather, and subsequently moved through multiple foster homes. Despite these hardships, she's a resilient girl who fearlessly confronts school bullies and even local gangsters.
On the other hand, Kazuma was once a delinquent who severed ties with his influential family. Following his mother's death, he was primarily raised by handlers and had limited contact with his father. Later, he learned that his father intended to remarry and already had a son with his new wife. Feeling alienated, he embraced a life of delinquency in school but eventually reformed.
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