Comic Corner Roundup: July
Comic Corner Roundup is a bi-monthly segment that compiles mini-reviews of comics, graphic novels, and manga that I’ve read recently. Here are my reviews for the month of July which includes a blooming friendship, a newfound passion for running, and finding your identity.
BL Metamorphosis Vol. 1 by Kaori Tsurutani (2018)
Ichinoi, a 75-year-old woman living a peaceful life, unwittingly buys a Boy’s Love manga one day…and is fascinated by what she finds inside. When she returns to the bookstore to buy the next volume, the high school girl working there–Urara, a seasoned BL fan–notices a budding fangirl when she sees one. When Urara offers to help Ichinoi explore this whole new world of fiction, the two dive into BL fandom together, and form an unlikely friendship along the way.
A sweet start to a very wholesome series about two unlikely people bonding over a shared hobby. Urara and Ichinoi are both dealing with loneliness despite dealing with people every day, Urara struggles with growing apart from her childhood friends and social anxiety. Ichinoi is looking for a hobby to help fill the void left by her last husband and wants a change in a mindless routine. Soon the two become best friends despite their background and age gap.
It was heartwarming to see their friendship starts to bloom in this first volume and how they interact with other. While this series is about friendship, it’s also about dismantling stereotypes (with an additional focus on the manga community). This story made me smile and reminded me of friends I’ve made through shared interests and hobbies. I can’t wait to read more of this slice-of-life series!
Final Verdict:
Run on Your New Legs Vol. 1 by Wataru Midori (2020)
Shouta Kikuzato’s hopes of starting on his school’s prestigious soccer team are derailed when a terrible incident costs him his leg. Now in his first year of high school (again), Kikuzato has resigned himself to never reaching his athletic dreams. But when Chidori, a passing prosthetist, notices Kikuzato’s artificial limb— and speed—as he races through the train station, the specialist proposes a Chidori will build Kikuzato a brand-new leg designed solely for speed. All Kikuzato has to do is run!
I am very picky about reading sports manga but something about this series piqued my interest. The story follows Kikuzato who becomes integrated in the world of sports after his leg injury. He finds a newfound passion for running after meeting a prosthetist who gives him a new outlook on life. This series is inspiring and offers representation for people with disabilities. I found myself easily getting immersed into the story and Kikuzato’s journey along with other characters.
While not everyone reads sports manga, I think this series will appeal to a wider audience due to the human nature focus of the plot. Readers see Kikuzato and other para-athletes overcome obstacles and push forward to a brighter future. This series is a good balance of humor and more serious moments. I would like to continue this series and hope they go into more details/nuances of prosthetics.
Final Verdict:
¡Ay, Mija!: My Bilingual Summer in Mexico by Christine Suggs (2023)
Sixteen-year-old Christine takes their first solo trip to Mexico to spend a few weeks with their grandparents and tía. At first, Christine struggles to connect with family they don’t yet share a language with. Seeing the places their mom grew up—the school she went to, the café where she had her first date with their father—Christine becomes more and more aware of the generational differences in their family.
Soon Christine settles into life in Mexico, eating pan dulce, drawing what they see, and growing more comfortable with Spanish. But when Mom joins their trip, Christine’s two worlds collide. They feel homesick for Texas, struggle against traditions, and miss being able to speak to their mom without translating. Eventually, through exploring the impacts of colonialism in both Mexico and themselves, they find their place in their family and start to feel comfortable with their mixed identity.
This graphic novel is inspired by the author’s life and depicts a journey of navigating culture and identity. On top of that, the novel discusses bilingual struggles and themes of belonging. Through Christine’s eyes, we are taken on a journey of a solo trip to Mexico and being reconnected with her family. She slowly settles into her family’s home and learns how to feel comfortable with her mixed heritage.
This story is vulnerable and heartwarming at the same time. It shows the complicated feelings of being a fish out of water and also the beauty of Mexico. I love how Christine drew a mini version of herself that would pop up in times of frustration or joy (it was a cute way of showcasing her most innermost thoughts and emotions). I enjoyed the art style and warm colors used to give depth to the story.
Final Verdict:
What comics, graphic novels or manga have you read lately? Share your thoughts in the comment section below. If you have any recommendations, feel free to share those as well.
