Sex Life Side-by-Side: A Single Guy vs. A Cute Couple (Adult Content)

I must admit that I was intrigued by the title, particularly with regards to "Side-by-Side". There were several possible directions that this story could go from this premise and I was curious to see what the mangaka, Tsuda Hitokuchi, could do with it. However, there's something that I think is worth noting before I start to describe my thoughts. You see, this work features an unusual artistic choice when it comes to its structure. A page at the beginning emphasises that the pages are split in half with the single guy being on the left while the couple is on the right as well as how they are occurring at the same time. It's an interesting concept although I admit that it sounds quite gimmicky and has the potential to impose too many restrictions. Nonetheless, let's take a look at "Sex Life Side-by-Side: A Single Guy vs. A Cute Couple".

The story opens in some public transportation where we are introduced to Yuta Ishiguro, the titular single guy, as well as Shun Matsugaya and Akane Oyama, our titular couple. Akane informs Shun that her parents won't be around and invites him to stay the night at her place. While this is happening, Yuta takes out his phone and takes a surreptitious picture of Akane, noting his intention to jack off to it that night. The rest of the plot consists of the events that take place from then until the next morning from their side-by-side perspectives.

I'm sorry to have to say this but I'm genuinely confused as to the purpose of this story, beyond the typical adult content function of course. There are certainly times of dramatic irony where the contrast elicits some amusement but, beyond that, there aren't any notable revelations or interactions, rather, we are just watching these people go through their lives. There was potential here with the format for something truly unique but the story is, unfortunately, anything but.

Shun and Akane are okay, if not particularly inspired, characters. They love each other and there are some genuinely kind moments between them. However, it's the character of Yuta that I seriously want to discuss as I'm not sure how I'm meant to feel about him. Let's be completely frank here, Yuta is a disgusting creep who takes a picture of a girl unbeknownst to her and uses this picture for several sexual acts throughout the night. However, it's also revealed that he lives a subpar life of disappointment and failure. Considering how he's introduced, it's clear that I'm not supposed to feel sympathy for him so am I expected to delight in his misery instead? That makes the most sense to me given the happiness of the couple just across the page but I'm unfortunately, or fortunately if applied to the rest of life, not that cold of a person. As I observed Yuta, how nothing seems to go right in his life and how gross he is, I didn't experience schadenfreude but sadness instead, as if I was watching someone on the precipice of committing a crime.

The artwork itself is fine with a decent level of detail and motion although I do feel like the character designs themselves are a little bland and generic looking. As for the paneling, the fact that the page is consistently split in two creates some issues. The images are bereft of panels and flow straight into one another which can sometimes feel stylish but often feels cramped and uncomfortable instead with less dynamism to the action. The side-by-side gimmick also began to feel tiresome and repetitive although I will give the mangaka credit for one particular aspect. For most of the story, the structure remains consistent and I had the feeling that this restriction would be the same throughout. However, there was a sequence near the end where the structure changes and I found this moment to be clever and reinvigorating. I'm glad that Tsuda Hitokuchi didn't stick rigidly to the format but this one moment isn't enough to make up for other flaws.

I can commend this work for trying something different but it's far too flawed to be considered anywhere close to being a success. Unless you're intrigued by the gimmick, you're likely better off searching for something else to read instead.

If you are interested in this work, you can support the artist, Irodori Comics and myself (that being the reviewer, not UK Anime Network) by using my personal affiliate link which will provide me with a commission while showing your appreciation for these cultured works. Additionally, use the code "CULTURED" for a nice discount!