Synopsis
A transgender teen named Ryo finds an escape from the expectations and anxieties of his daily life in the world of street fashion. This personal, heartfelt, fictional story from a transgender manga creator made waves in Japan and will inspire readers all over the world!
Notes on This Title
Boys Run the Riot is written and drawn by a transgender cartoonist (Keito Gaku) and translated into English for Kodansha USA by a transgender translator (Leo McDonagh).
The main character is a transgender teenage boy. A genderqueer and genderfluid transfeminine supporting character is introduced at the end of the first volume.
Awards
2021 Harvey Awards Nominee for Best Manga
2022 YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens
Reviews
“Through carefully paced writing and well-laid-out art, Gaku is off to a strong and promising start with Boys Run The Riot Vol. 1. By using a somewhat realistic art style and occasional use of color, Gaku succinctly introduces his main characters and their respective struggles in a way that gets readers to sympathize with them right away. His characters are all given highly distinguishable looks and body language, while Gaku’s thoughtful plotting also creates unique opportunities for his characters to grow. Most importantly, he engages readers with highly relatable themes, such as acceptance, the meaning of friendship and the importance of having a strong support system.” (Source: CBR)
“When I read this manga, I very much got the sense that, while fictional, these feelings were coming straight from the heart of someone who has felt this way before. What’s powerful about that, to me, is that Ryo’s struggles are instantly relatable – even if you yourself aren’t trans. A lot of folks assume that it’s difficult to understand something outside of their wheelhouse. This manga shows that, actually, it isn’t, if you take the time to sit down and really take in what’s in front of you.” (Source: The Mary Sue)
Interviews
Kodansha US: “Making Manga: Keito Gaku on BOYS RUN THE RIOT”