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Title: High School Debut Vol 8

Author: Kazune Kawahara

Publisher: Viz

ISBN: 9781421521909

May Contain Spoilers

This has quickly become one of my favorite series, and this volume cemented its position on my list of  books I have to read immediately as they are released.  Copies of High School Debut don’t collect any dust around here!  This volume was a special treat – it was funny, tender, and romantic, and the pacing never lagged, not even for a panel.  It was wonderful in every way.

To get things started, Haruna seems to be attracting plenty of male attention.  Three first years seem a little too interested in her.  Once Yoh notices all of these guys hanging around her, he even feels a spark of jealousy.  When one of her new admirers kisses Haruna, their relationship is thrown into turmoil.  Haruna can’t forgive herself for allowing another pair of lips to touch her own, and Yoh’s hesitation during their discussion of the alleged crime has her running in the other direction every time she sees him.  His unconventional solution to their problem had me laughing out loud.  I just love Yoh.

When Haruna’s birthday is just around the corner, she has big dreams of a romantic day with Yoh.  Yoh really wants to deliver a special day and not disappoint her.  Unfortunately, he has no idea what to do!  This was just wonderful, as Yoh struggles with plans, rejecting one after another because they don’t fit his idea of perfect.  Haruna, as usual, isn’t any help – she’d be happy with anything from him.  Yoh really earns a place as one of the best boyfriends in manga by opening up with his feelings, and giving Haruna a birthday that she’ll never forget, but first, he becomes so preoccupied that he can’t even study for his upcoming exams.  Haruna doesn’t realize the pressure she’s put on him; it takes her friends to point it out to her.  I wish I could live in such blissful ignorance!

This volume of High School Debut was incredible. It made me laugh and it made me cry.  The characters have come to life for me, and both Haruna and Yoh suffer from anxiety as they try to make the other happy.  They are both accepting of each other, and nothing makes them happier than just being together.  Just spending time with Yoh makes Haruna giddy with delight.  It doesn’t take much for her to find contentment, though Yoh hasn’t realized yet how easy she is to please.  Maybe there are good things to be said about being a trifle simple-minded?

Grade: A

Rated for Teen

Review copy provided by Viz