Every quarter we are running a Manga Review Contest where you can submit a review from a selected list of manga. If you want to participate or learn more, click the link. Continue on to see what a fellow customer thought about the insightful LGTBQ+ manga X-Gender Volume 1.
This review is written by Hailey
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I'm always excited when a new manga is announced based around the community. Even more so when it focuses on non-binary individuals like myself. When I found out X-Gender was an autobiographical manga, I thought maybe it'd be similar to The Bride Was a Boy. Though they do share similarities, X-Gender isn't so much about Asuka Miyazaki becoming their authentic self (they already know who they are), but more so about their journey of finding a romantic partner who can love and understand them without having to settle like others they used to know.
The feelings portrayed in this are so uncensored and direct; I personally found them to be incredibly relatable. Not only does Miyazaki feel "othered" due to their identity but also due to their strong feelings in regards to "settling" for a man along with having no interest in having children, they feel all the more alienated than they already are from social circles. Be warned though, they have a tendency to discuss things that may come off as uncomfortable to some (though it was interesting to see they did include a trigger warning beforehand). There are moments where Miyazaki's strong feelings can come off as almost humorous, but simultaneously there are times when they may come off as almost unlikable and potentially off-putting in the most unapologetic way possible. It may be worth noting that reading the first few pages of the last chapter at the end first might be beneficial to help the reader's understanding.
Overall, this was quite an interesting read and a very different take on this sort of subject. While shedding some light on what it's like to be non-binary in Japan and in search of a partner, we're also shown some of the societal pressures 30-something-year-olds may experience, as well as a brief look at Miyazaki's ongoing battle with mental illness and how they cope. Most of all, what I found incredibly intriguing is how recent everything that takes place is. As in the past maybe four or five years kind of recent, which makes me very interested in reading their next volume, meant to take place in 2020, though again, the events of that one may be too soon and too relatable for some readers.
Check back every month for our manga review contest page as we will be adding new manga to the list! Don't forget to submit your reviews for a chance to win a $75 gift card like Hailey did!
X-Gender Manga Volume 1
Asuka is neither a woman nor a man—they're X-gender (a non-binary identity)—and they've realized they like women! Okay, now what? Adult films are fun to watch, but real sex is less appealing. Would having a penis make that better or worse? Periods already suck, and sex means more fluids from more people! This autobiographical manga follows Asuka's feelings about their body, their relationships, and the fun (and sometimes terrible) experience of having an awakening in their thirties.
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