My Boy Manga Volume 1 Review

-Written by: Jenny Lau and Quinn

Two RightstufAnime staff members were interested in reading My Boy. They decided it would be fun to post their chatroom discussion as a manga review! Let's see what they had to say about this story!

• Jenny
  So I just finished My Boy Manga
  
• Quinn
  Me too!
• Jenny I hesitated at first about the manga because I didn't think I would enjoy the story but it was better than expected what did you think?
• Quinn
  Yeah, that back cover makes you think there's going to be some squirm worthy interactions, but it's totally NOT!
• Jenny
  agreed!
• Quinn
  Satoko's motherly instincts have just kicked in, and though I can totally see that there's build up for outsiders looking in to take things the wrong way about her relationship with Mashuu...it's a very innocent story.
  My Boy deals with some very heavy themes: from emotionally detached parents and kids who practically raise themselves.
• Jenny
  Yes absolutely! I would like to add, I understood where Satoko was coming from. She wants to help out and make sure this boy is safe. Family shouldn't be just about your blood relations but it should include your friends and adult mentors that you trust!
• Quinn
  Exactly.
• Jenny
  I found another interesting point in the manga that old and young can learn from each other too! I learned a couple life things from the boy, Mashuu on how to deal with loneliness, and rejection. And from Satoko, I learned that it is okay to not have it all.
  Yes! The Themes are HEAVY!
• Quinn
  Talk about two lonely people! These two definitely have a void in their lives and they're filling that void with each other's company. I have to hand it to Satoko too as she's obviously recognized that her mind occasionally substitutes Mashuu as a stand-in "boyfriend" since people start asking about why she's suddenly become busy. She's taking him to soccer practices, but they all think she's got a mysterious new boyfriend! She never acts on any impulses though and maintains a safe relationship with Mashuu. Satoko actually uses this to dig up the courage to dislodge her boss who's infatuated with her! You go, girl!
• Jenny
  Exactly, I think its great that she wants to stay away from her boss! Plus, office romances are complicated anyways
  I am wondering what will happen in the next volume
  I know we will probably see more of that boss drama lol
• Quinn
  I know, right? Out of the entire series her boss acts the most inappropriate! I do want to talk about Mashuu too since he is a bit naive when it comes to the real world, but he's so kind. The scene where his classmate realizes he's always alone was so heartbreaking!
• Jenny
  And although he is alone, he is always willing to lend a hand or be the good listener when someone needs it! #Kindnessmatters
• Quinn
  I always wonder how anyone can be so sweet when Mashuu obviously has emotionally detached parents. I wanted to just hit his dad after Mashuu tells Satoko that, "My dad said I could play soccer as long as he doesn't have to do anything." Really!?
• Jenny
  Right?! #Kidsfirst Ya both of them have toxic moms too
• Quinn
  Does Mashuu even have a mom? I know he has a sibling (who sounds like they're doted on). I'd really like to know Mashuu's family dynamics as that really hasn't been explored yet.
• Jenny
  The suspense burns on Mashuu's family! And don't you think Satako also represents the adults scarred by emotionally detached parents? Her past keeps haunting her
• Quinn
  Agreed. She's definitely got some emotional baggage, but she's obviously working hard to make a better life for herself.
• Jenny
  Both of these characters build each other's strength!
• Quinn
  And they do such a good job of lifting each other's spirits just by being there. I just have to say that if anyone out there thinks that "My Boy" is just another "Super Lovers" it totally is NOT and you'll be missing out on such a great title if you just pass it by. I'm really looking forward to the next volume!
• Jenny
  Can't wait for volume 2 as well!