"Rent-A-Girlfriend truly is a generational manga" - Fans mock their beloved rom-com over main characters not becoming a couple

By Abhinand M

Modified Aug 15, 2024 22:30 GMT

"Rent-A-Girlfriend truly is a generational manga" - Fans mock their beloved rom-com over main characters not becoming a couple (Image via Kodansha)

Rent-A-Girlfriend has captivated audiences for seven years. It's uncommon to find a premise where a young man rents a girlfriend to impress his friends and family. It attracted attention and built a large fanbase, with many loyal supporters. However, as time passes, disillusionment is rising among the audience. The main issue lies in the stagnation, or perhaps the stagnation-like state, of the relationship between Kazuya Kinoshita and Chizuru Mizuhara.

Rent-A-Girlfriend, unlike the swift delivery of other notable romantic comedies, such as Uzaki-chan Wants to Hangout!, Komi-san Can't Communicate, Don't Toy With Me, Miss Nagatoro, and My Dress-Up Darling, takes a distinctly different path.

Some of its fans regard it as a groundbreaking influence in the manga world, claiming it is generational as it boldly challenges outdated romantic norms and leaves its bewildered audience with unmet expectations in a chaotic pile.

Rent-A-Girlfriend fans are frustrated over their protagonists not getting together after all these years

Expand Tweet

At the heart of Rent-A-Girlfriend lies Kazuya and Chizuru's fluctuating relationship. As the story unfolds, they draw closer, transforming from a transactional start to a warm connection. Kazuya's genuine feelings for Chizuru deepen despite external challenges, leading fans to eagerly await their heartfelt confession.

A climax remains elusive even after 340 chapters. Unlike other romantic comedies like Uzaki-chan Wants to Hangout! and Komi-san Can't Communicate, where character growth is evident, Rent-A-Girlfriend stands out for its reluctance to resolve the romance between its main characters. Fans' dissatisfaction grows as the series avoids a satisfying romantic conclusion.

How the Rent-A-Girlfriend fandom reacted to their main characters not getting together

Fan reactions to Rent-A-Girlfriend mix amusement, resignation, and exasperation due to its unresolved romantic tension. Social media serves as an outlet for these feelings, where fans express their frustrations.

Some even compare the series to a tedious romantic comedy, a notion that seems absurd. As fans process this chaotic experience, their arguments become less coherent, reflecting the complex relationship between the show and its audience.

"Current arc has Kazuma or whatever his name is planning out a hot pot date with Cheese girl. Exciting stuff," a fan said.

"It’s rent a girlfriend not get a girlfriend," said a fan while defending the series.

"Yeah, it's a generational manga-it'll take a few generations to go anywhere! DOHOHOHOOH," another fan said.

Fans remarked on the writers' teasing of the audience with unresolved hints of confessions. They observed that Kazuya and Chizuru's relationship feels hesitant and doesn't truly embody a "couple."

"Wish nothing but pain and suffering for kazuya," said a fan.

"the author of rent a girlfriend is clearly taking inspiration from latin american soap operas," said another fan.

"Not even just not get together, their relationship has practically regressed," complained another fan.

Some viewers embrace the series' unconventional approach, seeing it as a break from typical rom-com elements. The series embraces deviation and surprise. The series' ongoing romantic standoff has sparked jokes among fans. This playful sarcasm highlights the comedic aspect of the narrative's prolonged romantic tension.

Final thoughts

A snapshot from the anime series (Image via Kodansha)

Certainly, Rent-A-Girlfriend does not adhere to traditional romantic conventions. Its divergence from the norm contributes to its popularity. This "generational manga" flips audience expectations on their head. What kind of relationship do the main characters exhibit? They are devoted, yet ambivalent – perpetually caught in a dilemma. It possesses a distinctive quality within the romantic comedy genre, which draws back the audiences repeatedly.