Is 'Is He A Girl?' A Romance Or Comedy Novel?

I just finished binge-reading 'Is He a Girl?' and it's a hilarious mix of both romance and comedy, but the comedy really steals the show. The premise of a guy being mistaken for a girl and having to navigate school life in disguise is packed with laugh-out-loud moments. The romantic elements are there, especially with the love triangle that develops, but they serve more as fuel for situational humor rather than deep emotional arcs. The misunderstandings and slapstick scenarios reminded me of classic rom-com anime like 'Ouran High School Host Club' but with a more modern, self-aware twist. If you enjoy lighthearted stories where romance takes a backseat to absurdity, this is perfect.

Having analyzed 'Is He a Girl?' extensively, I'd argue it's primarily a comedy with romantic undertones rather than a true romance novel. The story's structure revolves around comedic set pieces—crossdressing mishaps, exaggerated reactions from side characters, and meta-humor about gender stereotypes. The romance exists mostly to heighten these jokes, like when the protagonist's crush starts questioning their own sexuality due to the deception.

That said, there's genuine emotional depth in how the novel explores identity and societal expectations. The protagonist's struggle to maintain their facade while developing real feelings creates tension that's both funny and poignant. The comedy isn't just surface-level; it cleverly critiques how rigid gender roles can be. Fans of 'The Devil is a Part-Timer' might appreciate this blend of humor with subtle social commentary.

The romantic payoff feels secondary to the comedic climax. While relationships do resolve by the end, the most memorable scenes involve outrageous disguises or near-discovery moments played for laughs. The author clearly prioritizes gag timing over emotional beats, making it ideal for readers who want humor first and romance as a bonus.

As someone who reads tons of gender-bender stories, 'Is He a Girl?' stands out for balancing romance and comedy without letting either dominate. The romantic tension is real—especially when the female lead starts falling for the protagonist's 'girl' persona—but every sweet moment gets undercut by absurdity. Imagine confessing your feelings while desperately hiding your Adam's apple!

The comedy derives from the protagonist's escalating lies and the supporting cast's reactions. One chapter has him joining a girls' sleepover, leading to both heartwarming bonding and panic-inducing close calls. What makes it work is the sincerity beneath the jokes; you believe these characters even in ridiculous situations.

Unlike pure comedies that treat romance as a punchline, this novel lets relationships develop naturally amid chaos. It's similar to 'Himegoto: Secret Princess' but with better pacing. The ending satisfyingly resolves both the romantic and comedic arcs, proving you don't have to choose between laughs and love.