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Spring Storm & Monster [Shoujo Manga Recs]

A/N: Guys, the first volume of this manga finally arrived today! So I thought that I should make a quick review of one of my favourite manga.

Story: 9/10

Characters: 8.5/10

Art style: 10/10

Overall: 9.10/10

My Review: I know this manga is pretty heated by the shoujo community because the romance is happening between step siblings, but tbh I don't mind it. They are not real siblings and Kaya-kun (the main lead) makes sure from the start to show Ranko (the protagonist) how he does not see her as his sister. The forbidden and obsessive romance is a guilty pleasure of mine and combined with Miyuki Mitsubachi's art style, it's just too perfect.

Kaya-kun is a troubled teenager and Ranko thinks she can change him. Soon after, they find themselves attached to each other. A lot of people describe Kaya-kun as toxic, and I agree, but we must remember that he never felt true love. His parents abandoned him and he grew up in an orphanage. Then he got adopted by his current father and he mentioned that he had a lot of sisters before, so we understand that his father has changed way too many partners. His sisters always sexualised him even if he was a child and pushed him into doing "grown-up" things, till he eventually learnt to use it for his own good (making money through that).

I really think Ranko can change Kaya-kun, because we had already seen a positive change in the first chapters, but only if she sacrifices some things. The most important of them is encountering other people, since Kaya wants her only to himself. Ranko is very lonely and I would like to see her grow up and make friends, but that makes Kaya sad. However, I believe they will both grow and Kaya will understand that he cannot control her like that, because he is lonely too and will eventually want friends.

Yes, this was a big rant, and thank you if you actually stayed and read it. One thing I suggest if you want to start reading this manga is: don't expect a cute, classic, shoujo-type romance.

I mean, it's Miyuki Mitsubachi, come on!

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90s/00s Shoujo Protagonist Life

╰┈➤ 7-DAYS GLOW UP PLAN:

୨୧ Day 1: The Sweet Beginning

Go for a long morning walk around your neighborhood, enjoying the sunlight and the smell of fresh air.

Include in your look a cute, shoujo-inspired hairstyle (ex. voluminous pigtails like Usagi from Sailor Moon).

Start a diary of your progress and decorate it with stickers!

Watch a classic shoujo nostalgic anime (like Candy Candy).

Prompt of the day: "If my life were a manga, what the title of it would be?"

୨୧ Day 2: Schoolgirl Sparkle

Wake up and do light stretches in your bed for flexibility.

Style a short pleated skirt for today's look.

Cook a warm Japanese meal for your lunch (ex. cream stew from Arrietty).

Try learning something new that you've been interest about!

Prompt of the day: "What’s something small that makes my ordinary life feel magical?"

୨୧ Day 3: Artistic & Dreamy

Don't open your phone for at least 30 minutes in the morning and instead drink a warm green tea.

Do an Igari make-up with a lot of blush and glitter.

Try writing a short romantic poem about your secret lover.

Attempt to draw or paint a scene from your favorite shoujo anime.

Prompt of the day: "What dream burns in my heart, even when no one sees it?"

୨୧ Day 4: Acts of Kindness

Pick up some flowers from your local park and use them to decorate your shoujo diary.

Wear a Sawako from Kimi Ni Todoke outfit for the day. Key characteristics: long white flowy skirt, soft camisole tops, ballerina shoes.

Bake chocolate sweets and gift them to a loved one.

Help a friend or a stranger with something small, any kind of kindness matters!

Prompt of the day: "How can I be a light in someone else’s story today?"

୨୧ Day 5: Quiet Mystery

Read a Japanese literature book about love, friendship and courage (ex. The Convenience Store By The Sea).

Wear a vintage dress that makes you feel like a princess.

Sit in silence and reflect.

Light a candle and write a letter that you won't send.

Prompt of the day: "What part of myself do I only show when I’m truly alone?"

୨୧ Day 6: Romantic Vibes

Try following a pilates routine of 20 minutes to wake your body up in the morning.

Put on cute accessories (like ribbons, pearls, bags with charms, etc).

Take yourself on a small romantic date with tea and flowers!

Dance to some cheerful Japanese pop songs (ex. chocolate disco by perfume).

Prompt of the day: "If I were in love right now, what would I do differently?"

୨୧ Day 7: Magical Girl Finale

Close the day with stargazing while dreaming of all the positive things ahead of you.

Do a full glam look: voluminous hair with soft curls, dreamy glittery make-up and spring floral dresses.

Re-read the first entry in your shoujo diary.

Go out with your friends at a karaoke!

Prompt of the day: "What power do I already have inside me, waiting to be used?"

A/N: Goodbye my sweeties, use this plan and live your 90s/00s shoujo girl dream! Some popular anime recs from this period: Candy Candy, Sailor Moon, The Rose of Versailles, Full Moon wo Sagashite, Princess Tutu, Cardcaptor Sakura and Marmalade Boy.

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One of the best anime openings.

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Melancholic Shoujo Girl Summer (moodboard + playlist)

PLAYLIST

. Remember Summer Days by Anri

. Eden by Monkey Majik

. Chasing Kou - Drowning Love Piano

. 二十歳の恋 (20-year-old's Love) by Lamp

. 誰かの世界 (No One's World) by Ichiko Aoba

. Anata ha tabaco watashi ha syabon by Lovely Summer Chan

. Seasons by Wave To Earth

. You outside my window by Kinokoteikoku

. Baby Blue by Noire

. Sea, Swallow Me by Cocteau Twins, Harold Budd

. First Love by Hikaru Utada

. I Will by Chelsy

General artists: Ichiko Aoba, Wave To Earth, Lovely Summer Chan, Mitski, Kinokoteikoku, Suda Masaki.

-> full playlist here

© all rights reserved to me — i do not allow anyone to copy, translate, or republish my works. all my stories are purerly fictional.