Exploring Identity in Boys Run the Riot: The Transgender Manga That Breaks Boundaries

Well now, you wouldn’t believe it, but I’ve been hearin’ all sorts of talk ‘bout this manga called Boys Run the Riot. Folks say it’s a real big deal. It’s all about a young boy, named Ryo Watari, who’s fightin’ somethin’ deep inside, you know? Not just any fight, mind you, but a fight that a lot of young ones are dealin’ with these days—feelin’ like they ain’t in the right body. Ryo, he’s transgender, you see? And this manga follows his struggles. Now, I don’t know much about fancy words or big city things, but what I do know is, this manga tells a story about a boy who’s tryin’ to be who he really is in a world that ain’t too kind to him.

Now, Ryo, he don’t just sit there feelin’ sorry for himself. No sir. He’s a smart one, Ryo. He gets into this world of street fashion, tryin’ to express himself in a way that makes him feel free. It’s a bit like when folks out here in the village dress up nice for the harvest festival, or put on their best clothes when they go to town. It’s more than just clothes, though. It’s like a whole different world for him, where he ain’t judged for what’s on the outside. And he don’t do it alone neither. He’s got some friends who help him out along the way. They start a little fashion brand together. Now, that’s somethin’ real special, don’t you think?

Ryo, he’s got a tough time in school, though. Ain’t nobody easy on him there, seein’ as he don’t fit in with the rest of the boys. They don’t know how to treat him, and that brings him a lot of hurt. It’s like when I see folks talkin’ bad ‘bout someone just ‘cause they’re different. Ain’t right, is it? It’s like in the manga, folks don’t understand Ryo. They don’t get that he just wants to be himself, and all he’s doin’ is lookin’ for a little peace. But he don’t give up, no, not Ryo. He keeps pushin’, tryin’ to find his way.

Boys Run the Riot don’t just show the tough times though. It shows the good parts too. It shows how important it is to find a place where you belong, where you can express yourself without fear. The manga’s got a real heart to it, and that’s what I think makes it so special. Even if it’s about a young boy who’s different, it speaks to somethin’ we all feel. Every one of us wants to be accepted for who we are, whether we’re in the village or in a big city.

And lemme tell ya, this manga wasn’t just somethin’ folks liked to read. It got real good recognition too. They nominated it for some big award, the Harvey Award, for the best manga. That’s a big deal, if you ask me. It shows that even though it might be a story that’s new to some folks, it’s something that’s reachin’ out and touchin’ lives all over the place. They even said it was one of the top 10 mangas of 2021. Now, I don’t know about all these fancy rankings, but I reckon that says a lot.

But it ain’t all wrapped up nice and tidy. Nah, it ain’t like that. The manga’s last volume, Volume 4, kinda left some things hangin’. See, Ryo starts to open up to someone, and the story hints at a bit of love interest. But there’s a lot that don’t get settled. Now, that can leave a person a little frustrated, don’t ya think? Wantin’ to know what happens next, but not gettin’ the full story. Still, the whole journey is worth it. It’s a story about findin’ yourself, fightin’ for your right to be who you are, and not lettin’ the world shut you down.

It don’t matter whether you’re a boy, a girl, or somethin’ else. Boys Run the Riot tells a story that could help anyone who’s out there feelin’ like they don’t fit in, like they ain’t enough. The manga ain’t just somethin’ to read, it’s somethin’ that could change how folks see each other. It’s a powerful thing, when you think about it. And you know what? That’s somethin’ we could all learn a little more about, don’t you think?

• Author: Keito Gaku
• Genre: Manga, LGBTQ+, Drama
• Plot: A transgender boy’s journey to self-expression through fashion
• Year Published: 2020 to 2021
• Notable Awards: Nominated for Harvey Award, top 10 manga of 2021

So, if you ever get the chance, maybe give this manga a read. I reckon it might make you think a little more about what it means to be yourself. Ain’t that somethin’ we all could use a bit more of?

Tags：[Boys Run the Riot, Manga, Transgender, LGBTQ+, Ryo Watari, Fashion, Street Fashion, Drama, Japanese Manga, Keito Gaku]