tofu's manga / #Adolescence(216)

TW: pedophilia, child prostitution, child abuse, mafia, crime, dubcon, noncon drugging, rape attempt, threat of rape, homophobia, murder, insect A a a a a a a what a read! I'm in love with this manga since chapter 1, what with the art style and unique premise. It's funny and entertaining as hell, but beneath everything lurks something sinister (and nauseating). I'm super happy that everything ends up okay considering the real fucked up things that went on in the background. The writing and characterization is strong here. I love both of the MCs, how silly and childish but also strong and supportive they are towards each other. The sequence where we can see their peaceful daily life was truly one of my most favorite moments in BL mangas.

TW: sexual assault (not between MCs), dubcon because of heat and pheromone bullshite I actually rly like them, especially with their daughter, though i hate the cliche ABO dynamics. Their banter and chemistry are great, and it's all healthy safe consensual between them but once it introduced more conflict and new characters it kinda fell flat. I wish the story was more focused on them and their married life instead.

TW: past rape, bullying, homophobia Crying squealing smiling jumping into a well and rocking myself back and forth This manga is so pure and healing and honestly cathartic??? Idk. I was in a maudlin mood when i read this and went through 5 stages of grief by the time i finished. At the end of it, i was just happy that these kids managed to find a safe place in each other. (Also the support group depicted in here is so healthy and valid??? I mean, you can clearly see that these are kids, who need comfort from their friends, teachers, parents, and siblings. Yes they're senior in high school, but they are still kids who should be depicted as such!)

TW: attempted sexual assault between MCs A good coming of age manga. Might seem plotless or boring at first glance but the author did a good job capturing the confusion and uneasiness of being attracted to someone of your own gender for the first time. The petty jealousy, the happiness that comes from the simplest of things, the physical and emotional awkwardness of growing up... It's so dear and unexpectedly moved me. (Warning: there's an attempt of sexual assault, and while i don't condone any circumstance in which it can happen, i understand why the MC did that--and i think it was resolved as well as it could have, considering their situation and personalities.)

Classic honor student × delinquent. Nothing new with the plot and progression but i like how author chose to depict realistic sex-- the uncomfortable and embarrassing preparation, awkwardness during sex, "failed" first time, the constant anxiety of not being good at it, and finally communicating what feels best for you and your partner. Not a lot of authors made that choice and opted instead for the unrealistic (and tbfh, quite damaging) depiction of sex, so i respect this manga for it.

Aaah another adaptation of a great slice-of-life / coming-of-age novel by WuZhe! The pacing of the manhua can be a bit disorienting but overall the story is great. It's full of the mundane goodness that i love from WuZhe's works, and I want to keep reading it forever.

An unnecessary sequel imho but it's still nice to see them grow into adults. Plot and conflict are just meh (and so is the implied secondary couple-- they worked better as friends), though i appreciate the notion of putting yourself and aspiration first without giving up on your relationship.

ARE YOU KIDDING!!! THIS IS SO PURE AND PAINFUL!!! WHAT THE FUCK!!! WHAT THE FUCK!!! IM CRYING AND I LOVE EVERY SECOND OF IT!!! Side note: the kinky sex chapter threw me off like crazy i mean...the whole manga its established how pure and wholesome these kids are. I guess it kinda fits the theme that ML feels safe with MC no matter what they do. But i wouldve liked a chill / sweet chapter rather than a smut one, and maybe some more discussion abt ML's diary? I feel like its never mentioned again considering how important it is for the story.

TW: murder, pedophilia, rape, implied suicide, violence, blood This is so fucked up! I love it! It never shies away from how fucked up it is. It's a thriller murder mystery first and foremost, and i think the author managed to deliver.