572 reviews for:

Is Love the Answer?

Uta Isaki

4.21 AVERAGE

godlizza's review against another edition

3.0

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I think this book would be great for someone who wants a crash course on asexuality and the various other identities that fit under that umbrella, but if you're looking for a story, there isn't much here. The strongest parts of the book for me were in the beginning when Chika was describing how she felt like an alien on a separate planet from everyone else because of her inability to relate to others' experiences of longing for romance and intimacy. Isolation is a common feeling amongst all queer people but especially with aro/ace people, and any time a book taps into that I feel so seen.

However, most of this book seems more interested in being a good introduction to asexuality than it is with being an actual story. I recognise this is partly because this is a one volume manga so there isn't really a lot of time to go deep into anything, but the affect is still there. I still liked this and would recommend it, but I'm more interested in seeing aro-ace characters involved in a plot than for their identity to BE the entire plot, if that makes sense. Still, as the literature surrounding a-spec characters grows, those stories will grow and become more complex and interesting, so I look forward to that.

jane_underground's review against another edition

5.0

emotional funny inspiring fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

unluckycat13's review against another edition

5.0

challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: N/A

migachan's review against another edition

4.75

informative inspiring reflective

dj_romcom's review against another edition

2.75

lighthearted reflective sad fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

rot_swap's review against another edition

4.0

emotional hopeful informative reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

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As far as asexual/aromantic representation, this manga was great. There's not much ace content to begin with, and even less that features nuanced conversations or authentic growth. I appreciate that Chika ends up helping a sexually-involved couple navigate the aftermath of a cheating-related argument. Marginalized people often have unique insight and perspectives that could benefit all of us. Learning about an experience that differs from the dominant culture and dominant narratives provides opportunities for us to imagine possibilities beyond our current scope of thinking. I'd happily share this manga with young people in my life!

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Sexual assault

thekingkez's review against another edition

5.0

emotional informative lighthearted reflective 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: Complicated

kmanos's review against another edition

3.5

funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

dovemaster's review against another edition

4.75

emotional funny hopeful informative reflective sad tense 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

ario_bobario's review against another edition

3.0

funny hopeful reflective 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