Hello, KomikPDF Lovers! Are you a fan of romantic comedy manga with a twist of psychological warfare and hilarious mind games? If so, you’re in for a treat. In this article, we’ll be introducing you to some must-read manga titles that are similar to the popular series “Kaguya-sama: Love Is War.”
For those who have fallen in love with the witty banter and intense battle of wits between the main characters in “Kaguya-sama: Love Is War,” these recommended manga titles will surely captivate your heart and tickle your funny bone. Get ready to dive into a world filled with clever schemes, unexpected twists, and heart-fluttering moments that will keep you hooked from the very first page.
Whether you’re a seasoned manga reader or just starting to explore the world of Japanese comics, these recommendations are sure to provide you with hours of entertainment and laughter. So, without further ado, let’s delve into the world of manga that will give you the same adrenaline rush and emotional rollercoaster ride as “Kaguya-sama: Love Is War.”
Synopsis Kaguya-sama: Love Is War
“Kaguya-sama: Love Is War” follows the story of two elite high school students, Kaguya Shinomiya and Miyuki Shirogane, who serve as the student council president and vice president respectively. Despite their mutual romantic feelings for each other, both Kaguya and Miyuki are too proud to confess their love, believing that the one who confesses first is the weaker one in the relationship. Thus, they engage in a series of elaborate mind games and schemes to make the other admit their feelings first.
As their battle of wits escalates, hilarity ensues as they navigate various romantic and comedic situations while trying to outsmart each other. Along the way, they are joined by their quirky friends Chika Fujiwara and Yu Ishigami, who add another layer of chaos and comedy to their already complicated relationships.
My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected
Both My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected (also known as Oregairu) and Kaguya-sama: Love Is War are popular rom-coms that feature high school students with a unique dynamic. Both series center around the intellectual gamesmanship of the protagonists, with Hachiman Hikigaya and Yukino Yukinoshita from Oregairu, and Kaguya Shinomiya and Miyuki Shirogane from Kaguya-sama, engaged in constant mind games to avoid admitting their true feelings. While Kaguya-sama focuses on a more comedic approach, Oregairu delves into more introspective themes, exploring loneliness, social anxiety, and the complexities of human relationships. Despite their different tones, both series offer compelling character development, witty dialogue, and a captivating blend of humor and romance.
Synopsis: My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected
My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected (often shortened to Oregairu) is a popular Japanese light novel series written by Wataru Watari and illustrated by Ponkan8. It tells the story of Hachiman Hikigaya, a cynical and isolated high school student who believes that youth and romance are nothing but delusions. He is forced to join the school’s volunteer service club, a club that aims to help other students with their problems, after being tricked by his classmate Yukino Yukinoshita. There, he meets Yui Yuigahama, a cheerful and popular girl who is also a member of the club. Together, they face various situations and learn about the complexities of human relationships.
The series explores themes of social isolation, self-acceptance, and the search for meaning in life. It portrays Hachiman’s journey to overcome his cynicism and develop genuine connections with others. The story also examines the dynamics between the three main characters and their contrasting views on society and relationships. Oregairu has been adapted into a popular anime series that has gained a devoted fan base for its relatable characters, witty dialogue, and thought-provoking themes.
Nisekoi
While both Nisekoi and Kaguya-sama: Love Is War are rom-coms that revolve around high school students, their similarities go beyond just the genre. Both series feature characters who are incredibly intelligent and capable, but who are also incredibly dense when it comes to romance. This leads to hilarious misunderstandings and situations where the characters constantly try to outsmart each other, leading to a playful and entertaining cat-and-mouse chase. Both series also feature a strong focus on character development, with the protagonists gradually becoming more aware of their own feelings and learning to communicate more effectively. Ultimately, both Nisekoi and Kaguya-sama: Love Is War are rom-coms that are both heartwarming and hilarious, offering a delightful blend of wit, romance, and character development.
Synopsis Nisekoi
Nisekoi follows the life of Raku Ichijo, the heir to a yakuza family, who is forced into a fake relationship with Chitoge Kirisaki, the daughter of a rival gang leader, to maintain peace between their families. As the two pretend to be a couple, various comedic and romantic situations arise, especially when Raku's childhood friend, Onodera, and another girl named Marika Tachibana, also enter the picture. Along with the mystery of a locket from Raku's past love, the series is filled with humor, heartwarming moments, and love triangles that keep readers hooked.
Horimiya
Both Horimiya and Kaguya-sama: Love Is War are popular rom-coms that revolve around the complicated relationships between high school students. While the specific dynamics differ, both series feature characters who are initially drawn to each other but struggle to confess their feelings. The humor in both shows stems from witty banter, misunderstandings, and the characters’ attempts to outsmart each other in the “game” of love. Both series showcase the complexities of navigating romantic feelings, highlighting the importance of communication and understanding in relationships.
Synopsis Horimiya
Horimiya is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Hero. It tells the story of Kyoko Hori, a popular and outgoing high school girl who hides her true self at home, and Izumi Miyamura, a quiet and unassuming boy who hides his many piercings and tattoos from his classmates. When they accidentally bump into each other outside of school, they discover that they are both very different from how they appear to others. They quickly become friends and start to confide in each other, opening up about their hidden sides. As they spend more time together, their friendship blossoms into something more.
The series explores the themes of identity, friendship, and love. It follows Hori and Miyamura as they navigate the challenges of high school life, while also learning to accept themselves and each other for who they truly are. The manga also features a large cast of supporting characters who contribute to the story's humor and heartwarming moments. With its relatable characters, witty dialogue, and charming art style, Horimiya has become a beloved and popular series among manga fans.
Toradora!
While Toradora! and Kaguya-sama: Love Is War might appear different at first glance, they share a surprising amount of DNA. Both series revolve around a core group of high school students navigating the complexities of love and friendship. Just like Kaguya-sama‘s constant battle of wits, Toradora! presents a hilarious and heartwarming journey of self-discovery as characters struggle to confess their feelings and break through their own insecurities. The humor in both shows stems from the characters’ exaggerated reactions, witty banter, and often misconstrued intentions, making for an entertaining and relatable experience. Although Toradora! leans more towards the slice-of-life genre with a touch of romance, the underlying theme of overcoming obstacles and embracing vulnerability connects it deeply to the witty and strategic love game of Kaguya-sama.
Synopsis Toradora!
Toradora! is a romantic comedy manga series written and illustrated by Yuyuko Takemiya. The story follows the unlikely pairing of Ryuuji Takasu, a seemingly intimidating but gentle high school student, and Taiga Aisaka, a petite, fiery girl known as the "Palmtop Tiger." Despite their contrasting personalities, they find themselves drawn together after discovering that they both have a crush on each other's best friends, Minori Kushieda and Kitamura Yuusaku, respectively.
Their shared secret leads to a series of hilarious and heartwarming adventures as they navigate the complexities of high school life, their own personal struggles, and the budding feelings that develop between them. Along the way, they are joined by a colorful cast of characters, including the popular but manipulative Ami Kawashima and the kind-hearted but clueless Yasuko Takasu.
The Quintessential Quintuplets
The Quintessential Quintuplets manga series shares similarities with Kaguya-sama: Love Is War in terms of its focus on romantic comedy and complex relationships. Both series revolve around intriguing love stories involving multiple characters, adding depth and complexity to the plot. The interactions and dynamics between the characters in both manga create engaging and humorous situations that keep readers hooked. Additionally, both series feature strong character development and exploration of emotions, making them compelling and relatable to readers. Fans of one series are likely to enjoy the other due to their shared themes of love, humor, and romance.
Synopsis The Quintessential Quintuplets
The story follows Futaro Uesugi, a struggling high school student who lands a tutoring job to support his family. He is tasked with tutoring the five identical quintuplet sisters, all of whom have different personalities and academic struggles. The sisters, Ichika, Nino, Miku, Yotsuba, and Itsuki, are initially reluctant to be tutored and find it difficult to learn. Futaro faces a challenging task as he attempts to connect with each sister and help them overcome their academic difficulties. He is also faced with the mystery of the missing memories of each sister, which is linked to their past traumas and the disappearance of their father.
As Futaro works tirelessly to help the quintuplets improve their grades and achieve their goals, he starts to develop feelings for one of them. However, his feelings become complicated as he realizes that each sister possesses unique qualities and charms that attract him. The story explores the themes of love, family, and personal growth as Futaro navigates his complex relationship with the quintuplets and attempts to understand their individual personalities. The series is filled with comedy, romance, and heartwarming moments as the characters bond and support each other through their struggles.
Rent-A-Girlfriend
Both Rent-A-Girlfriend and Kaguya-sama: Love Is War are popular rom-com manga series that explore the complexities of love and relationships, but they do so in very different ways. While Kaguya-sama focuses on the strategic and intellectual battle between two geniuses in love, Rent-A-Girlfriend presents a more grounded and relatable approach to romance. Both series feature characters with distinct personalities and dynamics, but they also share a common theme of navigating the challenges and intricacies of interpersonal relationships. With their unique comedic elements and character development, both manga series have garnered a dedicated fan base who appreciate their relatable and engaging narratives.
Synopsis Rent-A-Girlfriend
In the manga "Rent-A-Girlfriend," Kazuya Kinoshita is a college student who gets dumped by his girlfriend. To avoid embarrassment in front of his family, he decides to use a rental girlfriend service and meets Chizuru Mizuhara. Despite their initial awkward encounter, Chizuru turns out to be more than just a pretty face with a mysterious personality. The story follows the ups and downs of their fake relationship as Kazuya navigates his own feelings and the complications that arise.
As Kazuya and Chizuru continue their charade, they encounter various challenges and other rental girlfriends who add layers to the story. The manga delves into themes of romance, friendship, and self-discovery as the characters grapple with their true feelings amidst the facade they have created. With a mix of humor, drama, and unexpected twists, "Rent-A-Girlfriend" offers a captivating and entertaining exploration of modern relationships and the complexities of love.
Lovely★Complex
Both Lovely★Complex and Kaguya-sama: Love is War share a central theme of high school romance with a comedic twist. While both series feature love triangles and misunderstandings, they also emphasize the unique dynamic between the main couples, who are constantly trying to outsmart each other in a battle of wits and pride. In Lovely★Complex, Risa Koizumi and Atsushi Otani are a comedic duo who initially clash due to their height difference, while in Kaguya-sama, Kaguya Shinomiya and Miyuki Shirogane engage in elaborate schemes to force the other to confess their feelings first. This “who will confess first” dynamic drives the plot forward in both series, offering a delightful blend of humor, romance, and heartwarming moments.
Synopsis Lovely★Complex
Lovely★Complex follows the story of Risa Koizumi, a tall girl, and Atsushi Otani, a short boy, who are often teased as a comedy duo due to their height difference. Despite their bickering and playful banter, they form an unlikely friendship and decide to help each other confess their feelings to their respective crushes. As they navigate through high school and explore the complexities of love, Risa and Otani's relationship begins to evolve into something deeper than either of them expected.
In this romantic comedy manga, Risa and Otani learn valuable lessons about self-acceptance, friendship, and the true meaning of love. With a mix of humor, heartwarming moments, and relatable experiences, Lovely★Complex takes readers on a journey of growth, discovery, and the beautiful messiness of relationships.
Kimi ni Todoke
Manga Kimi ni Todoke and Kaguya-sama: Love Is War are both popular series that revolve around high school romance, but with unique twists. Kimi ni Todoke follows the story of Sawako, a sweet and kind high school girl who is often misunderstood due to her resemblance to the horror movie character Sadako. Similarly, Kaguya-sama features two brilliant and prideful students, Kaguya and Miyuki, who refuse to confess their feelings to each other and engage in mental battles to make the other confess first. Both manga explore themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery in a light-hearted and comedic manner while also delving into the complexities of teenage relationships.
Synopsis Kimi ni Todoke
Kimi ni Todoke follows the story of Sawako Kuronuma, a shy and misunderstood high school girl often compared to the infamous Sadako from the Ringu franchise due to her long black hair and quiet demeanor. Despite her kind heart, her appearance leads to social isolation and an inability to form meaningful friendships. This all changes when she meets Shouta Kazehaya, a popular, cheerful boy who is friendly and approachable. Sawako develops feelings for him, but her timidity and self-doubt make it difficult for her to express herself.
As Sawako and Kazehaya spend more time together, they learn to understand each other better. Sawako begins to blossom as she gains confidence and overcomes her insecurities with the help of her friends, while Kazehaya is drawn to Sawako's genuine nature and compassionate heart. Their relationship develops slowly as they navigate the complexities of high school life, dealing with misunderstandings, insecurities, and the blossoming of first love. Through their journey, they learn the importance of friendship, acceptance, and the courage to be yourself.
Ao Haru Ride
The manga “Ao Haru Ride” shares similarities with “Kaguya-sama: Love Is War” in terms of its intricate character dynamics and emotional depth. Both series delve into the complexities of teenage relationships and the challenges of communication and expressing one’s feelings. “Ao Haru Ride” explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and the impact of past experiences on present relationships, much like “Kaguya-sama: Love Is War” delves into the intricacies of unspoken emotions and romantic tension. Additionally, both mangas showcase well-developed characters with nuanced personalities, adding layers of depth to the storylines.
Synopsis Ao Haru Ride
Ao Haru Ride follows the story of Futaba Yoshioka, a high school girl who, in middle school, had a crush on a boy named Kou Tanaka. Due to a misunderstanding, they were separated, and Futaba never got the chance to confess her feelings. In high school, she meets Kou again, but he now goes by the name Kou Mabuchi. They navigate their complicated feelings as they try to understand each other once more and confront their past.
The manga explores themes of first love, friendship, and self-discovery. As Futaba and Kou struggle with their emotions and the changing dynamics of their relationships, they learn to communicate their true feelings and open up to each other in a new light. Ao Haru Ride beautifully captures the complexities of teenage romance and the growth that comes with overcoming past heartaches.
We Never Learn
Manga “We Never Learn” and “Kaguya-sama: Love Is War” share similarities in their comedic yet heartfelt storytelling. Both series revolve around high school students facing academic challenges while navigating complicated romantic relationships. The protagonists in each manga showcase unique personalities and endearing quirks that contribute to the humor and emotional depth of the narrative. Additionally, the artwork in both works is notable for its expressive character designs and dynamic panel layouts, enhancing the overall reading experience. Fans of one series are likely to find enjoyment in the other due to their engaging plots and well-developed characters.
Synopsis We Never Learn
Nariyuki Yuiga is a bright student who is determined to attend a prestigious university. He is also a tutor who is assigned to help three female students who are struggling in their respective subjects. The three students are: Furuhashi Fumino, who excels at literature but struggles with mathematics; Ogawa Rizu, who is an athletic prodigy but has trouble with history; and Takemoto Uruka, who is a popular and charming girl but struggles with physics.
As Nariyuki helps the girls study, he starts to develop feelings for them. However, he knows that he cannot be with all of them, and he must make a choice. The story follows Nariyuki as he tries to navigate the complexities of his relationships with the three girls while also trying to achieve his own academic goals. It is a heartwarming story about friendship, love, and the power of education.
Say I Love You
In both the manga “Say I Love You” and “Kaguya-sama: Love Is War,” the protagonists explore relationships in unique ways. While “Say I Love You” delves into the complexities of emotional vulnerability and growth through the characters’ interactions, “Kaguya-sama: Love Is War” adds a comedic twist by depicting the strategic mind games played by the main characters to confess their love. Despite the differences in tone and approach, both stories capture the essence of youthful romance and the challenges of expressing one’s true feelings in a captivating and relatable manner that resonates with readers.
Synopsis Say I Love You
Say I Love You, also known as Sukitte Ii na yo, follows the story of Mei Tachibana, a high school girl who has difficulty making friends due to past traumatic experiences. Mei's life takes a turn when she accidentally kicks the most popular boy in school, Yamato Kurosawa. This encounter leads to Yamato taking an interest in Mei, and their relationship develops as they navigate high school life, dealing with jealousy, insecurities, and the complexities of young love.
In the midst of challenges and misunderstandings, Mei and Yamato learn the true value of trust and communication in a relationship. Their journey of self-discovery and growth, along with the support of their friends, makes Say I Love You a heartwarming and relatable manga that explores themes of friendship, love, and overcoming personal barriers to find genuine connections.
Golden Time
Manga Golden Time shares similarities with Kaguya-sama: Love Is War in terms of its depiction of romantic comedy in a school setting. Both mangas feature a unique approach to showcasing the complexities of relationships through witty dialogue and clever character interactions. The humor in both series is sharp and engaging, often revolving around the characters’ attempts to navigate their feelings for each other. Additionally, Golden Time and Kaguya-sama explore themes of personal growth and self-discovery amidst the backdrop of high school life, adding depth to the lighthearted narrative.
Synopsis of Golden Time
Golden Time is a Japanese romantic comedy manga series written and illustrated by Yuka Tada. The story follows Banri Tada, a young man who suffers from amnesia after a near-fatal accident. He enrolls at a prestigious law school in Tokyo, where he meets Kouko Kaga, a vivacious and outgoing girl who becomes his best friend. However, Banri's amnesia prevents him from remembering his past, including his relationship with his childhood friend, Mitsuo Yanagisawa. As Banri navigates the complexities of his new life and his burgeoning feelings for Kouko, he also grapples with the secrets of his past and the importance of forging new relationships.
Golden Time explores themes of love, friendship, and the journey of self-discovery. Banri's amnesia forces him to confront his identity and the people who are important to him. The manga follows him as he learns to trust again, build new relationships, and ultimately find his place in the world. It is a heartwarming story filled with humor, drama, and moments of emotional depth.
Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku
Manga Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku is often compared to Kaguya-sama: Love Is War due to its unique take on romantic relationships. Both manga series explore the intricacies of love within the context of unconventional settings. While Kaguya-sama delves into the comedic battle of wits between two elite students, Wotakoi follows the romance between adult otaku working in a corporate setting. Despite differing premises, both mangas cleverly intertwine humor and romance, offering insights into the challenges and quirks of relationships in a light-hearted and entertaining manner.
Synopsis Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku
Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku follows the story of Narumi Momose, a young woman who hides her fangirl lifestyle at work by attempting to keep her otaku interests a secret. However, when her childhood friend and fellow otaku, Hirotaka Nifuji, discovers her secret, their relationship takes an unexpected turn. As they navigate their shared interests and quirky personalities, they find themselves falling in love and exploring the challenges of being otaku in a relationship.
Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku explores themes of acceptance, friendship, and love within the otaku subculture. The manga showcases the struggles and joys of being open about one's hobbies and interests while also highlighting the importance of being true to oneself and finding someone who appreciates you for who you are. Through humor and heartfelt moments, the series resonates with readers who can relate to the characters' experiences of balancing work life with their otaku passions.
Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun
Manga Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun shares similarities with Kaguya-sama: Love Is War in its portrayal of unconventional romantic relationships and comedic elements. Both mangas explore the dynamics of relationships in a humorous and light-hearted manner, showcasing the complexities of love through quirky characters and unexpected plot twists. While Kaguya-sama: Love Is War focuses on the strategic mind games between two high school students, Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun delves into the world of a high school manga artist and his eccentric friends, creating a unique and entertaining narrative that keeps readers engaged with its witty dialogues and charming storytelling.
Synopsis Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun
Chiyo Sakura is a bubbly high school girl who has a crush on her classmate, Ueno Nozaki. One day, she finally gathers the courage to confess her feelings, only to be mistaken for a fan of Nozaki's popular shojo manga, "Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun." Instead of confessing, she ends up becoming his assistant, learning the secrets of the manga world and the eccentric cast of characters who surround Nozaki, including the stoic but secretly sensitive Seo, the loud and cheerful Mikoshiba, and the enigmatic Wakamatsu.
The manga follows Chiyo as she navigates the world of manga creation, while also trying to find a way to confess her feelings to Nozaki. The humor comes from the contrast between the romantic comedy tropes that Nozaki uses in his manga, and the reality of his life, which is full of awkward moments, misunderstandings, and the occasional burst of creativity. It's a charming and relatable story that celebrates friendship, creativity, and the joy of finding your own voice.
Fruits Basket
Manga Fruits Basket and Kaguya-sama: Love Is War share similarities in their complex character relationships and emotional depth. Both series explore the complexities of human emotions and the intricacies of interpersonal connections. In Fruits Basket, the story revolves around the Sohma family curse and the deep emotional scars carried by each character, while Kaguya-sama delves into the comedic yet poignant dynamics between the main characters Kaguya and Miyuki. Despite their different genres, both manga intricately weave together themes of love, friendship, and personal growth, creating compelling narratives that resonate with readers of all ages.