Day 2 - K-On Vol 1&2

K-On is a slice of life comedy of the four-panel variety, like other series such as Lucky Star and Azumanga Daioh which also revolve around a bunch of girls going through high school. In the case of K-On we follow the members of the pop music club and as they go through their daily lives, friendships and making music together. Yui has never used an instrument before but joins thinking it’s easy, only to find out that despite all the hard work she makes amazing and supporting friends in the shy Mio, energetic Ritsu and elegant Tsumugi, eventually the determined Azusa. Together they form Afternoon Tea Time and will face school and making music together.

K-On volume 1 (Loot Crate edition)  and Volume 2

Since they are small books, I decided it’s easier to review two at a time and I somewhat enjoy this series, since it’s comedic, super friendly and cute.  Sadly, I cannot relate too well to this sort of life, but I really enjoy and wish to have experience a friendship like this while in High School myself, but I do enjoy the story and growth of love and friendship between the groups of friends. This sort of manga amuses me to see certain things such as Japanese culture and school life being mentioned, as well as music notes and things I normally don’t get to experience daily.

I also enjoy the cute and simple art styles of this manga and especially the characters, mainly the personal growth and personality of each of the main characters and those around them. I feel like I can somewhat relate to them. I also find Mugi’s thought patterns amusing, as well as enjoy Sawa-chan’s antics when it comes to dressing up the girls in the club she advises.

Now the actual story is basically four panels that makes a small story within a larger overlaying arc where you watch a small group of friends starting of school and graduate from high school while bonding as friends and working together to form a pop music group. You see them go through many events such as Christmas, Culture Fests, Birthdays and other life-changing events while studying to pass the classes and seeing if they end up in the same class. Out of the two mangas I have read, a few small stories that stick out is when they convince each other to wear maid uniforms to Mio’s dismay or when Yui spent her new years under a kotatsu eating, which is something I’d like to one day do out of amusement. The addition of Azusa in book two onwards is a great since she adds in a determined character who is keen to practice and seem to light a fire under their butts, she is also adorable with the twin tails and cat ears.

Due to all their fun times, one wonders when and if they ever get around to making music? Who knows but one can’t help but enjoy and love all these characters. Soon, I shall finish 3 and then the final volume and possibly share a longer review about the series. Hopefully it’s not as boring as this review.