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Otomen #2
Otomen, Vol. 2
Asuka Masamune is a guy who loves girly things--sewing, knitting, making cute stuffed animals and reading shojo comics. But in a world where boys are expected to act manly, Asuka must hide his beloved hobbies and play the part of a masculine jock instead. Ryo Miyakozuka, on the other hand, is a girl who can't sew or bake a cake to save her life. Asuka finds himself drawn to Ryo, but she likes only the manliest of men! Can Asuka ever show his true self to anyone, much less to the girl that he's falling for?
Asuka's mother shows up with a surprise announcement--it's time for Asuka to meet his fiancée! What kind of girl does she have in mind for him? And how will Ryo respond to the match?
192 pages, Paperback
First published May 18, 2007
24 people are currently reading
506 people want to read
About the author
Aya Kanno
64 books198 followersAya Kanno (菅野文; Kanno Aya) is a Japanese shōjo manga artist.
Former assistant of mangaka Masashi Asaki of Psychometrer Eiji fame, she made her debut in the January 2001 issue of Hakusensha's magazine "Hana to Yume" with Soul Rescue. Her works include Otomen.
Former assistant of mangaka Masashi Asaki of Psychometrer Eiji fame, she made her debut in the January 2001 issue of Hakusensha's magazine "Hana to Yume" with Soul Rescue. Her works include Otomen.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
January 22, 2020
I see we are gradually moving away from regular school life into increasingly far-fetched scenarios.
Still Ryo was pretty cool.
On a more serious note: this series makes me ponder how difficult it is to even discuss gendered norms and connotations when language itself is so inherently gender-biased.
I wish I read Japanese and could compare the versions.
Still Ryo was pretty cool.
On a more serious note: this series makes me ponder how difficult it is to even discuss gendered norms and connotations when language itself is so inherently gender-biased.
I wish I read Japanese and could compare the versions.
April 10, 2012
More of a 3.5 star book, and I couldn't quite bring myself to bump it up to 4.
What I liked most about the first volume (Asuka himself, and the message that you shouldn't hold yourself to stereotypes) are still here. But Ryo was a less active participant this time, and the storyline with Asuka's mother trying to marry him off was a little too cliche for me to enjoy, and his mother was herself too manipulative and creepy.
What I liked most about the first volume (Asuka himself, and the message that you shouldn't hold yourself to stereotypes) are still here. But Ryo was a less active participant this time, and the storyline with Asuka's mother trying to marry him off was a little too cliche for me to enjoy, and his mother was herself too manipulative and creepy.
April 28, 2024
Updated Review 4/2824: Originally I gave this volume five stars but knocking it down to four stars on the second read because UGH THE MOM IS SO FRUSTRATING! She is a grown woman and yet she is GUILT TRIPPING her son into making choices SHE wants him to make?! I'm sure it was traumatic with her hushed, but that is HER trauma and should not be pushed onto Asuka.
It really affected my enjoyment when reading this volume sadly, but I LOVED the ending! It's so far-fetched, but was still fun to read nonetheless. LOL!
Original Review 12/20/22: This series continues to be a blast to read!
I always find the cast of characters really interesting to follow because each of them is super unique and stands out from the rest of the cast. With the latest character we meet, Yamato, I continued to feel that was true and was actually bummed we won't be seeing him again anytime soon because he was such a fun character! I enjoyed seeing his daydream/fantasy and LOVED how Asuka respected him from the first time they met. Granted, I definitely wasn't the *happiest* with Yamato because Asuka is embracing more and more of his real self and was like "How dare someone potentially make him feel ashamed once again?!"
And unfortunately, he was not the only character BECAUSE HIS MOM! Oh my goodness, his mom! My feathers were less ruffled by the end, but while I totally get she has some trauma with what happened with her husband, I SOOOOOO disliked how I felt she was manipulating Asuka with her "fainting." She probably really does have to be careful because it COULD affect her health, but the way Asuka clamped up out of fear that he could hospitalize his mom because of his real self/actions did not jive with me AT ALL.
The ending was SO good though! Tachibana is AMAZING and honestly feel he is one of my favorite characters! (I'm not looking forward to the truth ever coming out about his secret though LOL) And RYOOOOOOO! I loved her appearance at the end and how the mangaka continues to play on the gender roles in this story.
The Christmas chapter was SOOOOOO cute and precious and was SOOOOOO happy for Asuka!! <3 <3 <3
The one family we meet is interesting. LOL!
Overall, another fantastic volume! So excited to keep reading!
It really affected my enjoyment when reading this volume sadly, but I LOVED the ending! It's so far-fetched, but was still fun to read nonetheless. LOL!
Original Review 12/20/22: This series continues to be a blast to read!
I always find the cast of characters really interesting to follow because each of them is super unique and stands out from the rest of the cast. With the latest character we meet, Yamato, I continued to feel that was true and was actually bummed we won't be seeing him again anytime soon because he was such a fun character! I enjoyed seeing his daydream/fantasy and LOVED how Asuka respected him from the first time they met. Granted, I definitely wasn't the *happiest* with Yamato because Asuka is embracing more and more of his real self and was like "How dare someone potentially make him feel ashamed once again?!"
And unfortunately, he was not the only character BECAUSE HIS MOM! Oh my goodness, his mom! My feathers were less ruffled by the end, but while I totally get she has some trauma with what happened with her husband, I SOOOOOO disliked how I felt she was manipulating Asuka with her "fainting." She probably really does have to be careful because it COULD affect her health, but the way Asuka clamped up out of fear that he could hospitalize his mom because of his real self/actions did not jive with me AT ALL.
The ending was SO good though! Tachibana is AMAZING and honestly feel he is one of my favorite characters! (I'm not looking forward to the truth ever coming out about his secret though LOL) And RYOOOOOOO! I loved her appearance at the end and how the mangaka continues to play on the gender roles in this story.
The Christmas chapter was SOOOOOO cute and precious and was SOOOOOO happy for Asuka!! <3 <3 <3
The one family we meet is interesting. LOL!
Overall, another fantastic volume! So excited to keep reading!
July 10, 2009
How can I put this?? I like it; I like how Asuka is more like a girl but sometimes its a little overdone. No one should be that girly. And although he's an otomen, he still manages to be a good-looking guy who can actually beat some buttocks. He hasn't made any real progress towards Ryo. But he's really trying and it better pay off.
I REALLY like Juta. He's hilarious. Asuka is in "danger" and all Juta can think about is how the situation his muse is in is great material for Love Chick. But it makes me wonder if he DOES consider Asuka a friend or is just using him as material for his manga. Or maybe I'm just reading too much of their friendship since this series isn't all that deep.
Ah, Ryo. Sigh. She doesn't exactly show interest or disinterest in Asuka. I mean, she did say they're friends very happily and that crushed Asuka as well as me. But then she goes in and saves him. Then again, what good friend wouldn't go to the rescue of another friend? But in the previous volume she did say she wanted to protect him. Hmmm...Ryo's a tough code to decipher.
Still. I want to keep reading it. And I'm going to. Maybe its the comedy that keeps me going. Maybe its Asuka and his too die for eyes. Or maybe I want to see how long its going to take for Asuka to confess his feelings and also see if Ryo is actually interested in Asuka.
I REALLY like Juta. He's hilarious. Asuka is in "danger" and all Juta can think about is how the situation his muse is in is great material for Love Chick. But it makes me wonder if he DOES consider Asuka a friend or is just using him as material for his manga. Or maybe I'm just reading too much of their friendship since this series isn't all that deep.
Ah, Ryo. Sigh. She doesn't exactly show interest or disinterest in Asuka. I mean, she did say they're friends very happily and that crushed Asuka as well as me. But then she goes in and saves him. Then again, what good friend wouldn't go to the rescue of another friend? But in the previous volume she did say she wanted to protect him. Hmmm...Ryo's a tough code to decipher.
Still. I want to keep reading it. And I'm going to. Maybe its the comedy that keeps me going. Maybe its Asuka and his too die for eyes. Or maybe I want to see how long its going to take for Asuka to confess his feelings and also see if Ryo is actually interested in Asuka.
September 1, 2018
🌸SYNOPSIS
We continue the tale of Asuka and his journey into acceptance of self and living in a world that’s not so accepting.
It’s starts with Asuka’s mother returning with a surprise announcement, she has found a fiancée for Asuka! But what about Ryo? What kind of girl did his mother find? Will he be able to be true to himself despite his mother’s narrow-minded view on how men should be!? One can only find out in volume 2 of this adorably cute continuation of Otomen!
🌸OPINION
I like how hard Asuka tries to make Christmas perfect for his friends and being so cute about it. I can’t help but enjoy how cute everything is in this manga. I like how that, even though it’s the second volume, surprises are already happening and it’s very good, I like how it is.
There isn’t much change between the art styles, but the growth and continuation of the story is really refreshing, and I can’t wait to read more. I’m so glad to see how the characters continue to support and help each other.
There is not much one can add without giving away the story, besides new characters like Asuka’s mother, that I generally dislike currently and the prospect of a love rival, which is like a staple in every romantic shoujo.
🌸PRO
The continuation of the story with the new surprises that I can’t help but admire because it was so unexpected but great.
I love how loyal Asuka is to his love and himself, even if it’s not overly accepted.
It doesn’t end on a cliff-hanger so much but more an end to a section, opening to a new tale of the characters.
I like how the world is now expanding out and bringing in more characters, I’d like to meet more, like Asuka’s father.
🌸CON
Having to fetch volume 3 to continue.
The mother makes me want to hit her cause she is all about how “I am doing what is best for you cause I don’t want you to end up like me” but how would she even know, not every guy who likes girly things wants to be a woman. Makes me want to flip a table out a window, if I had to be honest. Hopefully she grows and develops into a character I could like or even admire but must wait till later volumes to find out. Feels like she is blackmailing Asuka for something he can’t help because something bad happened to her, which is unfair and now I am rambling too much on her. Then again, Iruka is no better at the end of it.
🌸FINAL SAY
“Asuka… You’re Cute…” Iruka is so right about Asuka and this manga in general. It is truly cute and that’s normally not something I would call a manga. It’s refreshing for me. I must admit that these kinds of mangas are a guilty pleasure of mine, even if I read a lot like this, it doesn’t make me feel the same way as the others do. I still do hate how people assume that because something happened to them, that it will keep happening, which is kind of true yet a silly notion to have, since it’s damaging to people. Now I am kind of going off topic despite it being part of the theme of the story.
We continue the tale of Asuka and his journey into acceptance of self and living in a world that’s not so accepting.
It’s starts with Asuka’s mother returning with a surprise announcement, she has found a fiancée for Asuka! But what about Ryo? What kind of girl did his mother find? Will he be able to be true to himself despite his mother’s narrow-minded view on how men should be!? One can only find out in volume 2 of this adorably cute continuation of Otomen!
🌸OPINION
I like how hard Asuka tries to make Christmas perfect for his friends and being so cute about it. I can’t help but enjoy how cute everything is in this manga. I like how that, even though it’s the second volume, surprises are already happening and it’s very good, I like how it is.
There isn’t much change between the art styles, but the growth and continuation of the story is really refreshing, and I can’t wait to read more. I’m so glad to see how the characters continue to support and help each other.
There is not much one can add without giving away the story, besides new characters like Asuka’s mother, that I generally dislike currently and the prospect of a love rival, which is like a staple in every romantic shoujo.
🌸PRO
The continuation of the story with the new surprises that I can’t help but admire because it was so unexpected but great.
I love how loyal Asuka is to his love and himself, even if it’s not overly accepted.
It doesn’t end on a cliff-hanger so much but more an end to a section, opening to a new tale of the characters.
I like how the world is now expanding out and bringing in more characters, I’d like to meet more, like Asuka’s father.
🌸CON
Having to fetch volume 3 to continue.
The mother makes me want to hit her cause she is all about how “I am doing what is best for you cause I don’t want you to end up like me” but how would she even know, not every guy who likes girly things wants to be a woman. Makes me want to flip a table out a window, if I had to be honest. Hopefully she grows and develops into a character I could like or even admire but must wait till later volumes to find out. Feels like she is blackmailing Asuka for something he can’t help because something bad happened to her, which is unfair and now I am rambling too much on her. Then again, Iruka is no better at the end of it.
🌸FINAL SAY
“Asuka… You’re Cute…” Iruka is so right about Asuka and this manga in general. It is truly cute and that’s normally not something I would call a manga. It’s refreshing for me. I must admit that these kinds of mangas are a guilty pleasure of mine, even if I read a lot like this, it doesn’t make me feel the same way as the others do. I still do hate how people assume that because something happened to them, that it will keep happening, which is kind of true yet a silly notion to have, since it’s damaging to people. Now I am kind of going off topic despite it being part of the theme of the story.
June 22, 2009
Volume 1 was fine, but this one...well, I just don't think Kanno had a clear idea of the character of her story. Asuka remains likeable, but his mom is off-puttingly clinical. And while the running joke is that the best example of "feminity" and "womanhood" is in fact a man, eventually it feels like maybe the real message is that the notion of what defines "feminine" and "masculine" is outdated and incorrect--and that's really just not that funny.
Also, why are the sides of so many panels cut off? I expect way better quality control from Viz. Jeez.
Also, why are the sides of so many panels cut off? I expect way better quality control from Viz. Jeez.
December 23, 2015
I enjoyed this volume nearly as much as the first one. However, it felt like the story didn't really progress too much throughout the chapters. We were introduced to some rather odd characters in this volume (Asuka's mother, for one, who is deeply traumatized by her past relationship) which lead to a rather unlikely, although entertaining, plot line for part of volume two.
Since it's nearing Christmas, I absolutely loved the Christmas-themed chapter; it was really sweet.
Since it's nearing Christmas, I absolutely loved the Christmas-themed chapter; it was really sweet.
January 3, 2011
Volume 1 I enjoyed. Volume 2 of this series, though, was just random and unconnected. The second story in the volume wasn't too bad, but the first story was like missing coming in ten minutes into a movie. I won't be reading anymore of the Otomen volumes after reading #2. Some good ideas are in there, the story execution was just blah.
February 20, 2015
The more I read this manga, the more I just don't like the fiance story arc. It's just irritates me for some illogical reason.
January 12, 2023
I am really impressed and intrigued by the story Otomen is telling. The themes established in the 1st volume of being true to yourself and finding friends who see and appreciate the real you, continue in this update. Otomen handles really dramatic plot points with comedy. I appreciate that artistic flair because I'm not sure I would be able to read this story so quickly if there wasn't some relief to the intense pressure and judgment Asuka feels. I understand his mother's trauma, and I still despise what she's doing to her son. She's using her pain as an excuse to cause him equally excruciating pain. I'm really excited to see what happens next, and I hope Asuka will be able to be more authentically himself with more people and in more places. I'd love for his love interest to accept him as a romantic partner exactly as he is. I also hope we get to see his 2nd parent return into the picture in later volumes.
April 19, 2020
This volume continues where the previous left off which was awesome.
In addition you were able to see some new characters with different perspectives about the main character that I also enjoyed.
There was also amazing art especially when it came to the some of the locations that the manga had. My only wish was that it wasn't so jarring between one story arc to the next because of these points I have to give this a 4 out of 5 stars
In addition you were able to see some new characters with different perspectives about the main character that I also enjoyed.
There was also amazing art especially when it came to the some of the locations that the manga had. My only wish was that it wasn't so jarring between one story arc to the next because of these points I have to give this a 4 out of 5 stars
August 5, 2024
We get a lot of Christmas stuff in this book, they want to celebrate it, and decorate the random abandoned house/place they decided to clean up and hang out it. Somehow they find a perfect condition Christmas tree in that place, what are the odds. A massive snow storm comes in on Christmas Day (lucky them, it almost never snows on xmas day here) and so it's very hard to get to the little party they planned for themselves.
Second plot is the MC's mom comes home after being gone for months, and declares that the MC now is engaged so some little kid she picked out for him. They go meet her and she's so freaking girly, so MC is like *Score* until she turns crazy, and mom doesn't help since she's like sure get married a day after meeting. Glad the true prince came and saved him.
Second plot is the MC's mom comes home after being gone for months, and declares that the MC now is engaged so some little kid she picked out for him. They go meet her and she's so freaking girly, so MC is like *Score* until she turns crazy, and mom doesn't help since she's like sure get married a day after meeting. Glad the true prince came and saved him.
May 15, 2019
I liked book 1, but was very disappointed by book 2. It took a weird turn, introducing a freaky fiancee, and was overall unimpressive in its writing. I wouldn't recommend it. The only character I liked was Juta, who was secretly writing a manga based off of Asuka's life. Slightly creepy, but entertaining. Asuka feels kind of flat to me, and Ryo even more so. I feel like the concepts of being manly/being girly are overdone, despite kind of being the premise. 3 stars. I won't read book 3.
September 20, 2023
Asuka is surprised that his mother is visiting from overseas,but even more surprised that she is trying to force him into an arranged marriage with a girl who behaves and is treated like a princess from her family.
He is trying to suppress his true self,but Ryo and Juta show up to save him.
He is trying to suppress his true self,but Ryo and Juta show up to save him.
September 30, 2017
Not as good as the first one, since the plot was in individual stories and therefore a bit jumbled, but I'll continue on.
February 24, 2023
Wholesome. Cute. Heart warming. Crushes gender roles and gender expectations. Kinda queer. What else do I need in a manga???
May 23, 2022
This series is starting to get really interesting in this volume! I really enjoyed this one. I also love the cover and the artwork.
February 7, 2010
1. Masculinity of small fluffy boy affirmed through violence, yay, how revolutionary. I do think in that scene it's Asuka's acknowledgment of small fluffy boy's identification as a man which matters more than his beating up the thugs, but since the acknowledgment is conveyed by allowing small fluffy boy to beat up the thugs, well.
2. I could wish that Miyakozuka got more screentime. This manga totally fails the Bechdel test so far, sigh. I suppose I can sort of appreciate how it helps to have Miyakozuka remain a little mysterious, since she's the manga's equivalent of the distant, slightly blur tall dark romantic interest, but in your regular shoujo manga there's way more focus on and development of the male characters anyway, so that's not a good excuse.
Also I just quite enjoy Miyakozuka, at least in the little we get to see of her on her own. I like to imagine she's like Yankumi.
So far sometimes dodgy, but mostly OK. I enjoy the general attitude of, y'know, you get to be who you want to be and don't let anybody tell you different.
2. I could wish that Miyakozuka got more screentime. This manga totally fails the Bechdel test so far, sigh. I suppose I can sort of appreciate how it helps to have Miyakozuka remain a little mysterious, since she's the manga's equivalent of the distant, slightly blur tall dark romantic interest, but in your regular shoujo manga there's way more focus on and development of the male characters anyway, so that's not a good excuse.
Also I just quite enjoy Miyakozuka, at least in the little we get to see of her on her own. I like to imagine she's like Yankumi.
So far sometimes dodgy, but mostly OK. I enjoy the general attitude of, y'know, you get to be who you want to be and don't let anybody tell you different.
January 17, 2019
There is something jarring about this book to me now when I read it over again after years since reading this series the first time. Asuka is an Otomen - a man who likes girly things. Maybe in the wake of the Gillette ad controversy where so much discussion has been made on masculinity I'm seeing this story differently. Something though, feels off and I don't find this as funny as I used to. In fact, I'm downright disturbed.
In this particular volume we have a Christmas party that turns into a sweet evening of two people who can't seem to move past just friends even when conditions are absolutely perfect. From there we find out about Asuka's mother - and we jump into a contrived engagement where the perfect son has to learn to speak up for himself, which makes Ryo's action less of a rescue and more of a convenient bit of perfect timing to create the perfect exit.
At the end of this book only one true question remains: What WILL they do with the horse?
In this particular volume we have a Christmas party that turns into a sweet evening of two people who can't seem to move past just friends even when conditions are absolutely perfect. From there we find out about Asuka's mother - and we jump into a contrived engagement where the perfect son has to learn to speak up for himself, which makes Ryo's action less of a rescue and more of a convenient bit of perfect timing to create the perfect exit.
At the end of this book only one true question remains: What WILL they do with the horse?
May 26, 2009
As you can see, I really couldn't wait to find out what happened in this series because I went out and bought it as soon as I realized that this volume was out! In this volume, we meet Asuka's scary mother and a new student who looks like a girl, but is a boy who admires Asuka. How will Asuka hide his cute hobbies from his mother and also the new boy?!
August 8, 2022
Asuka’s mother shows up with a surprise announcement, its time to meet his fiancee! Her name is Iruka Sakiyama. Yamato Ariake is introduced, he is infatuated with Asuka.
Long story short, Asuka is saved by Ryo because Iruka holds him hostage. They are equated to a prince and princess.
Long story short, Asuka is saved by Ryo because Iruka holds him hostage. They are equated to a prince and princess.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2010
This second volume was just as fun as the first. I'm liking the series.
June 8, 2015
The fiancee arc was too strange for my taste.
December 12, 2018
Asuka Masamune is your typical man's man. He's the captain and is highly ranked in judo and kendo, he carries himself with a beautiful stoicism and he seems effortlessly confident. But Asuka has a dark secret. One that, if exposed, would change everything for him.
Asuka is an Otoman.
Basically an otoman is a male who loves stereotypically girly things like sewing, knitting, cute stuffed animals and reading romance manga. Asuka has to hide his true self and what he really loves in order to play the part of the masculine jock in to please his mother. Ryo Miyakozuka is a new girl in school who Asuka quickly falls for, and she is completely inept at "girly" things. She can't cook to save her life, or sew, but she does love confident, manly men. Asuka has to figure out what is more important, living how he dreams of, getting the girl he dreams of, or finding a way to balance the two.
In the second volume, Asuka and Ryo are officially friends, with the obvious sidelong glances at each other indiciating their desire for more, when OH NO, Asuka's fucked up mother comes home with a fiance for Asuka. He is torn between bringing pride to his family and keeping up the charade so he doesn't further damage his mother, and following his heart to be with Ryo.
It's adorable. This is perfect if you need just something fluffy and light to keep you busy. It's sweet and charming and Asuka is a very likable character. However my favorite character in the story is Juta, a co-classmate of Asuka and Ryo and SPOILER ALERT the writer of the manga that Asuka so deeply loves! Juta is the comic relief in this series, popping up when a scene needs some levity and making everything more fun. He also slowly learns how to be a good friend and we get to see him using Asuka and Ryo as inspiration for the manga. The second volume was a bit more disjoined than the first and a little harder to follow along, but it wasn't bad enough that it dissuaded me from continuing the series. Totally recommend this for something fun and light with just the right amount of romance.
Blog / Twitter
Asuka is an Otoman.
Basically an otoman is a male who loves stereotypically girly things like sewing, knitting, cute stuffed animals and reading romance manga. Asuka has to hide his true self and what he really loves in order to play the part of the masculine jock in to please his mother. Ryo Miyakozuka is a new girl in school who Asuka quickly falls for, and she is completely inept at "girly" things. She can't cook to save her life, or sew, but she does love confident, manly men. Asuka has to figure out what is more important, living how he dreams of, getting the girl he dreams of, or finding a way to balance the two.
In the second volume, Asuka and Ryo are officially friends, with the obvious sidelong glances at each other indiciating their desire for more, when OH NO, Asuka's fucked up mother comes home with a fiance for Asuka. He is torn between bringing pride to his family and keeping up the charade so he doesn't further damage his mother, and following his heart to be with Ryo.
It's adorable. This is perfect if you need just something fluffy and light to keep you busy. It's sweet and charming and Asuka is a very likable character. However my favorite character in the story is Juta, a co-classmate of Asuka and Ryo and SPOILER ALERT the writer of the manga that Asuka so deeply loves! Juta is the comic relief in this series, popping up when a scene needs some levity and making everything more fun. He also slowly learns how to be a good friend and we get to see him using Asuka and Ryo as inspiration for the manga. The second volume was a bit more disjoined than the first and a little harder to follow along, but it wasn't bad enough that it dissuaded me from continuing the series. Totally recommend this for something fun and light with just the right amount of romance.
Blog / Twitter
February 21, 2020
At the end of my last review I was like, "I'll see how I feel at the end of volume 2 to see if I want to continue with the series." After I finished volume 1, I saw volumes 8-11 at my local charity shop and I ended up buying it because it was the cheapest I would find the books and I knew that it wouldn't take much money to get volumes 3-7. So on payday I will most likely be buying the missing volumes so I can continue on with this series. Now onto my review of the actual manga.
I liked this manga more than the first one! I think that's because the manga built up upon what was established in the first book. The characters and storyline was established and this book built upon that and was able to have separate stories in the different chapters. I liked the introduction of Ryo in the beginning and I hope that we see more of him. I hope that isn't the last time that we see him. I didn't like the introduction of Asuka's mother because I felt like she was very selfish, controlling, and didn't know how to actually be a parent. She just didn't want Asuka to be trans like his father, so much so that I would even go as far as to say that she is transphobic because she basically doesn't want Asuka to like girly things because her ex-husband/Asuka's father came out as trans and left the family and the mother doesn't want Asuka to be the same. She even emotionally manipulates Asuka to do what she wants and to not be feminine. If it wasn't for this part of the manga, I would have rated this manga higher.
I liked this volume, but I would say that it is problematic. On the one hand you have a male character who loves feminine things and you have a female character which is very masculine which attacks defined gender roles, but then Asuka hides his feminine side, and people in his life are constantly saying that it's not okay/normal to like feminine things. To be fair, Asuka is sure and true to himself. He doesn't give up what he likes but I can see how this can be confusing to children, especially trans children.
I liked this manga more than the first one! I think that's because the manga built up upon what was established in the first book. The characters and storyline was established and this book built upon that and was able to have separate stories in the different chapters. I liked the introduction of Ryo in the beginning and I hope that we see more of him. I hope that isn't the last time that we see him. I didn't like the introduction of Asuka's mother because I felt like she was very selfish, controlling, and didn't know how to actually be a parent. She just didn't want Asuka to be trans like his father, so much so that I would even go as far as to say that she is transphobic because she basically doesn't want Asuka to like girly things because her ex-husband/Asuka's father came out as trans and left the family and the mother doesn't want Asuka to be the same. She even emotionally manipulates Asuka to do what she wants and to not be feminine. If it wasn't for this part of the manga, I would have rated this manga higher.
I liked this volume, but I would say that it is problematic. On the one hand you have a male character who loves feminine things and you have a female character which is very masculine which attacks defined gender roles, but then Asuka hides his feminine side, and people in his life are constantly saying that it's not okay/normal to like feminine things. To be fair, Asuka is sure and true to himself. He doesn't give up what he likes but I can see how this can be confusing to children, especially trans children.
April 21, 2023
I might have said this in my review of the first volume, but I’m going to say it here as well; this series did not age well. It would be considered pretty offensive these days, making me shy to recommend it to someone as a “good shoujo manga”. For it’s time though, it’s fantastic and played off of stereotypes in a hilarious and (probably, back then) sort of fulfilling or comforting way.
There is a tremendous amount of toxic masculinity and familial emotional manipulation in this volume, but there’s also tons and tons of cute. I enjoyed the Christmas episode, and the short story with Asuka’s fiancée and mother was surprisingly not unpleasant despite its age. Iruka is a naughty girl for sure though who was neglected beyond belief. But yes, anyways, the trio is an adorable group of friends that makes me feel really warm. I think they have meaningful friendships to last a long time and I really enjoy that portion of the manga the most right now.
There is a tremendous amount of toxic masculinity and familial emotional manipulation in this volume, but there’s also tons and tons of cute. I enjoyed the Christmas episode, and the short story with Asuka’s fiancée and mother was surprisingly not unpleasant despite its age. Iruka is a naughty girl for sure though who was neglected beyond belief. But yes, anyways, the trio is an adorable group of friends that makes me feel really warm. I think they have meaningful friendships to last a long time and I really enjoy that portion of the manga the most right now.
September 24, 2022
The chapters with Asuka and the young boy were really fun to read. And I loved the Christmas episode, Asuka and Ryo are just the cutest together. The art keeps getting me, I love how Kanno draws the eyes and facial expressions.
I will again state that this series does carry some trans-hate speech (mainly towards Asuka's father, who left the family and revealed that he was always a woman to hie wife, I am unsure if there will be a moment between Asuka and his father in this series, so please be careful if trans-hate speech effects you), toxic masculinity, and gender roles.
I will again state that this series does carry some trans-hate speech (mainly towards Asuka's father, who left the family and revealed that he was always a woman to hie wife, I am unsure if there will be a moment between Asuka and his father in this series, so please be careful if trans-hate speech effects you), toxic masculinity, and gender roles.
May 2, 2020
Very cute! But Asuka’s mom is a gaslighting bitch and killed my vibe glad to see less of her hopefully since it sounded like she’ll go away. I hope she resolves her own issues down the line because I can not tolerate how she treats Asuka and how she makes him feel about himself. It makes me so happy that he’s starting to accept himself regardless of his mom though. Hope we meet his dad down the line.
May 6, 2020
This volume was even more outlandish than the first! It also came to a more satisfying conclusion. I do wish that the first chapter in this volume had concluded in a way where Asuka would be accepted for his true self by a third person, but his mom's response at the end of this volume might be the best I can get. I'm trying to remember that I'm putting 2020 expectations on a 2006-2012 series.
I think I've gotten what I want out of this story and probably won't pursue it further.
I think I've gotten what I want out of this story and probably won't pursue it further.
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