Photo by Nicole. Yazawa, Volume 1 Cover Art, I’m No Angel, Viz Media.
I’m No Angel – Information
Author of Story: Ai Yazawa
Chapter Count: 1 volume, 4 chapters currently available
Status: Completed in Japanese
Content Warnings
These content warnings do not reflect the contents of the review below, only the literary work itself.
- Abandonment
Spoiler Disclaimer
This recommendation post may contain small plot spoilers for review purposes. Any major spoilers are hidden by default and are able to be revealed via click or tap.
I’m No Angel – Plot Summary
Yazawa fans are really getting win after win with all the recent English releases! This time we’re getting I’m No Angel (known as Tenshi Nanka Ja Nai in Japanese) which is one of Yazawa’s earlier works that came before Nana and Neighborhood Story.
It’s still being released officially in English, but I’m really excited to talk about it and eventually have this series on my shelf!
So, this fantastic shoujo series follows Midori Saejima, a first year high school student who has a crush on her schoolmate. She happened to witness his soft side as he rescued a kitten in the rain—a scene that captured Midori’s heart before she even knew the boy’s name.
Soon after, when they are both elected into the student council, she learns his name is Akira Sudo. Through their activities as student council members, these two will grow a unique bond and experience a whirlwind of youthful activities… including a bittersweet romance!
Why You Should Read I’m No Angel
Plot:
If you’re someone who loves shoujo school settings with dramatic, youthful first love romances… this is the manga for you! I’m No Angel is basically the epitome of a high school romance shoujo, but don’t think for even a second that it’ll be a boring read.
Despite having a classic and familiar plot at first look, I’m No Angel actually feels more like the standard in terms of school-life shoujos (especially considering that this series is from the early 90s).
It captures all the best parts of the genre: the bittersweet experiences of enjoying high school, falling in love—that love feeling like the most important thing in your young life—forming new bonds and friendships, and creating tons of memories during these fast-paced years.
It showcases romance and youth in two very contrasting ways: At times, the vibe of the story is full of excitement and energy, typically through the bubbly female lead. At other times, things are a bit more downcast, as we learn about the emotional struggles hiding within the male lead’s heart.
Although I read plenty of shoujo manga, I have to say that I’m No Angel has a very classic, dramatic feel that simply stands out from the rest.
The “bad boy” who isn’t so bad, the “angelic” female lead who can’t help but fall head over heels in love, and the importance put on their emotions throughout the entire series… It was all just so cheesy (and I ate up every bit of it).
It reminded me a lot of MARS, so if you’ve read that series and would enjoy something similar (but much shorter) give I’m No Angel a try. It may be an earlier work, but Ai Yazawa’s excellent writing skills are still very apparent throughout.
Yazawa. Volume 2 Cover Art, I’m No Angel, Viz Media.
Personally, I feel like Yazawa’s writing often stands out from others in more ways than one. For example, she always creates an impressive level of depth to all of her characters. While reading her works, I somehow feel a deeper connection with her characters—even the supporting cast!
It makes the story feel even more meaningful, perhaps because you care more for each of the characters. She portrays many characters with relatable struggles, and a sort of romance that feels raw and believable (despite often being very dramatic).
Yazawa is also skilled in creating small, meaningful moments that feel very natural and authentic—often in contrast to a sense of realism that doesn’t hold back.
Although the romance in I’m No Angel is full of bittersweet struggles and obstacles, you still wholeheartedly root for the main two after seeing their immediate chemistry and incredibly sweet interactions.
This manga really made me feel a lot of emotions—I haven’t read a romance that made me feel so frustrated in a while. Yet, I was totally hooked! I found myself becoming impatient with the mistakes these characters made and the obstacles that prevented their happy love story, but that just made it all even more satisfactory in the end.
If you’re someone who likes to see a lot of struggle, dramatics, and emotion in a romance, you cannot miss out on this manga!
Characters:
I adore so many of the characters in this shoujo manga, but as with many of my reviews, I’ll focus on the main two.
I’m No Angel creates a fun contrast between the two main love interests that I am an absolute sucker for: the bad boy with a mysterious background and the good girl who is deemed an “angel.”
Midori is a cheerful student who is determined to set their new school on the right foot. She’s kind to her friends, goes along with her class’ silly schemes, and isn’t afraid to simply be herself. She’s full of emotion and often shows that through huge smiles or lots of tears (happy or sad).
She’s your usual deep-in-love sort of female lead with tons of emotion and energy. Yet despite her cheerful personality, she still experiences her own share of insecurities and worries.
I know many readers hate crybaby protagonists, but I never found Midori annoying in the slightest bit; she is always simply trying her best in every aspect. I really enjoyed her character, especially with how thoughtful and considerate she often was.
Then we have Akira, who I found unbelievably frustrating at times but still rooted for regardless.
I can’t talk too much about his character without spoiling the manga’s plot, but I enjoyed his unique personality. Despite being designed to look and act like the “bad boy” of the story, he doesn’t come across like an actual delinquent or anything of that sort.
None of the characters are scared of him, and he participates in the student council more than I expected him to. That’s sort of the point; Midori fell for his kindness, but this trait doesn’t seem so much of a secret as perhaps it was meant to be.
Rather than a true “bad boy,” Akira seems full of internal conflict, sadness, and a touch of mystery. He was difficult to understand at times, which just added to the melodrama of this story.
I can’t say he is my favorite male lead, but overall I did like his character and especially his design.
As much as I’d love to talk more about all the other characters, I fear this review would become too long—however I did want to spotlight one other character: Mamiya!
Mamiya has a personality that is quite the opposite of Midori’s. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting to like this supporting character as much as I did. She seems more mature and almost sort of uppity at first, but we slowly get to see her true character slip out over the course of the series, which I really enjoyed.
I think her relationship with Midori was one of the most heartwarming parts of the series… the manga just wouldn’t feel the same without her in it! Not to mention, her character design was really fun, too. To be honest, I wish we could’ve seen more of Mamiya’s romance arc!
Art:
I always enjoy Yazawa’s art style, even in this series where it might feel ever so slightly dated. Something about her line work and character design always gives me a sense of nostalgia. She just has an art style that stands out well—it’s just so identifiable and always full of emotion.
I’m No Angel seems to have a bit of a shift in style as it progresses, but not in a sudden or jarring way.
In fact, as I read through each volume, I felt as though the art became more and more like the classic Yazawa style I know and love. But, I still really enjoyed it from the very beginning (I may be a bit biased though, as I love older shoujo styles).
The character designs in this series were really fun, too. I wasn’t expecting a male lead with a pompadour, leather jacket, and motorcycle—but I absolutely adored him! I’d love to see more fun stuff like this in modern manga, too.
I also think many of the side or supporting characters had wonderful designs. It’s no fun when all the characters look too similar, so I was glad to see a lot of diversity in design. Yazawa even puts Midori in various outfits and hairstyles, which was such a joy to see. I can’t help but gush about the art when it comes to Yazawa…
Yazawa. Volume 3 Japanese Cover Art, Tenshi Nanka Ja Nai, Shueisha.
Any Cons?
I will say that sometimes this story feels like it isn’t going anywhere—but that may have just been me being incredibly impatient to see the plot progress. I constantly found myself dying to know what would happen next!
However, every time I thought that the story was introducing something completely unrelated, the plot would immediately turn around and give me the answers I was looking for.
In other words, trust the process and keep reading.
Another con I will mention is that Yazawa’s works tend to make me feel passionately about a character’s choices (which isn’t really a con but stay with me here). I’m No Angel sort of shrouds the plot in mystery for a bit, and teases you with constant melodrama—so I found myself seething at Akira now and then.
I don’t really like to hate characters when I’m supposed to be rooting for a romance involving them. However, I do prefer characters with depth, shortcomings, and flaws. Character growth is of huge importance to me, so Yazawa’s characters always make me feel conflicted in the best of ways.
I guess what I’m trying to say is: If you can’t appreciate imperfect characters who make mistakes, you might not enjoy this work!
Final Thoughts
As with all her other works, Yazawa’s I’m No Angel is such an impactful read. It might be yet another school life shoujo romance, but it still packs a punch with a dramatic, youthful story. This manga’s plot is told very well through suspenseful writing and a lovely art style—make sure you don’t miss out!
Disclaimer: Any volume covers or official promotional images used for this blog are for illustrative purposes only, are not owned by me, and are under ownership of the artist or publisher.
Images Credit: Yazawa, Ai. I’m No Angel, Viz Media, 2026. Tenshi Nanka Ja Nai, Shueisha, 1991.
