I WANNA BE YOUR GIRL

Akira and Hime’s story of self-discovery continues in this second entry in a translated manga series from Japan.

In Volume 1, Akira, a trans girl, started wearing a skirt to school, while her best friend, Hime, donned a boy’s uniform in solidarity. Now Akira pushes herself to join the soccer club, but she confronts the fact that many of her classmates, including her crush, still see her as a boy. In one scene, which may feel unsettlingly familiar to many trans people, her dad explains why he won’t allow her to grow her hair out, demanding unrealistic levels of self-assurance from Akira while emphasizing societal prejudice and possible future regrets. By contrast, Hime’s parents give her priceless advice: Doubt can open up options, you won’t know how you feel until you act, and you aren’t bound by your initial decision. This story touches on a variety of experiences with identity, including being jealous of others for things you may not even want and the danger of judging others’ appearances, even positively. This volume, which features clean, expressive artwork, also widens the spectrum of identity and gender expressed by the characters. This continuation of the popular webcomic is a must-read for those who enjoyed the first volume.

A straightforward story exploring complex ideas with honesty.