Written By: Tsukasa Fushimi
Artist: rin
Age Range: 16
Page Count: 192 pgs
Published By: Dark Horse Comics
Release Date: 3rd October 2018
Fifteen–year–old Masamune Izumi is in his first year of high school, but his work schedule is much more hectic than that of his classmates. Masamune is also an accomplished and published author of light novels. Within the world of publishing, the illustrations are just as important as the manuscript. However Masamune has never met the illustrator of his novels ‘Eromanga Sensei’, as all their contact has been through their manager. All the while, Masamune is juggling both his career and education, whilst also maintaining a home. He also cares for his little sister, who has shut herself in her room for the last year, becoming a complete hikikomori. After watching just one drawing livestream, Masamune’s life is going to become a lot more interesting!
This interesting story introduces us to Masamune, who won a light novel writers award whilst in junior high. Now he is an accomplished and published author, even though he has just started high school. With the advancement of modern technology, Masamune is capable of finding out what his readers think of his work. As well as the positive reviews, Masamune also gets some harsh criticism, even from his illustrator. This ultimately ends in a huge discovery for him that is bound to change the relationships in his household. This series seems to focus on how the publishing industry works, or at the very least gives us a sneak peek into the lives of the author and illustrators. It will be quite interesting to see in what direction volume two goes, regarding both the characters and how much more insight into the publishing industry we are given.
Masamune has some massive shoes to fill in his household, as from what I understand after reading this volume, his parents aren’t actually around anymore. It is unclear if they are deceased or have simply been working abroad. It is just Masamune and his little sister Sagiri living in the house, however it is down to Masamune to do all the chores as Sagiri has become a complete shut in (hikikomori). Sagiri has not emerged from her room for the past twelve months, and that includes talking to her brother. She has also become isolated from society and even stopped attending school. The reasons for this have yet to be made clear, but what has Sagiri been doing all these months to pass time? It’s probably obvious to the readers by now, but not to her own brother!
Eromanga Sensei is a romantic comedy, and was first published as a light novel; yup this is a series about a light novel author, being written by a light novelist! It’s Inception people! Anyway, it has been ongoing since 2013 with ten volumes out so far by author Tsukasa Fushimi, the same author of Oreimo. The manga adaptation began in 2014 and currently has seven volumes out. These are published in English by Dark Horse Comics.
Eromanga Sensei Volume 1 is available to buy now both online and in your local manga carrying bookstore. It is worth picking up this series now and supporting the manga publishing industry.
Overall: 7.5/10
