Christmas Romance by Saa Harada

Time to trim the tree today. I know I said it last year, but I always watch White Christmas while I decorate the tree; its a family tradition. Seeing the tree all lit up makes me feel like a kid again, so does going through our ornaments. I'm finally getting into the spirit of the holidays.




♪On the sixth day of Christmas My Manga Malady gave to me...♪

Christmas Romance by Saa Harada

Art and story (c) Saa Harada

Genre: Shojo
Length: One Chapter – 40 Pages


           This art has something interesting to it in the way the eyes are drawn that makes it individual. I found the art very engaging and visually endearing overall, too. The faces are expressive and the body movement is natural. In fact, the physicality of the main character is what brings out her personality the most. The clothes weren't all that interesting but they had that baggy-cute feel while also fitting the shapes well. The backgrounds are a little lacking at times but nothing distracting. It was a style that fit the fluffy story well.

           Ito loves to read all types of books, but when she finds out that the author of her favorite series is a student at her school, she immediately goes to get his signature. It turns out, though, that he's a weirdo, even though he is also handsome. Ito loves his books so much, despite several set backs, she's sure there has to be something she likes about him.
           One-shots are hit and miss, there is a science to them, and hitting things just right so that it makes a complete story and the pacing isn't too fast always impresses me. Christmas Romance is one of those one-shots. It does rush, its hard to linger in forty pages, but it takes the time to linger on the important parts. It feels almost like a full volume of manga. Ito is so cheerful and silly that she's instantly adorkable. Akira, the author, he does fall a little flat in the personality department, but it comes full circle and you understand him, too, at the end. They are a cute couple, too, and not at all cliché. I enjoyed this from beginning to I-wish-it-wouldn't end.





5/5 Well done, and heart warming.