The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn’t a Guy at All, vol. 1 | Review

The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn’t a Guy at All, vol. 1

Story and art by Sumiko Arai

Yen Press, published 10/22/24

Age rating: Teen 

If you ever needed a feel-good, meet-cute story that doesn’t have a dull moment, The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn’t a Guy at Allwould reach very high on that list. The story had everything that makes it an amazing gateway to the world of manga: 

• Opposites attracting
• Teen angst
• Establishing one’s own identity
• Connection through music

Stereotypical fashionable teen Aya has a love for Western rock music. Her friends are more into J-pop, and exposing her love of rock would seem taboo for Aya. When Aya visits a CD shop, she develops a crush on a mysterious and stylish guy who works at the shop. Dressed in all black and exuding cool, he even shares Aya’s love for Western rock. But the mysterious hottie Aya develops a crush on is actually her classmate Mitsuki, the quiet girl who sits next to her in class. When Aya starts telling her friends about the cute guy and the CD shop, Mitsuki knows the guy she’s talking about is actually her. Now Mitsuki must decide if she should tell Aya the truth and risk either embarrassment or possibly gain a new friend. Possibly more than a friend…

I did not expect to love this manga as much as I did. It has immediately become one of my favorites of 2024. The angst, the references to 90s rock (Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Radiohead, etc.), and the developing connection between Aya and Mitsuki were just right. The art and layout of the manga were very unusual, with a green palette that creates an edgy atmosphere to go along with the music the girls love. 

Another aspect that makes this story different from others is seeing the male classmate Narita fangirling over the girls, especially Mitsuki. He admires Mitsuki’s cool look, which he discovers by accident, and supports Mitsuki’s attempt to create a friendship with Aya. There’s no jealousy or fetishism involved, and they become friends, which Mitsuki’s rocker uncle is happy to see. He’s another comic-relief character who shows his niece unwavering support and gives her advice even when it’s unsolicited, but you know his heart is in the right place. What will annoy readers is the reaction of Aya’s clique, who see their friend’s love of rock music as rebelling against the status quo of popularity. This causes Aya some turmoil, especially when some secrets are exposed. 

Because of its strong start, I hope that this manga doesn’t burn out soon. The Guy She Was Interested In is an amazing piece without overdoing the shojo tropes. I look forward to witnessing more of Aya and Mitsuki’s relationship and how their love of music continues to influence their connection.

Filed under: Manga, Reviews, Young Adult