tl;dr
The art carries with beautifully illustrated characters and a rather lightweight plot.

Thoughts
For a book about a supermodel, the art definitely rises to the occasion. As expected, Aran is beautiful and sexy at every turn, but the other characters are also gorgeous, all rendered with clean, detailed lines and tones. The character designs are exceptionally appealing, with both leads leaning hard on androgyny. A handful of sexy scenes and moments of undress are appropriately salacious, but don't expect full spice on this one.

The plot itself is barely there: instant attraction paired with a series of coincidences push Nagi and Aran's lives together, allowing the reader to jump from one sexy scene to the next with very little friction. This is probably also where readers will find themselves split. Aran can be fairly possessive at times. He also moves in with Nagi without bothering to ask for permission. There's already enough discussion about these tropes that I don't need to weigh in on whether this is trashy guilty pleasure, or just trashy. You already know how you feel about this. There are a handful of discussions about gender expectations in society that might lead to more of a deconstruction of the tropes, but for now the story plays it straight.

Did not read this, wanted to read manga but then my mood died and did not add this to my downloads. Sorry!

"That Beauty is a Tramp" follows Nagi, a woman who is seen as cool but reluctant to have relations with men because of a poor previous experience until she meets her favorite model Aran. However, not a woman as Nagi expected them to be, Aran is a man who pulls of the androgynous look perfectly and had her fooled. Upon meeting and realizing she could touch him without repulsion, the two make a deal and Aran becomes her practice boyfriend in exchange of doing a photoshoot with him.

I loved the art, but the story did not disappoint either! It's a faster-paced romance, but the two match well together and Nagi's gradual growth in self-confidence is great to see as well.

I admit, with a title and cover like that, I wasn't expecting a lot, but this surprised me with how well done and thoughtful it was. It wasn't just lustlustlust or the MC H's magic wand can cure the MC h's every ill, though he "isn't-like-all-the-boys", it's at least in an unusual and unique way.

The artwork was pretty, the characters played well off one another and the storyline was just realistic, just wish fulfillment balanced enough to work.

4, recommended and I will be seeking out the next volume in the series, stars.

My thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha for an eARC of this book to read and review.

This was an amazing graphic novel, I just loved the story and how the characters interact, made me laugh a lot like any other anime but it was so good

This was a quick, fun read focusing on gender and beauty norms and recovering from trauma with the fake dating trope.
While the art is beautiful to look at, not a lot has happened yet in the way of the romance. Aran, the androgynous MMC discovers Nagi, the "tomboy" FMC, and asks her to model in a photo shoot with him. She agrees, but in exchange, she asks Aran to "fake date" her and help her get more comfortable with being touched by men. She is uncomfortable after a "friend" in college was too touchy with her. Aran agrees, and then things seem to pick up quickly. But I'm not sure of Aran's motivations being that he's a "Tramp".
While the pacing is starting off a little weird I am excited to see where this relationship goes. And I'll keep reading for the beautiful art!
Thank you, Kodansha, for my digital ARC.

I’m new to writing reviews for manga so please take pity on me. 😊

I love the art so much! The story is good too. Also, I love how Nagi and Aran interacted together and calmed each other down and lift the other up when it was needed.

I’m not sure what else to say. Other than I enjoyed it and would recommend it.



*Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an E-Arc in exchange for an honest review!*

I don’t like this title. And it’s just the title. I don’t think Trump is a word that should be used in modern society for a woman. This is a story about a female character who had an inappropriate touching instance happened to her. And it’s left a mental block to where she can’t be with men. It’s a physical bad reaction anytime she holds hands, etc. But there’s this model, this model that makes her wonder - Hey maybe I’m not straight. But the world is shocked to find out that the model is actually a man. Our main gal approaches him and says hey I don’t get this feeling around you like I do other men would you be my fake boyfriend. He decides to take her and makes it his mission for her to see one how beautiful and stylish she actually is and for her to, enjoy the touch man. This title was very interesting, and I would be interested to see how it goes forward but if I don’t, it doesn’t bother me. It’s a fast and interesting story that some may see themselves in in need.

I wanted to like this. The art is stunning, but the story and plot...not so much. This manga is a forced proximity romance with touches of humor. Again, I wanted to like this, but I found the characters to be unlikable and it became burdensome to read through this. Perhaps those looking for quick read this might be ticket, but I still felt it was a bit rushed and the transitions/pacing was off. The interactions between Nagi and Aran were also a bit awkward. Nagi doesn't like to be touched by men and yet Aran's character felt aggressive and a bit non-con. I think the story has potential, but this first volume did not make me want to read the series any further.

Get ready for a fabulous journey of self-discovery, a splash of romance, and some serious fashion moments in That Beauty Is a Tramp!

This manga is the perfect blend of quirky humour and heartfelt exploration that’ll leave you laughing and swooning in equal measure!

Meet Nagi, our cool, tomboyish heroine who’s as tough as nails but has a soft heart buried somewhere beneath that edgy exterior. All she wants is a boyfriend, but alas, she has one major hurdle: she has a bit of a “touchy” issue with men! Ever since a college mishap, Nagi’s body has developed a hilarious (and slightly tragic) reflex that rejects any male contact. Cue the dramatic music!

Just when it seems like Nagi’s love life is doomed to be as barren as a desert, she crosses paths with Aran, the stunningly androgynous male model who walks the fine line between masculine and feminine styles like a runway superstar. Seriously, this guy could give even the most seasoned models a run for their money! When Nagi discovers she can touch Aran without her body throwing a tantrum, you can practically hear the angels singing!

In a moment that’s as audacious as it is adorable, Nagi makes a bold move: she convinces Aran to be her practice boyfriend for one month to help her conquer her aversion. Talk about a unique arrangement! With every whimsical photo shoot and awkward yet hilarious encounter, Nagi and Aran dive into an adventure filled with awkward moments, quirky fashion choices, and unexpected sparks.

Hal Osaka’s artwork shines, capturing the vibrant personalities of both Nagi and Aran. The expressive illustrations bring out Nagi’s tough exterior and hidden vulnerabilities while showcasing Aran’s stunning versatility as a model. The banter between the two is as delightful as their chemistry, making you root for them to break through their barriers—and maybe even discover love along the way!

The best part? It’s not just a romance; it’s also a journey of self-acceptance and breaking free from past traumas. Nagi’s determination to overcome her fears is both inspiring and relatable, making her a character you can’t help but cheer for!

That Beauty Is a Tramp Volume 1 is a delightful romp that mixes humour, fashion, and heartfelt moments into one enchanting package. With its quirky premise and endearing characters, this manga is a must-read for anyone who loves stories of personal growth wrapped in a cute romance.

The art style is sooo pretty, but the storyline was not. I didnt really like the story, and found it a chore to finish reading this book. The characters were unlikeable. I will not be reviewing this on my platforms cause i dont like to post reviews when they are below 3 stars.

A beautiful forced proximity romance that pulls on the heart strings while also remaining humorous. A fresh new story with likeable characters and fun situations make for a greatly enjoyable read!

This was a quick read but I didn't feel like it had much depth to the dialogue or plot. It's about a tomboy girl, Nagi, who can't stand being touched by men because she was grabbed by a "friend" who was drunk and hitting on her and Aran, an androgynous man who is a model and randomly decides Nagi must be on a shoot with him, so he agrees to date her in return. The plot has potential but it stayed very surface level and the transitions were abrupt. Also, Aran is pretty aggressive which felt weird since Nagi is uncomfortable with men.

Thank you Kodansha Comics for the DRC via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for the opportunity to read and review this manga. This series is not for everyone due to the character dynamics being rough and the verbal abuse. However, I feel like this is what I wanted My Androgynous Boyfriend to be as far as the way that the characters met and being less silly. Because of these points, I have to give this a 4 out of 5 stars.

This was the first manga I’ve ever read and honestly I had a hard time taking it seriously. You punched your friend in the face because he started to hit on you? You assaulted HIM and then YOU struggle being touched by men? No, that doesn’t sit right with me. I can’t say I’ll be picking up the next one.

Hal Osaka’s That Beauty Is a Tramp 1 introduces readers to an intriguing premise with its unique blend of romance, self-discovery, and personal healing. The story revolves around Nagi, a tomboyish woman struggling with an unusual dilemma—ever since a traumatic incident in college, she has been unable to touch men without her body instinctively rejecting them. This seemingly insurmountable barrier to romance leaves her feeling isolated and frustrated, especially when all she wants is to experience a normal relationship.

The narrative takes a turn when she meets Aran, a beautiful and androgynous male model who defies traditional gender norms with ease. His ability to seamlessly move between masculine and feminine styles is not only captivating but provides a refreshing twist on the typical male lead in romance manga. Nagi’s shock at realizing she can touch Aran without any discomfort opens the door to a fascinating relationship dynamic, setting the stage for a romantic and emotional journey.

The premise of Nagi asking Aran to be her "practice boyfriend" is both amusing and poignant. On the surface, it’s a playful arrangement, but underneath, it’s clear that Nagi is grappling with deeper issues of trust, vulnerability, and self-worth. Aran, with his unconventional beauty and charm, represents the ideal partner for helping her face her fears, while also challenging traditional notions of romance and attraction. The one-month time limit adds an element of urgency and tension to the story, as readers are left wondering whether Nagi will overcome her trauma and what kind of relationship will ultimately blossom between the two.

Osaka’s art style is striking, particularly in the way Aran’s androgynous appearance is portrayed. His fluidity in fashion and modeling makes him stand out in every panel, and the chemistry between him and Nagi is captured with subtlety and care. The story’s use of both humor and emotional depth allows the characters to feel well-rounded, avoiding clichés while still embracing the romantic tropes that fans of the genre love.

However, while the premise is strong, the pacing can feel a bit uneven at times. The story moves quickly from Nagi’s problem to her "solution" in the form of Aran, and some readers might feel that her decision to ask him for help happens a little too conveniently. The emotional groundwork for Nagi’s trauma is hinted at but not fully explored in this first volume, leaving a lot of room for development in future installments. Hopefully, subsequent volumes will dive deeper into Nagi’s psychological journey and provide more background on her college experience.

The dynamic between Nagi and Aran is intriguing, but it’s clear that their relationship has only just begun to evolve. While Nagi’s development will undoubtedly be a major focus of the series, Aran’s backstory and motivations remain somewhat mysterious in this first volume, leaving readers eager to learn more about him as the story progresses.

Final Thoughts:
That Beauty Is a Tramp 1 presents a fresh take on romance manga by exploring themes of trauma, androgyny, and unconventional beauty. Hal Osaka sets up a promising dynamic between the tomboyish, emotionally scarred Nagi and the androgynous, effortlessly charming Aran. While the pacing may be a bit rushed, the unique premise and engaging characters make this first volume an intriguing start. Fans of slow-burn romances with emotional depth and humor will find much to enjoy here, and the potential for growth in both Nagi and Aran’s relationship is enough to keep readers invested in the series.

A very entertaining ‘pretend boyfriend’ story about a woman who meets her match, but her match is actually kind and caring and willing to help her experience love and emotions. Great artwork with humour and lovely characters.

I'm not sure what this series is trying to do, but I'm not interested in it. I'm good with a feminine male love interest, but I'm not trying to read about gender as the main focus of a story. I read the first 3 pages and was already seeing that the central theme here is not a romance, but a gender story. No thank you.

I love how this is going and how they are all consenting adults! A lot of time in Manga, sexual themes and romances are usually in high school settings or younger, so this is a nice breath air.

Also loving the androgynous vibes both characters give off.

Thank you NETGALLEY!

I enjoyed this manga from beginning to end I love how not toxic the characters are each other. Also learning what each other likes and don't like but also learning that they might like each other more than they expected. I will be purchasing this manga soon as possible.