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4.21 AVERAGE
4.21 AVERAGE
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
π Publish date: Jan 17, 2023
π Representation: asexual aromantic MC, gay SC, asexual SC, agender/X-gender SC
This was such a lovely manga. It was equal parts educational and engaging, with a beautiful art style. I loved all the character designs and each character was unique and interesting.
There was a wide variety of LGBTQ+ representation, which is so nice to see in manga! I feel like I especially learned a lot about asexual and aromantic identities.
Thank you to Kodansha Comics and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this title. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.
π Representation: asexual aromantic MC, gay SC, asexual SC, agender/X-gender SC
This was such a lovely manga. It was equal parts educational and engaging, with a beautiful art style. I loved all the character designs and each character was unique and interesting.
There was a wide variety of LGBTQ+ representation, which is so nice to see in manga! I feel like I especially learned a lot about asexual and aromantic identities.
Thank you to Kodansha Comics and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this title. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.
lighthearted
reflective
a win for the ace mfers let's go ππΌ
this had a lot of discussion on the asexuality spectrum and what that can look like, and how sexuality is fluid in general, defining relationships (sexual attraction vs romantic, etc.) and it was so good!!
However, i suppose all this came at the cost of character development? We don't really spend time on anyone's backstories or how they're doing in college, etc. like it's just a bunch of people and their conversations about the above mentioned topics.
Which is fine, I'm not complaining here but also some parts suffered like Chika's "confession" to Umezaki that was basically "i want you in my life" like I don't even know how old he is or or what he wants to do or is studying in school so it lacked impact?? Also he's fine af "I don't want to mess with anyone else...so i want to retreat somewhere rural when I graduate and live on my own" ugh he's so real for that
The dynamics here were so good like you got Umezaki as an "alloromantic asexual man, has a libido, sex-repulsed, doesn't really think he needs a partner for now," the professor "genderless, aromantic asexual, no libido, not sex repulsed, thinks a partner is necessary," Chika "aromantic asexual, sex repulsed, practically no libido, wants a non-romantic relationship with a partner", then you got their "gay friend" who was worried they'd stop hanging out with him because sometimes he do be attracted to women, and the "die-hard fanfic-loving fujoshi" who said it best "them saying my otaku activities are just a substitute for love kind of ticked me off! In my case, my love for my fave isn't quite romantic."
Overall just really good soup ππΌ
this had a lot of discussion on the asexuality spectrum and what that can look like, and how sexuality is fluid in general, defining relationships (sexual attraction vs romantic, etc.) and it was so good!!
However, i suppose all this came at the cost of character development? We don't really spend time on anyone's backstories or how they're doing in college, etc. like it's just a bunch of people and their conversations about the above mentioned topics.
Which is fine, I'm not complaining here but also some parts suffered like Chika's "confession" to Umezaki that was basically "i want you in my life" like I don't even know how old he is or or what he wants to do or is studying in school so it lacked impact?? Also he's fine af "I don't want to mess with anyone else...so i want to retreat somewhere rural when I graduate and live on my own" ugh he's so real for that
The dynamics here were so good like you got Umezaki as an "alloromantic asexual man, has a libido, sex-repulsed, doesn't really think he needs a partner for now," the professor "genderless, aromantic asexual, no libido, not sex repulsed, thinks a partner is necessary," Chika "aromantic asexual, sex repulsed, practically no libido, wants a non-romantic relationship with a partner", then you got their "gay friend" who was worried they'd stop hanging out with him because sometimes he do be attracted to women, and the "die-hard fanfic-loving fujoshi" who said it best "them saying my otaku activities are just a substitute for love kind of ticked me off! In my case, my love for my fave isn't quite romantic."
Overall just really good soup ππΌ
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
As an asexual person myself, I really enjoyed this manga. Seeing my flag on the cover was so incredibly exciting, I had to pick it up right away.
I see so much of myself in Chika. I don't identify as aromantic, but I do id as asexual, and so much of her journey to finding herself feels like my own. She experiences all the same emotions I remember when I hit college and learned more about myself.
The supporting cast was also great. I enjoyed how diverse the representation was when it comes to relationships, especially the addition of what reads as queerplatonic relationships, as someone who is in one myself. Seeing Chika find friends that actually support her and learn all these new types of relationships, it was great to see.
I also really appreciate the inclusion of definitions and references. I think it's a great book for someone who may be exploring their own sexuality.
The art is also fantastic. I love the panels, especially the one with all the stars when she realizes she's the not the only one with these experiences.
I see so much of myself in Chika. I don't identify as aromantic, but I do id as asexual, and so much of her journey to finding herself feels like my own. She experiences all the same emotions I remember when I hit college and learned more about myself.
The supporting cast was also great. I enjoyed how diverse the representation was when it comes to relationships, especially the addition of what reads as queerplatonic relationships, as someone who is in one myself. Seeing Chika find friends that actually support her and learn all these new types of relationships, it was great to see.
I also really appreciate the inclusion of definitions and references. I think it's a great book for someone who may be exploring their own sexuality.
The art is also fantastic. I love the panels, especially the one with all the stars when she realizes she's the not the only one with these experiences.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Acephobia/Arophobia
Minor: Biphobia, Outing
I'm crying like damn baby over here
It had very thorough explanations, and showed different shades of aspec identities. The found family was also extremely adorable!
It had very thorough explanations, and showed different shades of aspec identities. The found family was also extremely adorable!
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Fantastic story and a great way for people to be introduced to the aro/ace spectrum
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I have conflicted feelings about this one. While we definitely need more asexual and aromatic representation this one very quickly turns into a kind of asexual 101, something I wish we could move away from. I loved the start when she felt isolated and confused by "normal" (something many aces and aros can relate to) and enjoyed seeing her discover that hey, not feeling this things is an option! I enjoyed seeing allonormativity/amatonormativity being called out and how it was shown as being so ingrained in how people talk to each other and how isolating it can e if you don't feel that kind of attraction towards others. But after that it very much felt like it became an educational pamphlet type thing (you know the kind - here's what this means and why you might be it) and the story kind of became secondary. While I don't have an issue with asexual education in books about asexual characters, I do wish that it had been more integrated into the story and character relationships that were being developed earlier in the story. And while I did still finish it and still appreciate that it exists, I started losing some interest and emotional investment around this point. Yeah, I get it may be helpful for those who are allo, but I would love it if more stories centered asexual experiences for asexual people and didn't spend a significant portion of what it is (even if we are a minority - it's just a little exhausting when it is described every single time, especially since this one had a long author's note type thing at the end).
(I don't know how much this is a cultural thing but I found it a bit weird that she immediately moved in with the professor she just met? I mean, I don't think there was anything sinister there or anything but while students may develop a close relationship with a professor it's typically not in first year or after one converstaion)
While I do think many aces and aros will see themselves in this book and enjoy it for those reasons, I feel like it is most suited for allos and those questioning their sexuality who are interested in learning more about sexuality due to how much of the story is a discussion about what asexuality is. It also does a decent job at showcasing how allonormative language and expectations are isolating if that is something you are interested in. I feel like there are several books out there that go down this route, but this is a nice choice if you want to go down the manga/graphic novel type route!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. As always, all opinions are my own.
(I don't know how much this is a cultural thing but I found it a bit weird that she immediately moved in with the professor she just met? I mean, I don't think there was anything sinister there or anything but while students may develop a close relationship with a professor it's typically not in first year or after one converstaion)
While I do think many aces and aros will see themselves in this book and enjoy it for those reasons, I feel like it is most suited for allos and those questioning their sexuality who are interested in learning more about sexuality due to how much of the story is a discussion about what asexuality is. It also does a decent job at showcasing how allonormative language and expectations are isolating if that is something you are interested in. I feel like there are several books out there that go down this route, but this is a nice choice if you want to go down the manga/graphic novel type route!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. As always, all opinions are my own.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Acephobia/Arophobia
Moderate: Sexual assault
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
tl;dr
A thoughtful and well-illustrated exploration of asexuality and the ace spectrum.
Thoughts
Chika feels out place in a way that she can't describe. The version of love that everyone assures her will show up someday seems unattainable - even undesirable. It's a struggle many ace people have been through - how do you define something by its lack? Especially in a world where sexual attraction and romance are considered as universal and as "normal" as breathing. But as Chika discovers, not all love is expressed sexually or romantically. Not everyone is wired to be that way, and that is, in fact, entirely normal. This isn't a story as much as it is a really well-illustrated exploration of asexuality and the ace gradient, with a cast of really fun characters. I appreciate that the story also covers the fact that there's no one way to be asexual, and that terms and words are only useful until they aren't. It's a very sweet coming-of-age one shot, that works as a great introduction to what it means to be ace.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha for the review copy. All thoughts in this review are my own!
A thoughtful and well-illustrated exploration of asexuality and the ace spectrum.
Thoughts
Chika feels out place in a way that she can't describe. The version of love that everyone assures her will show up someday seems unattainable - even undesirable. It's a struggle many ace people have been through - how do you define something by its lack? Especially in a world where sexual attraction and romance are considered as universal and as "normal" as breathing. But as Chika discovers, not all love is expressed sexually or romantically. Not everyone is wired to be that way, and that is, in fact, entirely normal. This isn't a story as much as it is a really well-illustrated exploration of asexuality and the ace gradient, with a cast of really fun characters. I appreciate that the story also covers the fact that there's no one way to be asexual, and that terms and words are only useful until they aren't. It's a very sweet coming-of-age one shot, that works as a great introduction to what it means to be ace.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha for the review copy. All thoughts in this review are my own!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual content
Is Love the Answer? is an educational manga exploring aromantic asexuality through the eyes of a freshman college student grappling with her lack of desire for romance or sex. While initially she finds herself isolated from and misunderstood by her peers, she finds community with several other asexuals and a handful of friends who embrace her identity and help her understand herself.
The manga focuses more on the educational aspects and is lighter on the story side of things. As an aromantic asexual person myself, I think the manga captured well the sense of alienation from oneβs peers and the frustration of having an experience of love and attraction that others so readily dismiss or refuse to believe. I also appreciate that it touched on some of the more material issues that can come from being aro/ace in a society that does support that, including the risk of sexual assault or other sexual trauma and the difficulties of being unattached in a society built with the expectation of having a partner or nuclear family.