GENRE: Seinen: Drama
MANGAKA: Shimura Takako
PUBLISHER: Enterbrain, Comic Beam
PUBLISHED: 2002 – 2013
To start off this Pride Month, I wanted to invite you all to read a real find: Wandering Son by Shimura Takako, a 2002 seinen. Despite it’s numerous volumes, you can definitely binge all 15 volumes in one weekend.
What is Wondering Son about?
The story revolves around two transgender characters who are in the 5th grade. Unfortunately, they have to learn how to navigate their trans identity around their biased classmates, family and each other. Unlike most manga, that talk about members of the LGBTQ+ community, it handles the subjet with care and consideration.
Indeed, there is no fetishization nor victimization of members of that community. Truly, a miracle! Nevertheless, it doesn’t mean that everything is peaches and cream. Thankfully, the hard moments are shown in a way that humanizes the characters.
The Trans experience in Wandering Son
The fact that the story revolves around two trans characters, as well as doesn’t make them the butt of the joke, is the bare minimum. But the real reason to read this manga is the way these two characters find their way. Also, it shows how they exist in their own skin as they envision themselves to be; it’s the self actualization for me.
For instance, the soft glances and silences show how someone is capable of just letting you exist and coming to terms with your identity at your own pace. Moreover, the willingness to help one another and support one another is so heart warming. Indeed, it reminds me that not all children are devils. Seeing an ally who just wanted to see their friend be comfortable in their own clothes made me so happy. So precocious, bless her heart.
So who is Wandering Son for?
And so, you should definitely read this, whether or not it is Pride month, cause it’s a good manga no matter the occasion. Additionally, you can check out our other pride month reviews:
- Our Dining Table aka Bokura no Shokutaku by Mita Ori
- Doughnuts under a Crescent Moon aka Kaketa tsuki to Doughnut by Shio Usui
- Country Diaries by Isino Aya
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