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Yamaken - I think it's the former though my inner shipper wishes -badly- it's the latter. I think Yamaken's too proud to stay friends with a girl who rejected him, and good for him really. -ignores inner shipper-
I think one of things that makes this series so good is that it's really not just about the main couple. It also does love polygons right. I want the makers of Legend of Korra and Aquarion Evol (and so many others) to study this series. THIS is HOW you DO a love polygon.
Even though I am in pain that my ship ain't ever going to happen, I am not upset with any of the characters, nor does the polygon feel contrived. Ooshima has a very believable reason to like Haru, and the way Yamaken fell for Shizuku was just so funny.
As for the main official couple - I can clearly see why they're good for each other, to a point that I can't at all just disregard Haru even in my own mental playground.
Also, my brother finished this series in one go. This and Chihayafuru are probably the only shoujo series he finished this year (and probably last year as well... and the year before...).
Plants are aliens, and fungi are nanomachines.
Given Yamaken's sense of direction I will expect that he'll bump into Shizuku one way or another, even if he decided to bow out.
The best thing about the love polygon? NO STUPID MISUNDERSTANDINGS. The people involved know who likes who and it's generally other, more believable problems that get in the way, whether it be pride or timidity or wanting the best for someone.
I like the way the story is structured as well. The way the confessions and appearance of romantic rivals and friendship moments are incorporated into the story... how to describe it? Like they're high points, instead of exclamation marks as many other stories are wont to do. I don't think that made a load of sense... In any case, it feels more "natural", that's what I'm saying.
Wow, I like this series a lot. Good thing Chihayafuru is there for my fix of shojo next season.
I agree about the no stupid misunderstandings. At no point in this series did I feel the impulse to yell at the screen, telling this or that character "WTF are you doing?" "What the hell do you see in him or her?" "You can scream each other's names all you want, but I still ain't shipping you two."
Reccing a shoujo-shonen highschool romantic comedy manga which reminds me quite a bit of Tonari.
It's called "Horimiya". Doesn't have a page yet on TV Tropes.
I do not know if the mangaka is a gal or a guy.
Plants are aliens, and fungi are nanomachines.
I tried to read Horimiya, but it didn't feel quite as appealing.
"If you aren't him, then you apparently got your brain from the same discount retailer, so..." - Fighteer
Alternative Asexual
Horimiya is a remake of Hori-san to Miyamura-kun, an online comic strip by Hero. Horimiya is basically better artwork, solid storyline, and manga format by Hagiwara Daisuke.
I think the similarity is less from characterization and storyline than it is from the fact that both approach the high school romance genre from a realistic angle that appeals to good numbers of people. So, it's not surprising if some aren't as enthused by Horimiya, as it is shorter in both chapter length and quantity, and therefore isn't as steeped in drama and plot yet.
On the actual subject of Tonari, I'm more or less appreciative of characterization and general plot. My biggest complaint is that sometimes leaps too abruptly between problems, such as Haru's familial issues, and my head spins from the confusion.
My favorite moments tend to be when Sasayan and Shizuku kick Natsume off her pedestal. Natsume always strikes me a bit as This Loser Is You to the general shoujo demographic, so I enjoy her being called out for acting superior or not acknowledging her own faults.
You sanctimonious, fanatical pricks.
She mostly acts superior because she's kind of dim, to be honest. I don't mind it, really; she has the best of intentions, she just doesn't know how to act with people in real life.
It's been fun.
The manga ends in volume 12.
By my math, that makes the total chapter count to be 48.
Chapter 37 out. Yuuzan's side.
Takaya and Shizuku are an adorable brother-sister pair. The same can be said for Kenji and Iyo, to a lesser extent.
Chapter 38 out. Not much happens, but it gave off a warm vibe. Yuuzan gets Haru to attend their dad's birthday party. Sasayan talks a bit more with Natsume, and there's this new guy called Shinjou...
Chapter 41: Yamaken has a photo of dolled up Shizuku in his phone. Wahaha.
Haru was found quickly.
Yamaken no baka.
/relieved to be over Yamaken X Shizuku
Plants are aliens, and fungi are nanomachines.
Chapter 43: YAAAAAMAAAAAKEEEEEEN! ... Thank god I found out about the manga Last Game.
Also in this chapter, Shizuku fangirls over frappuccino.
edited 20th Jul '13 8:18:57 PM by fillerdude
Chapter 44 is out. Like last chapter, DAMMIT YAMAKEN. Another wonderful display of avoiding indecisiveness and misunderstandings that plague romance stories.
In other news, Yuu-chan tells the story of how she became an adult. Wahaha.
I must agree with Yuu-chan. It does hurt, it is gross, and I never want to do it again. 
Good thing my jaw's large enough for me to never need to get my wisdom teeth pulled in the first place. 
So. Um. Final chapter. (At least I think it's the final chapter. It feels pretty, err, final.)
Takaya grew up well. So did Ooshima. Commence shipping. Takaya's so cute! He takes after Shizuku a lot. Y'know, it's actually a good idea to wrap up a love story from the poerspective of a freshly blooming romance.
Speaking of which, that's a nice ol' big damn wedding.
vicarious
So the 13th volume fanbook is coming out soon in America.
Stumbled on this in the library, and it's great. I love these weirdos.
Other thoughts:
And lots of other little things that were funny and heartwarming and heartbreaking.