Hitomi-chan is Shy With Strangers

Hitomi-chan is Shy With Strangers is a sweet, funny romcom with a premise that works from the first page. A tall, intimidating high-school girl with shark-like teeth and a fierce glare is actually a kind and anxious soul who just wants to make friends. Her upperclassman finds out that looks can be deceiving, and the two grow closer in a way that suggests friendship may not be enough. The comedy comes from the gap between her appearance and her personality, and the warmth of the story is genuine. The honest cons: the premise can feel repetitive over a long run, and the romance develops at a steady, familiar pace. Some gags depend on the same reactions to her appearance. Still, it is a charming, easygoing read for fans of romcoms with a big heart. If you like sweet stories about social anxiety, this is a pleasant pick.