A review by leonalikesliterature
Boy Meets Maria by PEYO, Kōsei Eguchi
dark
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
A heart-wrenching and beautiful manga that explores how one’s gender identity intersects with their personhood.
I felt conflicted about Yuu’s character. I sort of wish Yuu’s story hadn’t been just based on their r@pe and that their gender confusion wasn’t rooted in multiple layers of trauma, because the story does perpetuate the idea that people are trans or nonbinary because they are traumatized. There are also a lot of questionable scenes or words said between the two leads that I think crossed multiple lines, which is a shame because Taiga and Arima were so cute together when they were sweet.
Overall, this story was tragic, and at times also funny and up-lifting, however, it was definitely imperfect.
I felt conflicted about Yuu’s character. I sort of wish Yuu’s story hadn’t been just based on their r@pe and that their gender confusion wasn’t rooted in multiple layers of trauma, because the story does perpetuate the idea that people are trans or nonbinary because they are traumatized. There are also a lot of questionable scenes or words said between the two leads that I think crossed multiple lines, which is a shame because Taiga and Arima were so cute together when they were sweet.
Overall, this story was tragic, and at times also funny and up-lifting, however, it was definitely imperfect.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual violence, Transphobia, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, and Homophobia