Nomi x Shiba: Vol 1 Review
Nomi x Shiba: Vol 1 Review
This quirky boys' love romantic comedy delivers a charming mix of both awkwardness and heartfelt moments—offering readers a delightful entry into the genre that balances humor and introspection with a light, playful touch.
Plot
Nomi x Shiba Vol. 1 follows Nomiya, a second-year student who’s been living in the dorms for two years and staunchly denies ever having feelings for anyone—especially his roommate, Mikoshiba (aka "Shiba"). The story kicks off with Nomiya’s internal protests: he’s straight, he’s only into girls, and he absolutely doesn’t find Shiba’s antics endearing. Yet, as the volume unfolds across its 192 pages, Nomiya’s defenses crumble.
Everyday interactions—like Shiba’s clumsy charm or their shared dorm life—spark a slow realization of his growing affection. The plot is straightforward but effective, leaning on situational comedy and Nomiya’s flustered denial to drive the narrative. It’s less about grand events and more about the quiet, funny buildup of a crush, making it relatable and easy to breeze through.
Characters
The duo of Nomiya and Mikoshiba anchors the manga. Nomiya is the classic tsundere archetype—prickly, in denial, and prone to overthinking his every reaction to Shiba. His internal monologues are a highlight, blending exasperation with reluctant fondness. Mikoshiba, on the other hand, is the oblivious counterpart: goofy, earnest, and effortlessly endearing, with a knack for unintentionally flustering Nomiya.
Supporting characters, like their dorm mates, add texture but don’t steal the spotlight—this volume is firmly about the leads. Tagura keeps them distinct and likable, though Shiba’s simplicity might feel one-note to some readers until later volumes flesh these characters out a little more.
Art
Tohru Tagura’s art style is clean and expressive, perfectly suited to a comedy-driven romance. The character designs are soft and welcoming, with Shiba’s expressive eyes and Nomiya’s perpetual gaze amplifying their dynamic. Backgrounds of the boarding school are minimal but functional, keeping the focus on the characters’ interactions.
The slapstick moments—like Nomiya’s exaggerated reactions or Shiba’s constant flustered state—pop off the page with dynamic paneling. It’s not aiming to be groundbreaking, but it’s polished and enhances the story’s lighthearted tone without overwhelming it.
Themes / Symbolism
At its core, Nomi x Shiba explores self-discovery and the confusion of young love, particularly through Nomiya’s lens of questioning his own sexuality. The boarding school setting symbolizes a bubble where societal norms loosen, letting these feelings bubble up naturally. There’s subtle symbolism in the dorm itself—a shared, intimate space mirroring the blurring lines between friendship and romance.
Themes of denial versus acceptance play out in both characters’ headspace, though it’s more comedic than heavy-handed. Tagura doesn’t dive too deep into symbolism here—it’s a starting point, not a thesis—but the groundwork is there for future volumes to build on.
Verdict
Nomi x Shiba Vol. 1 is a sweet, funny introduction to a budding romance that doesn’t overcomplicate itself. It’s aimed at readers 18+, but its wholesome vibe makes it accessible to anyone who enjoys a good laugh and a slow-burn crush.
