MANGA REVIEW | "Kubo Won’t Let Me Be Invisible" - Volume Eleven
Has Shiraishi been getting some tips from Don’t Toy With Me, Miss Nagatoro’s Senpai? It seems like our main protagonist of Kubo Won’t Let Me Be Invisible has been growing both the backbone and spirit to show the one he likes how he feels. Of course, unlike Senpai, Shiraishi doesn’t have a catty sentient wavy tube woman to push him along. He does, however, have a mountain of friends, as evident in its eleventh volume.
After the school festival, Kubo and Shiraishi celebrate in the way chummy classmates do. However, Shiraishi overhears that Kubo has a crush, not knowing that he’s the one she’s smitten with. Thus begins a quest to win her affection, even though Shiraishi hasn’t realized that he’s been crowned the winner already. But can he muster up that can-do attitude to actually request from alone time with her?
With this being the second-to-last volume of Nene Yukimori’s series, much progress must be made before the couple rushes across the finish line. There’s Kubo’s confession to her friends, followed by her big sister and cousin. Meanwhile, Shiraishi deals with his own feelings for Kubo, as he starts seeing her more than just a friend. Thankfully, both of them have the right kind of comrades to push them along the right path. (Even Kubo’s big sister Akina puts a hold on her teasing, which is quite noble of her to do.)
There is enough downtime for a bit of fun, as everyone goes to Shiraishi’s house to hang. It also involves Life, a board game that can be as harrowing as it is fun. (Although poor Sudo feels the brunt part that Life can dish out!) There’s also a moment where Kubo feeds Shiraishi her homecooked lunch, as she reveals that she wasn’t always the best with crafting food. But it all leads up to a big moment: Shiraishi properly asking Kubo out.
No, there’s no love confession…yet. But Shiraishi makes some huge steps in order for one to be made. And he gets a little help from Sudo, who guides him properly on what he should do. Once the setting is right, and timing is perfect, Shiraishi takes a swing. The result: smiles for everyone!
There’s no telling which one of these two will confess first. But it’s bound to happen when the final volume of Kubo Won’t Let Me Be Invisible drops later this year. However, Volume Eleven does a great job setting everything up for the big moment, as both Kubo and Shiraishi attempt to gather enough gusto to say those three little words. Knowing how those two feel about one another, there’s bound to be more rosy cheeks and loving smiles in store.
FINAL GRADE:
Promotional consideration provided by Chantelle Sturt of VIZ Media.
