I've seen lots of polarizing opinions on this manga in various different himejoshi spaces; it seems one either loves HDWR or hates it. I feel a little like I've missed something crucial, because I think it's Just Okay. It's not a bad manga by any means. I wouldn't go so far as to say it's an exploration of "realistic" relationships (by whatever standard you want to measure those), because melodrama still plays a big part in most of the major arcs. It's compelling, but, yk... dramatic. A raw, heavy emotion blankets the atmosphere, and yet it's not bleak or oppressive. The characters make sound, albeit frustrating, decisions while navigating their tentative relationships with one another, and they develop in meaningful directions that make for an engaging plot. With a loveable ensemble like this one, you'll find yourself relating to each woman quite a bit. I'm partial to Miwa and Tamaki. Their arc was probably my favourite because its culmination was exactly what I expected from two people with vastly different ways of giving and receiving love. Tamaki's simmering frustration for being unable to express herself to Miwa, to connect with her in a way that felt meaningful to Tamaki without performing the superficial act of sex, and eventually lashing out because of her fundamental misunderstanding of Miwa's motivations for their relationship—all of it was beautifully done. Neither of their needs were met, and they both suffered for it. Probably a highlight of the story for me.
The answer the title asks—How Do We Relationship?—is given indirectly: however you're able to, in spite of your and your partner's flaws. It's almost so perfectly imperfect that it becomes an unintentional parody of what a real life relationship is. There is no standard for realistic relationships in fiction, only that many choose to label a romance that features conflict, miscommunication, or even ends in a breakup as "realistic" because those things happen in real life. Fine, I guess, but that's not a strength of this manga. Because of HDWR's minimal reliance on external conflict, it must convince the reader to connect with these characters and their experiences within this setting, not shill you an after-image of reality. It depicts the lesbian experience in a believable way, but for some reason, that believablity doesn't extend to some of the dynamics—simply because I struggled to resonate. I wish more people sold the relatablity aspect before the "realism". Semantics, but whatever.
It took me months to actually finish. Maybe I wasn't in the right mood to read, but there were parts where the story dragged its feet and I just couldn't get myself to care in the slightest, even with all my love for the characters involved. The visuals, though sleek and expressive, were consistent and almost... safe, for a manga of this nature. Personally wish there'd been more bold visual choices (a stand out being Miwa and Tamaki's final sex scene). I'm probably nitpicking by this point, but I was a little underwhelmed, so it can't be blamed. If all you hear are raving reviews, I'd suggest managing your expectations a bit. A very solid yuri, all things said.
I've seen lots of polarizing opinions on this manga in various different himejoshi spaces; it seems one either loves HDWR or hates it. I feel a little like I've missed something crucial, because I think it's Just Okay. It's not a bad manga by any means. I wouldn't go so far as to say it's an exploration of "realistic" relationships (by whatever standard you want to measure those), because melodrama still plays a big part in most of the major arcs. It's compelling, but, yk... dramatic. A raw, heavy emotion blankets the atmosphere, and yet it's not bleak or oppressive. The characters make sound, albeit frustrating, decisions while navigating their tentative relationships with one another, and they develop in meaningful directions that make for an engaging plot. With a loveable ensemble like this one, you'll find yourself relating to each woman quite a bit. I'm partial to Miwa and Tamaki. Their arc was probably my favourite because its culmination was exactly what I expected from two people with vastly different ways of giving and receiving love. Tamaki's simmering frustration for being unable to express herself to Miwa, to connect with her in a way that felt meaningful to Tamaki without performing the superficial act of sex, and eventually lashing out because of her fundamental misunderstanding of Miwa's motivations for their relationship—all of it was beautifully done. Neither of their needs were met, and they both suffered for it. Probably a highlight of the story for me.
The answer the title asks—How Do We Relationship?—is given indirectly: however you're able to, in spite of your and your partner's flaws. It's almost so perfectly imperfect that it becomes an unintentional parody of what a real life relationship is. There is no standard for realistic relationships in fiction, only that many choose to label a romance that features conflict, miscommunication, or even ends in a breakup as "realistic" because those things happen in real life. Fine, I guess, but that's not a strength of this manga. Because of HDWR's minimal reliance on external conflict, it must convince the reader to connect with these characters and their experiences within this setting, not shill you an after-image of reality. It depicts the lesbian experience in a believable way, but for some reason, that believablity doesn't extend to some of the dynamics—simply because I struggled to resonate. I wish more people sold the relatablity aspect before the "realism". Semantics, but whatever.
It took me months to actually finish. Maybe I wasn't in the right mood to read, but there were parts where the story dragged its feet and I just couldn't get myself to care in the slightest, even with all my love for the characters involved. The visuals, though sleek and expressive, were consistent and almost... safe, for a manga of this nature. Personally wish there'd been more bold visual choices (a stand out being Miwa and Tamaki's final sex scene). I'm probably nitpicking by this point, but I was a little underwhelmed, so it can't be blamed. If all you hear are raving reviews, I'd suggest managing your expectations a bit. A very solid yuri, all things said.