The "Roman Club", a school group interested in the occult, to which he's practically enslaved, has become boring for one Hideo Aiba. In fact, he finds his entire existence pretty tiresome until, one day, when a girl named Kurumi Sahana shows up and wants to up. When the two are left alone in the club classroom, Kurumi makes a special "request" of Hideo, which makes him (understandably) freak out. Though he doesn't know what to think, one thing’s for sure, Hideo’s life just became anything but boring. 6744e
8 Volumes (Complete)

As another stated, its best to check your pride at the door. I found it hard to put myself in the protagonists' shoes and be able to relate to what the character was feeling, but being the tard I am, that did not prevent me from getting into the story. I was able to put myself into the protagonist's shoes, but I almost prefer that I hadn't. Situating myself in this manga led to a great deal of introspection on my part, about myself and human nature, and you may discover some rather unpleasant things about yourself. If you're prone to jealousy (like me, as I discovered), this is an especially painful read, particularly in volume 4.
The two main characters' sadomasochistic relationship can be rather disturbing if you have an aversion to it, but the development of the two main characters' relationship is the driving force behind this series. There are also a fair amount of lulz, to boot.
I'm giving this a seven because there wasn't a whole lot of content in the first two volumes that I deemed worth reading; most of the character development occurs, rather rapidly, in volumes three and four. Although I found myself intrigued by the two main characters in this drama, I never started to 'like' them or appreciate them at all. The comedic moments were few and rather bland imo. I did not find myself LOL'ing at all, unlike other series I have read, but I'm sure some of you will appreciate the humor. Also, I did not appreciate the mangaka's style of artwork, but I'm sure many of you will disagree. Please note, that this is not at all an objective review.
I'd best describe this as an 'addictive' read. Much like any suspense novel, it keeps you 'on the edge' (hehehe), and continuously raises the 5 journalistic questions of: who? what? why? when? how? It may be painful and frustrating, much like a drug (see: tobacco) but you'll want to come back for more. Granted, if you want immediate satisfaction of any kind, or are looking for lulz...look elsewhere.
... Last updated 16 years ago
At first glance, Sundome feels very much like a simple, though somewhat dark, ecchi comedy. The artwork, even in serious situations, tends toward being goofy and wild. And the characters, though interesting, and each with a very distinct personality, don't really seem to stand out in any way (other than "weird" or "excessive"). But if you can treat the sexual parts of the story as a kind of character-developing event, rather than simple fan service, you'll find there's a depth, and meaning, to all the crazy antics. And I do mean "crazy antics". This manga is all over the sexuality map, and will surely please, on that level.
But dig a little deeper (maybe just turn on your H Shades - block a little of that out), and suddenly, the way the two main characters are treating each other, or the things they're doing, take on meaning, as their relationship progresses. Why does she start their relationship by telling him nothing will come of it, yet proceed with it anyways? Why is he so driven to pursue her? Why does it seem like sometimes, she might just be holding herself back? Why does she give him just a little more (though always short of "all") every time? Why can't he just outright tell her he loves her -- does he not really realize it himself?
I'm only beginning volume 4 right now, but I can confidently say that this title stands among the best, both in of story/writing, and artwork/content.
... Last updated 16 years ago
Interestingly enough, for some reason I never could view this series as erotic in nature; instead, I only had eyes for the seemingly bizzare, yet intensely close relationship that Hideo and Kurumi forms. That's what truly makes the story so heartbreaking later on, and it will hit the unsuspecting reader like a ton of bricks. There are hints littered throughout the chapters, but they really are overshadowed by demi-porn fetish-heavy atmosphere that the Roman Club sets. It's a pity, because that facade hides a plot that is right up there with the best.
I think this series resembles Boku no Hatsukoi wo Kimi ni Sasagu the most, although it is a lot more risque, and certainly has a rather dissimilar tone. No last minute miracles in this series, which heightens its ability to move others.
This series has the rare distinction of making me cry without realizing it. How many times has the buildup been so subtle that you don't notice it until the tears start falling? Not that others would, of course, but there you go.
A rare gem. Don't miss it, if you can persevere enough to realize its true intent.
... Last updated 16 years ago
i have to it, at first i didn't like this manga and it gave me a bad feeling, but after a couple chapters i fell in love with it, but the bad feeling still remains, i have a over-whelming feeling of regret and sadness (i have a feeling that someone is going to die), i only have 3 volumes of it but the 4th seems to be the final one, i don't want to post spoilers or anything, i was just wondering if someone might be able to tell me of the impending doom so that it wil lesen the burden (impact), whoa, i got side traked anyways, this is a great read, it fills you with a feeling of joy and familiarity even tho it does give an undesirable feeling of loss, i rate this one as one if not my the favourite emotional managas of all time, enjoy
This is one of the mangas that you like or you don't. I personally don't like this manga since the main characters make me sick (although they are interesting in some ways). I do like this author's works such as Kyoukasho ni Nai! but this series was definatly not his best work.
... Last updated 17 years ago
The relationships in this manga is really fascinating. I don't want to spoil too much but there's alot of emotions and sexual tension going on beneath the surface.
im not sure why, but i find this peculiar manga very interesting, i could not stop reading it. i am not sure why, but i kept finding my self wanting to know what happens next, probably because i kept hoping the main characters situation would improve, or that he would find some pride.....
this manga has a very curious appeal indeed. try it out, it is a worth while read at the very least
and this doesnt seem like hentai, fells like a "mid level" ecchi.
as for people that read this and become angry, its only because that their own insecurities. The main character has no pride or dignity, and when reading people tend to project themselves into the main character, and if they see themselves and dont like what they see; of course they will be angry. so dont let nonsensical negative comments dissuade you from this very unique read...
... Last updated 17 years ago
I started reading volume 1 and personally I found this manga rather boring. It seemed to move extremely slow. I could not even finish volume 1. Maybe I needed to read on more, but my heart was not into it. This is only my personal opinion, so judge for yourself. Some with different preferences may find this very good.
At first the surface will show the typical standard character, wimpy and weak in this case. But as you read on and see the facial expression on how he structure it with the moment as well what they put. Really embracing moments occurs. Its like a girl who doing her homework require a dictionary and in order to understand that she uses a child dictionary to understand it. Quite a "blow"
... Last updated 17 years ago
look past the sexuality and notice that it has a reason to be there. I'd say if you liked NHK you will like this as long as you don't mind something i'd call "mature ecchi" genre. It's not your idiotic guy with a harem and boobs and panty shots all over the place without any point to it. I must say i agree with every word of Laclongquan. You either love it or hate it, or maybe some ppl would notice the meaning behind, but wouldn't like sexuality so they would agree it's good, but just not their cup of tea.