Too Many Losing Heroines! (2023)
[負けヒロインが多すぎる！@comic]
Volume 2
Author: Takibi Amamori
Artist: Itachi
Original Character Design: Imigimuru
Publisher: Ura Sunday Comics
Synopsis:
Nukumizu's sister tries to come up with a strategy for him to make friends, unaware of his growing social circle.
Story/Characters:
This volume we get introduced to Kaju, a strong contender for one of the best little sisters out there. I love the juxtaposition of her doting admiration of him coupled with zero faith in his capacity as a social creature. We have Lemon approach Nukumizu trying to use his connection to the Literature Club as a way to gain points with her more literate crush. Unfortunately for her, in the execution of this plan, she finds out that he's already managed to acquire a girlfriend, officially inducting our star athlete into the roster of loser heroines. Don't worry, though, Yanami's on the case. (Oh, I mean, do worry. Yanami's on the case.) We also start to build up Nukumizu's relationship with Komari, primarily with them bonding over their passion for tapwater. (Yes, really. They're odd ducks, those two.)
The main event I'm sure everyone is looking forward to is the club camp, i.e. the beach episode. It's not just swimsuit fanservice, though. There's some actual meat to be had (and I don't mean the pounds Yanami is putting on with her incessant eating). It's time for a blowup with our third love triangle consisting of the Literature Club's captain, vice-captain and Komari. I really love the dynamic with their relationship because both Tamaki and Tsukinoki (cap and vice-cap) really do care about Komari. Their love for her (platonic) is almost as strong as their love (romantic) for each other. It all gets rather messy, especially with how poorly Tamaki handles the ladies. However, the way the resolution shakes out really speaks well to the character of the trio involved. They're good kids, those kids. If it just weren't for all those goshdarned teenage hormones...
We close on a nice little cliffhanger where Nukumizu learns of the horrible snare he's found himself caught up in. Oh, the joys of being a romcom protagonist.
Art:
I know, I know, beach episode, swimsuits, barbecue, fireworks, all that stuff. Yes Lemon-chan is a weapon of mass destruction with those tanlines and those extra pounds aren't doing Yanami any harm. Now stop it. Fanservice aside, we get some great comedic shots and the emotional punches are skillfully delivered. Also, Kaju manages to impossibly break the cuteness ceiling in a series where the art already delivers a very high kawaii factor. Try not to get diabetes, folks.
Other:
There is a color insert with another version of the cover image where the camera isn't quite as close and a two-page spread of Yanami, Lemon and Komari on the beach (and of course Yanami has food with her). Also there's a bonus illustration of Lemon in the school entryway under the dust cover.
Conclusion:
We're only starting to set up the conflict for Lemon, but the real feature this volume is Komari making her big play and the aftermath from it. There will be lingering issues to be dealt with later, but I do quite like how it gets handled. As I said above, the dynamics of the Tamaki-Tsukinoki-Komari triangle are really compelling and rewarding to watch play out. There's a lot more here than just beaches and bikinis, so whether you're here for some fun on the beach or the developing character drama, you'll want this one in your collection.
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