Welcome Back, Alice 1

おかえりアリス [Okaeri Alice] #1

by Shuzo Oshimi, Martin Gericke (Translator)

„Wann haben wir begonnen, uns zu verändern?“ Die Mittelschüler Yohei und Kei sind seit Ewigkeiten mit der hübschen Yui befreundet. Aber Yohei hat ein Geheimnis: Er ist unsterblich in Yui verliebt. Eines Tages beobachtet er, wie Kei Yui hinter der Turnhalle küsst. Als Kei kurz darauf plötzlich wegzieht, endet die Freundschaft der drei mit einem Schlag. Einige Jahre vergehen und Yohei und Yui gehen nun gemeinsam an die Oberschule. Dort wird Yohei von einer geheimnisvollen neuen Mitschülerin angesprochen, und sie weiß Dinge über ihn, die sonst keiner weiß. Denn die attraktive Blondine ist niemand Geringeres als sein früherer Freund Kei …

Genres: Manga, Comics, Queer, LGBT, Romance, Fiction, Drama

192 pages, Paperback

First published October 9, 2020

About the author

Shuzo Oshimi (押見修造, Oshimi Shūzō) is a Japanese manga creator.
Drawn in a realistic art style, his comics tend to be psychological dramas exploring the difficulties in human relationships and often touching on disturbing situations and perversions.
Oshimi debuted in 2001 with the manga series Avant-Garde Yumeko, appeared in Kodansha's 'Monthly Shōnen Magazine.' Most of his works since then have been published by Kodansha and Futabasha.
Among his first successes the single volume manga Sweet Poolside (2004), later adapted into a live-action film, and the series Drifting Net Café (2008–2011), also adapted for TV.
Oshimi reached international acclaims with The Flowers of Evil (2009–2014) and Inside Mari (2012–2016), both adapted into successful anime. Other notable works are Blood on the Tracks (2017–2023) and Welcome Back, Alice (2020-2023) .

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is uncomfortable. Oshimi's reason for writing it may be admirable (to deconstruct male desire and masculine sexuality), but the execution is unpleasant as Kei preys on his former childhood friends for no real reason while leaning into harmful stereotypes of what it means to be trans or nonbinary. There are better queer manga out there.

[Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oshimi being Oshimi. So far, this reads like Flowers of Evil if Nakamura was a crossdressing boy whose return messes with his childhood friends' perceptions and feelings (I use the pronoun "him" as that's what's mostly used in the manga). I can see some viewing this as problematic, but so far all the themes have been handled well in my opinion. This manga seems to want to explore sexuality, gender identity, lust vs love, and of course perversion and morality because it wouldn't be an Oshimi manga without that duo. As of the first volume, Oshimi is slowly dipping into each topic, but how deep he will get and the amount of respect he will handle it with remains to be seen.

[Keiko, the manga enthusiast ♒︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't just a queer story. If you want sobby but fluffy queer, go sought out other titles from other authors somewhere, because this isn't gonna satisfy you. This is a psychological drama. This is Oshimi. And Kei has his "reasons" why he's that way today. And this is gonna hurt, like really bad. And yes, I'm entering the damnation bare and as a volunteer.

I fall asleep reading this last night, but it was so good! I really nose dived the moment I opened my eyes. I knew I missed on a lot, I could have finished all volumes last night. Augh, such a waste. And it's Monday! Forgive me, I had no proper sleep for days. This is all Rainbow Rowell's fault! Kidding. Anyway, augh, I swear anything Oshimi creates is goat. AND THE PREMISE OF THIS SERIES IS JUST UP MY ALLEY. THIS IS IT! OH GOSH, SENSEI. AND THE ART STYLE, GETS BETTER AND BETTER. I SWEAR OSHIMI'S HAND IS GOLDEN.

I mean, Oshimi already wrote a gender-bender once, Inside Mari, but this is different, and kind of tame compared to that series and his other series. But well, it's only starting, who am I to talk? This is gonna be painful like I haven't seen Oshimi in action for how many of his series now that I read?

Yohei is pining for his childhood friend Mitani, and unfortunately, Mitani has feelings for their childhood friend Kei.

When Yohei accidentally saw the confession and Kei kissing Mitani, he was so shocked and hurt that he ignored them both over the holidays. And when he came back to school, Kei had already transferred school.

Fast forward to senior high school, Kei came back. And he quitted being a boy and now dressing as a girl—but it didn't mean that he's going to be a girl. And then he goes to both kissing Mitani and Yohei... What happened to Kei during those 3 years he was gone? For whom was his heart set on, really?

I could have sworn this was boys love when I first gulped down the few pages, and then I realized we're reading Oshimi here. It's going to be mind torture first before I get my boys love in the end. Anyway.... I love the chemistry, my gosh!

[daph pink ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

What to anticipate from Oshini Sensei. His art has always been my favourite because it is so simple to read and relate to. I adore him for being such a master of psychological drama in manga. This story's introduction and conclusion both piqued my interest. Looking forward to this one a lot.

[Krysta ꕤ · Rating 2 out of 5]

when people say they want more queer representation in stories this is not what anyone meant.

[Monica ✧♬•* · Rating 1 out of 5]

I still think all that i said previously about volume 1, but hear me out, this is the best of oshimi's work so far. the guy finally did it! its twisted, yes, but i think this time he didn't fucked up

-------------------------------------------------------------


As all oshimi's previous series, we have:

Bland school setting ✅
The pervy/dumb/obnoxious male lead ✅
The first glance nice girl that turned out to be a battshit crazy bitch ✅
The manipulative horny ass bitch ✅

But this time the manipulative bitch is gender fluid. It could be a good thing if Kei's personality didn't make him just like Mari, or the girl from aku no Hana, or Sei's mom etc etc. And it's funny (not to say "misogynistic") that Kei's journey to find himself as a person is by being a horrible woman... Like every single female lead oshimi wrote that I've known of

It's the same story every time. That's what I would call lack of creativity.

If you're a girl, and have read other works by this author like me... pls I want to hear your thoughts about this? I'm curious to know what you guys think about the way he portraits woman.

[Verdant · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really don't know what to say about this series. Without it being horror, it is somehow one of the most disturbing things I've ever read. It made me feel disgusted reading it. It's definitely not for the faint of heart. If you read it, keep in mind that it has the trope of transgender sexual harasser/predator, and a lot of sexually dubious content or downright sexual assault. Plus, the sexual content and plot is about teenagers. That is a no-go for me in media, but I am trying to ignore it for the sake of how it is as a series. I'm sure there is a lot of appeal to some people, but really, I don't know what else to say besides 'disturbing'.

I understand and grasp the intent and reasons the author has for writing this, but I don't think it's executed very well. I was told this was an interesting queer manga, hence I started reading it, so if you're looking for queer manga, I don't recommend this at all. Instead of being a good disection of male and compulsive sexuality, especially at developing ages like the teen years, it just comes across as predatory, creepy, uncomfortable, and disturbing. I wouldn't recommend it but it's definitely not the worst thing I've read.

[L Ann]

Huh. What an unsettling story. 😕 I am at a loss for words because I honestly don't know how I feel about it. It's creepy... and now I feel all weird and uncomfortable. No rating.

[Marie Diewald]

no idea what I just stumbled across but……. threesome?

[Urbon Adamsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seems like Oshimi is starting a new great series.

I see that the reviews are not as consistent as with his top works. Not sure why, maybe the theme is not as appealing as with other of his works.

Personally, I had no problem with it. I even find it refreshing as it is different and new.

Oshimi's works always had some sexuality. He is not afraid of exploring that field and here he probably goes further than any other before.

Had a great time reading and can't wait to go to the next volume.

[Marrulo · Rating 4 out of 5]

bastante cute la vdd

[James DeSantis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This start wasn't as good as some of Oshim's other work but still interesting enough.

Yohei has a mega crush on a girl. Girl likes Yohei best friend. Yohei get mad at friend and friend leaves for a few years and comes back dressed up as a girl.

It's weird. It's not clear what the friend's goal is. Says they are done being a guy. But also not a girl. But it seems like it's all to tease both Yohei and the girl. It seems more mean than actually interest in either one.

I'll see where this one goes and read volume 2.

[Liz Drummond · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I appreciate that this manga finally portrays a character’s personal choice to transition unlike the typical trans trope that most manga posit where the parents force them, I didn’t like that it seemed to fetishize it. I also wish that it was from the trans character’s point of view, apart from the usual male character. And there was no character development. Can we get a trans positive manga yet please??

[Mo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Representation does not always mean good representation. I started this series because everyone was saying that it was psychological with genderqueer representation, but the chair who is genderqueer is awful.
I would recommend this book for the art because it is pretty but I would not recommend it for the rep. Try “Boys Run the Riot,” “Claudine,” or “Princess Jellyfish” for better lgbt themes.

[Dylan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

CW: Sexuality between high school students, Masterbation, Mis-gendering, Bullying

Okay, I am so torn with my review for this one. Oshimi is a manga-ka I really love, and I appreciate that they write such honest and dark topics. This one follows three students who were friends in middle school, and split up when they go to high school. Then, one of them comes back named Kei. And Kei has changed their appearance and says that they no longer are a boy.
I can't speak on the representation in this one, but it doesn't use a lot of the language that is typically in these kinds of stories. So, be aware of that. I feel like I need to read a couple more volumes before I can really give an honest opinion of the series, so I will continue it.
The mangaka also has an afterward where they discuss their own identity, so I'm curious to see where this one goes.

[giada · Rating 4 out of 5]

i applaud kei's spirit of trying to kiss everyone's transphobia away, but i don't think it'll be this easy - this is one of those cases where i hope the series ends with a happy throuple

i do agree with other reviewers when they say that kei leans on harmful stereotypes and that their behaviour is predatory, but at the same time i dont think reading only model minority literature is going to expand my mind - maybe don't read this if you need an introductory level story with a transfem main character

let kei be the toxic situationship they aspire to be

(also i love the mangaka's style! the drawings are pretty and airy, it's so easy to read)

[Yaroslav Chernovol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Такий собі романтичний трикутник. Троє школярів Йохей, Кей та Юі. Йохей кохає Юі, Юі кохає Кея, а Кей робить сюжетний твіст і стає дівчиною. І отут починається уся ота вакханалія — Юі не знає кого вона любить, Йохей закохується в Кея. Кей поки не визначився, але підструнює обох.

Загалом таке, погортав ще трохи далі. І там буде веселіше з малюнками та сексуальними темами. Загалом все як любить Ошимі. 5 томів вже є. Але щось я не впевнений шо хочу продовження.

[Deb]

je vais pas faire de review parce que je sais pas trop quoi en penser mdr

[Mariano · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rari

[sofka]

the summer hikaru died for gender fluid horny virgins

[Sroka · Rating 2 out of 5]

?????

[lily🤓 · Rating 5 out of 5]

most enby rep oat is finally realising you’re past all conceptions of gender and getting a fuckass haircut immediately after

[K. Anna Kraft · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was complicated. As much as I liked the initial premise, the more I read, the more I realized this wasn't quite the story that my initial impression wasn't quite on the mark. Though there are still a few lines about identity that I liked. Trying to get my thoughts on the story in order was difficult, but I did my best.

And as always, arranged into a haiku:

"Some confusing things
Become clear with age. Others. . .
Simply aren’t simple."

[Joseph · Rating 2 out of 5]

Can’t make up my mind on this one! I love a lot of Oshimi’s work but at the same time, as someone who’s read a good deal of his work, I’m not sure I trust him to tackle the subject of gender and sexuality in a meaningful way. I would love to be proven wrong with future volumes but I’ll just have to wait and see.

On a technical note it’s interesting to see him using screentone again. He’s normally one to get his halftones purely through hatching.

[Lynnea van Echentail · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ich weiss nicht was ich davon halten soll dass u.a. Mittelschüler sexualiesiert werden und dann... naja Selbstbefriedigung das Hauptthema ist

Generell war der Vibe die ganze Zeit absolut unangenehm

Vorallem dass Kei dann mit ihm UND ihr gleichzeitig dann ... rumknutscht um Yu zu helfen ist ein komischer Zug

Finde es Schade dass Trans/Non-Binäre-Personen so dargestellt wurden als wären sie "das Problem"

Weiß ich nicht.

[Irene ➰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5

[ollei]

weird as shit and i refuse to spend anymore money on this godforsaken series i hate ALL OF YHEM

[leti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un 10 me encanta el puterío

[Xosé M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Releyendo estos tomos ahora que la serie ha llegado a su fin.

Tengo la impresión de que entre la enorme cantidad de mangas que salen mes tras mes este ha ido pasando algo desapercibido. Y más aún entre aquellos que sólo nos seguimos acercando al manga en reediciones de clásicos o cuando vienen precedidos por algún marchamo autoral, con perdón.

Fue Rubén Lardín en una especie de diario de verano que le dejaron publicar en la prensa allá por el 2022 quien me puso en la pista de este tebeo folletinesco y guarro donde las páginas se pasan al ritmo de los latidos del corazón y/o de las palpitaciones de algún que otro órgano más.

Manga de iniciación donde las costuras de la encorsetada sociedad japonesa les aprietan por todos los lados en los uniformes de instituto a estos 3 personajes que configuran un triángulo amoroso que no puede dejar de rebelarse contra esa o cualquier geometría.

Voyeurismo, tensión sexual, deseo, transgresión. La necesaria disposición a dejar que los cuerpos nos lleven a donde nos tengan que llevar. Y la incertidumbre lúbrica de no saber exactamente qué nos vamos a encontrar.

[Audrey H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oshimi is very good at drawing beautiful women, and expressive faces that capture incredibly specific emotions. This time we have a canon trans character although she doesn't have much going on yet besides kissing people nonconsensually and hinting at a multifaceted gender identity, similar to Oshimi’s own that he's described before. Not that much goes on in this volume and I'd say it's carried a lot by the art, and my high expectations for Oshimi. Writing is well paced as always

So far I'd say I liked this volume. I have come to appreciate his frankness about sex. So far I have high hopes for this series although I don't expect it to reach how much I loved Inside Mari. When Oshimi laid out his thesis for what he's gonna do in the next volume I was like yeah baby let's go deconstruct masculinity