Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Hentai Ouji to Warawanai Neko
"Hentai Ouji to Warawanai Neko," or HenNeko as it's often called, initially drew me in with its quirky premise and blend of comedy, romance, and supernatural elements. The story revolves around a seemingly perverted protagonist and a stone-faced girl, and the ensuing chaos that unfolds when they get mixed up with a wish-granting cat statue.
First Impressions
What immediately grabbed my attention was the unique mix of genres. It's a fun, lighthearted school life story with a dash of ecchi, but also delves into deeper themes of personal growth and hidden emotions. The anime adaptation definitely piqued my interest, and I was eager to see how the original novel fleshed out the characters and plot.
What Works Well
I found the characters to be genuinely enjoyable, despite some potential reservations about the "perverted" label attached to the MC. He's not just a one-dimensional gag character; he demonstrates a surprising level of empathy and resolve, especially when it comes to helping the heroines overcome their emotional baggage. Tsukiko, the titular "unsmiling cat," is endearing in her own stoic way. The author does a solid job of making you care about these characters and their individual struggles. The humor is also a strong point, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments stemming from the characters' interactions and the absurd situations they find themselves in.
Areas of Concern
However, I did notice a few areas where the story seems to falter, particularly in the later volumes.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
A major point of contention appears to be a "world reset" that occurs around volume 9. Apparently, this plot twist significantly alters the established narrative and introduces elements that some readers found jarring and unnecessary. There's also mention of some questionable scenes involving the MC and characters possessed by the cat god, which some found distasteful. The ending also seems to leave something to be desired, with no clear resolution to the romantic relationships. The open-endedness, while perhaps intended to be thought-provoking, left some readers feeling unsatisfied and as if their investment in the characters' development was ultimately in vain.
Final Verdict
Overall, "Hentai Ouji to Warawanai Neko" offers an engaging and entertaining read, especially in its earlier volumes. The characters are well-developed, the humor is on point, and the premise is intriguing. However, be warned that the later volumes may introduce plot twists and narrative choices that could detract from your enjoyment. If you're looking for a lighthearted romance with a supernatural twist, this might be worth checking out, but be prepared for a potentially divisive ending.
