Manga Review: Otomen, Vol. 4 [Paperback]

I've finished "Otomen Vol. 4" by Aya Kanno.

Product Description

Having Girly Hobbies Doesn't Make You Less Manly! R to L (Japanese Style).

With Ryo's birthday around the corner, Asuka's all aflutter making preparations for the festivities. Best-laid plans tend to go awry, however...especially when Ryo already has plans with another man! Asuka Masamune is a guy who loves girly things--sewing, knitting, making cute stuffed animals and reading shojo comics. But in a world where boys are expected to act manly, Asuka must hide his beloved hobbies and play the part of a masculine jock instead. Ryo Miyakozuka, on the other hand, is a girl who can't sew or bake a cake to save her life. Asuka finds himself drawn to Ryo, but she likes only the manliest of men! Can Asuka ever show his true self to anyone, much less to the girl that he's falling for?

About the Author

Aya Kanno was born in Tokyo, Japan. She is the creator of Soul Rescue, which has been published in the United States, and her latest work, Otomen, is currently being serialized in Japan's BetsuHana magazine. Blank Slate was originally published in BetsuHana magazine.

Product Details
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 200 pages
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC; Original edition (November 3, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1421525372
ISBN-13: 978-1421525372

My Review:

In the first story Asuka is flustered because Ryo's birthday is coming up and then is flustered because Ryo is going to be spending it with another man.  We meet Ryo's very manly father who asks Asuka to understand women and what kind of gifts they would like.  Their interactions were very funny and hilarious!

The second story we meet a new character by the name of Kurokawa.  He's tall, with a mysterious aura surrounding him, his hair falling into his eyes and he loves flowers.  Asuka happens to find his secret flower garden which is hidden on the school grounds.

The third and fourth story centre on Asuka and the gang on vacation at the beach.  Asuka is dreaming of a romantic outing with Ryo but that doesn't happen, far from it!  Before he could ask her Yamato invites him and asks him to help him with his uncle's failing Beach Bar.  When they arrive they find out why it's on it's last leg.  It's a shabby shack with only yakisoba on the menu.  Just as they arrive Yamato's uncle injurys himself and leaves Yamato and his friends to manage the bar by themselves.  Asuka's rival Hajimi Tonomine arrives and challenges Asuka as usual.  

5/5