Bike's manga / #contemporary(12)

Very solid manhwa, got me emotional, so I would consider that a win in my book. — Very solid manhwa, got me emotional, so I would consider that a win in my book. Contemporary(?)

Angst x Goofy Grandpa 4 or 5 stars: I practically binge-read it. My god, it hits all of my sweet spots—childhood friends, reunification, and a goddamn happy ending. Of course, there’s some misunderstandings and a healthy dash of angst, but it fits the concept. Essentially, the MC’s childhood best friend stops by asking for him to help raise his son, and he does…until he leaves, out of guilt from his feelings. Fast forward to their fifties, and he comes back, only to discover that what he felt was still there. It plays with themes of the past vs the future, including it’s ideas on homosexuality. It’s a mix of angsty, sweet, and silly, and although the manga gets slightly messy at times, I can’t really fault it because the author did a good job establishing these characters. It ends with them getting together, though, so unfortunately you don’t see much of the aftermath. There’s a few mini-comics, though, and they’re rather sweet.

Holy shit, this was a trip. I don't think I have seen a series that has tackled sexual assault to this extent, in addition to juggling other similarly dark topics. Like the tags suggest, it is tragic, but there is a sort of 'light at the end of the tunnel', as well as vindication. The ending wasn’t for me, but it could have been much worse. Reading this felt like walking into a marsh. When you step in, you don’t know what you’re getting into until you fall down into the mud. Then, you kind of trudge through it, feeling awful, until you finally leave, disgusted but having the experience be a blur. Many of the characters were emotionally fleshed out, even the main antagonist (although still awful). If anything else, I don't think this manga will leave my head anytime soon. The series is quite vivid, which I usually don't see in the manhwas I read. It's clear that the author put work into the piece, and despite some grievances I have with it, this was certainly an experience. 8.4/10, Points docked for some questionable stuff, but I would still recommend a read. — Holy shit, this was a trip. Well, I can say it’s not for everyone. Explicit sexual assault, as well as an unsatisfying conclusion, etc… There is a 'light at the end of the tunnel', at least, up to you if your cup of tea. Recommend: psychological story that makes you want to tear your hair out — Its strength lies on how it explores topics of sexual assault. It serves to address the question: why do mothers not report their husbands who have relationships with their children? Relationships within the family are complex. It is tagged ‘Psychological’ for a reason. I personally found the “shounen-ai” aspect to be a weakness of the series, but it certainly has its strengths as well. 29 05,2021

Brief notes: inner monologue, school and homophobia, finding confidants in each other, slow burn Finished Volume 1 I liked it. It expresses the POV of both a gay man as well as a ‘heterosexual’ person (or at least a person unfamiliar with homosexual struggles) seeing homosexuality for the first time. The dialogue itself gets confusing at times, but I don’t particularly mind, as it addresses what it means for a person to be gay. It is a bit difficult, at times, to get into the mind space of a person unfamiliar with LGBTQ+ issues, as for me, I have seen it on the internet for a long time, during a time where it’s become more accepted. But I know there are other countries, where even in Japan, it’s still not being taken so seriously, and it heavily relies on the social space around you to feel comfortable. I feel that it expresses internalized homophobia well, especially in the context of a more conservative country. I feel as it’s gotten me, personally, to feel more comfortable about my ideas, as well as embrace other ones. I enjoyed the volume 1 for exploring sexuality, and discussing what it means to live in your adolescence. It is not afraid to embrace prejudice within the school setting, and is able to define what an ‘outsider looking in’ may feel like without pushing the discussion away from issues regarding homosexuality. I appreciate to see an MC who tries to understand, at least, rather than make the narrative about himself. * manga written in 2000

Man pines after a friend who gets married. He gets together with a bartender to cope. Turns out, the friend likes him back. --- Will plan to read more of later. I will say that some were disappointed that the main character didn't stay with the bar tender. Understandable. Doesn't seem to be that sort of story. Would be nice to read, though.

As of Season 1 End (34). I practically binge-read this series. It's pretty good! I'd say the highlights was the relationship development and the backstories; I like how the sexual tension between the romantic pair developed overtime (I'm especially a sucker for the kissing as "practice" trope, very ToddWallace-esque), and I appreciate how the author had introduced Andrew's backstory over the course of the season, rather than in a big info-dump. I found the characters fun. Luke gets a bit annoying at times, but he's overall endearing (just a silly, slightly zany dude!), and the supporting cast is a good time. Andrew's the "enigma" character, a bit serious, a bit mysterious in an attractive way, but he has the backstory to explain why he is the way he is currently. It's the end of season one, but things have only really just begun. We've still got Luke still fighting his director, Andrew and his Tragic Backstory, whatever their relationship's going to be, and the way things are seemingly connecting together. Looks like things are hapepning but we're left on a cliff-hanger, LMAO. idrc, I'm still having an overall good time so far.

Ch. 84 Good.

ch 67 Manga’s a bitch to the heart! Literally been angst the whole way through but it’s! Just! So! Good! I absolutely love the additional commentary about teaching, depression, and sexuality, to name a few. Author says they’ve done interviews with teachers on teaching life, and it really shows in the work. Since this is BL, of course there’s sex, but there’s also interesting commentary on these different contemporary topics.

Fave. Strong panelling, great establishment of tone. Really awkward, but really suited exploration of adolescense thing going on here