The first time i heard about Bitter Virgin must have been about half a year ago when i read about it on Japanator.The Story seemed pretty interesting due to the serious topic it revolves around.After giviing it a try i was instantly hooked upon the story. While Ecchi/Action/Comedy Mangas are a fun way to spend your time, the ones that move you and make you think are still the serious ones.Its time to draw attention to this fine piece of literature.

This 4 Volume Seinen Manga by Kei Kusunoki was picked up by the Scanlaters over at Solaris and the final chapter was released last sunday.The Author is well known for her Comedy/Horror Mangas and it was her first attempt at a Love/Drama Manga.Alot of her personal experiences were influencing this Manga giving it this authentic feeling.

So what is it about?

The Story revolves around the 16 year old ladies man Suwa Daisuke.He lives in a small Japanese town with his widowed mother that owns a restaurant.His biggest dream is to leave his hometown as soon as possible and to follow his sister into the big city.One day at school he discusses with a friend wich of the girls in the class he would date.without further thought he would only pass on one girl: the quiet and shy (especially in front of  men) yet somehow fascinating tranfer student Aikawa Hinako

Why should he even bother?He has already 2 girls that are interested in him:his childhood friend Yamamote Yuzu and the flashy + persistent Ibuse Kazuki.Hes botherd by both girls while hes on an errand for his mothers resataurant and hides inside in an abandoned church that is supposed to be haunted.While he waits for the girls to go home somebody enters the curch: the shy Hinako.Daisuke hides fast in one of the Confession booths to avoid a scene with said girl.Hinako, who doesnt know anything about the “haunted” church (a story made up by Daisuke), suddenly hears a voice that tells her that the mass has already ended and if she doesnt want to confess should leave.Instead of leaving she enters the Confession booth to Daisukes suprise and in the believe that shes going to confess some irrelevant teenage problems he listens to her.

Her confession is everything but ordinary: Hinako was raped by her Stepfather during middleschool and got pregnant twice.Her mother didnt believe her at first and arranged an abortion for her shameful daughter.Hinako kept quiet even tough the rape continued and became pregnant again.She didnt notice the pregnancy until it was too late for an abortion and she had to carry the child.The newborn boy was given away for adoption right after birth and she left her home to start a new life in this town.

Shocked by the confession of his classmate Daisuke doesnt know what to say and is only able to mumble the words “You have the support of god”.A somewhat relieved Hinako leaves the church and a shocked Daisuke remains.Is the story this fragile girl just told him true or is it just a blatant lie to make her some sort of tragic heroine? Daisuke wants to get closer to the scared girl to find out the truth behind her behavior…

As you can see the story contains some very heavy themes that arent suited for everyone.You shouldnt be turned off by it tough.The author knows how to work with this sensitive theme and brings alot of her personal experiences along.The Protagonists of the manga are struck with heavy loss of some kind or another and need to grow as humans to bear and overcome them.The more the plot unravels the more youll understand why a person acts like he/she acts and even the sidecharacters get a good and realistic background in this world.

The plot itself is filled with many cliffhangers and twists you wouldnt expect.I felt a deep satisfaction after i finsihed the manga and i must admit i did like the ending.I normally dont like the typical cheesy love/drama endings but this one was to my whole satisfaction.

I dont see a release for the future in Germany at all.Were struck with too many bad Manga already and i bet my ass that the publishers follow the Yaoi Route instead of risking something with releasing a manga a bit deeper. MEH…

Give it a try! Youll love it!