My Classmates Calls Me [Gloomy] and Make Fun of Me, but I Am Actually a Very Popular Voice Actor

Nekura Ryoga is a typical high school student with messy hair, a mask, and round glasses. At school, his classmates make fun of him, nicknaming him [gloomy] but his true identity is actually [Ryoga] a very popular voice actor whose face is never shown. Ryoga is a hot topic at school, but Ryoga hides his true identity and spends his time as a gloomy otaku. However, Hazuki Rinka, one of the most beautiful girls in school and a devoted fan, finds out that he is Ryoga….. *This story is a work of fiction and the names of all individuals, organizations, etc. appearing in the work are fictitious. It is not related to any real person, organization or law.

Original Publisher

kakuyomu

Original Language

japanese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on My Classmates Calls Me [Gloomy] and Make Fun of Me, but I Am Actually a Very Popular Voice Actor Okay, so I dove into "My Classmates Calls Me [Gloomy]..." with high hopes. The premise – a popular voice actor masquerading as a gloomy student – definitely had potential for some fun, lighthearted shenanigans. However, my experience was a bit of a mixed bag, and I can see why the overall rating sits where it does. ### First Impressions Initially, I was intrigued by the secret identity trope. I always enjoy a good story where someone lives a double life, especially when it involves a clash between their public and private personas. The idea of a popular voice actor struggling with everyday school life seemed like a recipe for some great comedic moments. ### What Works Well The strongest aspect of the novel, from what I gathered, is the translation quality. Several readers have pointed out that the translation team is doing a fantastic job, which is always a huge plus. A good translation can really make or break a novel, so it's reassuring to know that this isn't an issue here. The premise also has some merit and could be enjoyable for those who like the "hidden identity" stories. ### Areas of Concern Unfortunately, there are some significant issues that held me back from fully enjoying this novel. The biggest problem, in my opinion, is the main character's inferiority complex. While it's not uncommon for protagonists to have insecurities, I found his to be particularly frustrating. I also struggled with the pacing. The story felt rushed, jumping from scene to scene without giving me enough time to connect with the characters or become invested in the plot. It felt like I was skimming through events rather than experiencing them. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Some readers have pointed out specific instances that highlight the protagonist's extreme lack of self-esteem. For example, even after being called handsome by a journalist and having a flattering portrait drawn of him, he still doubts his own appearance. This level of self-deprecation, while potentially intended for comedic effect, came across as more irritating than endearing. ### Final Verdict Overall, "My Classmates Calls Me [Gloomy]..." has a promising premise and a solid translation, but it's ultimately let down by a frustrating protagonist and a rushed plot. If you're looking for a lighthearted read and don't mind overlooking these flaws, it might still be worth checking out. However, if you're easily annoyed by excessive self-deprecation or prefer a more deliberate pace, you might want to consider other options. I'm giving it a tentative 2.5/5.