Boys run the riot is coming of age story that follows Ryu. He is a young trans male who is trying to come to terms with his own gender as well as trying to be himself in an environment who doesn't know how to deal with someone who is different. We see this in multiple occasions, many characters are questioned and demanded to be more normal, the word weird is the biggest insult that you can see in the text and it is often said with a lot disgust. The story captivated me from the beginning and I couldn't stop reading it. It is interesting to see these kind of experiences from a non-western perspective and in Manga form. I loved the creative elements of this book as well as the art. I also think it is really interesting to see how the different characters react to his identity, showing the challenge of being a good ally whilst trying to fit in. One of my favourite things is how his friend ask him to share with him what he is going through, to challenge him and his ideas, because he can grow and learn. Never assume that you are going to be discriminated when someone is showing interest.

I would like to also highlight the power of fashion / gender performance into gender acceptance and the journey that our characters go through to feel comfortable in their own skin. The friendships in this book are simply precious. It is rare to find stories that do not uniquely focus on romantic love but I do believe this is essential. Growing up is also about finding your people and building your own family, which is key in many Queer experiences.

I would highly recommend this book.

I'd not read a huge amount of manga before this, however I was aware that the trans experience in Japan (particularly for trans men) is underrepresented. I was intrigued the moment I read the blurb.
The artwork in Boys Run The Riot is gorgeous (the graffiti scene in particular, which Keito Gaku lists as one of his own favourite frames, is really powerful).
I liked the use of fashion as a form of expression and also self discovery for Ryo. I found the depiction of his inner-battle between showing himself and his personality, and wanting to blend in to the crowd, very insightful.
I really appreciated the interview and translation notes at the end - both for the added context, and as a bit of a linguistics nerd who is currently studying Japanese.
I'm keen to read Volume 2 when it's available.

This manga took to very unique ideas and put them together. I haven’t read any manga that focus on transgender issues or that focus on the process of creating a brand from scratch. I liked that the lgbtq issues were portrayed in a realistic light. I liked that, despite not understanding what the main character was going through, their new friend wanted to know to support them. It’s great as a coming of age, high school manga.

I have received an ARC of this book by NetGalley and Kodansha Comics and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review. The Pub date of the book is May 25th. This review will be posted on my Goodreads, Facebook page and Instagram.
When I saw the synopsis, I was delighted and immediately wanted to read it. The theme and the art captured me from the beginning and after reading it, I was completely in love with this story.
The theme that comes to us is something that should be more talked about and shared for general understanding - to educate others and to promote the respect and rights of all of us. Here we also have the important factor of a person who feels wrong in the body that he's in and that has to deal with the feelings that it brings him and awakens him. Until he meets someone who accepts and changes the direction of his life and way of thinking. Someone who wants to help and shout to the world that help. I was in love right from the first pages. It is important to have more books / stories that promote the topic.
Another thing that enchanted me, in addition to the beautiful art, was what in this first book started by showing: what to help one person, can do and help two or three more. I felt drowned in this story and in the emotions of the characters. I would love to follow the continuation of this series because without any doubt, it started wonderfully. I want to know what will happen to our characters and what the future of what they are together, creating, will be like.
Did I say that art is beautiful? IT is!!!

CW: transphobia/LGBTQ+ hate and bullying

Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for an advanced electronic copy of this comic/graphic novel (manga) in exchange for an honest review!

Note for readers: this book is meant to be read in the original Japanese manga format, meaning that pages and panels should be read from right to left.

Ryo is a high school student who knows he's transgender, but he can't tell anyone. He only feels comfortable when he's in his favorite clothes, even if he's always being asked why he "dresses like a boy." One day while out shopping, he runs into a new classmate who had originally seemed intimidating, but if they like the same clothes and style, can he really be all that scary? So when Jin offers to team up with Ryo to build a brand together, Ryo must decide if this is how he will finally find a way to express his true self.

Originally published in Japan, this fictional story was written by a transgender Manga creator, so not only is it filled with LGBTQ+ representation, BUT it's own voices too! I loved this story and I'm so happy that it's being published in English and more readers will have access to it. I'm excited for Volume 2 and what adventures will come next for these characters!

Challenges and interesting titles continue to rain from Kodansha. This time the story is about a transgender character in the lead role. Not in the comedy list, as I think I've seen it done more often, but in a very serious, well-sustained and meaningful role.
Ryou is a boy in the body of a girl and goes through one of the difficult periods of his life, looking for himself and still unaccepted by others. His luck smiles when fate confronts him with Satou Jin, whose dream is to deal with fashion design. Sato manages to ignite Ryou with the idea and the two start with a print of Ryou-designed T-shirts on the way to the big stage.
The manga has wonderful art and well-sustained characters. It is consistent, even at times a little hasty, but so that one is not irritated by it. It is current and modern. I hope people do not ignore it just because it is "too modern" because of its subject matter and to see the true potential of history. It perfectly combines the classic and the innovative in the genre.

The original review is in Bulgarian. Sorry for the translation errors. I am adding a link.

Boys Run the Riot is an absolute super nova! The story chronicles the ups and downs of the coming of age of transgender teen Ryo who is struggling with his gender. While he knows he is a boy he struggles with the fear of being ostracized in society by being outside the norm. I respected how the manga didn't pull any punches when portraying his struggles and fear of being rejected. He finds acceptance from his friend Jin but the society at large is shown to be intolerant of anything they think is weird or strays from the norm. The message of the story is about being true to yourself and following your dreams, yet the author takes a realistic and bittersweet approach showing how difficult it is to go against the grain.
The focus on fashion to both give characterization and catalyze the story was well done. I'm fascinated by Japanese street fashion and it was fun to read about characters who are passionate about it. It also serves the theme of identity for both Ryo and Jin as clothing helps express their identity and gives them freedom in a society which pressures them to conform.

The manga was very moving and well done! I'm really glad a trans mangaka got a chance to tell this story as it feels really empathetic and authentic. I highly recommend picking up Boys Run the Riot!

I've been excited for this English release ever since it was announced, and Boys Run the Riot did not disappoint. Keito Gaku creates a vivid contemporary world full of life through carefully crafted characters and clean art. Although gender identity is at the forefront, queer pain is not, and that was refreshing. Ryo and Jin's friendship showcased the ups and downs of new relationships in a realistic and charming way. I'm excited for future volumes, and I would definitely recommend this title to others.