Banana Fish spoilers ahead:
Ok. So I’ve seen many people debating this comic. A lot of people are making the argument that Eiji and Ash were in a purely asexual relationship, and since Ash was raped and scarred, so he shouldn’t be shown in a sexual relationship. While I do agree that their relationship was purely asexual before Ash’s death, I do believe that can change. If in fact, this story takes place in a world where Ash did not die, and this is in the far future, I do believe this would make sense. If you have seen the interviews with the author of Banana Fish, you will see that she has stated that if Ash hadn’t died, if would’ve taken a long time, but their relationship would eventually become sexual. I am perfectly fine with this story happening in the far future, after Ash has had sometime to heal from all his trauma. I personally do not have a problem with this Doujinshi. I think it was quite adorable, and I don’t think their relationship was very sexualized. Sure, they had sex, but it was put more into a comedic light and was very innocent. Also, the sex was very consensual, and was completely agreed upon by both parties. I would’ve had a problem with this, if it was sexualizing Ash’s past rape experiences. This was just an adorable comic, that showed Ash and Eiji living happy, healthy lives, in a future where they both fully healed from their scars. Edit 1: Also, I forgot to mention: Rape victims should not be defined by their trauma. It has been CONFIRMED by the author themself that Ash enjoyed consensual sex, and had plenty of it in his teen years. He also did enjoy being on the receiving end, so don’t try to make this about that. He might have gone through horrible trauma, but Ash still has the right to enjoy consensual sex and pleasure, when he wants to, no matter his past.
Banana Fish dj - Fallin