Boys Run the Riot

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I’ve read a lot of lgbt+ mangas and in terms of a story centered about being trans/trans issues this by far is one of my favorites! I found myself actually crying quite a few times because of how relatable the issues described are. I love how it doesn’t shy away from topics (especially in its non-binary representation, the story is straight forward with it which is SUCH A BREATH OF FRESH AIR!! It’s so disappointing how majority of non-binary rep is literally just not confirming their gender and everyone misgendering them and boys run the riot doesn’t do that at all! It made me so ... happy to see that) I’m also happy it didn’t give everything a “happily ever after”, some issues sadly won’t ever go away it really shines a light on every day life struggles, even after coming out. Whether that’s being called our proper pronouns at work, being accepted by our friends and family, being seen as our gender in terms of dating etc (all issues boys run the riot speaks on). It makes the story very realistic, I immediately bought physical copies when I first read it!

!! SPOILER FREE REVIEW !!

Story: 10/10
I really don’t have any criticisms in term of plot! I love the fashion themes and how it challenges ideas of sticking to more “reliable” jobs. And I really appreciated how it explores what fashion does for all the characters on a deeper level rather then just kinda add it in yknow? My only really one critique is I wish it was a little longer, the ending felt slightly rushed but I still very much so enjoyed it!

Art: 9/10
I quite like the art! The detailed graffiti was literally stunning I found myself staring at some of the pages for a while, and the cover art is beautiful!! At times it did seem like it could’ve had more detail but that rlly is me nitpicking IMO

Character: 8/10
I found the characters to be quite likable and almost every character we got to know more about them/their motives and thought process- everyone had a purpose! That being said I’m more so in awe over the plot and thought processes and stuff- like when I re read this series it’s not specifically because the characters are rememberable or anything like that so that’s why I gave it an eight.

Enjoyment: 10/10
I looked forward every month for the Volumes to be released and have reread it many times before it even finished thats how much I loved it!! It’s everything I wish for when I ask for a good representation trans manga. Even if it was to be about only the fashion based topics it still would be likable : )

Overall: 9/10
Do you want a good story dealing with trans topics? About teens trying to find their purpose in life? Them trying to push against the world no matter how many times it attempts to knock them down? Then you’ll like this story! I’m not certain how much a cis person would enjoy this story but as someone who’s non-binary and struggle with a lot of these topics on a daily basis it made me so so so happy to see it put into words. Words cannot explain my love for this manga I really recommend especially if you’re trans!

This review is based on 8 chapters so far!

Based on what I've read so far I absolutely love this manga. Not only because of the importance of stories like this but also because of how well it's written. The art style is good, not outstanding by any means but it does not need to be. Characters and story are what makes it stand out. I love our main duo and their relationship with each other. The respect that Jin has for Ryo's gender identity is great to see. His reaction to Ryo's coming out as trans is perfectly written. In addition, we also get a ... really amazing teacher who helps Ryo figure out certain things. I really enjoyed their interaction and I hope she will stay as some kind of mentor or at least someone our main character can talk to.
I think one of the main reasons I like it so much is the pacing. If there is some kind of conflict, characters try to resolve it as soon as possible. Miscommunication happens and gets resolved through communication. So far there wasn't any prolonged drama that lasted several chapters (I only read 8 so far so who knows) but I think the author wants to portray this story as realistically as he can.
I cannot wait to see what will happen next and I am glad that this series will be published in English next August!

SPOILERS FOR CHAPTERS 5-8 (available in Japanese on comic-days.com)
I love the new character who got added to their group, Itsuka (逸香) a photographer for their brand. He adds just enough rationality to their craziness. I also enjoyed his little backstory and the addition of his father's failure to become a professional photographer just makes it more believable why he wants to become one. Also, hurray for supportive parents!

To start off, I read this manga while looking for something I could actually relate to, and I absolutely found what I had been wanting to find. It illustrates many societal issues the trans community faces in a respectful fashion, and gives the viewer great insight into the experiences that people in the community may face.

I highly appreciated the way the author tackles writing this MC, as he's genuinely written in a way that isn't stereotypical, which is something you see in a lot of different manga.

Fashion wise, this manga tackles street fashion right on the nail. It's very accurate to what I often ... see in that market, and has a very unique take on the designs the characters come up with together.

I may be too early for this but “Boys Run the Riot” has the potential to be one of the best reads of 2021 for me. I relate to the Ryo character so much in terms of wearing a skirt in school because man, while being in a “all girls” school myself, I effin hated wearing it through primary to secondary omfg! I really liked how this isn’t your typical manga because it shows Ryo wanting to just be himself like any of us and create his own fashion business with the boys he hangs with! It’s so rare to find manga that is trans-based ... and I’m glad Gaku-san decided to do this because us manga readers desperately need more variety in the manga world!

Huge huge thanks to Netgalley and Kodansha Comics for giving me volume 1 of this brilliant manga!

Overall, i don't think Boys Run the Riot was a good manga. The plot points revolving around fashion were clunky and not engaging at all, making a big part of its reading kind of a drag, but in the end i found it to be only a detail, because Boys Run the Riot is an extremely sincere manga.

Its representation of both the transmasculine and the bad student/school outcast experience is not only realistic, but very precise, sensible, and thus touching.
Felt like an insider's view, really. I've heard myself as a teen say and think what those teen dude think and say.

It wasn't ... a good manga, i've spent some times reading it being kinda to seriously bored, but if only for those several moments were i'd have to put it down and stare at the wall, waiting the vivid reminiscences to pass, and the feeling of being seen and understood it brought me, i'm happy i've read it, and i'd recommend it blindly.

Boys run the riot is the first story including trans people in it, but I think it is one of the greatest stories i've ever read.

As trans person myself I could've felt most of Ryo's pain and I can say that this character is pretty relateable for trans/nonbinary people and it really does show what most trans/nonbinary people are going through. I think this story is much more enjoyable for queer people, but I don't think that straight/cis people couldn't enjoy such a story. You can learn so much from this story such as: How is the life of a queer person or How to ... learn to be yourself and don't be ashamed of it.

My only personal problem were some characters that accepted Ryo so easy, I don't think most people can accept the fact that you are trans that easy in real life, except for your real true friends and maybe family members that are really close to you. I like the fact that this is a story of a trans man in a lighter version tho so it won't be too sad. The art was really good and the entire story was a 10/10 for me.

Keito Gaku did a masterful job on this series and I'm looking to see how his work will advance in the future. Have a nice day and thank you for your attention. さようなら

How wonderful it is to see a trans manga written by a trans author! This way the depiction of being a trans man is fully authentic and realistic. Inner struggles, binding, misgendering, love, coming out, social life, school life and many other aspects of transgender adolescence are tackled in a great and accurate manner.
Without spoilers, the storyline about the queer blogger was also very interesting, and very realistic (especially the end). I didn't expect those sort of topics to be addressed. It made the story feel all the more real.

It was also refreshing to see a queer story that, while keeping the character's identity as ... an integral part of their being, doesn't focus on their queer storyline alone. The main character is a very interesting guy with a strong personality! He's an artist, and the main plot is about him and his friend starting a clothing line to express themselves and do what they love, and working hard to succeed! Goes to show how trans people don't have to be enveloped in their identity, that they're human beings with character, ambitions, interests, and stories of their own.

The art is also great! My only complaint is that, while preaching about their clothes being non-comforming and a way of expression, the clothes they ended up making seemed pretty bland and boring, haha.

Overall, I believe that queer people (especially trans) will feel seen and heard through this manga. I believe straight and cis people would enjoy this plot and the characters as well, and maybe even get more educated on LGBT subjects. I recommend it.

It's hard to come by manga with good trans representation. And as a trans person myself I can see myself in the main protagonist. It also shows what it's like to be trans in Japan, where people out of the social norm are looked down upon. As someone who lives in the west and is pretty open now about myself it's interesting to see other people's experiences, for the good or the bad. It is hard to come out of the closet because you don't know how they will react and honestly, how Ryo manges things are very realistic. A lot of people express themselves ... trough fashion because they can look how they feel. There is another character who is also part of the queer community who is important to the story. But, I won't spoil anything because if you are reading this I feel like you should read it yourself, all I am going to say is that they are trying to find themselves even in adulthood and finding out who you truly are is very difficult.

The fashion in the manga is absolutely amazing and I wish it was a real brand. I don't really know much about fashion but this series makes me want to design something.

When I first heard the title "Boys Run the Riot", I expected something completely different!! To my surprise, it has a transgender main character and the book revolves around street fashion, as well as Ryo struggling with being trans and trying his best to find himself/be brave enough to tell others who he truly is.

I related to Ryo a lot!! Everything about him was so well written, after reading the first volume I was in shock. The author nailed it!! I am FtM and seeing this accurate representation made me feel so great. I don't think those who are cis will understand Ryo as much ... as trans people do, but hopefully the book can teach cis people about some of the difficulties of being trans and some LGBTQ+ struggles!

Fashion wise, I really enjoyed the street style and all the graffiti everywhere!!! I also found myself getting heavily into fashion after realizing as I was trans due to how uncomfortable feminine clothing made me feel. I would always look for more masculine/androgynous clothing. Helped me relate to Ryo even more!! And I also loved the friendship Ryo, Jin and Itsuka developed.

The art style was pretty cool~ Looked a little different compared to other mangas, I like it!
Overall a good book to check out!! Nice representation (´▽`ʃ<3ƪ)

As a guy looking for a chill manga about Japanese streetwear, I was pleasantly surprised by the wealth of dramatic themes surrounding the development of our main fashion brand. Much of the drama is based around the struggles of our highschool-aged protagonist, Ryo, in grappling with his transgender identity. I cannot speak for the accuracy of the work’s trans representation (though I have heard some positive feedback from trans people), but I will say that I appreciated how the author, in my opinion, really depicts Ryo as one of the guys. I find it somewhat uncomfortable when a trans character is portrayed as completely abnormal ... relative to the cisgender people surrounding them, or when the author just treats them like someone of their birth sex. Ryo of course deals with social difficulties and tough decisions that his cisgender friends do not, but some of those people undergo their own internal struggles that interestingly parallel Ryo’s experiences. In that light, the manga's topic of fashion illuminates the ways in which many young people, not just trans men, overcome various social hurdles through self expression. Admittedly, I feel there are times when the story seems to consist of separate "building the fashion brand" and "Ryo handling being trans" plotlines, but there are certainly some cool connections between the two. The author provides an overview of how independent fashion designers are seen in Japanese society, though he doesn't exactly get into the inner workings of what it's like to grow and own such a brand. Still, there are some sick outfits and designs (just look at the covers if you want a taste) so I did get what I initially came for. All the same, the art itself is pretty simplistic for what I'd hope for from a manga about fashion- it's a noticeable downgrade from most of the manga topping the charts. Unless you are extremely particular about art style, it's still worth a read if you're enticed by any of the plot elements.

Overall, I feel like Boys Run the Riot provides an insightful look into what it's like to be trans or part of the general LGBT+ community in Japan (we also get to see some other LGBT+ characters, including a pretty involved side story about a nonbinary streamer). Since the author himself is a trans guy, I'm more willing to trust his portrayal. Seems like this manga is more geared towards the LGBT+ demographic, but if you're not part of that community, I reckon you can learn more about being a supportive ally, as I have. Even if you just want a casual fashion manga, I believe you'll get what you're looking for and a genuinely intriguing storyline to go along with it.

p.s. Mizuki best girl- such a cool ally and, more importantly, friend to our boy Ryo! (And she's hot too)

Boys Run the Riot – Spoiler Free – Recommended

TLDR
Story – 8/10 – 8 x 0.275 = 2,2
Art – 7/10 – 7 x 0.2 = 1,4
Characters – 9/10 – 9 x 0.225 = 2,025
Enjoyment – 8/10 – 8 x 0.3 = 2,4
Total: 8,025 -> 8

Story – 8/10
This story is a statement on how to convey LGBTQ characters in a story, in this case, transgender characters. The topic of gender dysphoria and gender identity is interwoven masterfully with the overall story of making a fashion brand as a way to express one's feelings and fight against the unjust barriers of life. It definitely helps that the author ... is trans, which adds a layer of believability; it is probably for this reason that things are well-depicted. When it comes to the transgender experience, Boys Run the Riot represents quite well a FtM (Female to Male) social transition in a harsh environment. Some of the hardships are also depicted in this journey, and all feel real: from small-scale transphobia to more severe cases, as well as the internal barriers that we put ourselves in, be it in a Male to Female or a Female to Male transition. On a more personal note, some scenes were so heavy – for they resonated with me on a deep level – that I just had to stop reading the story. It was that good.
This story also doesn't quite have an antagonist (there is one semi-antagonist, but he doesn’t play a profound role in the story), other than the difficulties of coming out and running a fashion brand, and it works really well.
The story is well written – being very coherent and with no leaps of faith – and well developed. It's a good story with a good narrative and an entertaining drive. The ending is also pleasant to read, although it is just average.

Art – 7/10
Although the art isn't bad at all, it is just mid. It has some details, the character design is great, and where the characters are able to be reconsidered with ease, but there are no outstanding panels, and the scenarios are anything but extraordinary. The art is very functional and works really well in telling the story – there is no denying that –, having a good fluency over the course of the manga.

Characters – 9/10
In a four-volume manga, the characters are impeccably well done. They have firm personalities, play a significant role, interact well, are quite likeable, and we empathize with them, mainly with the main character. The characters are well-developed and moderately explored—excluding the main character, whose exploration is masterfully done so.

Enjoyment – 8/10
Boys Run the Riot is definitely an incredible experience that resonates well with all those who live the transgender experience, have sensibility towards LGBTQ+ questions, or are just sensitive human beings. More than a fashion brand, what's at stake is the coming to terms with its own gender identity and gender expression. The manga also tackles and gives visibility to genderfluidity and other non-binary labels, being not solely focused (but mostly is) on the transgender issue. Social pressure in social media and the creation of online personas, as well as the gay experience, also come to the fore and are explored. This more than deserves a Recommended, being definitely in the pantheon of the Queer mangas and definitely in the transgender pantheon.

"Boys Run the Riot" really deserves more love. It's a short story, only 4 volumes long, but so much contained within those volumes. As a transmasc myself this manga came to me at the perfect time. It helped me to accept something I've been trying to deny for so long and just this year have been learning to accept.

Seeing the life of a young trans man as they learn about themselves and find their place in the world was beautiful and I cried a few times. It's also incredibly interesting to see the start up of a fashion brand. You want these kids to ... succeed and it's so great seeing them be passionate.

I think the one downside I would say is that I would have enjoyed another chapter or two for the ending. I would like to have seen where the cast ended up, even if just a few months or years into the future. I guess it's possible and spin-off or sequel could be made but I don't think that's the case. It still stands alone great and a top recommend for me.

Man this manga broke me. Would recommend this to any trans person interested in manga that can handle a little bit of dysophira inducing content. BRtR is just so authentic in it's portrayal of trans struggles and trans joy, it ad me in tears at multiple points throughout it's short run.
Only problem I have with it is that at some points it seems to equate sexual orientation/attraction with gender identity but it's not as ademant on that, that I see it as problematic but rather as part of the characters struggles with identity, and the way this affects the characters in the story makes me ... think that the author knows of this and included it in the story on purpose.

This was great.

The art is nice, I love the more realistic style compared to something more cartoony.

I would call myself very informed when it comes to discussions of queer identity, but this book actually threw me for a loop for some of its discussions, and I actually got to learn quite a bit. Ryo really makes you root for him, want to see him succeed, and his journey into fashion actually goes much further than I thought it would, with room left over for him to continue. I wish the supporting cast got to hang out more, but it is four volumes, and it ... really didn't bother me that much. Couldn't put this manga down.

The journey was a nice read if you're looking for something not extremely intense. The fact that it involved fashion is what got me to read it in the first place and it was nicely included in the storyline as the main character knew what they wanted more and more after the first chapter. I looked forward to how the characters would grow together and overcome challenges but in the end it was a bit lackluster which in could be the author's intention but disappointing nevertheless especially when I found out I was reading the last volume. The art is okay but I did like ... the clothing designs that they came up with while hoping there'd be some sort of brand deal that came with the release of the clothes.