We Never Learn, Volume 1

March 1, 2019

Gr 10 Up-To earn a college scholarship, Yuiga, an intelligent young man, must tutor three fellow high schoolers: a talented athlete, a brilliant science student, and a student gifted in the humanities. All three of his students also happen to be gorgeous young women. This is a classic seraglios harem manga (male-hetero-oriented love triangle story), similar to "High School DxD." The art is well drawn, with easy-to-follow action and identifiable characters. However, while ostensibly feminist (the female characters are overachieving successes in their fields), the narrative is hampered by its obsession with the female characters' bodies. Though there is no explicit sex, two of the girls are drawn almost entirely nude while bathing, there is an overemphasis on breasts (including one girl physically attacking another while shouting about the other's bra size), and there are other similar uncomfortable moments. VERDICT The book fails to treat its female characters with respect, making it a poor choice.-Tammy Ivins, University of North Carolina at Wilmington

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