A review by krystal_uwu_
Boys Run the Riot, Volume 1 by Keito Gaku

emotional hopeful inspiring 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

4.0

 On the surface, this is a story about Ryo, a closeted transgender teen boy, and a new transfer student named Jin who decide to leave a mark on the world by starting their own online fashion brand. But really, this is a story about absolutely anyone who has ever felt like they don’t know how to be the person that society has decided they’re supposed to be. The way this series deals with its themes is pretty unexpected. Yes, this is Ryo’s story and his journey as a transgender boy from a traditional family trying to navigate school and life. But it’s also every bit as much about Jin and Itsuka and Jin’s friends and everyone who has ever felt like they don’t belong but don’t know how to do anything other than try to fit in. Volume one introduces some great characters and sets up Ryo and his friends’ journeys really well. I can already tell that this is shaping up to be a pretty damn emotional rollercoaster of a contemporary series and I’m so excited to find out where it all goes from here. We’re long overdue for these kinds of stories to get their dues in manga and I couldn’t be anticipating the next volume more. Also, the art style is phenomenal.
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