In the concluding volume of Naoto Asahara’s semi-autobiographical manga series She Likes Gays but Not Me, readers follow the journey of Jun Andou, a young man grappling with his sexual identity and the societal pressures that come with it. The narrative, which unfolds against a backdrop of high school drama and personal turmoil, presents a poignant exploration of friendship, acceptance, and the complex realities faced by those in the LGBTQ+ community.
Set within an unnamed school, the story introduces Jun, who has concealed his homosexuality from his peers. His life intertwines with Sae Miura, a talented artist and devoted fujoshi, who becomes romantically involved with him. However, the complexities intensify when Sae discovers Jun’s secret affair with the much older Makoto-san, leading to a confrontation that tests their relationship. The tension escalates when a classmate overhears their argument and exposes Jun’s sexuality, resulting in a traumatic episode where Jun attempts suicide, although he survives the serious injuries he sustains.
In response to this incident, the school initiates human resources sessions aimed at fostering tolerance and understanding amongst students. By the school year’s end, Sae, who has won an art prize, uses her platform at the closing assembly to advocate for acceptance and shed light on her friendship with Jun, even refraining from naming him directly. In a defiant move, she insists on her love for him, culminating in a kiss celebrated by their classmates, suggesting a newfound bond of understanding between them despite the absence of a romantic future.
As they approach the end of the school year, Jun and Sae plan a trip to the seaside with a dual purpose; while it’s framed as a getaway, the real intent is for Jun to visit the family of ‘Mr. Fahrenheit,’ a young man with whom he developed an intense but virtual friendship. Tragically, this individual had taken his own life following the death of his older boyfriend, leaving behind a farewell gift of a Queen CD. The visit to Mr. Fahrenheit’s grieving mother encourages further reflection for Jun as he uncovers shocking revelations about the young man he never met in person.
The third and final volume delves into the nuances of Jun and Sae’s relationship as they navigate the complexities of their friendship following the harrowing experiences they’ve faced. It highlights themes of mutual respect and the need for personal growth, with both characters demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity. However, critics note the challenges within the narrative, including depictions of Jun’s complex relationships, particularly with older individuals, as well as Sae’s portrayal as a fujoshi. The series, while shedding light on significant issues such as suicide and homophobia, may also evoke discomfort due to its treatment of sensitive subjects.
The translation by Leighann Harvey, with lettering by Rochelle Gancia, is noted for maintaining the spirit of Asahara’s work while providing clarity through translation notes. The volume includes visually appealing colour pages, enhancing the overall reading experience.
As the final chapter closes, She Likes Gays but Not Me presents a mix of hope and complexity. While the characters emerge stronger from their struggles, the series acknowledges the weight of the issues it tackles, leaving readers to consider the broader implications of acceptance and understanding within society. The personal nature of Asahara’s narrative, especially following the author’s untimely death in 2023 at the age of 38, adds a layer of poignancy to the story, prompting reflections on the challenges faced by individuals within the LGBT community.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://asianmoviepulse.com/2024/05/manga-review-she-likes-the-gays-but-not-me-vol-1/ – Corroborates the plot and themes of ‘She Likes Gays, but Not Me,’ including Jun’s secret affair, his relationship with Sae Miura, and the societal pressures he faces.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanojo_ga_Suki_na_Mono_wa_Homo_de_Atte_Boku_de_wa_Nai – Provides details about the novel’s plot, characters, and themes, including Jun’s identity, his relationship with Makoto and Mr. Fahrenheit, and Sae Miura’s role.
- https://asianmoviepulse.com/2024/05/manga-review-she-likes-the-gays-but-not-me-vol-1/ – Discusses the critical reception of the manga, including the depiction of sensitive subjects and the complex relationships between characters.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanojo_ga_Suki_na_Mono_wa_Homo_de_Atte_Boku_de_wa_Nai – Details the incident where Jun attempts suicide and the subsequent support from Sae Miura at the school assembly.
- https://asianmoviepulse.com/2024/05/manga-review-she-likes-the-gays-but-not-me-vol-1/ – Highlights the themes of mutual respect, personal growth, and the nuances of Jun and Sae’s relationship after their harrowing experiences.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanojo_ga_Suki_na_Mono_wa_Homo_de_Atte_Boku_de_wa_Nai – Explains the visit to Mr. Fahrenheit’s grieving mother and the reflections it prompts for Jun.
- https://asianmoviepulse.com/2024/05/manga-review-she-likes-the-gays-but-not-me-vol-1/ – Mentions the translation and lettering work by Leighann Harvey and Rochelle Gancia, and the inclusion of visually appealing color pages.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanojo_ga_Suki_na_Mono_wa_Homo_de_Atte_Boku_de_wa_Nai – Provides context on the author, Naoto Asahara, and the personal nature of his narrative.
- https://asianmoviepulse.com/2024/05/manga-review-she-likes-the-gays-but-not-me-vol-1/ – Discusses the mix of hope and complexity in the series’ conclusion and the broader implications of acceptance and understanding within society.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanojo_ga_Suki_na_Mono_wa_Homo_de_Atte_Boku_de_wa_Nai – Corroborates the personal nature of Asahara’s narrative, especially following his untimely death in 2023.
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