Boys Run The Riot by Keito Gaku

SYNOPSIS:

Boys Run the Riot follows a transgender high school boy named Ryo Watari and his struggles in a school setting that does not accept his gender. His interest in men's fashion leads him to befriend Jin Sato, a cisgender boy who is also an outcast.

REVIEW

Ryo is as realistic a main character as you can get. He is authentically flawed as he is raw; the challenges around him are real and can be felt from panel to panel as he navigates his world. He faces challenges that the everyday person attempts to overcome in an inspiring way and leaves the reader hopeful. When Ryo meets Jin, he finally feels less lonely and realizes he has a way to create something new. Something that doesn't require feelings, just a growing friendship and a little creativity. What these two friends create brings a sense of connection and motivates them to push forward, against all odds, to be successful and be true to who they are.

This book series keeps me coming back for more. I want to see Ryo and Jin become successful, overcome their inner demons and find inner peace. And that's what good storytelling does: inspire you while continuously pulling you in for more.

INTERESTING FACTS:

Keito Gaku is a manga artist and transgender man living in Japan. Gaku is the winner of the 77th Tetsuya Chiba Prize. His debut manga series and first work to be published in English is Boys Run the Riot.