Ever catch yourself replaying a conversation in your head, trying to see it from every possible angle? Well, that's kind of what No Matter How I Look At It, It's You Guys' Fault I'm Not Popular! Volume 1 (whew, that's a mouthful!) does, but with a whole lot more awkwardness and cuteness thrown in.
The Curse of the Thousand-Yard Stare
Our main girl, Tomoko Kuroki, is convinced she's going to be a social butterfly once she hits high school. She's played otome games, after all! She's prepared!
Reality, however, has other plans. Instead of effortlessly charming the student body, Tomoko is... well, let's just say her intense, almost intimidating stare earns her more stares than friends. Poor girl.
She quickly finds that the tactics from her dating sims don't work in the real world. Imagine trying to use a video game walkthrough for, say, ordering a pizza. Hilarious, right?
Social Strategies Gone Wrong
Tomoko's attempts to "fix" her social standing are where the real comedy gold lies. She tries everything from changing her appearance (with questionable results) to eavesdropping on popular girls for tips.
The results are usually disastrous, but in the most relatable way possible. We've all had those moments of social awkwardness, right?
It's like watching a train wreck in slow motion, but you can't look away because you secretly feel her pain.
Beyond the Comedy: A Touch of Heart
What makes No Matter How I Look At It more than just a collection of embarrassing moments is the underlying sweetness. Even though she's perpetually awkward, Tomoko isn't a bad person.
She genuinely wants to connect with people, and underneath her cynicism, there's a vulnerable girl just trying to figure things out. Think about it, many can relate to that.
We start to see hints of that sweetness in her interactions with her younger brother, Tomoki. He is usually exasperated by her antics. Even though she annoys him, there's a clear bond between them.
The Brotherly Bond
Tomoki acts as a grounded foil to Tomoko's eccentricities. He's popular and athletic, everything she wishes she could be, but he never truly belittles her.
Their interactions provide some of the most heartwarming moments in the volume. They also offer a glimpse into Tomoko's better qualities.
It's those little moments of genuine connection that make you root for her, even when she's making the absolute worst decisions.
Why You Should Give It A Shot
No Matter How I Look At It, It's You Guys' Fault I'm Not Popular! Vol. 1 isn't just about a socially awkward girl flailing through high school. It's about the universal desire to belong, to connect, and to find your place in the world.
It’s a comedy that’s surprisingly sharp and honest, mixed with genuinely tender moments.
It's a reminder that it's okay to be a little weird, a little awkward, and a little lost. Especially if you can laugh at yourself along the way. Plus, the art style is super expressive and hilarious.
So, if you're looking for a manga that's both funny and surprisingly insightful, give Tomoko Kuroki and her social misadventures a try. You might just see a little bit of yourself in her, and that's okay. We all have been there.
