Mayu Murata

[This review applies to chapters 1 to 22/ vol 1 to 6; spoilers are tagged]
Story:
Nagareboshi Lens adds a fresh taste to the shoujo slice of life genre. The light atmosphere of each chapter leaves the reader with a heartwarming feeling. It's hard to dislike a majority of the characters with them extending beyond being cool or hyper or flirty.

You can criticize Nagareboshi Len for it's pacing. I think the pace, in the beginning, was fine but hit a slump towards the middle before returning to a stable pace. It feels as if there's no progression between Touga and Risa at times, but really we are just watching them slowly learn each other.

Something I really like about this manga is how some chapters are from Touga's point of view. I like seeing how he thinks and reacts too. I immensely enjoy how there is little to no misunderstandings here because characters speak up! Gosh, you don't know how thankful I am to not have to go through twenty chapter arcs of a misinterpreted situation.

Another pleasant surprise, the pseudo-love rival is a sadistic yandere boy. I didn't expect that at all.

Characters:
Risa the main character is a sweetie. She is a cute girl who wears bows and doesn't want to hurt anyone. She doesn't like confrontation and needs to be more aggressive. Risa's dialogue and some of the things she does are cringeworthy, but there are worst chicks in shoujo. Risa is relatively a good character. I just roll my eyes whenever she beats herself up for keeping Touga from his fans,"When I'm happy with Yuugure-kun (Touga), no one else is happy." *roll eyes* I would like to see more personality from her beyond crying and happiness, but I'm not annoyed with her yet.

Touga is my favorite character thus far. He's likable with his way of reading Risa instantly and his laid back personality. He calls his teacher by his first name, breaks the so-called rule of hanging out on the balcony, and speaks his feelings clearly. He's the type of guy you'd want as a friend. His crew of friends is just as lovable as him.

Hachino, I will mention because he's the next interesting character after Touga. The mind games he played in his debut were very entertaining, and his well-deserved comeuppance appeared in the form of an annoying motormouth. Hachino hates Touga much like a scorned lover. I know there has to be more to that than what's been seen so far.

Yuudai is such a fun but minor character. He is forever challenging Touga, but all he wants to be in life is just like him. Touga doesn't see him as a serious threat but a friend. I want to see more of this guy.

Relationship:
Touga and Risa's relationship is very sweet and they both understand each other well. They always try to put the other's interests and needs before their own. I keep forgetting that they are only fourteen because they are so mature. I wish the kiss scenes were a bit more emphasized, but I can't fault the love itself.

Art:
The artwork is beautiful until close-ups when excessive screen tones make the eyes seem creepy. In funny moments, the art has its own charismatic charm.

Overall:
Well worth a read if you don't mind a plot not going anywhere for a while and want something pure.… (mere)