"Turns Out My Online Friend is My Real-Life Boss!" Volume 1 - Yaoi Review

"Turns Out My Online Friend is My Real-Life Boss! Volume 1" is a workplace BL dramedy that's got all the nerdy charm and comedic twists you could ask for. From the creator of "The Yearning Fox Lies in Wait" this manga serves up hilarity, misunderstandings, and a whole lot of feels. If you're a fan of "Cherry Magic!", "Candy Color Paradox" or "Yagi the Bookshop Goat" then buckle up because this ride is for you.

Cover of the manga "Turns Out My Online Friend is My Real-Life Boss!" The illustration features two young men in business attire against a light pink background. On the left, a cheerful young man with brown hair is holding a smartphone and smiling, with a few gaming elements such as a pixelated sword and small, chibi characters surrounding him. On the right, a more serious-looking young man with grayish-green hair is holding a phone to his ear and a folder in his hand, with papers flying around him. The title is prominently displayed in the center with a red background, and the volume number "1" is visible in the bottom right corner. The overall style is colorful and playful, blending elements of everyday office life with hints of online gaming and fantasy.

Purchase "Turns Out My Online Friend is My Real-Life Boss!" (Volume 1)

"Turns Out My Online Friend is My Real-Life Boss! Volume 1" Plot

Meet Hashimoto, your average salaryman stuck in a soul-sucking office job. His boss, a stylish and strict perfectionist, makes his life a living hell. Nothing Hashimoto does is ever good enough. But there's a silver lining: Hashimoto escapes to his favorite online game, where he vents to his buddy "Uma." Little does he know, his demon boss and his sympathetic online friend are the same person. When Hashimoto and Uma decide to meet IRL, Hashimoto's world is turned upside down.

"Turns Out My Online Friend is My Real-Life Boss! Volume 1" Characters

Hashimoto: Our clueless, average Joe. He's lovable but dense, making his way through life with a lot of frustration and not much awareness. His naivety is both endearing and exasperating.

The Boss/Uma: Stylish, strict, and seemingly unapproachable at work, but a totally different person online. Uma is empathetic and supportive, and seeing this duality is where the magic happens.

Why "Turns Out My Online Friend is My Real-Life Boss! Volume 1" a Must-Read

Hilarious Misunderstandings: The author nails the comedy with Hashimoto's obliviousness leading to one misunderstanding after another. It's a masterclass in creating laugh-out-loud moments from everyday situations.
Character Development: While Hashimoto is the star, the boss/Uma shows the most growth. His emotional self-awareness and the journey from being a strict boss to a caring friend and potential lover is beautifully done.
Realistic Setting: The portrayal of Japanese work culture is spot-on. The grounded realism adds depth to the story, making it feel modern and relatable.
Sweet and Innocent Vibes: The story starts off pretty innocent, with a charm that's hard to resist. It's light and fluffy, but you get the sense there's potential for deeper, more passionate moments.

Cons and Considerations

Oblivious Main Character: If you find overly naive characters frustrating, Hashimoto might test your patience. There are times you might want to shake some sense into him, but that's part of the charm.
Pacing: The manga feels like it was originally released in monthly chapters. The pacing can be a bit disjointed, with several points where it seems like the story wraps up, only to continue. This can throw you off if you're not prepared.

Final Thoughts on "Turns Out My Online Friend is My Real-Life Boss! Volume 1"

"Turns Out My Online Friend is My Real-Life Boss! Volume 1" is a delightful blend of comedy, romance, and workplace drama. The misunderstandings are top-tier, the characters are lovable, and the setting is refreshingly realistic. While Hashimoto's cluelessness might be a bit much for some, it adds to the charm and humor of the story. The boss/Uma's character development is a highlight, offering a deeper look at the emotional side of the tale.

If you're into nerdy BL dramedies with a lot of heart and a good dose of humor, this manga is definitely worth picking up. It's a fun, casual read that you'll find yourself returning to, especially on those rainy days when you need a bit of cheering up.

So grab a copy of "Turns Out My Online Friend is My Real-Life Boss! Volume 1" , settle in, and get ready for a wild, funny, and heartwarming ride with Hashimoto and his not-so-secret online friend!

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