Introduction
Kaguya-sama: Love Is War is a popular romantic comedy manga series written and illustrated by Aka Akasaka. The story follows the elite student council at Shuchiin Academy, Miyuki Shirogane and Kaguya Shinomiya, who are secretly in love with each other but refuse to admit it. Instead, they engage in various psychological mind games to make the other confess their feelings first. With its unique premise, quirky characters, and hilarious comedy, Kaguya-sama has become a must-read manga for fans of the genre.
However, with over 200 chapters and ongoing, it can be daunting for new readers to know where to start. That’s why it’s crucial to understand where to begin with Kaguya-sama manga, in order to fully appreciate and enjoy the story. In this article, we’ll help guide you through the different starting points and make your entry into the series as smooth as possible.
What is Kaguya-sama Manga?
Kaguya-sama: Love is War, or Kaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai – Tensai-tachi no Renai Zunousen in its original form, is a romantic comedy manga created by Aka Akasaka. The story follows the lives of two elite high school students, Miyuki Shirogane and Kaguya Shinomiya, who are the Student Council President and Vice President respectively. They both have feelings for each other but are too stubborn to confess their true feelings. Instead, they engage in a series of mind games and schemes to make the other person confess their love first.
The manga has gained a lot of popularity due to its unique love story, humor and relatable character dynamics. The story is set in a fictional high school in Japan, where the two protagonists are constantly at odds with each other, trying to get the upper hand in their relationship. The Student Council serves as the primary setting for the series, where various characters are introduced throughout the story.
The manga has been adapted into an anime series, a live-action drama and several light novels. Each adaptation explores the story in different ways, but all of them maintain the same dynamic between the two main characters. Kaguya-sama: Love is War has become a must-read for fans of romantic comedy manga and has inspired a devoted fanbase around the world.
Why Starting at the Right Point in Kaguya-sama Manga is Important
Kaguya-sama: Love is War is one of the most popular romantic-comedy manga series of recent times. It follows the story of two high school students, Miyuki Shirogane and Kaguya Shinomiya, who have feelings for each other but are too proud to confess. Although the storyline may seem straightforward, the manga has numerous arcs, which makes where one should start from quite confusing. Starting at the right point in the series is vital because it can affect the reader’s appreciation of the manga as a whole.
Options to begin reading Kaguya-sama Manga
There are several options in deciding where to begin reading the Kaguya-sama manga. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, and it is essential to note that the choice a reader makes depends on their preference.
Starting from the Beginning
The first option for readers is to start at the beginning of the manga series. This option is perfect for those who want to understand the context of the manga storyline since the beginning introduces the characters and their motivations. Readers will be able to see the gradual development of the relationship between Miyuki and Kaguya. Additionally, starting from the beginning can show how the art and storytelling of the series have evolved throughout the series.
Starting from the Anime Adaptation
Another option is to start with the anime adaptation of the manga series. The anime adaptation covers the first two seasons of the manga series, with each episode adapting one or two chapters of the manga series. This option is ideal for those who do not have the time and patience to read the manga from the beginning. The anime adaptation is an excellent way to enjoy the series without missing a beat from the manga since it stays true to the original work.
Starting from a Specific Arc
The third option is to start with a specific arc in the manga series. This option is ideal for readers looking for a specific storyline. Moreover, this option is perfect for those who want to read the latest arc without waiting for the chapters that precede it. For example, readers who want to read the cultural festival arc can start from chapter 74 instead of the beginning of the series. However, starting with a specific arc may leave readers disoriented since they will miss essential character development moments from the previous chapters.
Conclusion
Starting at the right point in the manga series is crucial for Kaguya-sama fans in understanding and appreciating the series. Each option in starting the series has its advantages and disadvantages and depends solely on the reader’s preference. Nevertheless, manga enthusiasts should take into account that starting from the beginning is the best way to ease into the world of Kaguya-sama without missing any key points. No matter which option readers choose, one can be assured that the Kaguya-sama manga series is worth experiencing.
Reading Order of Kaguya-sama Manga
Kaguya-sama: Love Is War is a romantic comedy manga series written and illustrated by Aka Akasaka. The series has been serialized in Weekly Young Jump since 2015 and is still ongoing. If you are interested in reading the entire series but don’t know where to start, this article will provide you with a detailed reading order, including any side stories or spin-offs.
1. Kaguya-sama: Love Is War
The main series of Kaguya-sama: Love Is War currently has 22 volumes. It follows the story of two high school students, Miyuki Shirogane and Kaguya Shinomiya, who are the student council president and vice president respectively. Despite their attraction to each other, they refuse to confess their feelings and instead try to make the other person confess first.
2. Kaguya-sama Wants to be Confessed to: The Geniuses’ War of Love and Brains
Kaguya-sama Wants to be Confessed to: The Geniuses’ War of Love and Brains is a spin-off manga series that began serialization in Weekly Young Jump in 2018. It is set in an alternate universe where Miyuki and Kaguya are not student council members and their relationship is not as complicated. The spin-off has currently released five volumes.
3. Kaguya-sama wo Kataritai
Kaguya-sama wo Kataritai, also known as We Want to Talk About Kaguya, is a manga series that features the supporting characters of the main series as they gather to talk about Kaguya and Miyuki’s relationship. This series started serialization in Young Jump in 2018 and is still ongoing. Currently, it has six volumes released.
4. Kaguya-sama: Dōjin-ban (Fanbook)
Kaguya-sama: Dōjin-ban is a fanbook that was released in Japan in 2019. It includes manga strips, character information, and interviews with the author and voice actors. It is not necessary to read this fanbook to understand the main story, but it can be a fun addition for fans of the series.
By following this reading order, you can enjoy the entire Kaguya-sama series in the correct order and avoid any confusion. Whether you are a new fan or a long-time follower, you are sure to enjoy the intricate relationships and hilarious situations that Aka Akasaka has created.
The Engaging Characters
Kaguya-sama: Love is War has a cast of characters that is easy to fall in love with. The two main characters, Kaguya and Miyuki, are both well-developed and likable. Kaguya is the student council vice-president and comes from an extremely wealthy family. Miyuki, the student council president, is a hardworking student from a modest background. Together, they make a perfect yin-yang duo, with their different personalities and social status complementing each other.
The supporting cast is just as compelling. Characters like Chika, Ishigami, and Miko all have their unique quirks and backstories, making them stand out in their own ways. The interactions between the characters are often hilarious and heartfelt, and readers will quickly find themselves invested in their individual stories as well as their group dynamic.
The Plot
The plot of Kaguya-sama: Love is War revolves around the student council’s attempts to make the other person confess their love first. Both Kaguya and Miyuki have one goal in mind and resort to various tactics and mind games to get the other person to confess. The constant battle of wits and the ever-changing power dynamics between the two make for a compelling read.
However, it’s not just about their love war. The story also explores the different facets of high school life, such as academics, extracurricular activities, social events, and challenges that come along the way. There are many relatable moments that will resonate with young readers, making this manga an authentic representation of teenage life.
The Humor
If there’s one thing Kaguya-sama: Love is War excels at, it’s making readers laugh. The manga consistently delivers clever, witty humor through its characters and their interactions. From Chika’s random outbursts to Kaguya’s over-the-top schemes, the manga never fails to be amusing.
The humor is a great balance to the more serious moments, keeping the reader invested in the story while also providing a light-hearted atmosphere. It’s one of the reasons why readers keep coming back to Kaguya-sama: Love is War, to experience the comedic genius of Aka Akasaka.
The Emotional Moments
While Kaguya-sama: Love is War is primarily a romantic comedy, it’s not without its emotional moments. The characters go through various trials and tribulations that will tug at the reader’s heartstrings. Many of the characters come from complicated backgrounds, and readers will find themselves rooting for them to overcome their past struggles.
Additionally, the manga also explores the themes of friendship, loss, and personal growth. These deeper moments add another layer to the story, making it more than just a simple romantic-comedy manga.
The Artwork
The artwork in Kaguya-sama: Love is War is visually stunning. Aka Akasaka’s style is clean, sharp, and easy on the eyes. The character designs are distinctive, and the backgrounds are well-crafted, adding depth to the overall setting.
The manga also plays around with different visual motifs, such as black-and-white scenes, chibis, and exaggerated expressions. The panels flow seamlessly, adding to the overall reading experience. Whether the story calls for a comedic scene or a poignant moment, the artwork always delivers.
Start Your Kaguya-sama Reading Journey at the Right Point
If you’re looking for a manga series that is both romantic and funny, Kaguya-sama is a must-read. However, starting at the right point in the series can make or break your reading experience. Following these tips will help!
Read From Chapter 1
For readers who want to start Kaguya-sama from the beginning, the best spot to start is Chapter 1. The story sets the tone and the characters’ personalities, relationships, and motivations that drive the plot forward. Chapter 1 is a great introduction to the Kaguya-sama universe, and you’ll have a better appreciation for the story and characters, moving forward.
Continue from Chapter 45 onwards
If you’ve watched the anime or want to dive into the story from a more interesting point, you can start from Chapter 45. This marks the beginning of the Sports Festival Arc, which features some of the funniest and most memorable moments in the series. However, it would be best to go back to the previous chapters after finishing this arc.
Avoid Chapter 1 and chapter 45: Start from Volume 5 onwards
If you don’t have time to read from the beginning or have already watched the anime, start from Volume 5 onwards. This marks the start of the culture festival arc, the chapter when Kaguya and Miyuki are forced to work together for a student-led event. The arc marks a significant turning point for the two main characters, and their relationship takes interesting turns. From there, you can comfortably enjoy the series without feeling like you’ve missed essential plot points.
Read from the First Chapter but Skip the Manga-only Arcs
If you want to get the full experience, read from Chapter 1, but you should know that the anime has made some structural changes to the story. Therefore, there are some manga-only arcs, including Ice Kaguya, that the anime has yet to cover. If you’re interested in seeing the full picture, you can read these manga-only arcs to get a better understanding of the characters’ personalities and relationships.
Conclusion
Starting a manga series can be daunting, but the best place to start can make your reading experience much more enjoyable. For Kaguya-sama, we recommend starting at Chapter 1, Chapter 45, Volume 5 onwards, or the first chapter but skipping the manga-only arcs. No matter where you start, you’re sure to have a great time exploring the romantic and comedic side of this fantastic series.
Don’t be afraid to give Kaguya-sama manga a try. With its great story, lovable characters, and hilarious comedic moments, it’s a series that never gets old. Happy reading!