Natsume Isaku writes the best "men at work" manga, from the salarymen in "Doushiyoumo Nai Keredo" to the pap reporters in "Ameiro Paradox" to the mafia heirs in "Tight Rope." Her characters are always well-meaning, rambunctious types with a streak of competitiveness, and she always makes the stakes clear and realistic for the reader. "Hanakoi Tsurane" is no different. Here, two sons of kabuki families are asked to perform together as romantic leads, and it turns out they've both been secretly inspiring each other to be better. The beats to this story feel familiar (lead character softens on his one-sided rivalry while slowly falling into an unintentional love trap), and Sougorou is a well-trod Natsume fave (spoiled, selfish, and very conscious of his own responsibilities and expectations) while Gensuke is another tried-and-true upbeat, naturally romantic type. But as always, Natsume Isaku brings out the best, with funny dialogue and a great off-stage rapport between the leads.
Hanakoi Tsurane