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“Old-Fashioned Cupcake” has already been out in English for a few months, but I picked it up relatively late because I was unsure for a long time whether the title was for me. After a few positive reviews, I felt encouraged and the manga found its way into my collection.
“Old-Fashioned Cupcake” was written by mangaka Sagan Sagan and is only the second release on the market after “Haru to Natsu to Nacchan to Aki to Fuyu to Boku”, which has not yet been published in the USA. “Old Old-Fashioned Cupcake” was initially pre-published in Japan in the course of 2019 in the magazine ihr HertZ published by Taiyoe Tosho and was released on January 4, 2020 in a single volume with over 230 pages and two bonus chapters. Following its success in its home country, the sequel “Old-fashioned Cupcake with Cappuccino” was published in 2020-2021, which has since also been published in English.
How was it?
Nozue is a 39-year-old office worker who lacks ambition. He is capable at his job and is well respected by his subordinates. His female colleagues seem particularly taken with his charming personality, even though he is single and has no interest in a relationship. Despite his exemplary work performance, the company is unable to persuade Nozue to accept a promotion. He is determined to stay in his current position and stick to a boring and monotonous routine.
Everything changes when his subordinate Togawa suggests he change his life by taking inspiration from youth. Hesitantly, Nozue breaks out of his isolation and a tender love story develops between him and Togawa.
“Old Fashion Cupcake” is a boy-love manga with a sophisticated flair. The mangaka carefully builds up the plot and introduces an older protagonist who is going through a midlife crisis. Although the romantic development between Nozue and Togawa progresses slowly, it shows a tender coming together of two people learning to love themselves and each other. Through Nozue's emotional journey and Togawa's supportive role, the author expresses an adult romance with subtle but moving moments. The dynamic between Nozue and Togawa and their conversations about life, their tenderness and connection make the story particularly appealing.
Behind the seemingly simple premise of “Old Fashion Cupcake” lies an insightful story that questions societal norms regarding age and gender. In addition, the series introspectively explores ambition, regret and insecurities. Although it deals with mature themes, the narrative retains a cheeky, youthful cheerfulness. The philosophical messages never feel too heavy and are balanced by funny jokes and flirtatious dialog.
She moves the reader with her intimate narrative, tackling topics such as self-doubt, fears of growing older and the pressures of the workplace. The narrative also shows the dynamics of the workplace, where Nozue is confronted with prejudice and expectations from his colleagues. The author tackles topics such as being single, appearance and social status and gives them a voice with humor and sensitivity.
The characters, especially Nozue, are developed in a subtle way, full of emotions and realistic traits. Togawa, although ten years younger than Nozue, is a supportive character who holds back her own feelings to help Nozue.
The story is carried by clear illustrations that make it easy to follow the story. The mangaka has a very cinematic storytelling style with clean panels, details in the backgrounds as well as different angles that effectively emphasize elements such as gestures or decorative elements when necessary, sophisticated and very different designs, especially in the eyes.
Is 'Old-Fashioned Cupcake' worth reading?
Overall, “Old Fashion Cupcake” is a sensitive adult romance that deals with existential questions with lightness and depth. The book is also suitable for beginners to boy-love, as explicit scenes only occur in a small number of additional chapters. However, if you are looking for a story with more “drive”, I would recommend other works in this genre.
Old-Fashioned Cupcake GN
€11,69
€12,99
At 39 years old, Nozue lives a routine, if not melancholic, life of sleep and work. Togawa, his younger subordinate, finds it troubling and takes it upon himself to shake up Nozue's routine. During a lunch outing, the two go… read more
