The Summer of You is the story of two high school students – Chiharu Saeki and Wataru Toda, who found themselves bonding together for their shared love of movies. One day, Saeki confesses his love for Toda. Toda was unbothered and just accepted it, and both boys continue to spend their summer going to film spots of their favorite movies. As time goes by, Wataru realizes that he may not be as unaffected by Saeki’s declaration.

I enjoyed reading this short (Boys Love) BL manga. I particularly loved the relaxed ambiance of the story. Every time that they were having a conversation, it feels like there’s feel-good music playing. I loved that there’s no villain here, and the boys were simply going with the flow. The easy acceptance of Wataru towards Saeki was lovely and kind. Both characters are likable.

That little backstory about Saeki’s childhood was a bit cringy, but I guess people like that exist. I thought the conflict was realistic, I mean, sometimes, you have to let go for you to move on, but most of the time, that is not always the case.

Reading this manga gave me a bit of a break from reading heavy novels with gore, ghosts, and family drama. It’s very refreshing, and I am looking forward to reading more about the boys and more about the author.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

This story was just ridiculously cute and cheesy. The characters are sweet and their chemistry is great too. Nothing about it was particularly mind blowing or ground breaking, but that doesn't really matter. It was very enjoyable

Every meme about how terrible queer folk are at picking up when they are being hit on? Paid off beautifully in this sweet summer manga.

I'm not especially familiar with the artists other work or if they have much of a resume but I jumped back into my first manga in nearly a decade for this cute cover and premise. Chiharu and Wataru are film nerds - and genre film nerds at that. As a queer nerd who does a mostly movie devoted podcast - I felt really seen there in the initial pages. The relationship between them as close but unlikely friends plays out well and I was genuinely invested as the story plays out over summer break and the touchstones of movies and their past.

With the exception of one slightly problematic trend in BL manga, I thoroughly enjoyed the story from beginning to end. Lots of long moments of bonding and relationship building is great. I love a slow burn that is actually given some time to be considered. The bonus stories at the end are also lovely and help give some context since the main story is over before you know it. I'm really eager to see what the second volume has in store.

Content warnings for potential domestic violence are the main reason for only four stars.

This is a really cute manga, and it really felt like a summer adventure to read it. I love the main characters and the way their friendship developed. Saeki confessing his feelings was super sweet, and then the way Wataru didn't immediately have any reaction but realized over time he also had feelings was sweet. Like, overall this whole manga was a super sweet story and I would love to see where Wataru and Saeki end up as their relationship continues and they have to navigate the long-distance. But I have complete confidence in them figuring out how to make it work and spending time together!

Very sweet friendship to love story.

There are a few twists when you realize they'd met as younger kids and how important Wataru is to Chiharu. The pacing of the development is realistic and unhurried.

Art is well done with proportional figures.

This book was ULTIMATE cuteness. I have cuteness overload at the moment.

This was amazing! I loved everything about it, it finished too quickly, I wanted more!! And it's only the first book too! I can't wait for the rest of the series to come out, I'll be waiting here, very patiently.

This reminds me so much of Heartstopper that I'm super happy!

Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for the earc in return for an honest review.

Thank you ever so much to Kodansha Comics for this eARC of the first volume of "The Summer of You" by Nagisa Furuya. Although I have been gifted this ARC, my opinion is purely my own.

This has such high potential. The story is so lovely and I know its gonna be an amazing manga but also each character is relatable and I feel comfort with both of them. The art style is perfect and it works with the entire story. I am very excited to see the future of this manga.

I loved this story. It was sweet and gentle, and overall gave a feeling of promise similar to nostalgia.
The main characters are both wonderful, and I was really cheering for them both. Their slow romance is so special, and the art was beautiful!

5/5 stars