Reviews for Insomniacs After School

“I want to sleep, but I can’t. All night long, I’m awake. This little observatory, it was our safe haven”. If you’re looking for wholesome content which isn’t rushed, this is the one. The pacing of this manga is absolutely great. The interaction between the characters is depicted in a realistic and relatable way, making this a really good slice of life manga. Just seeing the two characters open up to each other brought a fluffy feel to me. It made me realize how nice it must be to have someone who will side with you amidst your problems. The art truly brings out thebeauty of the story. From the character designs to the night sky, it’s pretty neat. Generally, it’s a good read that doesn’t disappoint but heartens instead.

This is an updated version of my original review, I wrote the review below on March 20th 2023 and I've decided to update it since the manga has recently finished. The old review has since been deleted since mal won't let me have both up, although I have an archive for prosperity I'm going to start off this review with a bit of a personal anecdote of how I came to discover this manga. I was lying in bed at about midnight, trying to force myself asleep as I needed to wake up early the next day. I was tired but I just could not sleepso after about 20 minutes of trying to go to sleep I grabbed my phone (I know it was a stupid decision but I wasn't thinking straight). I decided to read some manga and after looking through the manga list of my friend's accounts and stumbled upon this so I decided to give it a go. Watching the characters wholesome interactions how they transform the school's observatory in an earnest attempt to try and fall asleep was incredibly soothing and is what allowed me to go to sleep.

Most slice of life manga (and anime) often make the same mistake, they don't give you a reason to care. Slice of life is heavily character-driven and so we need to have time to become familiar with the characters and watch them grow and change. But since insomniacs after school uses the insomnia of the main characters I cared because I wanted to see them sleep because I saw how hard they had worked for it. This allows you to become endeared to the characters without them having to have some interesting character dynamic or unique quirk to help flesh them out.

If I had to describe the two leads of this manga in one word it would be endearing, even despite their personal setbacks they try their hardest to the point you just want to see them act out the mundanities of everyday life because at this point you care. And because you care this manga shows why it is much better compared to other slice of life manga.

After the earlier chapter more iyashikei/slice of life approach the manga transitions into a more romantic slice of life series and proves that it is better than most romance manga too. This is achieved in a few ways. 1. There is no unnecessary drama to try and keep the series engaging allowing the manga to keep it's more laid back and calm tone. 2. It doesn't spread itself too thinly either as it just focuses on one relationship, due to this the show only has to focus on developing one set of characters and can therefore make the relationship between are two leads feel genuine. 3. There is a constant sense of progression, Ganta and Magiri's relationship is constantly moving forward. There is none of this "waiting multiple volumes for a character to confess their feelings". The manga is constantly moving forward and never just standing in place.

A quick note on the visuals as I feel like if I say anymore I'll just be repeating myself. The character designs are simplistic but still aesthetically pleasing (even though they are constantly changing outfits). But the real beauty of the artwork shines through in these very calming night time scenes which help sell the soothing feeling of this entire series.

TLDR: The slice of life is good and the romance is good. A perfect read for when you are half asleep.

Well, here we are, 2 and a bit years later. The series has ended, so it is probably due an updating. This is going to start with a bit of a preamble before it loops back round but so did my initial review, so it seems fitting.

It's such a weird feeling when a series you have been following for a decent amount of time ends, even though it was only 2 years ago it feels almost nostalgic. That isn't a great way to describe it but rereading what I had written and having that as almost a time capsule serves as a point of comparison to how I have changed and how the series has changed. Is this review going to be structured probably? No, not really, I think the preliminary review is still perfectly functional even now, so I'm not going to be diving in to pick it apart to make a new review, this is just an addendum, nothing more, nothing less.

So what's new in the 70 new chapters that have been made since then? Not much, well, not much in terms of what can be written about. An anime adaptation finally happened which I haven't seen, but I'm happy for the recognition nonetheless.

In highlight chapter 55 was the perfect place to leave the series on, with the series releasing by volume and not by chapter there is always bound to be some change from every chunk of chapters to the next, but this is was where the biggest change probably happened in the manga, because that is where the romantic really changed from being about two people getting in a relationship to two people being in one. Yes, while this isn't the technical begging of it with Magiri almost running away and being so defiant to her parents really cements where this relationship was a what it meant. Then the series slightly changes gears, I praised the series in my initial review for actually making progress in the relationship between the two main characters and here is the next step, time moves one, everything eventually changes.

Everything changes, nothing is stationary forever as the series all two often likes to remind us with Magiri's illness being such a significant plot point in the later volumes. Lots of people had mentioned that there were many death flags throughout the series, I remember talking about it even before my initial review, so the seeds have always been there. Looking back on some of the previous events are now put into much more context now that we know that this is potentially life-threatening.

One of my favourite parts of this is how it effected Ganta, is insomnia stems from the fear that when he will wake up things will change, he'll lose what he has. His insomnia isn't a physical inability to sleep but the fear of sleep developing into to something that has such a grip over him.

I get that.

No, I'm not saying he is just like me. Not word for word anyway, but I understand the fear of going away, not wanting to 'close your eyes' because one day things might be gone. I think most people can relate to this, I know there have been times when my behaviour has changed out of a fear that things change.

There is a few chapters while Magiri is in the hospital just focusing on Ganta and how, strangely, he is ignoring Magiri. He's running away from the idea that someone so important to him, some who has changed him, might be gone tomorrow. He tries to live to continue living normally, so he doesn't have to acknowledge the truth of what's happening, it's hurting people, and he knows this, but it isn't easy to be able to face something like this. Once he does get over this and confronts Magiri it is sort of the end of his arc, and with this the series has covered all basis and alls that left is to put a nice bow on things.

Which brings me to the ending and the ultimate will they or won't they to Magiri surviving. It's a happy end, they finish school and grow up. The focus of their relationship is left up to interpretation, as it should be because all bases that need to be covered have been covered. But there is something kind of unfulfilling about this happy end, obviously this was highly speculated from the amount of death flags but if you take the same interpretation of the series as I did this doesn't really challenge Ganta's change from where he was 125 chapters ago. Is this a bad thing? No but this just kind of feels like the safe way to end the series.

And that's it, my feelings on this review have changed as my tastes have changed throughout its run, but I am happy with my score and still recommend this, everything I said then still rings true.

Let me start this review by saying that I understand why people love this manga. Even though I personally did not enjoy it, "Insomniacs after school" has many elements that warrant it being one of the best romance stories in the eyes of so many people. The biggest selling point of this manga is the characters. Romance as a genre likes to include eccentric and exaggerated characters, especially if it's targeted for younger audiences, but the cast of "Insomniacs after school" feels grounded and relatable. The problems that the characters face and the ways they react to them are interesting but not overly dramatic. My first problemwith this manga stems from the character chemistry, or rather from the lack of it. I read romance mainly for those sweet, tense, romantic or embarrassing moments between the characters and for the way the dynamic between them develops. I like when characters banter, when they have clashing character traits or personalities. I like to feel the tension when they talk to each other. I didn't find any of this in "Insomniacs after school". Sometimes I enjoy purely "wholesome" romance too, but I wouldn't call this manga particularly sweet either. Don't get me wrong, I understand why Isaki and Ganta ended up together and I don't think their relationship is unwarranted, but a working relationship doesn't automatically make romance interesting.

The art in "Insomniacs after school" is good, at times even great. The only complaint I have is that sometimes the level of detail randomly changes between pages and even panels, for no apparent artistic reason. Although this issue got better in later chapters.

The main problem I have with this manga is bad pacing/paneling. So many scenes in this manga either drag on for way too long or end too quickly. They destroy the structure of the story and leave me feeling either bored or confused. I think the underlying plot of this manga is good, but the way it is presented ruins the whole experience for me. And the paneling only exacerbates this problem. Weird angles, awkward poses and constant zooming in on characters' faces makes reading this manga an unpleasant experience.

Very subjective problem that I have with "Insomniacs after school" is bad attempts at "show, don't tell". I think manga is a prime medium for this "rule", so i commend author's efforts to create a more interesting way to present the narrative. But because of the art style and the paneling problems I talked about previously, most of these efforts fall short. In this regard "Skip to Loafer" handles the visual storytelling of romance much better.

Overall I found this manga to be disappointing. It has great ideas and interesting characters, but falls apart because of the execution. If you don't see the problems I've written about after reading this manga, then I can understand why you might have liked, or even loved it. But I have to leave it with a 6/10.

When one wants a satisfying and well-written romance and/or slice of life manga, this should be one of the top picks and recommendations. The level of warmth, depth and intimacy of romance is almost indescribable with this manga. While not the most original nor grand display of romance, what Kimi wa Houkago Insomnia does is take the execution and refines it to near perfection. Everything clicks from the character interactions, the chemistry, to the evolution of feelings. It feels organic and genuine, nothing is out of place, and it is understandable why the way they are and how their personalities blend so well with theirinteractions. What is intriguing about this series is that the couple never come to an exact realization that they are in love with each other, meaning they never had that explicit internal or external dialogue of "Oh, I like her/him." It's always shown through their actions, what they do and the way they do it for each other. It's heartwarmingly realistic and clenching to see two insomniacs grow closer together, how they need each other, and how they love each other. There is a sense that they are soulmates or kindred spirits, even from the very first chapter. They are comfortable around each other; they feel safe and aren't afraid to express those thoughts to each other. Nakami and Magari grow from finding a person to share their troubles with to friendship to romantic feelings, all flowing in a steady stream of development.

There are certain boxes that this couple checks off so when looking at this manga, expect:

1. A balanced and equal power dynamic between the leads: One does not hold power over the other in any way, they are partners who are equals.

2. Open and honest communication: Nakami and Magari will express their desires, their fears, and their feelings. They genuinely get to learn about one another.

3. Emotional support: The leads are each other's rocks, they will have each other's backs, defend each other, and encourage each other.

4. Physical intimacy: This is one of the strongest aspects of the manga. The couple are not afraid to get close, there's no tiptoeing around each other. They lean on each other a lot, hug, snuggle and more. Those actions feel natural and are not done too often that it gets stale, always at those strong emotional moments and sometimes the little ones.

5. High chemistry: Both leads can be quite stubborn and can bicker/argue at times, even get into fights, but never in a way that feels contrived. There are many fun and cute scenes of teasing, flirting, and banter that flow naturally. They bounce off each other well. There are also moments of awkwardness that's done in a way that isn't cringe but rather in a "damn, I felt that" in a sympathetic way, just flavors of Nakami and Magari experiencing teenage love with one another (an example would be the end of chapter 14). It just adds to the realism of their relationship.

6. Help one another grow and see new perspectives: As the story develops, secrets are revealed, and character feelings are grown and changed. Nakami is changed because of Magari and vice versa. They complement each other and are each other's other half, the connecting puzzle pieces.

7. Sappy moments: There are some scattered throughout the story but are balanced and grounded enough in the story that rather than providing eyerolling, they enhance the level of depth and love the characters have for each other. It's a certain level of romantic idealization that instills a sense of wonder in the readers.

8. Struggles and bumpy roads: There will be moments of struggles and setbacks they face but will never come from certain external factors. That means there are no love rivals, jealous moments, outside misunderstandings. Those struggles will come from them as characters, their perspectives, and their personalities. They will however not devolve into melodrama and will be tackled appropriately.

Those factors can give off the energy of them being a legitimate married couple, which is interesting considering they're still in high school. That's another thing about this manga, there are no usual bad tropes that are present. No contrived misunderstandings, no crazy wacky over the top humor that ruins the story tone, no cliché archetypes, and no stringing the readers along with zero development. The romance is paced fluidly, never rushed nor dragged out. It simmers with the characters and shows the readers why the characters are the way they are. There are no external contrivances that are made for Nakami and Magari to shallowly overcome together. They move the story forward on their own, the flow of the story is dependent on them, not the other way around. They are not products made to be swept along with random plotlines, they are fleshed out to guide the story themselves. Another strong aspect is that the leads are well-written enough to function on their own without romance. Both have their own fears, struggles, and personalities that are intriguing enough that even without romance, they are still great as characters. Both the fMC and mMC are not caricatures of tropes, they are fleshed out enough to pass as real people.

Switching to the other aspects of outside the main couple, let's first address the supporting cast. While they aren't as tightly written as the leads, that's not a problem in the writing, but rather the focus the author wants to take. The manga is written as about 70% couple and 30% side casts, when in terms of focus. That does not mean the side characters are ignored, rather they are not as prevalent. They won't steal the spotlight from the couple and act as strong support systems to provide wisdom, perspectives, and warm character interactions. They are distinguishable enough to have their own personalities while feeling realistic at the same time. They do their job while not being just empty husks. The author understands that the story is mainly between Magari and Nakami while not excluding others.

Going into the more technical aspects of the manga, Makoto Ojiro has complete control of the medium. The art has a kind of lazy elegance that feels so naturally blended into the story. Beautiful, detailed spreads are what she loves to utilize to bring the emotions of her characters across the story, emphasize certain moments in time, create breathtaking scenery, or all three. The slice of life presentation is portrayed so soothingly and smoothly. Panel and page compositions are easy to follow and flow so naturally. Full frame pages are placed perfectly at the right moments, to say that those certain moments are especially important. Even looking at the details on the characters' eyebrows, that's how dedicated and passionate the author is when drawing the manga. The author is also a master at the “show not tell” approach, there will be certain scenes of no dialogue that perfectly gets her message across and tell more than words ever could. It allows for the SFX, characters, scenery, or silence to speak for the story. The first half of chapter 35 fits that description perfectly. All these aspects blend to create an immersive atmosphere, as if one is in the manga experiencing the moments instead of watching it from an outside perspective.

Lastly, there is the story tone and themes to consider. Kimi wa Houkago Insomnia is a story of overcoming afflictions together, exploring personal trauma, cherishing the beautiful moments of youth and time, and creating new precious memories. Insomnia is a condition that is treated with respect in the story, it never goes away completely and the two can fall back into the cycle of getting no sleep. There is no cure, only working to lessen the effects. This is done through finding passions that help bring a mechanism to cope with their problems, and those passions also help alter the way they see things. The tone takes a very strong coming of age focus at times, as the characters slowly battle the challenges of life and grow up over time, to prepare for life beyond high school. The two insomniacs learn personal life lessons, work to combat their internal or external conflicts, and they do it together. There is life drama, the exploration of how their issues can affect each other and the future. The manga can be painfully relatable, melancholic and soul clenching despite the comfiness it provides. It’s an iyashikei that puts a warm blanket over the reader while whispering chillingly in their ears that winter is coming. It’s an emotional journey to remember.

To conclude:

Story: 10/10

Art: 10/10

Characters: 10/10

Enjoyment: 10/10

This manga is my personal favorite one and I truly believe it to be the best ongoing romance manga out there. Depending on how it ends, it could be the best romance SoL manga for me period (also I’m glad MAL finally decided to add the romance tag). I don’t think I’ve ever connected to a story as much as this one nor do I believe Makoto Ojiro can top this masterpiece, but I would like to see her try if she ever does make another manga.

Story about two highschool students who share similarity as an insomniac. Its a solid story, also i personally like Makoto Ojiro art like what he did in Neko no Otera. The characters development has good pace, also the story is not rushed. Really enjoy reading this manga, i cannot give any criticism other than when i read Neko no Otera i kinda forgot what manga that i read because how similar they are. If u want to read some comfy manga, this is really a right choice to read in the middle of cold night while u get some insomnia. Kinda ironic isnt it ? Verdict: 9/10

Remind me back in the high school, i used to borrow telescope to look at the moon and some stars in the middle of field because kinda insomniac, except in this case i did it by myself. Pepehands

The series is about two classmates who suffer insomnia and find their refuge in a mothballed school observatory. As a school life manga it's pretty standard, one fits in with a popular clique, and the other is a misfit because of irritability caused by lack of sleep, and they interact differently with the popular girl in class. However, it's in how the two deal with their insomnia and their unexpected chemistry that really the main draw of this title. The leisurely pace also makes it a relaxing read. The manga portrays loneliness, trauma, friendship, and love in a touching and realistic manner. The characters have depth andpersonality, each hiding their own secrets and challenges. The story shows how Ganta and Isaki cope with new problems and opportunities in their school and romance.

The series is a fun and heartwarming read that showcases the characters’ growth and friendship. The art is detailed and expressive, capturing the atmosphere of the story and the emotions of the characters. The story is well-paced and engaging, balancing comedy, drama, and romance.

If you are looking for a well-written slice of life/romance, I cannot recommend this series highly enough. Kimi wa Houkago Insomnia follows two highschool students who bond over their shared struggles with insomnia and a newfound interest in astrophotography. The romance between the two MCs is wholesome yet realistic; the pacing and the interactions they have feel quite natural. There is a nice subtlety to it, since the story isn’t primarily focused on their romantic developments (at least at first). That being said, there is always a sense of progress in their relationship and a clear connection between them from the beginning. Outside of the romance,there is some focus on the side characters, though I will say that they don’t have as much depth as the MCs.

The slice-of-life aspect of the story is also great; the manga highlights the beauty of mundane events in the characters' daily lives well. The series isn’t filled with intense drama, but it does dive into the personal hardships that the MCs deal with and conveys them in a rather candid manner. Without trying to give spoilers, there is a tinge of sadness/bittersweetness, but I appreciate that the story isn’t always rose-tinted.

One particular feature of this manga that really stands out to me is the art/story-telling. The story does not heavily rely on dialogue, and in fact, a fair number of pages are made up of art-only panels, which really captures the serene and ‘quiet’ atmosphere within the series (especially during night-time scenes). It makes for a comfy read before heading off to bed.

Overall, a very endearing and heartwarming series, and the wait for each volume is absolutely worth it!

(first-time review!)

The wholesome romance between the two main characters is easily my favorite in all the manga I've read. That's what anyone coming here would be reading for, so I recommend it to you because of that. It's really good. However, the manga is far from perfect. In typical romance fashion, there's a bunch of side characters that contribute virtually nothing and no one really gives a shit about and are just there for filler between chapters where romantic progression happens (wow here they are at the mall! wow here they are at the park! wow here the gang is at the fishing hole!). The endingis really safe, lackluster, and boring. Worst of all, it's tainted by the male MC becoming such an insufferable pussy in the last few volumes that it just makes the reader frustrated more than anything. I'm being very critical of the ending, because its riding the insanely powerful and perfect start that this manga had. Even though it started amazingly, I can't help but have a bad taste in my mouth at the end. I'm still giving it a 7, a good rating, because the romance, the main part anyone would read this for, is very very good for the majority of the manga.

The manga is a slice of life romance about two high school students who have insomnia. The story is just really comfy, and the bits of humor interspersed makes it all the more enjoyable. The art is very well done, with characters that have facial features that you can actually recognize. You can actually recognize characters from their facial features, not hair. Backgrounds are very aesthetically pleasing, and compliments the manga very well. The little things, like the minute details on the camera, is what really brings life to the story. The trope of the asocial male main character and the bubbly female loveinterest is a bit cliche, but the author executes it well and makes their interactions feel very natural. Their blossoming relationship is done well, and the interactions don’t seem forced. The main characters all have a bit of personality too, so they don’t feel like cardboard cutouts.

Basically, it’s a really fluffy rom com manga that deserves a read. It’s a solid 8.5, but that’s because there aren't enough chapters yet. Highly recommend giving a shot.

It's rare to find a series with plenty of reviews where every single one recommends it. After reading up to chapter 89, I am not at all surprised. I'm also surprised that this doesn't have a "Romance" tag here in MAL. The core here is simple. Two people find something in common (insomnia) and bond through that. But later, they each open up about why they have insomnia, their bond becomes deeper through their experiences, and the dynamic of their relationship changes. The slice of life presentation here is easy to skim through. No text spam, and the art is gorgeous. Isaki is the second 2D girlI have ever fallen in love with, not just because of how she looks but with her general demeanor. I am honestly terrified as to what the author will do to these two in the end.

A wonderfully beautiful and wholesome story that really feels and looks like somesones highschool life. Characters talk, act, and think ways that are both surprising and realistic. The art, though it doesn't look special, really adds a **lot** to the how you understand the story and tone. What and how the author chooses to show you the story, it is very well thought out - really. The pacing of the story, though it continously develops, never feels like anything is being rushed. Story-wise its a high-school romance, but it tries its best to honestly explore that and ML/FL's insomnia are treated as integral to that. Story- 9/10

Art - 10/10

Character - 9/10

Enjoyment - 10/10

Insomniacs After School draws you in with main female lead Magari’s cute bubbly personality and infectious kindness. For me, the Manga is exceptional up to about chapter 55. Past this point, Insomniacs After School struggles to show any sort of progression for our star-crossed lovers. The few romantic scenes past chapter 55 are short and don’t hit as deeply as they did initially. The ending really disappointed me as it seems like the author simply ran out of steam or motivation. There’s no real closure. The ending isn’t happy or sad, just is extremely lacking in everything that made me love the series. It seemsrushed. Magari is extremely lovable and the Manga is worth it for her alone. Something about her personality is infectious and it’s extremely easy for any reader to fall in love with her.

If the anime gets a second season, I hope they stray from the Manga slightly to do more to show Magari and Nakami be affectionate with each other instead of just leaving the reader to imply as much like the second half of the Manga.

Damn. I wish I found this earlier but hey it's better late than never. I stumbled across this manga when I was having trouble sleeping, funnily enough. You might think this is just another high school SOL, and to a certain extent, you wouldn't be wrong. This manga, however, shines above the rest when it comes to creating a premise, executing upon it, and bringing the reader along for the ride. Insomnia is not a new topic by any means, but Insomniacs After School manages to connect this "issue" in a way that truly brings out the best of the main duo. The world-building, the glimpsesof the past, the present/future to come, and character development serve as the phenomenal backbone of the story. Also, side characters do their job when needed; when the tone shifts, the emphasis goes right back to the duo, which I appreciate greatly. YES, there is romance and it does not compromise when it comes to that regard whatsoever. In fact, the romantic development is on par or even outshines many other shoujo/romcoms today.

Art is nothing to scoff at. There is great attention to detail when it matters, and the shot selection always adds to the charm. I initially thought the art was rough around the edges but it never detracted from the enjoyment.

You quickly get sucked into the world and personally I didn't want this dreamlike feeling to stop.

I had a smile on my face throughout every chapter, and I really really can't wait for the next volume. Cheers to Ojiro-sensei for creating this piece of art.

at first it was a bit iffy for me, conversations where at moments really random, idk sometimes it just left me feeling like huh okay. but i stuck with it because i really liked our 2 main characters, and it was really cute. it grew on me and i started liking it more and more. the flow of reading was perfect for me, it had the perfect text/conversations to just showing moments and feelings with beautiful panels. This piece was really subtle with everything, the kisses, the feelings, characters interacting, our main characters struggles. it was a cute and relaxed vibe & ride, very calming.It had this very chill slice of life vibe, a fun cast, it was all just really vibey for me. Chapters of them just walking around taking pictures, having small conversations, with deeper things and struggles snuck inbetween it all. all the way troughout the manga, honestly really good. And again its very subtle, not over the top at any point, not with the struggle, not with the love aspect, it just felt very real and i appreciated that so much. At around chapter 70/80/90 it was just hard for me to stop reading, i just wanted to keep going, wich is such a good sign. but i had to catch some sleep, ironic.

(spoils) It made me emotional randomly aswell, some panels were just relatable and real, him getting a text she needs surgery and just standing there with his bike, things like that. I was pretty worried how it would conclude, and to me Nakami's struggle was a bit quickly shone over, but i guess also that was all it needed, take the load of his shoulders. And isagi ah my heart. it ended really quickly tho, i would have love to see the side cast and how they turned out, there experiences, stories, i would have liked that a lot. but in stead it ended quick, wich is a shame but also, for me, those last 15 pages were honestly perfection, i bawled for a solid minute. pure art. so i guess its alright. in my eyes, this is a precious piece. A story of two teens, growing up together, no weird drama, no weird shit, no unrealistic situations, just one fucking vibe. ---- It does have some minor issues, some conversations were just a bit idk random and mweh, the side cast was great but no solid fun end for them. i also didn't appreciate Two being left out all of the sudden lol and i would have loved Nakami to get a bit closer with his dad, stuff like that. Overall 8,5

It's easy to see why Insomniacs After School is so acclaimed. Its vision for the way it wants to handle a romance/slice-of-life combo is a familiar-seeming template that never quite seems to work out for most manga, but that this one is capable of executing very well. Coupled with strong environmental art - in particular, the way Ojiro draws rain and water is fantastic - the story is always engaging as it meanders about through the various goings-on of its characters. The main couple could be bland or generic in the hands of a lesser writer, but Ojiro doesn't belittle the reader and handles thepair well enough to make it work (much like how Your Lie in April handled a similar situation).

Still, for me there are more points holding it back than I'd like. Compositionally, it tends to be rather static, in a way that I could definitely see working for some people but often ends up feeling too jittery for me. Ojiro's ability to communicate the story through art can be hit or miss - when the manga works, it *really* works (volumes 4 through 6 in particular truly live up to the manga's ideal form), but it sometimes does get muddled and misjudge the shape of text and subtext. Also, the first 3 volumes are relatively weaker, with noticeably more plotting and compositional weirdness, a lack of chemistry between the leads, and a general sense of unclarity about the direction of the story. Thankfully, that improves rapidly afterward, and the series maintains a relatively steady quality from volume 7 onward.

I'm definitely glad I got to experience this manga - it fills a clear niche that a lot of people were looking for (with quality, too) and does a lot of interesting things. I'd like it to be better but I'm still pretty satisfied.

Overall, I liked it alot. Strong 8/10 🥇 Insomniacs After School has a very captivating and organically developed romance that you can easily resonate with. The manga's ability to capture atmospheric vibes, nightly mystique, and a seamless romantic progression makes it a memorable standout in its genre. To draw a somewhat weird comparison - I actually find it similar to the film Taxi Driver by Martin Scorsese where the experience is heavily elevated by you being half-asleep. If you know, you know it. ***(Spoilers Below)*** One of IAS's greatest strengths is its inherent sense of intimacy. It delves into personal spaces that most romance stories often shy awayfrom. The genuine and endearing connection between Isaki and Ganta feels authentic and relatable, and getting to learn about why they had insomnia in the first place really connected with me personally. However, within my overall appreciation, I must mention that my preference leaned more toward the first 7 volumes. Not that the latter half was lacking in any way, but the 'initial ascent'; if you will, into their relationship was just that goddamn good. The reason I say this is because the first half focuses on building into that relationship while the 2nd half is having fun with that relationship. Getting to know the characters, them bonding over their insomnia, opening up to each other, and god....that scene where Isaki leaves the car and away from her parents to join Ganta is still stuck rent-free in my head (still mad the anime skipped this). Basically, this first half holds a unique allure, often surpassing the later stages of a relationship in terms of narrative engagement.

This take of mine isn't really a critique, but rather an acknowledgment of the common narrative trajectory in romance stories. The initial building of a connection between characters is often more thrilling than when the connection has already formed.

The change of focus from relationship-building to relationship-enjoyment does indeed alter the dynamic. It's a shift from the exhilaration of watching something bud to the contentment of observing it bloom. Nevertheless, the manga maintains its strong storytelling, offering enjoyable character interactions and introspection, for Ganta especially.

However, I would've preferred a bit more exploration of the side cast as that would've enriched the narrative more. While they served their purpose well, more background into characters like Motoko, Yui, and the teacher, or even a potential side couple involving Ukegawa and Kanami, would have added more meat onto the manga.

Anyways my only real criticism is the 2nd half relies too much on the Isaki heart condition tragedy bait for narrative momentum. A "will she/won't she" type of thing, where the story even starts with Isaki's haunting tale about a girl dying. It is by far the biggest conflict in the story and is intentionally done to worry & intrigue readers. That's great and all but it's also a bit predictable due to the inherent narrative dynamics + I didn't believe for a minute that it would happen, even towards the very end. Just from meta reasoning alone, it would've been a massive dick move from the author to kill off Isaki that late in the narrative when we've already connected with her for so long. It just seems like to me if you were spoiled on the fact she never dies, it becomes more of an annoyance to see a death flag every time instead of being actually worried.

Anyways, still an incredible one-of-a-kind experience I don't regret reading. Favorited. 👍

This is it. This is the end... The end of Insomniaques, the end of an era of happiness, sweetness and love. And it's terribly hard for me to have to say goodbye to this story, to these characters who have accompanied me all these years. Yet I have no choice. I have to turn the page, accept this state of affairs, however painful it may be. But one thing remains: as long as this love continues to shine, I want to pass it on. To make you understand why Insomniaques is, in my eyes, the most beautiful slice of life there is. First, let's talk aboutthe artwork. Insomniaques is a visually stunning manga. Perhaps not in its originality, but in the unique atmosphere it exudes. An atmosphere so gentle, so natural, so real that I couldn't contain the explosion of emotions it aroused in me. Every panel, every drawing, seems designed to immerse us alongside Magari and Ganta. Everything is so well orchestrated: the cutting, the dialogue, but above all those expressive silences. Ojiro-sensei has perfectly understood that words are not always needed to convey the essential. He offers us a talkative silence, where every pause, every breath of the manga finds an echo in us. As for the rhythm of the story, it's like the ocean: sometimes capricious and tumultuous, carrying us along in a whirlwind of events, sometimes calm and soothing, letting us savor the candor of these moments.

And what about the story itself? Words fail me to express everything it made me feel. This strikingly pure tale exudes a rare warmth, humanity and sincerity. It envelops us in a reassuring benevolence, like a warm blanket on a winter's night. Far from contenting itself with a classic high-school romance, it speaks to us with delicacy about much deeper themes: the fear of abandonment, illness, death, all those anxieties that haunt us. But it never lapses into pathos. On the contrary, Insomniaques is comforting. It whispers that all will be well, that the future, however uncertain, can still hold bright days ahead.

These themes touch me directly, and that's what made my reading so moving. This manga doesn't just tell a story, it speaks to us. It dives deep into our souls, finds that sensitive spot we thought was well protected, and touches it with disconcerting gentleness. Ojiro doesn't speak to a general audience, but to us, young adults going through the same torments. And rather than burden us with tragedy, he reaches out to us. It tells us that we are not alone.

This is the first time a manga has made me cry. It's not easy for me to weep over a work devoid of music or voices, and yet... Insomniaques manages to do just that.

And then there's the ending. To be honest, I didn't immediately understand what it was trying to tell us. After all we'd been through, I expected to see Magari, Ganta and all the others, in one last photo, one last look at their future. I wanted to see Magari's radiant smile, the one that so marked me as I read. But there was none of that. The conclusion remained evasive, open to interpretation. For a moment, I was confused, even disappointed. Some people saw it as a tragic ending, and that idea was unbearable for me. Not after fourteen volumes filled with luminous moments. But Ojiro confirmed that it was indeed a happy ending, and it's this truth that I choose to adopt. It would be too painful to see anything else. Insomniaques didn't need a heartbreaking ending to remain moving.

I doubt many people will make it to these last lines. I'm aware that this text is long, far too personal, and perhaps simply the ramblings of a stranger on the net. But no matter. All I hope is that this bottle in the sea reaches someone. That whoever finds it may, in turn, fall under the spell of this story and be as moved by it as I was.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to those who took the time to read me. And forgive the length of these lines, but my heart had to unburden itself, my soul had to bear witness. One last time, I'd like to thank Magari and Ganta. For all these splendid moments, for this myriad of emotions, for this warmth and lightness that have brightened my daily life, I have only one word to say to you: thank you.

Your smiles, your existence, all of this will remain engraved forever, in black ink, deep in my heart. I'll never forget you.

I'll never forget you.

I will miss you terribly

This manga is another reality truck for me after reading 3 volumes I can say that this manga is a worth to read Kimi wa Houkago Insomnia focuses on the 2 characters who has insomnia cant sleep during the night and as they find a way to sleep a bond is formed between the two, A wholesome relationship romantically between the two characters Story 9/10 Not really a Unique premise but mangas like these are the kind you dont find everyday very wholesome this was a big ass reality truck for my lonely ass Art 10/10 Not exactly mesmerizing but aesthetic tbh I feel the art is just toogood for a wholesome manga I never thought that it would be this beautiful a combination of wholesome and aesthetic is just perfection for me it fits the theme and the dialogues.

Characters 9/10

The main Focus here is the protagonist and the girl seeing the both of them spending time with each other and forming a wholesome and deep relationship between the two from being just strangers with a common insomniac problem to friends with benefits? I guess you could call it that way?, they open up to each other about their troubles and anxieties late night until they are able to sleep which is just heartwarming and one of the reasons why this is a big ass reality truck

Enjoyment 10/10

This was a great read Im glad I found this it has been awhile since I have been able to read something this great

I highly recommend this manga if youre looking for something wholesome, relaxing, heartwarming and aesthetic

Really good manga with nice art, really comfy setting but what really sells it is the worldbuilding the whole place feels alive I especially like the hideout, the arcade and the vacation house. The romance is good but the plot isn't that centered around it, there is enough tension and a goal clear enough to keep the story entertaining. Character interactions feel real too, the humor isn't over the top and the main couple is really cute. Each character has problems of their own and it's very satisfying to watch Ganta grow and learn about this, see he starts out as a self centered asshole and his viewchanges as the story goes on and I like that quite a lot.

Isaki is a really good girl her story was good I liked that also she has huge eyebrows and that's my weakness.

Anyway the flow of the story feels really chill and natural, there's no rush and things are planned ahead, the characters might get into something and just drop it because they're still figuring themselves out, I feel failure and how to cope with it isn't really explored that much in school manga but here it does this quite well, the 2 main characters being teens it's important to see these moments because this the time in our lives where we learn the most and all lessons are learned through failure.

Anyway while it isn't really original or special in it's setting or it's genre, the execution and the pacing is what makes Insomniacs After School so nice, I think this manga's really good and it puts me in a good mood when I read it.

This one of my favourite mangas in the recent years. The manga starts with two leads, that both suffer from insomnia due to various reasons that have impacted their lives. Nakami and Magari are such a silly duo. I find the most of the other cast also pretty good each, especially Ukegawa ( he's literally the goat ). Nakamis and Magaris story as insomniacs vibing thru their city is what i wish i couldve with more people. Going around doing photos etc. Seeing those two do it just so much to enjoy. I especially had a good time around the times where the two wherephotgraphing because i like to take photos aswell from similar scenery.

What makes this manga so dfferent is that theres no "confession tension" ( idk best example is kaguya sama, where there is always a back in forth of who confesses or so), the only time this has happend was when ukegawa ( my goat) teased ganta a bit but both of them confess pretty early on and are officially a couple around half of the couple.

What makes this also good that character seem to age up for example at around the end they are worried for their last highschool exams and thinking about their future careers, which ends up in a trip to Osaka.

A lot of the latter part of the manga focuses also more around Magaris condition and peaks with magari getting hostiplazied with ganta completetly breaking down but also trying to push it away.

What saddens me tho is the ending of the manga. I like that we got such emotional back in forth in form of Ganta reverting back to not interacting with anyone, because he thinks he is at fault for this, but it felt afterwards way too rushed. The open end whether they are together or not is interesting but idk i wouldve rather with such a story for a definitive ending.