My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As I Expected Vol. #06 Manga Review

Once again, she wasn't chosen.

Creative Staff:

Original Story: Wataru Watari
Art: Naomichi Io
Character Design: Ponkan8
Translation: Jennifer Ward
Lettering: Bianca Pistillo

Cover Design: Hiroyuki Kawasome

What They Say:

Summer vacation is here! With an expectedly huge amount of free time on his hands, Hachiman decides to take it easy until school starts up again. Well, at least until some of his 'acquaintances' begin to show up. Eventually, the topic of Yukino arises. She's had an influence on everyone around her, but what does Hachiman think of Yukino?

The Review:

Content: (Please note that the content portion of the review may contain spoilers)

Ahh, summer vacation- the time in every teenager's life to be live and free. Well, everyone except Hachiman, that is. As far as he's concerned, summer vacation is best possible time to...well, sit there and do nothing for a few months. Of course, there will always be a few things he won't mind setting aside some time for and, as always, the number-one spot on this very short list is consumed by good ole' Totsuka.

After a short chapter centered around Saki (That was likely thrown in just to remind us of her character), we're gifted some good old-fashioned dude on dude romance as Hachiman and Totsuka take a trip to the arcade. Before they get to the good part, however, Zaimokuza shows up and the group of misfit guys tail off into a conversation about slot cars or whatever it is dudes talk about. So even though we're only two chapters into the volume, it's pretty evident that the focal point this time around will be on OreGairu's side characters. I mean, with the primary female love interest locked away from society for whatever reason, what else is there for our protagonist to do?

Oh, right- he can still hang out with the secondary (And better suited) love interest! Essentially forced out by the true best-girl of the series, Komachi, Hikigaya and Yuigahama venture off to the summer festival under the pretense of 'shopping.' Of course, knowing Yui's crush on Hachiman, this turns into an absolute moe-fest as she tries desperately to not cling to him every second of the night. This becomes increasingly easier for her once the two of them run into none other than Yukino....'s sister, who is apparently spearheading the fireworks festival or something like that.

Of course, she acts as her usual self, passive-aggressively trash talking her little sister every chance she gets. And even though Hachiman is able to clearly see through the guise she puts up, he can't help but come to respect her for being so secretly malicious. This isn't to say he likes her- in fact, I'd go out on a limb in saying he despises Haruno. But just as it is with Yukinoshita, he's intimidated by her. This continues on until the end of the festival when Hachiman walks Yuigahama home in yet another surprisingly adorable 8man x Yui moment. All good things must come to a close, though, and the end of the fireworks festival ushers in the beginning of a new semester of school. Now, Hachiman must come face to face with his rival/friend(?) yet again and figure out what he truly thinks of her.

It's clear that Yukinoshita has been hiding something, and I think it's safe to assume that the next volume will center almost entirely on that.

In Summary:

Oregairu's sixth volume focus almost all of its energy on expanding the characteristics and profiles of its supporting roster. Totsuka, Komachi, and even Shiratsuka have scenes dedicated entirely to themselves. The even more surprising part of this is that each one presents to us a theme that parallels not only the series as a whole but the different perceptions these characters have concerning it. Even though its layout seems sporadic and unfocused in nature, volume-six accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do- making every one of us think deeper into the people surrounding Hikigaya.

Content Grade: B+

Art Grade: B

Packaging Grade: B+

Text/Translation Grade: A

Age Rating: 13+

Released By: Yen Press

Release Date: September, 2017

MSRP: $12.99