Yuhki Kamatani – The Hub

Great Graphic Novels (#GGN2022) Featured Review of Boys Run the Riot, v.1 by Keito Gaku

Boys Run the Riot, v.1 by Keito Gaku
Kodansha Comics / Kodansha USA
Publication Dates: May 25, 2021
ISBN: 9781646512485

Ryo spends his days at school and at home without letting anyone know that he is transgender. In his free time, it is only the clothes he wears that make him feel like his true self. When Jin—a new cisgender student who has to repeat the grade Ryo is in—runs into him at a clothing shop, they find that they both have the desire to wear clothes that reflect themselves. Ryo confides in Jin about his gender identity, and the two decide to start their own clothes business with Ryo designing and Jin marketing. Rounding out the group is cisgender classmate Itsuka, who is bullied for his interest in photography. The three work together to create a business that makes clothes that defy people’s assumptions about them.

Great Graphic Novels (#GGN2021) Nominees Round Up, March 19 Edition

Our Dreams at Dusk: Shimanami Tasogare, vol. 4 by Yuhki Kamatani
Seven Seas Entertainment
Publication Date: December 17, 2019
ISBN: 9781642750638

Volume four of Our Dreams at Dusk is the concluding volume of the series. Tchaiko, the eldest member of the drop-in center’s group reveals to Tasuku that his very sick partner is in the hospital. Meanwhile, Saki and her girlfriend start planning their wedding. Tasuku takes this opportunity to make amends with Misora and invite him to attend the wedding. Someone-san reveals her asexuality and the former pressures and societal expectations she faced to date and settle down with someone, which led to her cutting ties with most of the people from her past. Tsubaki continues to find his way and figure out his sexuality. In the meantime, he has become more kind to the drop-in regulars and more accepting of who they are. Saki’s parents are supportive of her marriage and even though Tchaiko has to leave early to say goodbye to his partner, they have a beautiful wedding with everyone in attendance.

Great Graphic Novels (#GGN2020) Nominees Round Up, August 29 Edition

Click here to see all of the current Great Graphic Novels nominees along with more information about the list and past years’ selections.

Our Dreams at Dusk: Shimanami Tasogare, vol. 2 by Yuhki Kamatani
Seven Seas
Publication Date: July 23, 2019
ISBN: 978-1642750614

Having finally come to terms with his sexuality, Tasuku starts visiting the drop-in-center more often and begins feeling more at home there. Through insults and prying questions, Misora Shuji (who also frequents the drop-in-center) wrangles into an unlikely friendship with Tasuku. Misora enjoys dressing in girls clothing, wigs and makeup. Not sure what this means for Misora’s gender identity, he lashes out at others as he wrestles with figuring out if he just enjoys dressing up as a girl or if he identifies as female. Tasuku, who understands Misora’s struggles is kind to him and they soon become friends. However, during one evening festival where Misora is encouraged by Tasuku to dress in girl’s clothes, Misora is inappropriately touched and lashes out at Tasuku, calling him names and revealing secrets Tasuku would rather keep private. Misora stops visiting the drop-in-center altogether, while the classmate Tasuku is crushing on just might have found out Tasuku’s secret.

Continue reading Great Graphic Novels (#GGN2020) Nominees Round Up, August 29 Edition

Great Graphic Novels (#GGN2020) Nominees Round Up, June 27 Edition

Click here to see all of the current Great Graphic Novels nominees along with more information about the list and past years’ selections.

Quincredible, Vol. 1: Quest to Be the Best! by Rodney Barnes and Selina Espiritu
Roar / Lion Forge
Publication Date: June 4, 2019
ISBN: 9781549302824

Quinton West is a seemingly normal high school kid, trying to fit in while dealing with crushes, parental pressure, and neighborhood bullies. But normalcy is not an option because Quin is Enhanced, invulnerable to physical harm. After witnessing a riot, Quin decides to take action to help his community. However, his career as a crime-stopping superhero is quickly derailed as his identity becomes known and his parents are taken hostage. With the help of other Enhanced heroes, Quin must work quickly to save his parents and their community.

Continue reading Great Graphic Novels (#GGN2020) Nominees Round Up, June 27 Edition