If you're looking for a heartfelt and humorous story about unrequited love and self-discovery, Be My Worst Nightmare! could be what you’re looking for. Let's dive into the first volume and see what makes it a standout release.

Plot

The story revolves around Sayo Hoshikawa, a high schooler who is insecure about his height. His unrequited crush is rejected by Mashiba, a “tall and handsome” boy. Determined to prove himself, Sayo challenges Mashiba to various contests, but he never wins. The tension between them escalates when Mashiba calls Sayo "cute," which deeply bothers him. As the story progresses, Sayo starts having strange dreams about Mashiba embracing him, and these dreams take a more romantic turn.

Volume 1 sets the foundation for the storyline by introducing the main characters and their current struggles with love and chemistry. Sayo's determination to outdo Mashiba leads to numerous comical and heartwarming situations. As hinted at in the premise, the competitive nature of their relationship then qucikly evolves into something more complex as Sayo starts to question his feelings towards Mashiba (and vice versa).

Characters

Sayo Hoshikawa is a relatable protagonist whose insecurities and determination drive the narrative. His interactions with Mashiba are filled with both humor and tension, making their dynamic one of the highlights of the pair’s origin story manga. Sayo's growth throughout the volume is evident as he starts to confront his own feelings and insecurities—but his refusal to acknowledge things, in the beginning, is a classic love story response that a majority of love-focused manga titles explore.

Mashiba, with his tall and somewhat stoic demeanor, serves as both a love interest and a source of frustration for Sayo. His calm approach to Sayo’s quirks along with his teasing nature adds depth to his character, making him more than just a rival. The chemistry between Sayo and Mashiba is well-developed, with their interactions ranging from playful banter to more serious and introspective moments. Also, the appearance of a family member at the end of Volume 1 promises more dramatic tension to come…

Art

The art in Be My Worst Nightmare! is visually appealing and effectively conveys the emotions of the characters. The character designs are consistently discernable, capturing the nuances of Sayo's insecurities and Mashiba's confident (but also dry) demeanor.

The detailed backgrounds and interior settings further immerse readers into the story. The artist's attention to detail in depicting everyday life, as well as the intense dream sequences, adds an extra layer of depth to the storytelling to make Sayo’s world feel real.

Themes and Symbolism

The first volume explores themes of self-acceptance, unrequited love, and the journey towards personal growth (as well as romantic growth). Sayo's struggles with his height and his desire to prove himself are relatable to many—but as things progress, it begins to represent his general insecurities about appearning vulnerable. Furthermore, the dreams he has about being embraced by someone symbolize his longing for acceptance and validation. The symbolism of Sayo's dreams serves as a metaphor for his internal conflicts and desires. As the dreams become more intimate, they reflect his evolving feelings and the complexities of his relationship with Mashiba.

The manga also touches on the idea of finding beauty and strength within oneself, despite the pressures often associated with external appearances. As a result, the recurring motif of height and physical appearance underscores the societal pressures and personal insecurities that many teenagers face.

Verdict

Be My Worst Nightmare! is a fluttery, unlikely love story that tackles important themes with humor and heart.