Kaguya-Sama: Love is War Volume 1

Synopsis

“All’s fair in love and war,” especially for the most prideful students at Shuchiin Academy, Student Council President Miyuki Shirogane, and Vice President Kaguya Shinomiya. Miyuki and Kaguya are both very much in love with each other, but to admit that out loud to one another would ultimately lead to defeat and an inevitable power imbalance. So, for now, both of them stick to daily battles with hard-hitting tactics and mind games to make the other confess their love. Who will emerge the victor; the answer has yet to unfold in Volume 1 of Kaguya-Sama: Love is War.

Review and Recommendation

Kaguya-Sama: Love is War is undoubtedly a unique take on the “will they, won’t they” trope, and I thought it was interestingly executed. The romance manga I’ve read in the past falls under the shojo category, which is intended for girls and is a light-hearted and soft interpretation of love. Love is War falls under the shonen category and is a more aggressive approach to romance, but I still found the story funny and entertaining. I also felt the interactions between Miyuki and Kaguya were somewhat realistic to two awkward teenagers with no experience discussing their feelings and interest in one another. The author does an excellent job of building tension between the two lead characters and keeps their banter and interactions appealing. Filled with humor, heart, and clever storytelling, Kaguya-Sama: Love is War Volume 1 is a charming and addictive manga that offers a fresh take on the romantic comedy genre.

Cautions

*Spoiler Alert* (A spoiler alert is being issued because there are mentions of specific plot points that relate to the rating of this review.)

Kaguya-Sama: Love is War Volume 1 does include a parental advisory notice due to mild language and first-love shenanigans. These shenanigans primarily include the mental gymnastics and assumptions that Kaguya and Miyuki have about each other. For example, Miyuki imagines Kaguya in a bathing suit and a few compromising positions in some panels. Also, Kaguya is very insecure about her breast size compared to Fujiwara, the student council secretary. A few suggestive images are sprinkled throughout volume one, and a few panels of one gender dominating the other. Based on the parental advisory notice and what I read in volume one, I recommend this book for older teens and up.