The Metalhead Next Door Paperback – December 10, 2024

I really love that Soshi is quiet and kind and has hobbies like baking and knitting. It's nice to see a true interpretation of a lot of metal and alternative individuals. A lot of alternative individuals are very sweet and soft-spoken compared to what a lot of media portrays, and this makes me happy that this side is shown. Beautiful and sweet. Love that the relationship isn't forced or fast paced, it's slow and sweet and tentative. Also, I love the call out of the trope of kissing someone when they are sleeping and how thats wrong. All of it was very well written and paced perfectly. I'll definitely be recommending this to all of my friends.

I really enjoyed this! First off: yep, there are a few graphic sections. This is not a manga you want your grade schooler reading. But as an adult reader, the characters are well.defined, the story is adorable, and I want more volumes!

A sweet romance with genuine tenderness. Though it doesn’t push many boundaries for romance manga, it is rare in many ways and worthy of being cherished.

I liked the metal trivia sprinkled throughout the volume. I don’t listen to metal myself, so that was a nice touch for added context. Soshi is an extremely compelling character. I was surprised to discover that he’s 30, since he seems younger. Kento’s patience was phenomenal. Almost unrealistic, but ultimately, I buy it.I’d like another volume for these two, but I’m satisfied with the ending as it stands. Though I have to say that I never did understand why Kento was outside his apartment that first night.From a technical standpoint, I felt the artwork was good, though there’s room for improvement. There’s also some room for improvement in clearly denoting who’s speaking. Both of these are essentially minor issues. This is only the artist’s second volume, so I expect sophistication will come with time.What’s more important is those things that are essential to the storyteller, which you either have or you don’t. The ability to think up interesting characters. (Check) The ability to make those characters relatable, even when they are unusual. (Check) The ability to make the story moving and funny. (Check) [Side note: I loved the little girl at the daycare.] It’s for these reasons that I gave the volume five stars.

Sweet, and heart felt, slow and rewarding!Kento is a college student with works in daycare and as we begin the story he’s moving into a cheaper apartment, in winter with no heat! His neighbor finds him frozen in the hallway and rescues him. His neighbor, Soshi is a metal fan, dark clothes wearing, scowling seeming baddy, but in truth he’s incredibly shy and sweet, a baker he starts cooking for the poor, but outgoing Kento and a relationship slowly forms. Adorable and hilarious scene with Kento getting love advise from a kid at the daycare too!Will read again!

Really sweet and kind of slow burn for a one volume manga! Story wrapped up well and I really enjoyed both of the characters! A fun change up from a typical yaoi story!

Cute story. Wish it were longer though.

I went in for a soft, slow burn, and I wasn't disappointed. Their budding dynamic was developed and nurtured over a total of 3 years by the end of the story, which felt very natural for them. Soshi is super shy and reserved, with a debilitating fear of speaking to people, so it felt perfectly paced and allowed them to explore each new stage, comfortably. Also, I ADORED the little romance guru from daycare, she was a HOOT!