[MANGA REVIEW] Nisekoi

As a child, Raku Ichijo made a secret promise with his childhood sweetheart, keeping a pendant as a memento while his love took the key. He dreams of one day meeting his past love, but years later, reality smashes his hopes when Chitoge Kirisaki accidentally knees him in the face...

Though Raku’s a normal high schooler, his family heads the notorious yakuza gang the Shuei-Gumi faction! And he’s dragged into family affairs when he’s forced into a relationship with Chitoge, the daughter of a rival gang’s boss!

Despite their constant spats, the two somehow fool everyone with their false relationship. Raku then discovers that Chitoge has a mysterious key from her past, which she can’t remember... Plus, two other girls appear with keys as well—Kosaki Onodera and Marika Tachibana!

Caught in the midst of this love maelstrom, even more complications arise for Raku when his class decides on Romeo and Juliet as the class’s play for the school festival. Can the two false lovebirds pull off the impossible and make the play a success?

(Source: Viz Media)

I don't really like harem genre before. Dumb main male protagonists, clingy girls, awkward situations who surrounds them, jelousy, etc. etc. I prefer a simple romance anime/manga, but this manga is an EXCEPTION.
This is simply great for me, though this is definitely the type I don't want, it simply surpasses my ideals and creates a new space for harem genre in my heart. XD

First, the story plot isn't that like much of original, love triangles, childhood promises, family rivalry, and sorts... But because shounen series focuses more on that categories, I can say that it manages to be amusing and good to read as a general romance type. (And unlike any other Shounen Jump Manga Romances, it never focuses on ecchiness. XD) The setting and characters (for me) gives off a Romeo and Juliet vibe (that kinda gives me 'kilig')

Characters are not as original like the plot... a guy surrounded by many girls, a tsundere, dandere, the boyish type and the stalker type. But as the story progresses, you can see how learn and grow. After more chapters, I find myself wanting to see these lovable characters, I kinda feel like I am attached to them.

Art gives off the very important role for this manga in my opinion. I would like to give Naoshi-sensei a two thumbs up for this. Character designs are good and easy to follow, backgrounds are simple, and most of all, all of the characters are realistic! (When i say "realistic" it means the incredibly PROPORTIONED!) No big breasted that seems like bigger than the other parts of their bodies and everyone gives off a high schooler atmosphere.

Overall.
This is definitely one of my top manga right now. I can't be sure if you would like the plot, but I assure that when you read this, it will put a smile on your face, love the characters and make you wait for the next chapters.