After We Gazed at the Starry Sky, Vol. 1 (After We Gazed at the Starry Sky

After We Gazed at the Starry Sky #1

by Bisco Kida

Tougo Amase is a well-known photographer who focuses on night scenery—and the man Subaru Miyazawa not-so-secretly idolizes from afar. Subaru always assumed Tougo would be distant, just like the stars in his art, so he can't quite believe his luck when they meet at a trial screening of a new planetarium show. While Subaru is a totally awestruck mess of nerves, Tougo takes it all in stride. Not only that, but he's hopelessly sweet, carrying Subaru down the steps where he and his wheelchair could never go alone—just so he can watch the exhibit from the front row. Subaru can't help but think… "…I hope we meet again…"

Genres: Manga, Romance, LGBT, Yaoi, Queer, Disability, Contemporary

182 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 17, 2022

Reviews

[Mandy Szewczuk · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really excited to read this, as there's so little disability rep in BL manga, but this one came across as really under-researched and pretty ableist at times. The actual relationship was sweet, but the one character took a lot of liberties with the disabled character (picked him right up out of his wheelchair without asking??) and that really turned me off.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't love that our able bodied protagonist doesn't ask our disabled protagonist before pushing his wheelchair or picking him up - honestly, if you're looking for realism or even just better practices, read the Perfect World manga. But all romance is a fantasy, and the aforementioned issues aside, this is very sweet.

[Imanewreader ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

rep - disabled (paraplegic) mc

wow, that was absolutely cute. their love for the sky and stars is adorable. it's all so benevolent, caring, and overall good.

one thing : ask for consent before doing anything. in this case, carrying a disabled man far from him wheelchair.

[Imogen Brand · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not sure if this one is a keeper I love the dreamy romance between the two main characters Tougo and Subaru especially since it is a slow building romance my favourite kind in a romantic story.

But their was way too many clichés through out the story for example when Tougo helps Subaru out of his wheelchair without asking it is more like a princess carry than generally helping him feel more comfortable. Or a close friend of Subaru pushing a relationship on him when he never wanted to date Tougo at first. Nobody asked if they are comfortable or got a positive response first they done their own things and walked away happy with their achievement.

Does not feel very dreamy to me and I love a good romantic moment in a story where the characters connect perfectly.

[Rachel Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cute romance. A bit quick but these two were so cute at first meeting!

While I was reading this, I was wondering what others thought of the disability rep. I have read several reviews all speaking to the same thing - could have used a bit more research and respect towards handling situations.

[Marty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my goodness this was so poetic and adorable! The romance was beautiful and both of the characters were so incredibly soft and sweet together. I really enjoyed it and the use of the starry night as a plot device was gorgeous.

I liked that Togo was such a nice character despite seeming a little brooding. He was very sweet and encouraging of Subaru, especially in terms of him travelling and being able to do anything an able-bodied person can do. I feel like this is such an important message to put out there given society loves to stereotype people as less able, which is never true, so it was a delight to see it reflected in this manga. It always warms my heart when the author makes the love interest so supportive, and I feel like Togo really checked every green box. Subaru himself was just adorable. I found myself relating to him a lot, especially his passion for design and cooping up inside daydreaming to all of those beautiful photographs. I'm autistic so sometimes travel or going out can be difficult to me, and I've found looking at pictures can sometimes give me that same outdoorsy feeling I dream of. Subaru is that type of sunshine character who just makes you smile whenever you read his panels.

I wanted to give this book 5 stars BUT I'm choosing to give it 1 star less because of chapter 1 where Togo touched Subaru's wheelchair and lifted him up without asking first. Even if Subaru didn't seem to mind and Togo had good intentions (wanting to make sure Subaru could have a good spot just like everyone else since the spot for wheelchairs were further back), I think the author could have done more research for this scene, given it's really not okay to touch let alone pick someone up without asking first.

However, I think the rest of the story really seemed to do a good job on representing what it's like to be a wheelchair user and disabled, not only diving into Subaru's childhood and how he feels around able-bodied people, but also having Togo actually ask if it's okay for him to push Subaru's wheelchair and if he feels comfortable going to a non-wheelchair friendly place (showing us that sometimes getting around with the arms works just as well).

I also felt a bit puzzled at first if the cause of Subaru's disability was accurate (paralyzed from the knees down from birth) given another user mentioned this isn't possible, but I did some research of my own and from what I can find it can be possible due to certain conditions? Eitherway, I checked in on other reviews and comments for this work before reviewing it myself, especially from people who are disabled and can relate to the experience, because I wanted to approach this as accurately as possible and hear how the representation landed. I found a lot of people pointing these aspects out, both negative and positive. :)

All in all, I really enjoyed this story. It was so touching and beautiful and the romance was very wholesome. It's something that I'd highly recommend anyone to read!

[alex :) · Rating 1 out of 5]

quite boring and didn’t feel the love between the two characters :/

[Pyrrha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute but everything moved way to fast. I honestly think this should be a one shot because I cannot imagine what volume 2 can be about. The art was pretty and I liked the characters but I was hoping for something similar to Perfect World.

Update:
Found out this is only two volumes which explains the pacing.

[Sandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Für einen BL, bei dem die Gehbehinderung des Charakters ziemlich Storyrelevant ist, geht der ganze Manga irgendwie super selten darauf ein, nur dann, wenne s fürs Drama wichtig ist - z.B. wenn jemand in den Rollstuhl reinläuft und dann über Subaru redet, als wär er nicht da. Aber sonst hat der Junge offenbar null probleme im Alltagsleben - sie fahren sogar in einem handelsüblichen Rollstuhl in die Dunkelheit um Sterne zu gucken ... keine Ahnung, ich glaub nicht, dass ein Rollstuhl so easy-peasy auf nicht asphaltierten Straßen geschoben werden kann.
Klar, das Pairing ist super niedlich, aber irgendwie auch super weird, weil Togo Subaru einfach aus dem Rollstuhl hebt, ohne irgendwie zu fragen - ka, aber ich bezweifle dass das IRGENDEINER toll fände, egal wie sexy der kerl ist?

Ich fand das Ende immerhin ganz nice, dass Subaru eine wirklich gezeichnete Sexszene bekommt - das Thema wird in solchen Mangas ja sonst auch gerne völlig ignoriert, so als ob Menschen mit Behinderung niemals in irgendeiner Form Sex hätten.

Aber alles in allem - scheint schlecht recherchiert zu sein, ist zwar süß aber auch irgendwie so n wenig ... mh. Und dadurch interessieren mich die nachfolgenden Bände leider gar nicht.

[Chloe McGenn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this, but in the first chapter, one of the characters picks up the character out of his wheelchair without asking, and it just really turned me against it. There’s seemingly no research into wheelchair usage, etiquette, or language. It’s a shame cause it’s the only BL manga with a wheelchair user I’ve ever seen.

Re-reading this with the official release and once again astonished at the lack of consent when the MC is picked up out of his wheelchair. It’s just… so wrong for so many reasons!

Something else that bothers me is that he’s paralysed from the knees down - I already thought that sounded wrong so I did some research and that’s just not a type of paralysis that would happen, and even more rarely would that be something you’d be born with. I feel like the author made it from birth so they didn’t have to deal with reasons, and from the knees down so that his pelvis area still has sensation/movement, all of which just goes to show how little research went into this book.

[Fny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was just the sweetest to ever sweet. But too fast a pacing. Better than many one-shots but still, like they met up like 2 times after the first time and suddenly they kind of confessed and started dating(?). But yeah it was sweet. Perhaps a bit shallow. (And I really wasn’t prepared for the one page sex scene. It wasn’t necessary in my humble opinion.) Oh well. I’m starved for really great nuanced characters and plot in bls nowadays. This wasn’t that.
It probably needs to be a longer series I guess to get there. But I really felt for the ending in the gallery even if Ive read just that particular storyline many times before. It hit me square in the stomach. I’m easy to move. Still.

I was glad to read yet another bl manga with disabled rep. (Apart from this one and I hear the Sunspot, I haven’t read that many…) But with that said, I can’t tell if it’s a good portrayed rep or not, as I’m not disabled myself or knows anyone that uses a wheelchair.
.
Otherwise I loved the cleanness of the art style. They actually looked like humans…. Always a plus.
.
So my rating is mostly vibes with the sweetness of the story. The story itself left a bit to be desired in my opinion. Combined with a bit too fast pacing made it felt rushed . Bottom line, it still was cute. And sometimes that’s enough. For me anyway.

-
This is a duet but the second volume hasn’t been translated yet. And I wonder if there will be more character development in that one or just more fluffiness? Well. We’ll perhaps see one day.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely romance manga between a photographer known for his photos of starry skies, and another man who has found inspiration and joy in those photos for years. Their connection is a friendship that grows into more. I wish this was longer, as it all moved a little too quickly on page (though the story actually takes place over a longer period of time). The ending was romantic and moving. Overall, a very sweet feel-good read.

[Marureviere · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the premise; the execution was just lacking.

[XA · Rating 5 out of 5]

El BL más fluffy que he leído en mi vida 😭

[Ayxan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the rep and the premise (paraplegic protagonist & BL), but the execution unfortunately didn’t entirely touch me.

I don’t really see the chemistry that the author’s trying to portray. Bisco (the author) makes it look like they’ve been dating of months, and I think the problem is obviously that they haven’t. Author’s forgetting that just because these characters have been living in their mind for years, doesn’t actually make TougoSuba „canon“ for years, and won’t have the same effect on the reader, if not portrayed well.
They are cute, yes, but feel way too close for that short amount of time. Their dynamic still feels like Tougo is just hanging out with a fan of his, but I don’t really see the “madly in love“ vibe that Subaru’s bff described.
Although his fanboying is valid, but…
I can’t quite describe it. Their scenes feel slow, slice-of-life like, but at the same time incredibly fast-paced, in a rather unrealistic way.
I’m aware that some people just click and become best friends after knowing each other for a few days; and while these connections are rare, they’re not impossible. But these 2 characters don’t give that vibe at all, and it’s almost like the author’s forcing it on them.

The first chapter, where Tougo simply picks Subaru up from the wheelchair, without asking. That was… uncomfortable. Don’t do that, people. Especially when someone’s paraplegic and can’t walk. Don’t just remove their legs without permission.
At least in the other chapters he gives a warning or asks for consent.
And also… Subaru is paraplegic from knees down? I’ve googled it, but google’s awful with search results lately, so I couldn’t really find something. I’ve found knee paralysis but nothing that comes near to what the author described about Subaru’s condition.
Not sure how that even makes a difference? Story-wise, I mean. Why couldn’t Subaru be paraplegic in his entire legs?

At least the sex scene was consensual. Actually cool how it wasn’t a “hot“ scene. They talked about wanting to go further in their relationship and just did that, without any awkwardness at all.
That’s when their love finally blossomed for me. Still, they’re development to get there feels empty.

The art is overall good, but sometimes looks like the artist used 3d models to draw over. The characters often look weirdly stiff, and the hands „too realistic“, if that makes sense. (I.e., look at the hands on the cover.) I don’t blame them, hands are difficult and anatomy even more so, but maybe could’ve been made with a little more love, so it doesn’t look like it’s been made that way.
It lacks a bit of emotion in their movements. Some scenes look great and Subaru (and his bff) especially feel alive, but everyone else often just kind of… exists. Like, if you look at early CGI movies and compare them with hand-drawn traditional animation.
The night skies are very pretty, though.

It’s also a bit weird how they talk. I’m guessing it’s a translation mistake, but they often use each other’s names, instead of “you“. That sounds just as weird when someone is talking about themselves in 3rd person. Even over chat, they often were like:
Subaru: “Tougo-san likes photography, doesn’t Tougo-san?“
Tougo: “Yes. And what does Subaru like?“

It’s just 3 volumes so I might as well continue, but… was a bit disappointing.

-19.07.2024

[ℂ ✧ · Rating 3 out of 5]

La història de base és bonica, però comet diversos errors que li resten força màgia. Un dissenyador en cadira de rodes és un gran admirador d'un fotògraf especialitzat en retrats de cels estrellats. Quan tenen l'oportunitat de treballar junts gràcies a un contacte, es fan amics amb un clima ben proper entre ells (tot i que el dissenyador s'enamora a una velocitat desmesurada i l'altre pren unes confiances difícils de justificar, com ara agafar en braços el noi o proposar-li un viatge sense saber res de la seva discapacitat). La cosa avança tan de pressa que de seguida comencen a sortir, però el noi en cadira de rodes no ho veu clar perquè no vol ser una càrrega que freni el potencial del fotògraf. Un temps després es retroben per una exposició, es donen una segona oportunitat i compleixen un dels somnis del noi. Ta bé, però el ritme és un desastre perquè el conflicte es resol en un tres i no res, l'amor incondicional apareix com un bolet i tot és de color de rosa, ni es menciona la discapacitat quan viatgen, no sembla que la mangaka hagi fet gaire investigació... (el llistó està força alt gràcies a Perfect World, Vol. 1). Hi ha un segon volum que tinc curiositat de llegir per saber com conclou la història.

[Alicia ^^ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me ha parecido un manga precioso. Se nota que es una historia que originalmente ha sido creada para ser corta, ya que todo transcurre bastante deprisa. Quizá eso es lo que me ha hecho ponerle 4 estrellas en lugar de 5.

Me ha gustado la originalidad de la historia. Y que un personaje que seguramente lo haya pasado tan mal, como Miyazawa, tenga tanta ilusión y brillo en sus ojos.

Amase me ha gustado mucho. Creo que todas estamos de acuerdo que es maravilloso.

El hecho de que ambos hayan descubierto los miedos del otro y se hayan animado mutuamente a superarlos me ha encantado. Porque estoy acostumbrada a leer que la persona que normalmente cuida a la otra, sólo está como personaje para dar a los demás sin preocuparse por sí misma. Y al revés con la persona que recibe los cuidados (no malinterpretar por favor 😭).
Bueno, en resumen, me ha gustado mucho que hayan puesto a un personaje con una discapacidad y que éste haya podido tener valor y peso en las decisiones que se van tomando en la historia (no se si me he explicado, pero bueno). He visto mangas donde una de las partes es la que literalmente manda y en fin xd.

Claramente, tiene sus miedos e inseguridades, pero aquí es donde entra Akari (la amiga de las girls literalmente). Me ha caído genial. Que maravilla de personaje, de verdad.

[Luisartbook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Es el manga es lo más bonito y tierno que he leído en este año.

Como el manga es un poco corto, no te dan mucho detalles a profundidad, pero la manera que hace que te enamores del protagonista, Subaru, es algo muy wow.

Subaru es un chico que trabaja como diseñador y desde que nació tiene una discapacidad, no puede caminar; y, por otro lado, tenemos a nuestro fotógrafo, Togo Amase, que por cosas del destino, ellos dos trabajan juntos en un proyecto y comienza una linda historia.

Como dije, esta historia no es profunda, más bien hay cosas que pasan superrápidos y está ese flechazo instantáneo, pero desde mi punto no fue para nada molesto y creo que es la primera vez que leo algo así con ese cliché... es que bueno... es un bl ❤️✨️

Hubo un momento donde lloré (sí, lo admito, lloré como boba), es que Subaru llega a dudar y tiene pensamientos muy tristes y ver una breve parte de su niñez, hace que duele más. Pero tiene un final muy bonito.

Si te gusta el Boys love, un poco de comedia y morir de amor por la historia, debes de leer este manga.

[Sam Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The romance aspect is SO GOOD. Both characters were extremely fun to get to know and the art was BEAUTIFUL.

But as other reviewers said better than me, there's definitely issues with language and ableism -- which could be differences between English and Japanese norms and/or issues with the translation. You can tell the author clearly did research, but I wonder if there were sensitivity readers involved in any of this process -- either on the Japanese side or the English translation side.

Overall though, I do think this is a solid romance that's worth the read and very cute, just be aware its not perfect by any means.

[Melanie Refuerzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful story! We follow Subaru, a lover of the starry sky. He jumps at the chance to design a pamphlet for an exhibit by his favorite photographer, Tougo Amase. Having done this he gets a chance to meet, and befriend, his idol.

This touching love story follows them both as they explore new places together. Giving Subaru a chance to live outside his comfort zone and Tuogo a chance to experience is through the his eyes. Definitely a wonderful feel good read!

[Myra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I REALLY wanted to love this one but there's some stuff that just doesn't sit right with me...
- I'd like to believe consent was given off-page to pick Subaru up from his wheelchair, considering it was asked when Tougo wanted to push him in his wheelchair. It's just not clear though
- Paralysed from the knees down from birth? It's clear why this was chosen (second volume is explicit and from birth to not have to explain anything)

I'm giving 3 stars because I have hopes for improvement in the second volume and it was a cute little story

[Dannah Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fast-paced BL romance that is extremely sweet. I loved the fact that a disabled person is represented in this manga. However, I was slightly made uncomfortable by the fact that the able bodied character did not always ask permission before lifting the disabled character or before pushing his wheelchair. I also would have liked a little more time spent on getting to know the characters before their relationship blossomed. It felt a little rushed. Overall though, it was a very enjoyable story with very sweet scenes.

[Lainy122]

Volume 01 was short even by manga standards, but I liked the introduction of these characters - and I can say for certain that I have never seen a BL with one of the love interests in a wheelchair. It was handled well, not shying away from the issues that arise from being in a wheelchair, but not defining the character by it either, which I liked.
I actually felt that this story wrapped up rather nicely despite its short runtime, so I am curious what will happen in the next couple of volumes!

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really excited for this manga with a disability rep featuring mobility aids on the front cover. I think it was sweet and a great first volume. If it was a standalone I would say the storyline was a bit light but as there is a sequel coming out I’m optimistic to see their relationship play out a bit more.

[Amanda Peterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found this at a convention and thought I would give it a read. While there is some substance, at its heart is a sweet love story between a man who is disabled and a man who isn’t. The only reason the story didn’t get a higher rating from me is due the small smattering of important discussions in favor of the main relationship.

[Curious Madra · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did like the idea of this manga having a BL character with a disability but it’s just the plot and character development was too distant for me to really like it….

[Bethany *WickedB* · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so adorable! I'm glad a person requiring mobility aids was included and that we saw both main characters grow and face some of their own fears.

[Asteria ☾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

C’était tellement agréable à lire, j’ai adoré ma lecture 🥰✨🌌

[˗ˏˋ mitja ´ˎ˗ · Rating 4 out of 5]

i literally binge read this at my local library in like half an hour and loved every minute of it! when is it my turn to be loved like this? please 😭🙏🏻

[obsessedwithreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was so cute