Synopsis
Although he was assigned female at birth, Max is your average trans boy trying to get through high school as himself. But on top of classes, crushes, and coming out, Max’s life is turned upside down when his mom reveals an eons-old family secret: he’s descended from a long line of Magical Girls tasked with defending humanity from a dark, ancient evil! With a sassy feline sidekick and loyal gang of friends by his side, can Max take on his destiny, save the world, and become the next Magical Boy?
From: Scholastic
Notes on This Title
This series was originally published on Tapas, starting in 2018, before being collected in print by Scholastic.
The main character is a trans teen boy who demonstrates attraction to other boys, and who seems to be of Asian descent. The supporting cast includes a lesbian teen girl who may also be of Asian descent, a queer teen boy, and a lesbian Christian teen girl.
The author provides the following content advisory: “This graphic novel contains instances of dead naming, homophobia, transphobia, misgendering, and forced gender expression that may be distressing to some”
Awards
2020 Prism Award for Best Webcomic
Reviews
“Filled with humor and heart, this fantasy series will appear to comic readers of all ages.” (Source: School Library Journal)
“A fast-paced magical story whose protagonist endures intense transphobia.” (Source: Kirkus Reviews)
Interviews
Asia Pacific Arts: “An Interview with Comic Artist the Kao”
The Geekiary: “A Magical Destiny of His Own: An Interview with Vincent Kao (The Kao), Creator of “Magical Boy”“