Ore Monogatari!!

Ore Monogatari!!, known in English as My Love Story!!, originated as a one-shot manga published in Bessatsu Margaret in 2011. Written by Kazune Kawahara and illustrated by Aruko, the series was conceived to subvert the conventions of the shojo romance genre. Kawahara, already established for her work on High School Debut, sought to move away from the trope of the thin, bishounen lead, instead placing a hulking, kind-hearted protagonist at the center of a genuine romantic narrative.

The series became a significant critical and commercial success, praised for its sincerity and humor. Aruko’s distinct art style, which emphasizes expressive character designs that contrast sharply with the lead character's intimidating physical presence, was lauded for capturing the emotional vulnerability of its protagonists. The story resonated widely with audiences, leading to an anime adaptation and a live-action film, and it remains a staple of modern shojo manga for its unconventional but deeply earnest approach to high school relationships.