Gal Can't Be Kind to Otaku!? - Vol. 1 Ch. 5 - Otaku & Gyaru's Contact

[nightnyx]

Our boi won in less than 5 chap. We proud of you boi

 

[mihaha269]

Tbh I'd be happy if there was no romance involved, the manga is enjoyable enough already... but well, I'll see. The girls could help Seo out of his shell a bit?

 

[22degc]

Do we think "teikoku shoujo" (Amane-san's handle) is maybe homage to Teikoku Shōnen aka Imperial Boy, the artist? (Example:

https://www.reddit.com/r/maximalism/comments/jxn999

and various other collections of his art are available online, I'll try to find his actual portfolio website—found https://tksn.sakura.ne.jp/index.html)

 

[zerio]

Whoa, Ijichi in non gyaru attire + GLASSES??? Her stock is rising even more

 

[EldritchNeko]

The Characters: debates intensely over their favourite anime and come to school with a healthy sheen
Me: "Ah, so this is how otaku have sex- when they aren't using a body pillow, that is."

 

[EldritchNeko]

Dude committed the cardinal sin of informing a chatty extrovert that he's "always available because [he] doesn't have any other friends". That would've been liable to get him chatted up beyond his limits under other circumstances.

 

[Sp12er]

The Mangaka somehow managed to make Ijichi look attractively cute without her make up on, yet different enough that her Gyaru look is so obviously different and punctuate the contrast.

 

[Sp12er]

Dude committed the cardinal sin of informing a chatty extrovert that he's "always available because [he] doesn't have any other friends". That would've been liable to get him chatted up beyond his limits under other circumstances.

That's actually just how introvert first try to put up defence when they feel a bit awkward, yes it's very much against trying to make friends, but at some point that's just how they reflexively try to open up sometimes.
Thankfully the girls are not malicious or anything.

 

[EldritchNeko]

That's actually just how introvert first try to put up defence when they feel a bit awkward, yes it's very much against trying to make friends, but at some point that's just how they reflexively try to open up sometimes.
Thankfully the girls are not malicious or anything.

Extroverts who "adopt" introverts are never malicious (if they are then it's not "adoption", it's just bullying). Some of them just don't understand that their level of engagement can be overwhelming (especially starting out).

Note: I used to be almost entirely introverted, but I've grown into something of an ambivert over the years (I learned how to interact better). I still don't have a large social battery, but that's more because I'm out of practice.

 

[Nuggz]

I actually follow the EGG Twitter page I think. Theres always some attractive Gyaru being tweeted about or retweeted by one of the girls on there

 

[SupremeDoc]

enjoying this manga, including the TL's notes at the end of the chapters. up there in terms of quality

 

[havelmom]

Ichiji is even cuter on her 0 effort outfit

 

[xiaxueyi]

omg I love this manga. the author does such a good job at developing the character's personalities in a way which feels believable. Ijichi is your typical outgoing sociable gyaru who can talk with anyone, but they're also a genuinely caring person. They interact with Otaku kun without any bias and shows interest when he or Amane talk about Kiramon, even going so far as to watch it herself. In fact, she's usually the one who takes the initiative to talk to him. She's also a responsible big sister who takes good care of her younger siblings, which could be part of the reason why she's so good at paying attention/being considerate to people.

Amane is your typical cool n composed gyaru who people idolise, but she's also a complete geek when it comes to Kiramon. At first she denies it vigilantly with the excuse that her sister is the one who likes Kiramon. but she slowly gets more relaxed about it and doesn't bother to really hide it. she still won't explicitly acknowledge that they're an otaku, but at this point its just a habit - its super obvious that she is. at this point its like an inside joke. which leads to scenes like the dramatic confrontation between Amane and Otaku, which was hilarious. and I feel this dynamic works a lot better than Amane seriously trying to keep it a secret, where it becomes a constant gag where no progess is made.

and Otaku kun. At first glance it seems like he doesn't bring anything special to the table. he's just your typical otaku with preconceptions about otaku and gyarus, believing them to be from separate worlds. and his expectations are always subverted. HOWEVER. He's also an earnest guy who always makes sure to appreciate moments with his new friends, be it spending time with them or just being able to talk about their shared interest. he thanks the Ijichi and Amane for being friends with him in his own awkward but sincere way. and though he does still have some bias and anxiety about interacting with them, he's able to put it aside and just have fun with his new friends. Its a refreshing change of pace compared to the negative otaku trope who hates normies. It is precisely because he's a loner with no friends that he appreciates Ijichi and Amane's company so much.

so yeah. the author does a fantastic job writing the characters as actual people with multiple sides. they have good understanding of the gyaru and otaku tropes, but Otaku kun Amane and Ijichi are not defined solely by the trope. which makes them and their dynamic much more interesting.

on the side of the artist, the expressions are on point. the characters are always so lively and expressive. and I love little details like the glowy cheeks in #21, or chibi Ijichi in #19 or #24, or Amane backtracking in #2 🤭🤭 Not to mention the Kiramon design?? (Pachi my beloved) and their outfits?? (so far its only Amane's off-school outfit and Ijichi's casual clothes but it does such a good job of changing their usual look!!). fucking incredible!!

I really like the TL notes at the end too. The explanation of "vapid" and Japan's culture when it comes to hosting guests was really interesting.

I just read this manga and its only been 5 chapters but its already a 10/10 for me. Can't wait to read more!!

We have our own running commentary for this series now 💯💯💯