Kusunoki’s Flunking Her High School Glow-Up, vol. 1 | Review

What happens when two ex-ugly ducklings reconnect in high school? 

We get an adorable, realistic rom-com that will soften even the hardest of hearts, mine included.

I kid, but I digress. 

After being rejected by his first crush, Shizuki decides to remake himself for a fresh start in high school. He has improved his looks, gained new friends, and worked on his confidence. However, he still has a phobia of cute girls, and he avoids them or anyone from his past. Encountering any of those causes Shizuki to become physically sick. But what happens when another outcast who has her own glow-up wants to be his friend?

That would be new popular girl Kusunoki. Guys swarm and fuss over the beautiful girl, while girls are jealous of her for absolutely no reason. When Kusunoki wants to become friends with Shizuki, he is very unnerved by the idea. He feels that he is not at Kusunoki’s level. But when they begin to talk, Shizuki realizes that Kusunoki is a shy girl lacking social skills who is only comfortable with people similar to her, such as Shizuki. When their new friendship begins to grow, the former outcasts find themselves receiving a lot of unwanted attention and rumors. 

One of those who becomes invested in the duo’s bond is Shizuki’s former crush, Hebikawa. 

Kusunoki’s Flunking Her High School Glow-Up was a fun, fast-paced read, which unfortunately bears similarities to another title (you know the one), but has something that is very different. Our leads are exactly alike. Both are introverted outcasts who find each other when they begin to make improvements in their respective lives. While Shizuki is working on his confidence, Kusunoki still needs help with hers. She enjoys spending time with Shizuki because they have similar experiences. When Kusunoki tells Shizuki she needs help making friends, he worries how they will be seen together. Rumors happen and can destroy lives when unchecked. As the friendship progresses, Shizuki finds himself getting to know Kusunoki the person, not Kusunoki the school beauty. While she does get attention from the boys in her school, including Shizuki’s overzealous friend Hareno, Kuzunoki doesn’t make that her identity. She is a real one who just wants to make friends and survive high school. Teen readers will find that relatable as they read the story. 

There’s a scene where her female peers mock her for getting attention, calling her a “pick me” girl. Amazing how jealousy rears its ugly head, especially when the object of jealousy has done nothing to deserve it. But more amazing is how Shizuki and Kusunoki deal with their critics and communicate with each other.

Overall, Kusunoki’s Flunking Her High School Glow-Up is an adorable shojo that readers will find relatable, funny, and authentic to the high school experience. I look forward to seeing how Shizuki and Kusunoki’s friendship develops, and I hope the slow burn leads to a wonderful payoff. 

Filed under: Graphic Novels, Manga, Reviews, Young Adult