Twins Megumu and Mitsuru were named for historical figures, but only Megumu grew up with a taste for history — so Mitsuru asks her to fill in at his all-boys’ school to take his tests for him. They’re twins, and they know each other very well — nothing could possibly go wrong, right?
So Cute is from the mangaka Go Ikeyamada, and it could be considered a typical shojo gender-swap story — if such a thing can be considered “typical.” The story focuses on a pair of twins — a boy and a girl — who cross-dress and disguise themselves as one another to solve each other’s problems, although Mitsuru’s failing grades are really the main problem.
As you can expect from a Shojo Beat title, romance is a key component in the manga, with the added typical gender-swap manga problem that both are in love with someone who thinks they’re of a different gender.
KOBAYASHI GA KAWAISUGITE TSURAI!! © 2012 Go IKEYAMADA/SHOGAKUKAN
What makes So Cute a little different than usual, though, is the love interests themselves: Megumu (who goes by Mego) falls for a lavender-scented yankee named Aoi Sanada at her brother’s all-boys school while Mitsuru (a notorious womanizer) learns the meaning of true love when he protects Shino Takenaka, who’s deaf, from a bully.
The first volume of the manga sets up these romances, although Mitsuru’s romance with Shino is much more interesting to read about. It’s also more endearing: Mitsuru brings home a book on Japanese sign language so he can talk with Shino, and Mego joins him in learning it since Shino believes she’s befriending Mego instead.
Another fun tidbit for the avid manga reader: not only are Mego and Mitsuru named for historical Japanese figures, but Mego is a “history otaku” obsessed with Masamune Date, and there’s a running joke about her obsession with eye patches.
There are also references to historical figures sprinkled throughout the manga — the primary bully is named Tokugawa. There are probably tons of other references I didn’t pick up on, and a few that are actually explained in the manga.
In terms of art, Ikeyamada’s style is pretty standard for shojo. There are cute clothes — especially sailor-style school uniforms — and fluffy hairstyles. I find the mangaka’s art style pretty pleasing to look at and not distracting, especially as she doesn’t reach Arina Tanemura levels of gigantic, sparkly eyes.
Overall, the art style isn’t really that notable. If you’re looking to be impressed by the style, this may not be your cup of tea. But for a reader like me — only looking to not be distracted from the plot — that works very well.
The first volume of So Cute is endearing, funny, and sweet, but unfortunately, Mego’s romance with Sanada isn’t very developed in the first volume, leaving the plot feeling just a bit lopsided towards Mitsuru and Shino. If you’re a shojo romance reader, this is a nice departure from the standard girl-meets-emotionally distant boy trope, and I’d recommend it for those seeking out a different sort of fluffy, sweet romance.
Story: 3 out of 5 stars
Art: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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Feliza Casano sadly is NOT named after a historical figure. She edits and writes for all sections of the site, and she’s the one behind GiC’s Facebook and Twitter. Follow her on Twitter @FelizaCasano.
