If you are searching for a manga slice of life revolving around queer teenagers and how gender expression can defy gender norms, this story is a perfect fit !

I really enjoyed this first volume with heart-warming characters, especially Makoto who reminded me of Tsubakino from Wind breakers even if the characters are not at the same stage of their journey of self-acceptance. They both embody how men are allowed to be feminine contrary to social expectations.

Thank you NetGalley for this great ARC !

This is a cute start to a school romance. The exploration of gender identity and sexuality was a lot of fun. It was so heartwarming for me to read as someone who is in love with someone who is genderfluid. It’s so adorable and along with it all he has a protective best friend. This comic is one that you read to put a smile on your face and swoon over the adorableness of it all. I had a blast!

Omg I enjoyed this! It was quick and cute, I even laughed out loud. It was just overall cute and not too serious. Literally went to go find the second one and it’s not out yet 😭

DNF about 40% through. This seems like direct translation and can’t understand anything happening? I wanted to like this because the premise is interesting and I love manga but I just am not following the story.

“Senpai is an Otokonoko” Vol. 1 is a sweet and touching story about being yourself and finding friends who accept you. The characters feel very real, and the artwork is lovely. It’s a heartwarming read that makes you want to see what happens next!

Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with the ARC of this book.
#SenpaiIsanOtokonoko #NetGalley

A sweet first volume. This manga has great potential. It could be very good in it's representation of gender identities and sexualities. I am looking forward to how it goes.

And the art. It's beautiful and goofy at times when it needs to be. Hilarious.
I especially loved how the artstyle changes at significant moments.

I liked that Aoi is bisexual. She is an endearing character. Her optimism is fun to see.

The dynamics the characters have each other are heartwarming. I love them.

The chapters with lil babies Ryuji and Makoto were extremely adorable.

I'm very excited to see how this manga develops!

Very cute high school love story with gender fluidity, with a serious edge in examining how repressive strict gendered expectations can be.

Omg thi was so cute and wholesome.
The whole message was so good and the arts type was beautiful..
I can't wait to read the next ones.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for this ARC!

This was such a cute, lighthearted, and wholesome read! Senpai is an Otokonoko introduces a sweet, slow-building story with a lot of heart and charm. I really appreciated the gentle handling of gender expression and identity, and the dynamic between the characters is full of warmth and innocence.

The art style is super clean and expressive, and it really complements the soft, romantic tone of the story. While the plot didn’t totally blow me away, it was definitely an enjoyable and easy read, perfect for when you’re in the mood for something tender and feel-good.

Looking forward to seeing how the characters and their relationships develop in future volumes!

Bi rights bi rights bi rights bi rights

This was so CUTE!!!! A lovely story about love and friendship and self-expression <3

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC!

This was such a cute graphic novel. Makoto has a double life. One life as a boy and one life as a girl. At home he is a boy to appease his mother and at school he dresses like a girl, which is more of his true self. He’s always had an interest in girly things and never really felt like a boy. I’d love to read more as this is just the first installment. Looking forward to seeing this story develop more as well as the characters.

I love it so much! <i>Senpai wa otakonoko is </i> is a wholesome rom com with beautiful art exploring gender and sexuality. It's a fun read and I'll definitely check out the future volumes.

I'm curious to see how Makoto and Saki's relationship progress and it was also nice to see the challenges of being open about your identity, about the loneliness that comes with the freedom and how it impacts you.

<i>*ARC read via netgalley

This was such a cute comic that explored gender expression. I think the topics explored were done so respectfully and in a beautiful way. I throughly enjoyed this and upon finding out that there is an anime to go along with this, I will surely be checking it out.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for this Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my honest review

Let me start by saying I thought the art in this was super cute as is the friendship dynamic between the three main characters. I loved Saki's confidence and how she begins to fall for both sides of Makoto and accepts him no matter how he chooses to present himself.

What I wasn't a big fan of was how she then went a bit too far inserting herself into Makoto's life and when she realised his best friend may also be in love with him, she reacted with "I don't care, he's mine" which irked me. I also didn't like how Makoto has to hide himself for fear of his mother's disappointment towards him.

While I don't see this story as being inherently problematic or damaging to perceptions of the queer community, I also feel personally that it isn't going to be a story that I would personally enjoy, so unfortunately this is a one and done for me.

What a cute and sweet first volume! It's in full color and the illustrations are stunning throughout. The first volume tells the story of Aoi becoming obsessed with making her cross-dressing classmate fall in love with her. It's just so adorable and Ill definitely read further once more volumes come out!

"So, what you're saying is, I get to enjoy both a male and female version of you?! Okay then. . .I guess we're a couple." - Saki


Makoto was ready and prepared to turn down another dare, love letter. Being a boy who cross-dresses he's used to the cruel acts' others will do to have a good time at his expense. But Saki is nothing like he expected! She declares her feelings for him and doesn't run away in disgust when he shows her that he's not a girl.


Instead, Saki is determined to win Makoto's heart! Ryuji however is there and ready to throw Saki out the nearest window if she dares to hurt his childhood friend. Saki gets the sense that Ryuji isn't just protective over Makoto because they're childhood friends. Can Makoto allow Saki to get close to him? Will he reciprocate Saki's feelings for him?


"I'm going to be your first love. Don't say I didn't warn you!" - Saki


I was interested in this read because I've heard about it and I saw the description. I hesitated a little thinking this was going to be an odd fetish thing or making fun of those who cross dress. I'm happy to say I was completely wrong!


Saki's a very genuine, a little weird, and very bold girl. Makoto warned her about what others would think if they were seen in public together. I mean high school is high school no matter where in the world you attend. Kids will be cruel, and vicious judgements will always be there. Saki could care less about all that because she found someone she likes! Doesn't care that Makoto dresses like a girl. Excited and open to seeing both sides of Makoto, dress or pants!


Makoto has walls up and keeps everyone at arm's length except for Ryuji. I could relate to Makoto a lot. Hiding who he truly is and being forced into a gender box. Trying to play the part for someone else outside of school to keep the peace. Our world is so consumed by gender and what's considered "girl" or "boy" things. Refusing to enjoy things or interests because it would be deemed too girly or masculine. When in fact it isn't that simple or strict black and white. I admired Makoto and how he continued being himself at school despite his peers.


This manga had very mild language. High school age MCs, so YA rating and I feel like this is going to be a bit of a slice-of-life read. Hints at a dark past and the reasoning behind Makoto's walls. Funny blackmail that's had between two of the characters. This first installment was light and fluffy with nothing really triggering, but I can tell there are going to be some heavy moments to come.


"She sure is something. Her craziness makes all the stuff I fixate on seem so insignificant." - Makoto


Romance is blooming very slowly! It's one sided as of right now along with an unrequited for another character. I love the cute romance and how Saki is cracking Makoto's armor a little bit at a time. He can't help but allow her in as the read continues and he begins to understand her more. I just love her genuineness and how confident she is! Not to mention this girl has resilience! Ryuji completing the trio and I'm wondering where it will all end!


LGBTQ+ with this read and some questions regarding sexuality. I adored this installment and really want to continue reading the series! I loved the bonus stories at the end and the gorgeous art in between those stories. Pom also includes translation notes at the end! Cannot wait for the next installment!


Enjoy the beginning of a new romcom series! Don't forget to give the author some stars!


Thank you, NetGalley and Kodansha!


shutupandbookup.com

This was cute! I know some readers are asking questions about whether the MC is trans or what, and I feel like the answer is pretty clearly "no" or at least "not yet." Interestingly, his sexuality isn't really addressed either. He just likes girly things and feminine gender expression. From what I can tell, the otokonoko concept is somewhat unique to Japanese media, as opposed to a real-world cultural thing, but I like the way the author played with the 'meaning' of gender here. The MC isn't portrayed as doing something silly, or something to trick his classmates. If anything, he's only described at putting on a show for his mom by intentionally being more traditionally masculine at home.

As a person who thinks about trans stuff a lot, I can see why people would get into this with different expectations. I truly don't think that the artist is portraying or commending on transgender issues at all, so much as playing around with gender expectations. Saki, the underclassman with a big fat crush, isn't particularly girly, and Ryuji, who also has a big fat crush, seems to be attracted to Makoto in general but uncomfortable with what that would mean for his sexuality. In other words, he isn't just attracted to Makoto's feminine persona; he also has pictures of the two of them in boy mode together. Meanwhile, Saki's pretty openly bisexual and seems to have no problem with people knowing it.

My feelings on this could change depending on how the story progresses, but overall I thought this was pretty cute, low-stakes, and doesn't make fun of Makoto's situation. I'll check out more of the story as the series releases.

This book came onto my radar during the Trans Rights Readathon, and while I don't think it's a great fit for that reading initiative (unless the author is openly trans, which a quick Google search doesn't answer so it's none of my business), I do think genderspicy folks will find elements to enjoy. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of book 1.

3.5 stars. This was a nice start! I actually knew about this title since it had an anime adaptation, although I haven't watched it yet so this review is based solely on the first volume from the manga.

The story is about Makoto, a guy that likes to crossdress ane does it at school. One day he receives a confession from a girl, Saki, whom believes Makoto is a girl. Makoto reveals the truth, but turns out Saki doesn't mind. Saki wants to become his first love, but things won't be as easy because Makoto's childhood best friend, Ryuji, is wary of her and protective of Makoto.

I think this serves as a good introduction to the characters and their dynamic, as well as presenting the future themes it might go over in future volumes. We get to know part of Makoto's backstory and his family situation, as well as his history with Ryuji. There's still room to have more of Saki, but I trust it'll be on later volumes.

I really like the topic of a guy being gender non conforming and being confident in it, despite the harsh treatment from others. I don't think we get many characters like that anywhere without them being the comedy relief, or if they aren't that then they don't get to tell more from themselves, so cheers for that.

I also enjoy what seems to be forming between the three, hinting a possible love triangle. I'm the type of reader that likes that element because I enjoy drama, and while this has a slice-of-life tone, I also want to believe it'll give justice to everyone involved no matter the endgame. Ryuji's feelings in particular caught my interest the most, because it seems to have layers and perhaps some awakening underneath.

Overall, this is a nice first volume that starts in a fresh way, with potential to be an interesting depiction of a gender non comforming male MC, while giving commentary about society's treatment towards people like him and having a cast that develops a heartwarming friendship that might end up in some broken hearts.

I love this Manga, it would be a great addition to anyone's collection! I love the humor and the lightheartedness in it. I can't wait to see what is in store!!!

‘Senpai is an Otokonoko: My Crossdressing Classmate 1’ was originally a webtoon; next week is going to be printed in a full-color paperback edition by Kodansha Comics Us on the 17th of June.
I’ve decided to read it, to see the difference with the Italian edition. The Us edition is more beautiful.
It’s a work of art!
The story is simple but complex because it touches many themes that are dear to LGBTQIAP+ community.
It is settled in a Japanese high school and three are the main protagonists:
- Saki Aoi, a cheerful straightforward brunette, she is a first year high school girl who has a crush on an older student, Makoto Senpai, a beautiful blondie!
When Aoi San confess her love to Makoto Senpai, she finds out that Senpai has a secret…Senpai is a guy, a crossdresser. She’s determined to enjoy both version of Makoto. She has always admire him for his gentle eyes, his height and his deep voice.
- Senpai is Makoto Hanoka. In the day, at school, he’s an Otokonoko, he dresses as a girl. The school is a place where he’s free to be himself, to express himself.
In the evening, at home, is just an ordinary guy. He lives with his mother who doesn’t know that her son is a crossdresser, she would not understand. In fact, at the beginning she is drawn without eyes to emphasize her inability to see and understand her child in his true identity.
In addition, Senpai’s figure is associated with flowers: chrysanthemums and lilies. The previous one indicates personal growth, finding the true self, healing and personal transformation. The latter is love, intense emotions and femininity.
The third character is Ryuji, Makoto’s overprotective best friend who will stand for him no matter what! He plays the role of the antagonist, he’s the one who is in competition with Saki San.
The three of them form a love triangle connected with a red string of fate.
What I’ve really appreciated about this manga is the use of colors, the illustration gallery and the notes from the translator.
Senpai’s world together with his friends are drawn and colored with light and pale watercolors, the colors used give us peacefulness.
To point out the stereotypes of society, Makoto sexual attraction to Saki as a guy, and moments of fear and silent of the past, the mangaka uses dark colors such as black, gray and dark brown.
The illustration gallery helps us to figure out the story and the notes from the translator are also important to understand the Japanese words such as Okama, Otokonoko and first names.
In my opinion, there are not negatives elements to list but it’s missing a guide on how to read a manga.
If you want to know how this story ends, wait until next week. This manga is a two-monthly series of 10.

Thank you to Kodansha Comics Us and NetGalley for the ARC!

5 star

Story: 8/10, Art: 8/10, Characters: 8/10, Overall: 8/10
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Blog: www.labardolettrice.it (the review will be posted on the 17th of June)
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