“Corporate wage slave Takahashi has never had a girlfriend — until he tries out a dating app and finds what seems to be the perfect match. Pretty, young, and successful, Nanase's got it all…except for sanity! Nanase's had her eyes on Takahashi for a long time and is willing to give him everything he wants, whether he likes it or not. A different kind of love comedy is about to unfold!” (Mangamo)
Nanase-san's Crazy Love Obsession
Is Available on the Mangamo App
*This review covers the first five chapters of the release.
In the realm of mature psychological manga, there are not many tropes more terrifying than an individual with drive and means to control someone's life (yandere in this case but not exclusive statement by gender). Certainly, creators like Oshimi Shuzo (“Flowers of Evil”, “Blood on the Tracks”) and series such as “Scum's Wish” and “Love and Heart” have proven the formula to be an intense and unnerving experience that has a fanbase clamoring for more. Enter “Nanase-san's Crazy Love Obsession” by Shinonome Tomu, which focuses on an intense obsession between young salaryman Takahashi and the titular Nanase. Across the first five chapters, the book evokes the same atmosphere of the previously mentioned titles while making its own mark.
There is a certain emphasis on unease, as Nanase embodies all the red flags one would think of when approaching a romantic interest, wearing her distorted visions like a badge of honor. A wall full of photos of someone they just met, a house in disarray, stalking, jealousy etc., make it apparent her stability is anything but concrete. Being forced, through circumstances of income, to indulge in someone else's delusions for the sake of housing and food makes the scenario all the more unnerving. It is one of those harsh realities that many actually have to face, so the material may be triggering to some.
However, the series is not all doom and gloom as the tone can be slightly playful due to the personality of Nanase. It is certainly a case of using charms to disarm and simple playfulness or “punishments”, that would be cute in a normal relationship, become malicious acts. This feeds into the psychological horror elements of the title, as Takahashi has moments where he sees the situation as ‘not that bad' and that maybe he is overreacting. Obviously, as an outsider observer, the reader will see him as naive at best and idiotic at worse, yet his mental gymnastics to justify the unhealthy relationships feels grounded in reality.
The narrative of “Nanase-san's Crazy Love Obsession” is the major notable draw to the work, yet that does not mean the art of Shinonome Tomu is not without its charm. Serviceable in most instances, Tomu's style brings the needed levity to the content and his constant depiction of Nanasa as the embodiment of innocence makes her actions all the more unsettling. There are moments where the veil is lifted in a fit of jealousy, but she is always transformed back to her upbeat and loving mannerisms. Consequently, the art really captures the manipulative and manic personality of the character perfectly.
At five chapters in, it would be disingenuous to conclude that “Nanase-san's Crazy Love Obsession” will be able to merit the same accolades as standouts in the psychological drama, but it is off to a promising start. Personally, I am already invested in learning what happens and can't wait to dive deeper into the series as more chapters become available.
The charm of “Nanase-san's Crazy Love Obsession” is both dark and undeniable, it is certainly worth checking out for those who love to squirm in their seat when reading manga. Furthermore, more mature titles are always appreciated among the slew of school dramas that dominate the genre. If any of the above appeals to you, don't miss a chance to check this one out.
