Rin Ono, the talented artist behind the manga adaptation of “I Made Friends with the Second Prettiest Girl in My Class,” is gearing up to launch a brand-new manga series. Fans of Ono’s charming art style and heartwarming storytelling can look forward to “The Truth Is, I Want to Enjoy My Youth Too” (Watashi Datte Seishun Shitai yo, Hontō wa), which promises to bring a fresh perspective to the world of manga.
A New Chapter for Rin Ono
Rin Ono is best known for illustrating the manga adaptation of “I Made Friends with the Second Prettiest Girl in My Class” (クラスで2番目に可愛い女の子と友だちになった, Kurasu de Ni-ban Me ni Kawaii Onna no Ko to Tomodachi ni Natta), often shortened to “Kuranika” (クラにか). This popular romantic comedy light novel series, written by Takata, found a new audience through Ono’s delightful manga artwork. The manga began serialization on Media Factory’s Comic Alive+ website in July 2022, and five tankōbon volumes have been released as of November 2024. Yen Press licenses the manga adaptation in North America, making it accessible to English-speaking fans.
Now, Ono is embarking on a new creative journey with “The Truth Is, I Want to Enjoy My Youth Too.” This original manga series will debut in the August issue of Ichijinsha’s Comic Yuri Hime magazine, set to be released on July 17, 2025. The first chapter will feature a special color opening page, highlighting Ono’s vibrant artistry. This series also marks Ono’s first contribution to Comic Yuri Hime, adding to the excitement surrounding its launch, especially as it coincides with the magazine’s 20th anniversary.
What to Expect from “The Truth Is, I Want to Enjoy My Youth Too”
While specific details about the plot of “The Truth Is, I Want to Enjoy My Youth Too” are still under wraps, the title itself offers a tantalizing glimpse into the themes the manga might explore. The phrase “I Want to Enjoy My Youth Too” suggests a focus on characters yearning for fulfilling experiences, likely dealing with the challenges and aspirations of adolescence or young adulthood. Given Ono’s previous work in the romantic comedy genre, it’s plausible that the new series will also incorporate elements of romance, friendship, and self-discovery. Comic Yuri Hime magazine typically features yuri manga, which focuses on romantic relationships between female characters. Therefore, fans can anticipate that Ono’s new series will delve into the complexities and joys of such relationships.
A Look Back at “I Made Friends with the Second Prettiest Girl in My Class”
Before diving into Ono’s new project, it’s worth revisiting the manga that brought her widespread recognition: “I Made Friends with the Second Prettiest Girl in My Class.” This series tells the story of Maki Maehara, a high school loner who unexpectedly befriends Umi Asanagi, the second most popular girl in their class. Despite their different social circles, Maki and Umi bond over shared interests, forming a close and supportive friendship.
The Characters
- Maki Maehara: The protagonist, a somewhat introverted high school student who has trouble making friends. He finds an unexpected connection with Umi Asanagi.
- Umi Asanagi: A popular and cheerful girl who is known as the “second prettiest girl” in her class. She defies social expectations by befriending Maki and valuing their time together.
- Yū Amami: Umi’s best friend and the “cutest girl in class.”
- Nina Nitta: A character in the series.
Themes and Reception
“I Made Friends with the Second Prettiest Girl in My Class” explores themes of friendship, acceptance, and breaking social barriers. The series has been praised for its heartwarming portrayal of relationships and its relatable characters. The manga adaptation, with Ono’s charming artwork, has further enhanced the story’s appeal, drawing in readers with its visual storytelling. The series has garnered positive reviews, with many considering it a hidden gem. It has been praised for its character building, lack of unnecessary drama like love triangles, and its exploration of mature themes in a cute way.
From Light Novel to Anime
The original light novel series by Takata has also achieved considerable success, with seven volumes and a side story volume published as of May 2025. The series has been recognized in notable light novel guides, ranking 21st in the bunkobon category of Takarajimasha’s Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi! in 2024. It also won the Next Light Novel Award 2023 in the bunkobon category hosted by Kimirano. The popularity of “I Made Friends with the Second Prettiest Girl in My Class” has led to an upcoming anime television series adaptation. Produced by Connect and directed by Hideki Tachibana, the anime is scheduled to premiere in 2026. The anime will feature series composition by Keiichirō Ōchi and character designs by Shoko Takimoto, with Haruki Ishiya as Maki Maehara, Manaka Iwami as Umi Asanagi, Sayumi Suzushiro as Yū Amami, and Ikumi Hasegawa as Nina Nitta.
Rin Ono’s Artistic Style and Influences
Rin Ono’s art style is characterized by its clean lines, expressive characters, and attention to detail. Her illustrations bring the characters and settings of “I Made Friends with the Second Prettiest Girl in My Class” to life, capturing the nuances of their emotions and interactions. Ono’s ability to convey warmth and humor through her artwork has contributed significantly to the manga’s popularity.
While information about Ono’s specific artistic influences is limited, her work reflects a contemporary manga aesthetic with a focus on character design and visual storytelling. Her style aligns with other artists in the romantic comedy genre, emphasizing relatable character expressions and visually appealing compositions.
Where to Find Rin Ono’s Work
Fans eager to explore Rin Ono’s artwork can find “I Made Friends with the Second Prettiest Girl in My Class” on various platforms, including:
- Media Factory’s Comic Alive+ website: Where the manga is serialized online.
- Tankōbon volumes: Available for purchase in physical and digital formats.
- Yen Press: The North American publisher of the manga adaptation.
- Online manga retailers: Such as Manga Republic, which offers a selection of Ono Rin manga paperbacks.
Ono can also be found on social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Pixiv.
The Future of Rin Ono’s Manga Career
With the launch of “The Truth Is, I Want to Enjoy My Youth Too,” Rin Ono is poised to further solidify her presence in the manga world. Her talent for creating engaging characters and visually appealing stories has already earned her a dedicated following. As she embarks on this new series, fans can anticipate more heartwarming and captivating tales from this promising artist.
The manga community will be watching closely to see how “The Truth Is, I Want to Enjoy My Youth Too” unfolds, and whether it will achieve the same level of success as “I Made Friends with the Second Prettiest Girl in My Class.” Regardless, Rin Ono’s new series is a testament to her artistic vision and her ability to connect with readers through relatable and engaging stories.
