A review by nmcannon
That Blue Sky Feeling, Vol. 3 by Okura

lighthearted reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

That Blue Sky Feeling’s happy BL vibes and soft art style drew me in, and I can’t say I’m disappointed! What a cute story! This review covers the whole manga. 

Noshiro may be the new kid at his high school, but he’s had no trouble making friends. The lonely one is Sanada, who has been lurking in the corner growing mushrooms since middle school. Curious, Noshiro proclaims that he and Sanada will become besties. What follows is a soft, adorable manga about a young man questioning his identity and relationships after meeting his first queer person.

As someone who was once in Noshiro’s shoes, That Blue Sky Feeling is a highly relatable manga. With the round lines and abundance of circles, the art style is as wholesome as a hug. The plot is low-stakes, and the slice-of-life themes center friendship and being kind to those who are different. While I was frustrated that Noshiro backslid in his feminism during the second volume, I found his struggles very realistic. It takes time and effort to unlearn heteronormativity. The most surprising thing was that Sanada’s ex-boyfriend is an adult man. That relationship is a hard sell in the USA, with our rising neo-puritanism and Christian fundamentalism, but that’s on us, not Okura-san. I wasn’t squicked out. The older man acted more like a mentor than a boyfriend. Also fat characters! Fat characters who aren’t told to lose weight! Fat characters who are described as attractive! YESSSSSSS.

At three volumes, That Blue Sky Feeling is a quick, feel-good story about Noshiro coming into his own. Treat yourself to it! 
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