"Shikimori's Not Just a Cutie" (Japanese: 可愛いだけじゃない式守さん, "Kawaii dake ja Nai Shikimori-san") is a romantic comedy manga series written and illustrated by Keigo Maki. It started serialization on the online platform Magazine Pocket, published by Kodansha, in February 2019.
The story revolves around the relationship between Shikimori, the seemingly perfect and adorable girlfriend, and her clumsy but kind-hearted boyfriend, Izumi. While Shikimori initially appears to be the epitome of cuteness, the series reveals her strong and cool side, especially when Izumi finds himself in trouble. This dual nature makes her an intriguing and multi-dimensional character, and the dynamic between Shikimori and Izumi forms the heart of the series.
Why You Should Read:
Character Development: Both Shikimori and Izumi exhibit growth throughout the series. Shikimori's contrasting personas are explored in depth, and Izumi's determination to support and care for Shikimori despite his own shortcomings is also highlighted.
Comedy and Romance: The series blends humor and romance, creating heartwarming and funny scenarios that stem from the couple's interactions and the situations they find themselves in.
Supporting Cast: The manga features a variety of secondary characters, including friends and family members, who add to the richness of the story and provide additional comedic and romantic subplots.
Art Style: Keigo Maki's art style enhances the storytelling with expressive character designs and dynamic panel layouts that effectively convey both the cute and cool aspects of Shikimori.