The poor kid is self-conscious about his height (or lack of it) and how ordinary he looks when they’re out together and Yamato draws all the admiring gazes, because he’s tall, looks like an idol etc. Even though I can’t say there’s anything special about I Cannot Reach You, there’s also nothing that I dislike and that in itself is kind of special.

I thought about waiting until I could give you a complete review, but this manga started in 2018 and it’s still releasing so I have no clue when it will be complete. Still Teen-Rated (13 upwards), I Cannot Reach You continues to offer an engaging and sympathetic view of the pitfalls of crushing on your best friend – yet doesn’t delve too deeply into the problems that can arise when that friend is the same sex as you.If you’re looking for a hot and steamy BL romance, this isn’t the title for you – but for a heartfelt and beautifully observed manga about ordinary young people finding their way in life (with some genuinely touching insights) this can’t be bettered at the moment (except, possibly, by the equally charming yet moving Skip and Loafer). My heart just melts with these boys like the stuggle of a confession is so worth it even if it's painful to see.

One of my favorite shows of the fall 2023 season was the animated adaptation of INORI's light novel series, the latest in a string of isekai anime revolving around the concept of video game "villainess" characters redeeming themselves. Designed and maintained by devoted anime fans, Anime UK News and it’s fledgling forum community is growing with each passing month, proving we are an ambitious and trusted resource for UK-based anime fans and beyond! And while more often than not I am left defeated by fetishizing, heteronormative, and fujoshi-ridden things to read, Kimi ni wa Todokanai was the light at the end of the tunnel for me. The translation for Yen Press is again by Jan Mitsuko Cook with lettering by Alexis Eckerman and there’s a very helpful page of translation notes.

Honestly, I am quite surprised this manga isn't as popular as it should be, and it's a shame, really, because if anything, it is up to par if not MUCH MORE than most. So it’s not unreasonable for readers to expect the next chapter to follow through… but instead, the spotlight falls on Mikoto, Yamato’s younger sister. This helps each of them feel more like their own complete character rather than just half of the main couple. Yamato tries to express his feelings, but when he learns that someone he cares about shares the same feelings for Kakeru, he is hesitant and confused. Later on, the boys go to stay with Kakeru’s grandparents in Sendai over Spring Break and Kakeru’s grandfather takes them camping.