Mar 5, 2025
TL;DR: Well-written character interactions carry this manga forward, but mischaracterizations and abandoned plot points leave a bitter taste by the end.
Full review:
It's hard to review the story of Boys on the Run properly because, well, there is no story. If the vague synopsis wasn't enough of a warning, let me tell you clearly: this manga isn't sure what story it wants to tell. Sure, it has consistent themes and a message it wants to transmit, but it has no idea how to do it. The results are drastic tone shifts from volume to volume (or arc to arc), abandoned characters/plot points, and, worst of all,
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complete mischaracterizations. For example, a character who used to vehemently believe in something shows up a couple of chapters later advocating against that very belief. While many mangas face similar issues, these character shifts are usually done to reflect the new direction in the story. Unfortunately for Boys on the Run, there is no clear direction, so these character changes feel completely out of place.
This is especially sad in this manga because what really keeps you going are the impeccably written character interactions. The manga, although containing plenty of fight scenes, is at its best when it displays human drama. The MC is a complete disaster of a person, and although he means well, he constantly falls prey to his own worst instincts. This leads to an entertaining dynamic between him and his friends and results in a love drama that is a real page-turner. The author is so skilled at writing these interactions that, even though you know the MC will fail once again, you cannot help but cheer for him. Even when the author scraps an entire cast of characters and plots, leaving you feeling orphaned, the new cast that is introduced leads to equally interesting interactions.
Still, isolated scenes and dynamics can only carry a manga so far. By the end, when you try to make sense of what you just read, all the problems in the plot make themselves crystal clear. If you are a reader who is looking for a great story, this manga is not for you. However, if you are happy to spend a couple of hours reading well-written human drama, you've found the right title.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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