Reviews

Boys Run the Riot 4 by Keito Gaku

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bookph1le's review against another edition

4.0

I really appreciate the worldview this book is trying to express. I'm all for moving to a point where people can live the way they want without scorn or prejudice for refusing to conform to societal expectations. I don't think younger generations are the first to reject the status quo, but I feel like there's a real sea change going on in the world these days, and I think it's a good thing. So few actually benefit from maintaining social mores that it's always hard for me to understand why so many people cling so desperately to the past and are so afraid of doing things differently in the future.

The one thing that didn't sit so well with me in this book came in the addition at the end, where I felt uncomfortable with what seemed to me like some objectification of women. It feels a little strange to me to read about a character who struggles with the way their body looks and how that causes people to have certain expectations about him, only for him to then turn around and reduce others to their body parts.

hobbitfreddie's review against another edition

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5.0

Right so I absoultely love Riot. I love Ryo, he's such a great lead, and I love the fashion aspect. As a trans man I just love the representation. However since volume 1 set such a high bar, the other volumes didn't feel as good, but they did experiment with different plots and junk. I do feel there is passion and effort here, I'd rather see that than cookie cutter stuff.

I think the main complaint is it introduces too much new stuff for a final volume. I do wish there was one more volume, but the ending is satisfying enough. Everything does come full circle, everyone gets some spotlight. Isn't that enough?
The brand aspect is really focused on in this volume. There's some actual depth to it. Especially through the character of Joe-san.

Also focused on are the Boys' arcs. It's not too fleshed out for everyone- but still Because of the attempt it feels like a satisfactory conclusion. There's alot of style AND substance to this volume. The trans rep is still great. I really can't find any other complaints.

Oh-And there's a bonus comic of the mangaka's original story!

I definetly rec this series. I love it all. The characters and art great too!