Summer is coming, time to prep for your summer romance…
It’s funny, it’s cute, it’s romantic, and it makes you feel good. No sorry, not talking about your situationship (though we should get that in order huh?). We’re talking about Kaguya-Sama: Love is War. If you’ve read the manga or watched the anime, you’ve probably been greeted by its sweet sweet ending. All the games and shenanigans are done. No more Chiki :,(
-
But do not fret, it’s time to fill that empty void in your heart and prepare you for your hot summer! Here are 5 manga recommendations if you liked Kaguya-Sama: Love is War.
-
I Want to End This Love Game
Publication: (2021 - ?)
Chapters: ONGOING
MAL Score: 8.14
Love is just a game. Or at least it is for Yukiya Asagi and Miku Sakura. They’ve been playing this love game for 4 years. It’s cute, funny, gets that thing in your chest swooning. This manga saw Kaguya-Sama coming towards its end and thought, “Time to take your place.” Here’s a short synopsis:
-
“In sixth grade, childhood friends Yukiya Asagi and Miku Sakura created a game with the objective to embarrass the other person by taking turns saying "I love you." Four years later, even as they are entering high school, the two are still trying to one-up the other and claim victory. However, as tender feelings begin to bloom in their hearts, the simple phrase has taken on new meaning beyond the rules of their game.
With the passing of each day, the urge to become more than childhood friends grows—but both Yukiya and Miku resist making the first move, hesitant about what is in store once the game finally ends.” [MyAnimeList]
-
Childhood friend plot with both wanting more but not willing to because of their game. It bears a lot of similarities to Kaguya-Sama and we already know they’re going to end up together. But it’s about the journey not the destination!
-
Teasing Master Takagi-San
Publication: (2012 - 2023)
Chapters: ONGOING
MAL Score: 8.09
Remember early adolescence, having a crush, teasing the one you like because you don’t know how to show affection quite yet, trying to act cool in front of them or completely embarrass yourself somehow? Oh no, did I bring up bad memories… Well, wash them away with Teasing Master Takagi-San. Here’s a quick synopsis:
-
“With a smirk, the mischievous middle school boy Nishikata glances over at Takagi, the girl seated next to him in class. He has just devised a master plan to finally get back at her for all the merciless teasing inflicted upon him. As he is about to set his plan into motion, Takagi intervenes with a single comment that halts Nishikata right in his tracks. She had turned the tables on him yet again.
"If you blush, you lose." That has been the unwritten rule set between the two ever since they encountered one another in middle school. Day after day, loss after loss, Nishikata strives to see Takagi red with embarrassment, but his futile attempts are only met by further ridicule. Beyond this vicious cycle of trying to outwit one another, will their relationship ever evolve?” [MyAnimeList]
-
If you like the girl teasing the boy semantics, reminiscent of Don’t Toy With Me, Miss Nagatoro, this is definitely up your alley. And after you’ve read the 20 volumes of Teasing Master Takagi-San, you can read the other 21 (& more coming) of Teasing (Former) Takagi-San! This one follows the adult life of Takagi and Nishikita which is too cute.
-
Boarding School Juliet
Publication: (2015 - 2019)
Chapters: 121
MAL Score: 8.24
Right so they manga-fied Romeo and Juliet… and we’re not complaining or anything. Imagine Romeo and Juliet but they’re all in high school and they have to battle it out for territorial control of some island. Uh… trust me on this one, it’s good. Here’s a quick synopsis:
-
“Dahlia Academy is an elite school that houses students from two countries at odds: the nation of Touwa to the east, and the Principality of West across it. As the long-lived strife between the two sides continues, Romio Inuzuka—leader of the "Black Doggies" of Touwa—finds himself in a bind. He has fallen in love with Juliet Persia, head of the "White Cats" of the West.
Romio confesses to Juliet one night, swearing he will change the world alongside her. She accepts, but they must keep their relationship an absolute secret in order to maintain peace at the school. As they strive to change the world, can these two star-crossed lovers keep their love a secret?” [MyAnimeList]
-
Just like in the original piece, they have to keep their relationship a secret. But without the dying part, because this is a rom-com after all and not a tragedy. Sorry Shakespeare, stay out of this one. Shi-ee-ku-su-pi-a.
-
Komi-San Can’t Communicate
Publication: (2016 - ?)
Chapters: ONGOING
MAL Score: 8.10
What is teenage adolescence without a bit of social awkwardness and misunderstandings? Well, let’s ramp that up to twenty and that’s essentially what you get with Komi-San Can’t Communicate. The dynamic isn’t quite as cunning as it is in Kaguya-Sama but it definitely has its charm and focuses more on overcoming and relationship development of all kinds, romantic and platonic. Here’s a quick synopsis:
-
“It's Shouko Komi's first day at the prestigious Itan Private High School, and she has already risen to the status of the school's Madonna. With long black hair and a tall, graceful appearance, she captures the attention of anyone who comes across her. There's just one problem though—despite her popularity, Shouko is terrible at communicating with others.
Hitohito Tadano is your average high school boy. With his life motto of "read the situation and make sure to stay away from trouble," he quickly finds that sitting next to Shouko has made him the enemy of everyone in his class! One day, knocked out by accident, Hitohito later wakes up to the sound of Shouko's "meow." He lies that he heard nothing, causing Shouko to run away. But before she can escape, Hitohito surmises that Shouko is not able to talk to others easily—in fact, she has never been able to make a single friend. Hitohito resolves to help Shouko with her goal of making one hundred friends so that she can overcome her communication disorder.” [MyAnimeList]
-
It’s simple but done well in execution. It has a much more wholesome vibe to it that will get you thinking, “man, I can use one of these.”
-
Last Game
Publication: (2011 - 2016)
Chapters: 66
MAL Score: 8.18
A mix of “Kaguya-Sama” and “I Want to End This Love Game”, we have the Last Game. It’s cute, romantic, and there is some rivalry there as well. It airs more towards romance compared to the battles between Miyuki and Kaguya but we welcome a few more heart-tugs sometimes. Here’s a quick synopsis:
-
“Nothing is beyond Naoto Yanagi, heir to the Yanagi business conglomerate. Idolized for his athletic and intellectual competence, looks and wealth, Naoto lived like a king during his elementary school days—then entered Mikoto Kujou, a plain, gloomy-looking transfer student.
Due to her low financial status, Naoto was initially apathetic towards Mikoto. But despite having just arrived at his school, she completely eclipsed him in everything by consistently scoring top marks in exams and placing first in athletic events. After a brief confrontation with her that left him shocked, Naoto vowed to outdo her no matter the cost.
Ten years later, they are now students attending the same college. Having failed to defeat Mikoto throughout middle and high school, Naoto decides they will have one last game: if he can make Mikoto fall in love with him and then break her heart, it will be his victory. However, he finds himself falling in love with her instead…” [MyAnimeList]
-
It’s short, so you can run through the volumes pretty quickly. But don’t fret, sometimes short and sweet is what you need.
-
Want to discover new manga series to read? Every month? Check out our Monthly Manga Box! Get 3 newly released manga each month. CHECK IT OUT
[All publications, chapters, and score are according to publication date: 6/5/24]