Ultra Romantic Review: An Extremely Shy Boy and an Extremely Direct Girl Navigate Their Feelings
by Bolze
Read the first volume. If it doesn't hook you, put it down. It'll hook you.
Buy Ultra Romantic on Amazon →*Affiliate link — I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Quick Take
- The extreme-shy versus extreme-direct pairing is a reliable romantic comedy engine
- Tsurezure's face literally overheating is the series' best recurring visual joke
- 5 volumes complete; fun and warm
Who Is This Manga For?
- Readers who want romantic comedy with physical comedy elements
- Anyone who enjoys opposites-attract romance manga
- Fans of Jump romance manga with comedic physical situations
- Readers looking for short complete romantic comedy
Content Warnings & Age Rating
Age Rating: T (Teen) Content Warnings: Mild romantic content; comedic physical situations; gentle comedy throughout
T rating — appropriate for most readers.
Yu's Rating
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Story Depth | ★★★☆☆ |
| Art Style | ★★★★☆ |
| Character Development | ★★★★☆ |
| Accessibility for Non-Japanese Readers | ★★★★★ |
| Reread Value | ★★★★☆ |
Story Overview
Tsurezure Ito has extreme shyness that manifests physically — when embarrassed or overwhelmed, his face overheats to dangerous temperatures. Rika Yakumo has no filter — she says what she thinks, directly, without social editing.
They meet. She says things directly that cause his face to overheat. He tries to respond without melting. Their relationship develops through these encounters.
The comedy is in the extremity of their personalities and the physical manifestations of his shyness. The warmth is in their genuine care for each other beneath the comedy.
Characters
Tsurezure Ito — His extreme shyness is a physical condition; the comedy of watching him try to maintain function while his face overheats is the series' most reliable joke.
Rika Yakumo — Her directness is complete and non-malicious; she says what she thinks because she genuinely doesn't understand why you wouldn't.
Art Style
Bolze's art is energetic and expressive — Tsurezure's overheating faces are consistently inventive, and Rika's direct expressions are warm.
Cultural Context
Ultra Romantic ran in Weekly Shōnen Jump. Jump romantic comedies have a specific tradition of physical comedy with genuine romantic development; this sits comfortably in that tradition.
What I Love About It
Rika's directness as a superpower. She's not being aggressive or thoughtless — she genuinely says what she thinks because she trusts the person she's talking to enough to be honest. Her directness is a form of respect.
What English-Speaking Fans Say
Western readers describe Ultra Romantic as a fun Jump romance comedy — specifically noted for the shy-versus-direct pairing being reliably funny, for the overheating gag being consistently inventive, and for the five-volume length being satisfying. Recommended for readers who want short complete romantic comedy.
Memorable Scene ⚠️ Spoiler Warning
The first time Rika directly says something that makes Tsurezure realize she cares about him — when her directness is unambiguously warm rather than just honest — is the series' best romantic moment.
Similar Manga
- My Love Story!! — Jump romance with similarly pure romantic intent
- Komi-san — Communication difficulty romance in different register
- Kaguya-sama — Mental game romance in contrast to this directness
- Shikimori's Not Just a Cutie — Strong/shy dynamic in opposite direction
Reading Order / Where to Start
Volume 1 — Tsurezure and Rika meet in the first chapter.
Official English Translation Status
Viz Media published the complete 5-volume English series.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Pairing is reliably funny
- Overheating gag is inventive
- Rika's directness is charming
- Complete at 5 volumes
Cons
- Physical comedy premise may wear thin for some
- Short run limits development
- Simple romantic arc
Format Comparison
| Format | Notes |
|---|---|
| Individual Volumes | Viz Media; complete 5 volumes |
| Digital | Available |
Where to Buy
Read the first volume. If it doesn't hook you, put it down. It'll hook you.
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
*Affiliate link — I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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Written by
Yu
Manga Enthusiast from Japan
I grew up in Japan and manga literally saved me during a tough time in elementary school. My English isn't perfect, but my love for manga is real — and I want to share it with you.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.