DM if you know a manga that fits most of my following preferences:
Technical:
- At least 3 volumes translated. Cannot read moonrunes. If it's not on MangaDex, I don't mind reading on an aggregator
- Do not like long strip, unless it's originally English
- Would like to avoid adaptations if possible
- Generally cannot handle artstyles older than 15 years ago
Story:
- It is more important to avoid things that I hate than to include things that I like
- I judge characters mainly based on how useful they are to society. There's nothing to admire about being a NEET.
- I like girls. One or many, young or old, big or small, doesn't matter as long as they're cute. I like making them happy more than them trying to please me.
- The Main Character is the most important. I'm sick of socially incompetent idiots being put into lead roles.
- A goal should exist. "An easy life" or "Being average" do not count as goals, they are proof of a crippling lack of self-determination
- Progress should also exist and the main character should have the initiative rather than being coerced and dragged into events by a third party.
- If there is no goal or progress, then it's probably a slice-of-life, which is also nice if there are some damn good character interactions.
- Subvert expectations. Even if the story is trash, if it does novel things that I don't hate there's a chance I'll keep reading.
- I'm fine with most genres and themes, but I avoid gay men and depressive stories.
- Manga's strengths are in pleasant monochrome images. This makes manga unsuitable for things like fast-paced action or music.
Fantasy/isekai manga usually have a protagonist with unmatched powers but poor social skills. I want to see the opposite, a character with average power level in a world where many others could crush them in a fight, making it all the more important to create friendships and avoid unnecessary conflicts. Really, I'm just tired of cringing at stupid dialogue.