Tasogare Out Focus
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"I came looking for copper and found gold!!!" Part 1

Honestly, I didn't have high expectations for this manga. I thought it would be just another run-of-the-mill BL, but boy, was I wrong!

The story introduces us to Mao and Hisashi, two teenagers who share a room in a student residence. Initially, they barely interacted; however, one night something completely unexpected happens, and from that moment on they start getting to know each other.

Simultaneously, the manga delves into the storyline of the film club, with Mao serving as the cameraman. The club's advisor is Ichikawa, a charismatic, theatrical, and very funny teacher who, according to his own ... students, is like a teenage girl himself. His rivalry with the drama club, combined with his passion for BL stories, drives him to excel as the movie director, aiming to create a film that could secure first place in the school festival. And, of course, Ichikawa decided to recruit the handsome Hisashi to play one of the leads (this man has such a good eye, really).

However, I must stop here to carefully analyze certain polemical elements:

(SPOILER ALERT)

First of all, at the beginning of the story something quite shocking happens: one character, while asleep, tries to have sex with the other who was awake. Despite it is a problem that, though affecting very few people, also occurs in real life, Mao would have had good reasons not to forgive Hisashi or start fearing him. However, the latter quickly apologized and was even willing to accept the consequences, but Mao has such a good heart that he forgave him immediately.
It's worth mentioning that, in general terms, non-consensual intimate contact is frowned upon within this story, which is a big plus. Additionally, and without wishing to provide major spoilers, two more instances of abuse are depicted in flashbacks, both highlighted with a negative perspective. I am greatly pleased that current BL works aim to illuminate the shortcomings of past BL practices. I had to say it.

As the weeks pass, one of the protagonists starts to become aware of his feelings for his roommate, posing a significant conflict as the other guy is already in a relationship. Nevertheless, the latter also gradually begins to develop strong affection towards him, which felt very natural to me, both in the sense that the development of their relationship feels organic and due to the fact that it's common to prefer a partner closer in age. The final words that a certain character said to his ex were perfect, 10/10. Now this IS the way to deconstruct toxic clichés, dammit!

(SPOILERS END HERE)

My only complaint about this manga is that, although the drawing style is beautiful, there are certain panels where the body proportions look very weird and poorly done, but it doesn't happen often, so don't worry. Anyway, all the guys are so handsome, my goshhhhh.

Finally, the scene where they film the movie’s climax is wonderful and a real tearjerker, and Ichikawa, behaving like the biggest fanboy, represents all of us.

Do you know what the best part is? This story has a sequel! Go and read it!

TL;DR - A short BL manga about characters that are assumed to be around 16. The story includes serious themes in brief (mainly in chapter 4) and I would advise slight caution if you would be triggered by the presentation of a toxic, abusive and exploitative relationship.
This manga is short and sweet. Due to its short length, it would be difficult for you to be emotionally invested with the story and its characters. If you want a tearjerker, this wouldn't be the right manga for you, as you would be able to guess the direction of the story without any doubts.

Art and ... composition: 6/10
The art isn't bad, I would say it's at an acceptable level. The standards for manga in general nowadays is insanely high, not just for the content and story but for the art itself. There isn't any revolutionising art in this manga, there aren't any unique styles or features that would separate this from many other mangas, but unlike most manga this successfully expresses an overall message.

The panels are arranged in a way that is easy for the reader to follow and there isn't too much text clumped into each page.
There isn't an insane amount of detail, especially for the backgrounds and the entire story is essentially set in/around a school setting so you won't be finding a hyper detailed double page spread of a city or the beautiful countryside.

One thing I do like though is how people are drawn in this manga, there are some dynamic poses shown with the students, they aren't all just standing upright and rigid, there's personality in how they pose. Also Hisashi (blonde guy) has such detailed hair that just because of that I gave another point.

Pacing: 5/10
It could just be me but within 6 chapters, it isn't clear how much time has passed. That impacts the overall effect because some people (me) would see the characters feelings as rushed and without proper explanation.

Characters: 7/10
The story switches between two character's perspectives, but it is difficult to differentiate their feelings from one another as they ultimately have no disagreements. One would expect an emotional BL to include mentions of homophobia and prejudice, this is barely addressed in the manga. There are no homophobic characters, but there is mention of past experiences of being outcasted. Any outrageous characters presented are only there briefly, i don't want to spoil but you won't be feeling full satisfaction with how said outrageous character is treated in the end..

MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD
I would like to mention the fact that this manga briefly includes very serious and dark themes such as incest, sexual harassment, pedophilia and grooming. In the 2nd chapter, a flashback is shown in which a misunderstanding arises where Hisashi (the blonde guy) is feeling ill and in his delirium thinks that his roommate is his 'teacher' and because of this Hisashi tries to be intimate with him. Luckily Mao (black haired) was able to stop him by using physical force, as he had already tried to vocally express his unwillingness by saying 'no' and 'don't touch'.
My issue is how Mao responds afterwords. Hisashi apologises and Mao not only questions why but he says that he 'was just touched by another guy' and that 'he's fine'. Even going so far as implying that he is at fault because "i'm the one who got close when you were asleep."
The following dialogue also gives me mixed opinions, Hisashi responds and says that he feels it's not fair for what happened to Mao because Hisashi is gay. Hisashi is correct to feel guilty, but the fact that he's saying that he feels guilty because he is gay and that that's why it's not okay is where he is at fault.
This thinking implies that being touched without consent wouldn't have been a big deal if they were both straight males.

I haven't even touched on the other topics and how they were presented in an almost light manner, not meaning that they were shown as positive interactions. But meaning that the serious themes were not addressed properly. An example would be when it was revealed that Hisashi had been in a relationship with his teacher. Mao never questions Hisashi in the 2nd chapter when Hisashi mentioned a teacher while trying to sexually advance on him. Hisashi even gets hit by the teacher when he eventually agrees to break up with him, and his injury isn't hidden from Mao or anyone else but it is only Mao who seems to be slightly concerned. Mao doesn't ask who did this to him, Mao doesn't even get worried for his overall safety and he doesn't ask about the details of Hisashi's relationship.
Instead Mao decides to profess his love for Hisashi. He completely disregarded what Hisashi just went through, completely disregarded the fact that Hisashi may have been in a sexually abusive relationship with his very own teacher.

Sure everything ends up well between them (Hisashi and Mao) but it still just doesn't sit right with me.
I heard there are spin-offs/ sequel(s) to this so I could be proven wrong later if these themes are ever brought up again. Unfortunately I doubt that that would be the case but one can hope.

Overlooking all of that....it's a sweet and heartfelt manga that could make you feel all mushy inside because they love each other so much. I guess.