Movies News Talk
The first six chapters of You And I Are Polar Opposites, a unique romance series, were made available for free on the Shonen Jump app for a limited period after airing exclusively on manga publisher Shueisha's Manga PLUS app internationally and Shonen Jump+ in Japan in 2022. The first three chapters are now available to non-subscribers, providing an excellent opportunity for a new audience to discover the series.
This should be especially thrilling for long-time Romance Manga readers, as You And I Are Polar Opposites deviates from nearly every major shojo and shonen romantic cliche in the first chapter and subsequent episodes. Miyu Suzuki, who is afflicted with a problem that appears to affect most high schoolers in shojo, being unable to admit to the boy she likes, shockingly musters the confidence at the end of the first chapter.
Surprisingly, that abrupt instance of hand-holding was not only surprising for obvious reasons, but also because the scene had been focused on Miyu debating whether she should grasp Yusuke's hand. In most circumstances, the buildup would have been considerably lengthier, and possibly even derailed, to keep the audience guessing until the next chapter. However, this never occurred. Except for a few stray statements, the manga provided no indication that Yusuke had feelings for Miyu before to that point. These aforementioned odd comments only indicated that, rather than dislike her openly, as Miyu's friends suspected, he was simply blissfully indifferent.
While a shocking departure from so many rules for a first chapter, You And I Are Polar Opposites swiftly adopts an original routine that lasts for several chapters, in which the manga very immediately resolves all types of possible conflict that are posed at the start of each edition. These events are part of another type of dynamic that is nearly unheard of in a romance series. Suzuki and Tani connect with one other and express exactly what is on their minds. Almost every problem in shojo and shonen relationships stems from mutual misunderstanding, which could have been avoided if the pair had communicated more effectively.
Many of these potential sources of conflict are based on other established tropes, such as the ostracized boy avoiding his popular girlfriend at school because he believes that being seen with her will jeopardize her social standing when, in reality, she doesn't care and simply wants to be around him. So, when they resolve these difficulties through actual communication, the subversion becomes even more evident. Understandably, a lack or quick resolution of any form of major conflict could have a negative impact on reader enjoyment, but, rather appropriately, it is how dramatically the series stays true to its name by portraying them as polar opposites that compensates for the lack of conflict.
During the first six chapters of You And I Are Polar Opposites, you will also learn about friendship. This is one of romance anime's most underappreciated strengths; in You And I Are Polar Opposites, Taina is the first character to receive this treatment, and his contribution to this trope is based on his own internal reactions to Suzuki and Tani's unconventional relationship as he interacts with them and the other friends in their social circle. Taina's voyage forces him to confront his own biases before coming to a startling discovery about himself and the relationship between Suzuki and Tani.
Furthermore, despite being part of that demographic, You And I Are Polar Opposites makes a hilarious reference to shonen manga in chapter #2, which may explain why the series was added to the Shonen Jump app. Suzuki's ambition and resolve to become the strongest girlfriend makes her friends to comment that she shouldn't try so hard to be "extra shonen".
Although there are many romances aimed at the shonen demographic, romance is typically associated with shojo and josei for obvious reasons, as the aforementioned scene implies, so it's possible that Suzuki's over-the-top personality, which appears to match that of the most well-known and beloved heroes in action shonen, aided in its inclusion in the Shonen Jump app. Even though Shueisha established Manga PLUS to broaden its audience, historical experience shows that adding such series to the Shonen Jump app boosts the likelihood of receiving an anime adaptation. While this is good news for You And I Are Polar Opposites fans, it also demonstrates that, while there are romances for shonen readers, there is a huge appeal for characters who embody the personas of action shonen heroes, and hopefully this will draw more readers into You And I Are Polar Opposites for reasons other than the fact that it tackles shojo and josei tropes.
You and I Are Polar Opposites is an original and new take on the romance genre. It departs from standard shojo cliches, presenting a more genuine and relatable picture of relationships. The show follows Miyu Suzuki, a high school student who is trying to win over her crush, Yusuke Tani. Despite their seemingly opposite personalities, Miyu and Yusuke are drawn to each other. The series is full with laughs, heartwarming moments, and sympathetic characters. You And I Are Polar Opposites is an excellent read for fans of Romance Manga searching for something new.
The series is accessible for free on the Shonen Jump app. You And I Are Polar Opposites, with its interesting characters and refreshing storytelling, is a must-read for romance manga aficionados. The series has received a lot of attention since its release, with many readers complimenting its distinct perspective on the genre. You and I Are Polar Opposites showcases Shonen Jump's inventiveness and innovation, as well as its dedication to producing diverse and fascinating manga series.