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My Boy #5
私の少年（５）
聡子に会うため、仙台に来ようとする真修。恋とも母性とも友情ともいえぬ関係への「社会の目」に苦しむ聡子。しかし、二人の関係に変化が訪れようとしていた。「このマンガがすごい！２０１７」＜オトコ編＞第２位「第３回次にくるマンガ大賞」第３位ほか各メディアで話題沸騰中、待望の第5巻！！
195 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 6, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 23, 2020
You know how kids cartoons tend to have really literal opening songs? You know, lyrics that specifically explain who’s who and what’s going on? Well, I feel like if I were to describe My Boy volume 5, it’d sound like some kind of theme song. “There’s a discussion of what is an abduction. Satoko gets a transfer offer. Mashuu studies while Mayuko moves in with her. And just as Satoko’s feeling old, Mashuu says something bold!”
My little ditty is bad, but this manga certainly is not.
This volume is about 190 pages, but it feels longer than that. In a good way though. That’s a lot of pages, and a lot happens here, as you can gather from my little theme song above. It’s kind of necessary since the two main characters have already been separated for two years. For the story to get back into the swing of things, Satoko has to come back to Tokyo.
For Mashuu, it’s a dream come true. Originally, he wanted to go visit her, but she explains to him that this whole relationship is legally problematic. As Satoko’s visit turns into her making preparations to move back, he’s making plans to pick up where they left off, comparing his life to a YouTube video on pause.
But Satoko is trying to more clearly define their relationship…if only she knew what it should be. Like a guardian, she’s wary that Mashuu’s bruising is not from everyday accidents. But like a schoolgirl, she charges down 39 flights of stairs in order to talk to him. She’s constantly battling with her desires versus proper boundaries, and we see this both in her thoughts (“Why…can’t we be together?”) and Takano’s art (beaming when Mashuu helps her out, shaking when the conversation turns toward romance).
What’s great though is that while Takano could have made Satoko the queen of emo, here comes her sister Mayuko to show a different side of her. At first glance, she seems flighty, outgoing, and somewhat pushy, a stereotypical younger sister. But it’s a bit of a role she’s playing, a way to connect with her walled-off older sister. After Satoko moved out, Mayuko realized her sister had been trying to protect her in her own awkward way. Now, though, Mayuko is not going to let Satoko shut her out of her big sister’s life.
…And that includes inserting herself into Mashuu’s. She’s surprised when she learns that Mashuu is the “Pillow” Satoko had mentioned before, and she plays the teasing older sister to him. Mayuko is worried that Satoko’s trying to fill a hole in her life, even using an actual hole as a metaphor for Satoko’s heart. But Mayuko learns that Satoko isn’t weighed down by the past like she assumed, and the hole metaphor is brilliantly used to show the older sister can embrace the flaws in life.
But for now, the two leads have a lot of internal conflict. Even if Mayuko can serve as a bridge between their desires, there’s still the issue of Mashuu’s dad and Satoko’s former boss, who is not wearing a ring. There’s so much to unpack here that I could just keep on going. Instead, you should just dive into this excellent read for yourself.
- Krystallina
My little ditty is bad, but this manga certainly is not.
This volume is about 190 pages, but it feels longer than that. In a good way though. That’s a lot of pages, and a lot happens here, as you can gather from my little theme song above. It’s kind of necessary since the two main characters have already been separated for two years. For the story to get back into the swing of things, Satoko has to come back to Tokyo.
For Mashuu, it’s a dream come true. Originally, he wanted to go visit her, but she explains to him that this whole relationship is legally problematic. As Satoko’s visit turns into her making preparations to move back, he’s making plans to pick up where they left off, comparing his life to a YouTube video on pause.
But Satoko is trying to more clearly define their relationship…if only she knew what it should be. Like a guardian, she’s wary that Mashuu’s bruising is not from everyday accidents. But like a schoolgirl, she charges down 39 flights of stairs in order to talk to him. She’s constantly battling with her desires versus proper boundaries, and we see this both in her thoughts (“Why…can’t we be together?”) and Takano’s art (beaming when Mashuu helps her out, shaking when the conversation turns toward romance).
What’s great though is that while Takano could have made Satoko the queen of emo, here comes her sister Mayuko to show a different side of her. At first glance, she seems flighty, outgoing, and somewhat pushy, a stereotypical younger sister. But it’s a bit of a role she’s playing, a way to connect with her walled-off older sister. After Satoko moved out, Mayuko realized her sister had been trying to protect her in her own awkward way. Now, though, Mayuko is not going to let Satoko shut her out of her big sister’s life.
…And that includes inserting herself into Mashuu’s. She’s surprised when she learns that Mashuu is the “Pillow” Satoko had mentioned before, and she plays the teasing older sister to him. Mayuko is worried that Satoko’s trying to fill a hole in her life, even using an actual hole as a metaphor for Satoko’s heart. But Mayuko learns that Satoko isn’t weighed down by the past like she assumed, and the hole metaphor is brilliantly used to show the older sister can embrace the flaws in life.
But for now, the two leads have a lot of internal conflict. Even if Mayuko can serve as a bridge between their desires, there’s still the issue of Mashuu’s dad and Satoko’s former boss, who is not wearing a ring. There’s so much to unpack here that I could just keep on going. Instead, you should just dive into this excellent read for yourself.
- Krystallina
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August 2, 2021wait wait wait how does satoko feel? i’m getting mixed signals:0
i guess i just have to read this looking at the intricacies and take off my goodreads normie lens.
i guess i just have to read this looking at the intricacies and take off my goodreads normie lens.
January 3, 2023
My Boy - Volume 5 [9.7/10]
Notas pendientes.
Hitomi Takano is really good at this!
Notas pendientes.
Hitomi Takano is really good at this!
June 13, 2020
This manga went from great/awesome to awesomeness. I love it. The art, the story, the heartbroken 14 y/o and the desperation of a grown up woman’s feelings. Somehow I can relate. It is an amazing manga that deals with a taboo, but very real, subject. Not only the relationship (which so far is not romantic)between the boy and the woman but the societies expectations of you and how others look at you. It’s thought provoking to say the least.
September 14, 2022
3.65!
so the truth comes out. mashuu is in love with her. or, so he believes. there were scenes in which this was hinted at, but i was surprised he said it outright. after his confession, the (soccer) ball was then in sakoto’s court. i was a bit nervous on what this would lead to, so im glad it didn’t end that way ^^. as the adult in this situation, of course sakoto rejected him. this quote pretty much sums up why: “Mashuu has suffered from a great absence of familial love. And I’m the adult he’s closest to. He’s emotionally confused. That’s why he thinks he’s in love with me.” she hates to do this to him, but she has no other choice.
but ofc, we know how contradictory sakoto can be, as she later cries while walking to the public bath and questions why they can’t be together. im not sure what ‘together’ means here, whether it’s meant romantically (hope not) or something else. maybe just to be with him w/ no labels. nevertheless, i like how everything is laid bare.
also, i think her sister living with her is good for sakoto. i think it would be nice for her to have someone she can rely on (in an earlier volume when she had no one to tell of her victory in a conversation with her ex.) if anything, her being there will prolly make future interactions w/ mashuu less awkward.
so the truth comes out. mashuu is in love with her. or, so he believes. there were scenes in which this was hinted at, but i was surprised he said it outright. after his confession, the (soccer) ball was then in sakoto’s court. i was a bit nervous on what this would lead to, so im glad it didn’t end that way ^^. as the adult in this situation, of course sakoto rejected him. this quote pretty much sums up why: “Mashuu has suffered from a great absence of familial love. And I’m the adult he’s closest to. He’s emotionally confused. That’s why he thinks he’s in love with me.” she hates to do this to him, but she has no other choice.
but ofc, we know how contradictory sakoto can be, as she later cries while walking to the public bath and questions why they can’t be together. im not sure what ‘together’ means here, whether it’s meant romantically (hope not) or something else. maybe just to be with him w/ no labels. nevertheless, i like how everything is laid bare.
also, i think her sister living with her is good for sakoto. i think it would be nice for her to have someone she can rely on (in an earlier volume when she had no one to tell of her victory in a conversation with her ex.) if anything, her being there will prolly make future interactions w/ mashuu less awkward.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2019
Aaaaand, we're officially in romance territory. Oddly enough, this doesn't bother me so far because the romance, at least to me, doesn't seem exploitative or sexual. I'll have to hold off on a complete assessment of this relationship until the next volume, but as of right now I'm not upset by this development.
In terms of characters, Mayu's agenda worries me, but I am genuinely touched by her desire to look after her older sister especially after the backstory chapter. I'm glad Takano didn't spell out exactly what happened to Satoko but didn't make it so vague that it didn't explain anything. I'm curious to see how Mayu and Satoko's relationship will develop now that they're living together.
As usual, the artwork/art style was phenomenal and page layout and paneling was excellent. Takano is a gifted artist, that's for damn sure. This was a good volume that kept up the drama while giving some much needed backstory for our leading lady. Can't wait to see what volume 6 has in store!
In terms of characters, Mayu's agenda worries me, but I am genuinely touched by her desire to look after her older sister especially after the backstory chapter. I'm glad Takano didn't spell out exactly what happened to Satoko but didn't make it so vague that it didn't explain anything. I'm curious to see how Mayu and Satoko's relationship will develop now that they're living together.
As usual, the artwork/art style was phenomenal and page layout and paneling was excellent. Takano is a gifted artist, that's for damn sure. This was a good volume that kept up the drama while giving some much needed backstory for our leading lady. Can't wait to see what volume 6 has in store!
June 8, 2021
I keep giving this 3-star ratings because it is reasonably well done. If you like unhappy stories, you'll probably like this one. I'm done with this series!
I saw someone else get excited about volume 5 of this series (in a good way). Not me! How am I supposed to accept that Satoko and Mashuu keep accidentally running in to one another in large cities (Tokyo is large isn't it?). I don't mind suspending belief as long as it makes the story better; this doesn't.
I saw someone else get excited about volume 5 of this series (in a good way). Not me! How am I supposed to accept that Satoko and Mashuu keep accidentally running in to one another in large cities (Tokyo is large isn't it?). I don't mind suspending belief as long as it makes the story better; this doesn't.
April 18, 2025
the writing is so good. It really keeps me reading. I loved learning more about Satoko's past. It really gives an insight into why she reached out to Mashuu in the first place and even why she feels the way she does about him. The sister is being a little weird about it lol. She's too accepting and her reaching out to Mashuu at the end is odd, but I guess they need someone on their side.
July 15, 2020
I started enjoying it more after reading that the autor doesn’t plan on making their relationship romantic at all (yay!)
April 4, 2021
Really great manga, love the beautiful art and really great and interesting story 😁👌❤️
June 19, 2021
THIS IS 100% GOING IN A SKETCH DIRECTION IMO
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August 12, 2022告白看得我差點斷氣（褒）
October 5, 2022
This series real disturbing one for me. I tried to plow through the 5 volumes I bought and it was torture.
March 10, 2025
I hate the fl so much thanks 😀
March 17, 2020
4.5 stars
Can't wait to see where this goes with Satoko and Mashuu. Hopefully Mayu doesn't mess it up or any other characters really.
Can't wait to see where this goes with Satoko and Mashuu. Hopefully Mayu doesn't mess it up or any other characters really.
July 19, 2021
Wow this is probably my favorite volume yet.
So Tawada decides to make some bold choices. She doesn't want to be just stuck in a miserable place anymore. She moves along with taking a job she likes and is good at. She also wants to be a part of Mashuu life because she does care for him. Not in the sense of lusting or anything but being there as someone he can rely on. However Mashuu finally decides to come to terms with his feelings and tell her the truth and...things get messy.
I'm still amazed this series balances a pretty taboo subject really well. Nothing feels gross or badly done. No bullshit fanservice. No crappy choices from characters. I continue to really enjoy this, the pacing, and the wonderful art.
A 4.5 out of 5.
So Tawada decides to make some bold choices. She doesn't want to be just stuck in a miserable place anymore. She moves along with taking a job she likes and is good at. She also wants to be a part of Mashuu life because she does care for him. Not in the sense of lusting or anything but being there as someone he can rely on. However Mashuu finally decides to come to terms with his feelings and tell her the truth and...things get messy.
I'm still amazed this series balances a pretty taboo subject really well. Nothing feels gross or badly done. No bullshit fanservice. No crappy choices from characters. I continue to really enjoy this, the pacing, and the wonderful art.
A 4.5 out of 5.
December 28, 2024
4.5 - Mashuu said the quiet part out loud--he loves Satoko--and Satoko dancing around her true feelings concerning Mashuu made the awkwardness between them so raw. This relationship is at a crossroads where these characters are--especially Satoko--toeing the line of inappropriateness now and I'm hoping it's not too late for Satoko to pump the brakes.
September 23, 2019
Reread: September 23, 2019
First read: March 17-18, 2019
First read: March 17-18, 2019
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews