The Wallflower

[Togo]

So is The Wallfower worth reading ?
I've read reviews that liked the first volume but it sounded like it went down hill after that.

I'm a fan of Ai Yori Aoshi, Kare First Love, Love Hina and Oh My Goddess.
I liked the first volume of Pastel . I thought so much happened in the first volume I just hope they can keep the story moving with the next.
I gave up on Hot Gimmick after vol 4 as I was finding it hard to actually like Hatsumi.

[Countess Cain]

I actually believe it gets better and better as it goes on. x3 It's definitely worth reading.

It really got me into liking the word 'Kyaa~' with Del Rey's translation.

[Murasakivie]

It's a really good read! The art is fantastic and the story definently keeps you entertained! The only major flaw I see with the series is how the main character is portrayed like this about 90% of the time.

Post edited for content.

[Countess Cain]

That's kind of done on purpose, isn't it? It adds to the comedic value in my opinion... You know, a serious scene with the others all regular-sized and all, and then you have chibi-Sunako walk by. =o

[aoyagi_ritsuka]

wallflower is actually very good and i love it..wish i can read more of it!!! how many vol. did u all reAD?

[Countess Cain]

I believe I've read... Five or six volumes? My best friend is the one that's collecting it, not me, so I'm not 100% sure.

[Murasakivie]

That's kind of done on purpose, isn't it? It adds to the comedic value in my opinion... You know, a serious scene with the others all regular-sized and all, and then you have chibi-Sunako walk by. =o

Haha, yes I know. And also so all her "beautiful" scenes are so shocking in comparison... but...

Holy crap! Her head keeps getting bigger and bigger! In the beginning, it was just a little round, but about now, it's twice the size of her body!

[Countess Cain]

If I remember correctly, in one of the little sections in the back, Tomoko Hayakawa even admits that Sunako's looks are changing, by comparing how she looked in volume one to... whatever volume I was looking at. ._.;

[aena]

I love reading the wallflower. I've read vols. 1 and 2 three times already.

hey I've heard 'the wallflower' has another title, 'my fair lady'.

[Miako]

The Wallflower is definitely worth picking up. Also...I like chibi-sunako. It makes you feel like saying oh and ah when she is full form cause you don't see her that way often.

[Kychan]

I know I definetly always look out for the next volumes whenever I go to the bookstore =3 It's a great book, I recommend it =D Sunako is spiffin awesome, hehe.

[Meowchi]

I really love this series also. I remember after reading volume one I didn't know if I would keep reading it, but as soon as I fliped through volume 2 I had to have it. I've been a major fan ever since. haha

[Togo]

Thanks All
I'll pick up the first 2 or 3 volumes and give it a try.

After reading the review that stated and I quote
"After book two finished on an interesting note, my interest in the series really tanked.After the end of the hot springs chapters, I found myself starting to flip faster and faster through the book until I skimmed the last two chapters."

I figured after reading the full review it must just be another title that starts strong and just falls apart as it goes along.

Again thanks for your input

[btsunami]

I love reading the wallflower. I've read vols. 1 and 2 three times already.

hey I've heard 'the wallflower' has another title, 'my fair lady'.

The Japanese title is Perfect Girl Evolution. My Fair Lady definitely fits the series, though. ^^

[Countess Cain]

Why wasn't it published as 'Perfect Girl Evolution'? o_O Copyright reasons? I mean, I don't think it matters that much... And I like the title 'The Wallflower', but I'm feeling kind of curious.

[Murasakivie]

Why wasn't it published as 'Perfect Girl Evolution'? o_O Copyright reasons? I mean, I don't think it matters that much... And I like the title 'The Wallflower', but I'm feeling kind of curious.

They probably thought it would sell better under "the Wallflower." Isn't there some novel by a similar name that's been getting a whole lot of hype?

And... maybe it's just me, but, Perfect Girl Evolution sounds like a transformation cry from some magical girl. XD

[dreamcatcher]

I recommend reading "The Wallflower" its funny. The only thing that I didn't like so much is the fact that she's usually in her chibi form. But when she isn't it's like a treat and I think it just adds to the humor.

[Cybele]

(a little late)
it's beautiful
buuuuuuuuuuuuy it!

[dreamcatcher]

every time I go to the bookstore I passby the manga section to see if any new volumes have come out

[AmyIshida]

I read the scanlations before they were liscensed and I was in the middle of volume 7. >.< Now I have to wait until the liscensed volumes catch up. XPP

It's such a great series and I love it. I'm usually very scared of horror-like stories but this definately adds the humour to everything.

I don't like them putting the title was "The Wallflower" though...just because if they're using it to describe Sunako, she's not a wallflower by any means. ^^;;

[elisegrey]

Everyone seems to be saying it gets better as it goes along - I'd disagree.



After the first volume, the manga seems to be steadily dehumanising Sunako, and making her more of a caricature than a character. I realise The Wallflower is primarily a crack manga, but still... Also, there was something else - I'll just copy and paste from my lj:In other news, my manga arrived on Monday, and... I don't know. It was volumes 02 to 06 of The Wallflower, the first volume of which I loved to pieces. Unusually for a manga, it made me laugh out loud, and I really felt I knew where the mangaka was coming from ...until I read the omake from the sixth(?) volume. Paraphrasing here, but I think what Hayakawa Tomoko wrote was that she'd never met an ugly person 'who was nice'. And then - after reeling in shock for approximately three seconds - I thought back, and it turns out it's true: even Sunako, the 'wallflower' of the title is (underneath all that Ringu-like hair and love of the darkness) astonishingly pretty. Almost every person who offends either Sunako or her housemates are as ugly as sin, and only occasionally is an antagonist attractive. Add to that the occasional sprinkling of implied homophobia ...and I don't think I'll be picking up any more volumes in the future.

I realise that it is above all a humorous title, but as with bands when you realise their lead singer's a tit *coughLibertinescough*, or when a thoroughly friendly, charismatic person turns out to be a racist, it becomes hard to enjoy the rest of it. That's a little disappointing; I really thought I was on to a winner.


Perhaps it's because I read them all on the same day, but I seem to be laughing less and less with every volume; the one main joke's run its course.

[Manadevil]

I personally hate the story. But that's just me.

[Countess Cain]

Well, I haven't read any of the manga volumes right after each, so I guess I haven't noticed the 'transformation' of Sunako as much as other people have...

I remember reading that one line that Hayakawa Tomoko wrote, but it didn't really offend me, and I consider myself ugly. xD Maybe she'd consider me mean? *Shrugs.*

[ChrisRenHeb]

This story to me is so hilarious. I have 6 vols. so far. Sunako(sp?) freaks my Sis out, so she won't read it, but I'll be sitting there just laughing my head off. And you have to love it when Kyohei(sp?) hypnotized her in to acting like his girlfriend for awhile. I almost fell off my chair.

[ZukoJin]

It's such a great series and I love it. I'm usually very scared of horror-like stories but this definately adds the humour to everything.
I don't normally like horror stories either but this really isn't like that so I like it. I just bought vol.7 yesterday.

[Kukiko]

Everyone seems to be saying it gets better as it goes along - I'd disagree.

Unusually for a manga, it made me laugh out loud, and I really felt I knew where the mangaka was coming from ...until I read the omake from the sixth(?) volume. Paraphrasing here, but I think what Hayakawa Tomoko wrote was that she'd never met an ugly person 'who was nice'.

In volume seven she actually apologizes if any of her readers took that personally. Apparently she's had some very bad experiences. It does show an interesting facet into the story perhaps though. Wallflower is very much a series where beauty is rewarding. However, the same good looks are often to the main characters own detriment as well (even if handled comically).

I do agree with you the series doesn't necessarily get better as it goes along. I think it somewhat hit a rut by the fourth book and is starting to pick up again now since seven had much more interesting stories.

Basically to me the author has really just filled the series with her favorite things. Gothic horror and cosplaying pretty boys. I happen to have a weakness for that sort of content though, so I'm in for the duration.

[elisegrey]

In volume seven she actually apologizes if any of her readers took that personally.
Damn. If it's really picking up, then I'm going to have to buy the seventh one, aren't I? I loved the first book so much that if there's any chance it might get back on form, then...

I had no idea she apologised for it, so thanks for telling me! I'm still a little leery of some of the messages her manga gives, and I think the drawbacks of beauty are really rather superficial, but hey! It is just a manga, and it can make me laugh. And drool.

Oh, and re: 'gothic horror and cosplaying pretty boys' - that's pretty much the main reason I really regretted having to stop reading it. Sometimes she hits a note that just makes my heart skip, when it works.

*adds to basket*

[ZukoJin]

I just read vol. 7 yesterday and it was hilarious! Sunako wasn't in chibi form the entire time either!

[Samiko]

-cries- I only read up until volume 4... I need to go to the bookstore!

[Koshiba]

I've really been enjoying the manga personally. I'm not exactly sure why but I do find it rather humorous. As for the main character actually being pretty.. If anything, I think it just shows that anyone can be pretty. :P Since in the start of the manga, remember all that was wrong with her? Lol.

[SweetNymph]

I just found the first volume in what I call the "secret stash" manga section of my library (meaning rated above 13), and I totally love it (even though the guys tend to be jerks just because she isn't a supermodel). I'm going to search for more volumes to read at the bookstore.

Any idea how many volumes there will be in total?

[Kukiko]

Any idea how many volumes there will be in total?

As of the last time I checked it was up to 15 volumes in Japan and still going. I think Hayakawa is going to run with this one as long as she can. So who knows how long it will end up being. As long as it stays good I won't complain.

[ZukoJin]

As of the last time I checked it was up to 15 volumes in Japan and still going. I think Hayakawa is going to run with this one as long as she can. So who knows how long it will end up being.
Sounds good to me!
As long as it stays good I won't complain.
Ditto!

[Menstrual Cramps]

I love, love love love this manga.
I reccomend it over and over to people who ask for different and fun titles.

[YamPuff]

Actually,I despise 'Perfect Girl Evolution'; it sounds tacky and corny. Wallflower is classy and sophisticated.

[mei-chan]

I love it, Sunako is just so funny, especially in her Chibi form.
When I read the summary on the back I did not know wether i would like it or not, so I started reading it for a bit, and leafing through it, and I fell in love...

[ycysusan]

I love that manga~~ ^^ the anime just come out this season too~

[ZukoJin]

I recently bought vol.9 of the manga and watched the first two episodes on YouTube last night. I LOVE IT!!! Ahem, I'm okay.

[melusinespuppet]

I love this series! The art in the manga looks better than the anime.

[SweetNymph]

O.o

A...a... anime?!

Wait... the ninth volume is out?!

Damn... too much KND has made me neglect my manga.

[melusinespuppet]

KND? You can find the anime on youtube. Look on Mdilla's channel. They have subs.

[SweetNymph]

Kids Next Door. They acronym everything in that show. ^^

Thanks for the channel, AML. *tackles YouTube*

[sirissac]

I learned about it from our anime & manga club. I have only read the first 2 volumes & I love it. I have the next 3 volumes on order. I love Sunako & her taste in friends. It is so different than the other manga I read. It is nice to find something different.
I had that hair in High School.

[Kurama's fire miko]

Sunako is like my hero. I love how she went crazy of the chocolate.

[sirissac]

I am finally getting caught up on the story. I have finished reading up to volume 7. Does anyone know if her parents show up again? I liked her Mom, she was sooo cool, just throw Dad over her shoulder & leave. Hope they bring them back in later volumes.

[YamPuff]

That's funny...the wikipedia article doesn't mention any controversy over the series. It usually has all the good juicy stuff. TT_____TT

Actually, when I read the summary of the book and looked through it a bit (at the Virgin Megastores--I GOT TO FLIP THROUGH MANGA!! XD) I liked the idea of Sunako; its her attitude and outlook on life that make her not beautiful.

[sirissac]

Just finished reading vol. 10. I really do enjoy this story. My favorite part is her holding the plate of fried shrimp with all the lightbulbs around her. That is so cute and weird at the same time.

[Aladine]

Ah. I brought 8 & 9 today. :)

[shaoyouru]

I do have to get back to this manga because it was so incredibuly(sp) funny. My friends also loved this series. Sunako is just too funny he way she acts around the guys :D . I think I finished 6 but never read 7 because it took a while to come out, but this is a nice romantic comedy.

[TonightMidnight]

I started reading Vol. 4 (without having read 1,2, or 3 xD) and it's good so far. Pretty funny too. Not to mention I love Sunako's personality. She's certainly not your average annoying manga/anime girl. I admit...she does scare me sometimes though.

[YamPuff]

I want to get into the series...but when I got arpund to really reading vol.1 it just didn't hit me and I put it back down. But it looks like just the sort of thing I'd enjoy...so I'll try again.

[sirissac]

You really should give it another try. It gets better the more you read of it.
She is a great character.

[chocolover]

i just red 12 its soooo good, u hav 2 read it!!! Sunako and waz his name r a gr8 couple!! and i luv yuki and takanaga!!!! they r sooo sexi!

[sirissac]

Just finished 13 & can't wait for 14. I love Sunako.:heart:
I just love the story. Her dark side is so cool.:cool: I am also a child of darkness.:D

[PururinEleven]

Arrrgh! One of my friends owns the first few volumes so that's all I've read of it. I really like the series though and I'm discreetly trying to urger her to buy more so I can leech off of her. >:3

[sirissac]

A friend of mine let me borrow the first 3 volumes, and I have been hooked ever since. :p

She is so evil. :devil:

She is great at finding new & interesting series and then she tries to tempt me by letting me borrow them. She knows I am a sucker for a good manga & end up having to buy the series. :o

[Avalei]

Yes I am Evil!! I have gotten you hooked on what 5 or 6 series now? Bwahahahahahaha I have more if you wanna read them :D Plus there are more series I've been reading and think I'm gonna buy.

[TiamatsReviews]

I'bve been following Perfect Girl Evolution (i reffuse to call it that pathetic name: wallflower, Del Rey needs to be short for calling it that) for ages. I started following it in the scanlations, and yeah i've been buying them aswell.

I love Sunako, she's so funny the way she gets a nose bleed. Usually it's the guys getting nose bleeds over the women, nice to see it reversed once in a while.

Shame the anime sucked so badly though, a good example of an awesome manga ruined in anime form :(

[Sasami86]

I LOVE this series!! I just finished reading Volume 16. Now I can't wait for the next chapters to be released! ^^