“Growing up in the same apartment complex, Yuuki and Natsuha have known each other forever. They've been friends for so long that everyone just assumes they're a couple! But as they both approach the final stretch of high school, they get a silly, totally-not-serious idea— what if they actually started dating? What a ridiculous thing to say! Unless…?” (Yen Press)
Romance manga delivered in short episodic bursts can offer lovely reflections on a newly formed relationship, giving brief glimpses into those awkward or touching moments of new beginnings. In particular, Yen Press has been excelling in bringing this type of format to print with both “Assorted Entanglements” and “Monthly in the Garden with My Landlord” being among the best series released this year that utilizes the format. This has led to excitement whenever one of these formatted titles comes out. However, despite Perico's “15 Minutes Before We Really Date” having moments of visual flair and hilarity, it falls short in its execution.
Notably, there is a disconnect in the art of Perico, where gorgeous paneling work and style (as seen below) come up against rather crude characterizations and awkward expressions. This is the greatest hindrance to the comedy within the series, as that perfect combo of humorous dialogue matched with a visual sting consistently misses the mark. The moments of romance, including the shy gazes, work much better. Still, the inconsistency in quality and inability to nail comedic moments gives the impression of a manga always at odds with itself. This is frustrating when looking at the striking featured art pieces between chapters, showing that the fault is more in approach than ability.
The mini-segments have endearing interactions between Yuuki and Natsuha, such as their first time holding hands as a couple instead of friends. Specific chapters will elicit those ‘warm fuzzies' one is looking for in tales of teenage romance, but again, the inconsistency hurts the overall experience. There is an awkwardness to other stories in the flat delivery or awkward illustrations that kills the intended emotional response. Essentially, “15 Minutes Before We Really Date” feels like a constant letdown that falls short of its full potential; competency is only offered in brief glimpses.
For those solely focused on romance manga, “15 Minutes Before We Really Date” still offers enough variety and takes a semi-unique approach to the genre in content and visuals. When the manga works, it impresses. However, for those who like to read various genres, sampling the best within each, Perico's work does not hold up against greater scrutiny in an already crowded genre.
