Kanzaki and Atsuko are worlds apart. One is the town’s infamous delinquent, kicking ass and taking names. The other is an adorable transfer student who’s fallen head of heels for this delinquent. Can these two grow closer with so many differences between them?
About The Delinquent and the Transfer Student
The Delinquent and the Transfer Student is a girls’ love manga by Fujichika, published in English by Seven Seas Entertainment. Initially, it was a web comic that was then picked up for serialization. Set in 1980’s Japan, the story follows an unlikely relationship two girls who couldn’t be anymore different. Kanzaki is a transfer student who has become interested in Atsuko, the school’s resident delinquent. They’ve been playing a game where Kanzaki has Atsuko read works she thinks are cute so she can swoon over them.
As the two continue this charade of sorts, both girls try to process what it is they like about the other, what their friendship means, and what might they want in the future.
My Thoughts
I don’t think I’ve ever smiled as hard as I did reading this volume. My god, what an insanely cute story. As a lover of the classics, I knew I would enjoy it solely based on it being set in the 80’s. There is so much charm in the style and it grounds the story in a reality that cuts out a lot of extra noise (like social media, texting, ect). Then we have the characters, who are so pure and cute, the sweetness makes my teeth ache.
Each chapter in this volume gets cuter and cuter. We toggle between present day Kanzaki and Atsuko, learning how they even started this “game.” Then we get chapters that are mini episodes of shenanigans between the both of them, like being at school after hours and having to encounter a scary ghost. Throughout the chapters, we can see both Kanzaki and Atsuko thinking about how cute the other one is and how much they look forward to their interactions with each other.
What really sets this story apart for me is how much Kanzaki likes Atsuko. It’s not just about her reading the cute words and how that contradicts with her “delinquent” persona. It’s how Kanzaki sees Atsuko, as so much more than this aggressive girl who guys want to fight all the time. She thinks Atsuko is cute and adorable, and loves all her features and personality. From the “mean glaring” to “her fluffy curly hair”, Kanzaki is enamored with it all. I love Kanzaki admiring Atsuko as loudly as she does and I hope to see more.
Kanzaki and Atsuko are the epitome of down bad for each other and I cannot get enough. I love a story where both characters like the other so much, they literally can’t deal. As a reader, it’s so satisfying to see how flustered they get each other, and how they think the other one doesn’t feel the same. I also enjoy that they both know how they feel but haven’t made the connection that it’s a romantic like just yet. Ahhh, I can’t get enough of these girls and I am so excited for the next volume!
Where to Buy The Delinquent and the Transfer Student Vol 1
The Delinquent and the Transfer Student Vol 1
Story and Art: Fujichika
Translation: Minna Lin
Lettering: Aidan Clarke
Copy Editor & Proofreader: B. Lillian Martin
Publisher: Seven Seas Entertainment
The Delinquent and the Transfer Student Vol 1 is available for now.
Thank you, Seven Seas Entertainment, for the ARC.
