What is Manga Sutra?#
If you are looking for a blend of comedy, romance, and slice-of-life, Manga Sutra (also known by titles such as Futari H or Step Up Love Story) offers a unique premise. The story follows Makoto and Yura, two 25-year-old virgins who have just gotten married. Rather than a typical honeymoon phase, the series focuses on the comedic adventures and awkward mishaps that ensue as the couple attempts to navigate their physical relationship. Their journey is heavily influenced by their own trial and error, the experiences of people around them, and the media they consume.
If you’re ready to dive into their journey, you can watch the anime on Prime Video.
Is the Anime Really Finished?#
When asking “Is the anime finished?”, it is important to distinguish between the animated adaptations and the original source material. There are two primary anime versions: the original 2002 adaptation, Step Up Love Story, and the 2014 remake, Futari H - The One And Only Step Up Love Story.
While the anime series themselves are completed productions, they are adaptations of the Manga Sutra manga, which began serialization in 1996. Because the anime only covers portions of the story, those seeking the most comprehensive conclusion and a deeper look into Makoto and Yura’s development will likely need to buy the Manga Sutra manga to supplement their experience. It is worth noting that the manga has faced some delays, including a hiatus in early 2021 due to the author’s surgery.
Audience and Appeal#
Manga Sutra is best suited for viewers who enjoy romantic comedies with a mature, slice-of-life focus. Its primary appeal lies in its honest and humorous take on sexual intimacy and the learning curve that comes with a new marriage. It avoids typical melodrama in favor of awkward, relatable, and funny situations, making it a great choice for those who appreciate character-driven humor regarding adult relationships.
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Recommended Watch and Read Order#
Depending on how much of the universe you want to explore, there are a few ways to approach this series. For specific details on how these titles connect, please refer to the relationship tree provided below the article.
Release Order#
If you want to experience the series as it was released to the public:
- Step Up Love Story (2002 anime)
- Futari H - The One And Only Step Up Love Story (2014 remake)
The Completionist Order#
For those who want every single piece of content, including the source material and extras:
- Start with the original Manga Sutra manga.
- Watch Step Up Love Story (2002).
- Watch the remake Futari H - The One And Only Step Up Love Story (2014).
- Read the spinoff manga Futari Ecchi for Ladies (2003).
- Read the spinoff manga Futari H Another (2018).
The “Manga-First” Order#
For readers who don’t mind continuing with the source material to get the full story, we recommend reading the original manga first and then choosing your preferred anime adaptation (the 2014 remake is generally the most modern version).
Other Useful Information#
Beyond the anime and manga, the Manga Sutra/Futari H franchise has expanded into other media. If you enjoy the story, you may be interested to know that two live-action films were released in April and May of 2019. Additionally, there is a gag spinoff manga focusing on the character Akira.
Looking to collect some gear? You can buy Manga Sutra merchandise here.
Manga Sutra • manga • 1996-12-27 (serialized in Young Animal, 1997 #1)
└─(adaptation)→ Step Up Love Story • anime • 2002-07-26
└─(remake)→ Futari H - The One And Only Step Up Love Story • anime • 2014-10-10
└─(spinoff)→ Futari Ecchi for Ladies • manga • 2003
└─(spinoff)→ Futari H Another • manga • 2018-11-29 to 2019-01-29 (serialized in Harem, vols. 1 - 3)
