Review: Kusunoki’s Flunking Her High School Glow-Up 3
When I first heard about Kusunoki’s Flunking Her High School Glow-Up 3, I felt a familiar pull—like being drawn back into the whirlwind of high school drama, insecurities, and those ever-elusive ‘glow-ups’ that define teenage life. Kusunoki captures these experiences with a delightful mix of humor and relatability, and I found myself instantly invested in the journey of her characters.
In this latest installment, we dive back into Kusunoki and Ririsa Hebikawa’s evolving friendship—a heartwarming arc that mirrors our own struggles of finding connection and self-acceptance. It’s a rocky road, yes, but one where the ups and downs of high school life are so beautifully rendered that I couldn’t help but smile as I followed them. With Ririsa making strides to better her social skills while grappling with her academic woes, her transformation offers both humor and poignant reflection. The way she navigates her study sessions with Shizuki, rife with misunderstandings, is pure comic gold.
One of the standout elements of Kusunoki’s writing is her ability to blend light-hearted moments with deeper emotional undertones. The interplay of friendship, the tension of rivalries, and the tone of self-discovery make the narrative both entertaining and relatable. The introduction of a new character claiming to be Ririsa’s childhood friend adds an unexpected twist, forcing both characters to confront their pasts and the tension of their feelings for one another. These dynamics are what keep the pages turning!
Kusunoki’s art style—bright, expressive, and often humorously exaggerated—complements the writing perfectly. It captures the essence of adolescence wonderfully, allowing readers to experience every cringe-worthy moment and heart-fluttering encounter. I found myself chuckling at several panels, and there were a few times I even had to pause to relish the humor in Ririsa’s awkwardness. One memorable quote was, “If only school subjects were as easy as figuring out my feelings,” a sentiment that resonated with me, echoing my own school days of confusion!
With a total of 192 pages, the pacing kept me engaged; each chapter felt like an episode of my own high school sitcom—complete with laugh-out-loud moments and tender, reflective pauses. Kusunoki’s narrative technique skillfully intertwines character growth with humor, making for a satisfying and thoughtful read.
I believe this manga is perfect for anyone who has ever felt like an “ugly duckling” in that pivotal chapter of life. Whether you’re reminiscing about your own high school days or simply love a good coming-of-age story interspersed with romance and humor, Flunking Her High School Glow-Up 3 is sure to charm you.
Ultimately, reading this volume felt like a heartfelt connection to my past, a reminder of the importance of friendship, self-acceptance, and the laughable messiness of growing up. I can’t wait to see where Kusunoki takes us next on this delightful journey!
You can find Kusunoki’s Flunking Her High School Glow-Up 3 here >>