Yen Press just dropped the first volume of the popular Japanese manga Senpai, This Can’t Be Love! which has already impressed us with its careful exploration of romance, workplace quirks, and unique personalities. So now that the title is ready to be enjoyed — we’re breaking down everything Senpai, This Can’t Be Love! has to offer.

The Plot

Senpai, This Can't Be Love dives into the delicate relationship between Atsushi Yanase and Yuki Kaneda as they navigate through the complexities of workplace dynamics and emotions in a CG studio where Yanase acts as a mentor to newcomer Kaneda. And in classic BL workplace fashion, Kaneda has a longstanding crush on Yanase due to their overlapping passions. The plot beautifully unfolds as Yanase eventually discovers Kaneda's true feelings, challenging preconceived beliefs and setting the stage for a heartwarming journey of self-discovery and acceptance.

To our surprise, a quick (initially unfortunate) relocation twist puts the potential pairing in a complex scenario — which highlights the quick-paced story and its ability to utilize each page. For those who enjoy the mundane detail-oriented aspects of workplace series, the title also offers just enough personality to appease its CG production plot. So you could definitely say there’s some World’s Greatest First Love coded fun to unpack here.

The Characters

The characters in this manga are incredibly well-developed, with Yanase and Kaneda leading the narrative as a result of their engaging personalities. Yanase’s initial misunderstandings paired with Kaneda’s hidden admiration create a palpable chemistry that shines with unexpected authenticity — but to make this even stronger, these are ideas that are clearly communicated within its first chapter alone to intelligently avoid any unspoken tension.

That being said, as more layers are peeled back with each passing chapter, it’s evident that the two are a strong duo worth centering the story on. With its peripheral, supporting characters in the mix, the manga also gets a little extra dose of personality that helps create tangible interactions and socializing that contributing uniquely to the overall charm of the overworked, yet still bubbly BL title.

Art and Visuals

The art style in Senpai, This Can't Be Love feels carefully developed, with meticulous attention to detail in character designs and background illustrations. By also making use of the title’s penchant for expressive emotions captured through the title’s artwork, there’s a natural ability to find yourself immersed in the evolving relationship between Yanase and Kaneda.

It’s also important to note that the story brings two characters who have their own aesthetic to the forefront, making it easy to recognize some of their innate characteristics. Now we just need to see what the visuals of the Canada arc entail in the future, because more is needed.

Themes and Symbolism

Senpai, This Can't Be Love primarily delves into themes of self-worth, insecurities, and the intricacies of unspoken emotions. The subtle symbolism scattered throughout the story (typically through a person’s presentation vs intention) adds personality to the story and characters, inviting readers to reflect on the complexities of human relationships and the power of vulnerability.

Also, it takes all the necessary steps to make sure we’re not dealing with a “dating your idol” scenario, which helps its romantic themes feel credible.

The Verdict

Senpai, This Can't Be Love is a worthwhile manga that shows fortitude in storytelling, character development, and visual appeal. Fans of romance, slice of life, and workplace dramas will find this manga to be a delightful addition to their collection.