Hello, hello, my lovely Misfits,
And welcome to a new blog for Manga Magic. Wohooo. And it seems I am sticking to the movie theme, doesn’t it. Because yes, today I wanna talk about another manga that got turned into a movie. And I think this movie still doesn’t get the recognition it deserves as it’s really touching on an interesting and unique topic.
The manga this week is
Wait For Me At Ugadawa
Udagawachou De Mattete Yo
By Hideyoshico.
This manga is already a bit older, being first published in 2012. But it still packs quite a punch in my humble opinion. It talks about the topic of cross dressing which back in the day was more present than today as it was often seen as a more acceptable way to be then coming out as trans. So this story could definitely be read as a trans love story, but I also don’t want to deny that there are definitely people in the world that also just enjoy cross dressing without it having anything to do with their gender identity. Which one is the case in this love story? I think that one I leave for you to decide for yourself. Either way it’s a fantastic love story that touches the heart.
And with this quick disclaimer at the beginning of this story, let’s dive into this unique and special story.
What Is It About?
Momose is quite shocked when he sees his classmate Yashiro in Ugawa, because Yashiro is dressed completely like a girl, high heels, dress, a wig and make up all included. And suddenly Momose can’t help but be drawn to the other boy. Why is Yashiro doing this? And why is he looking so incredibly sexy in these clothes?
Before Yashiro even has a chance to say no, Momose pushes himself into his life. Which starts a journey of self discovery for both of the boys. While they are trying to find the right labels for themselves it turns out that they are the happiest without any of them.
Why Did I Buy It?
I have watched the movie quite a few times already. I think it really touches on an interesting topic which we rarely see and therefore it always was a stand out for me. So when I saw the book in the store I just couldn’t pass it up. Funnily enough I wouldn’t have bought it due to the cover again, just like last week with 7 Days. But again this cover is very pedestrian.
Age Rating?
The rating is 16+ and I think that’s a fair assumption. There are some more graphic scenes, but nothing we are usually used to with 18+ stuff. So it’s a bit more tame. But there are also scenes in it where the consent is a bit blurry. It fits the storyline and no one gets hurt, but if you are a bit sensitive in that area, I might wait for a good day to give this one a try.
How Did I Like It?
Shock, horror. I liked it more than the movie. Yes, yes. Me, the TV nerd, likes the BOOK more than the adaptation. That is a rare occurrence when I watch a movie before I read the book. I usually always prefer the movie in these cases. But in this case I really think that the storyline is a lot more fleshed out in the manga than it is in the movie. You can follow the characters so well and you understand them a bit better than in the movie. And again the storyline is just so wonderful and new and even though there are some tough scenes in this manga there are also a lot of really heartwarming events happening.
What I also found very impressive is that this book gave me questions for myself. Like nothing as big as thinking about my own sexuality or something along those lines. More about wanting to be happy and how you can achieve that? How much should you bend to fit into the mould that society likes to press us into? It also tells this beautiful love story of two people who always felt they were too weird for love. But all that you need is to find the right person. Because for the right person, you are perfect, whatever way you are.
Final Impression?
I have to admit that I am not the biggest fan of the drawings. I know, I know. I am so extremely specific in this. But I can’t help it. For me it’s a bit too messy but it somehow also adds to the charm of the book as it really feels very flowy and light while you are reading it.
So I would definitely recommend this manga if you are looking for something new to give a try. I really liked the storyline, just as I did in the movie and I am again very happy to see the portrayal of someone we usually wouldn’t see. So props for that.
How Many Pink Milks?
(Zero Pink Milks mean “no fluff at all”, five Pink Milks mean “you gonna die of diabetes”)
2
How Many Chilli Peppers?
(Zero Chillies mean “not even a kiss”, five Chillies mean “don’t read in company”)
3
How Many Hearts?
(Zero Hearts mean “hated it with a passion”, five Hearts mean “totally loved it”)
4
And with this I shall leave you alone again. Let me see if I can find another manga turned into a movie or series for next week. I am sure there is one more lurking somewhere.
First posted on BLDA
Your Heart's Content 