ボーイズ・ラン・ザ・ライオット, Bōizu Ran za Raiotto
Genre: Coming-of-age, Drama, LGBTQ, School Life, Seinen
Written By: Keito Gaku
Publisher: Kodansha
Magazine: Weekly Young Jump
Volumes: 4
Summary
This volume focused more on Boys Run The Riot developing their brand more as well as Watari is trying to see if he’s able to come out to others. It’s a very bumpy road but eventually, he’s able to talk about it with someone other than Jin and Itsuka. The trio celebrate their success at making a sale. They realize in order to continue, they need to partner with an actual store to sell their clothes. Jin decides to meet with a popular, local store. However, the meeting doesn’t goes as planned. The manager essentially doesn’t want to take a gamble on high school kids with no sound reputation. That’s fair but Jin didn’t handle it well and proceeded to….stand on the table and fart in his face. Oh, Jin. This is when they decide to save up money and make more product.
In order to earn more money, they all decide to get part-time jobs. One of the first conflicts is Watari not being sure on how to make his applications, whether male or female. Instead, he decides to just talk with the manager and come clean. The first job interview was for a karoke bar. Watari tells the manager that he identifies as male and would like to be treated as such. The manager was okay until he wanted to also use the men’s bathroom and wear the male uniforms.
Before the manager can finish his sentence, Watari leaves. Good for him! Next, he applies for a job at an Izakaya. For those unfamiliar, an Izakaya is basically like an informal bar where they serve drinks and snacks. He meets Mizuki who helps him to come out of his shell more. There’s also Shimada and Koike, employees at the Izakaya.
With the last few chapters, there’s a lot going on. First off, Watari and Mizuki have a ‘Welcome’ party for Watari with the other two employees. Pretty soon, it becomes apparent that it was a set-up to get them both isolated so they could hit on them. After that, things get awkward at work with the two guys ignoring both Watari and Mizuki. In between this, BRTR (Boys Run The Riot) manage to snag a deal with a popular LGBTQ youtuber, Tsubasa.
She’s the cousin of their classmate, Yutaka Kashiwabara. He’s often seen with the bully guy from the first volume. Anyway, they come to a deal where she would talk about them on her next video, only if they got a better website to help their brand. A photoshoot ensues and this causes Watari to realize he wanted to come out to Shimada.
Later, Watari manages to corner Shimada and talk to him. The conversation was just the starting point but I could see the bond forming between the two. Also, I believe Watari is confused for his feelings and has a crush on Shimada, making him bisexual since he also likes his friend Chika. Shimada’s reaction wasn’t as bad as he thought it would be. He did say he was interested in him because he thought he was a girl and Watari replies back saying he wants him to respect him as a man. Then he jumps off the bridge into the water. The jury is still out with this budding relationship.
The final few pages really leave the volume off on a cliffhanger. The gang gets together to se the premiere of Tsubasa’s video, only to discover that she was using actual photos. I’m not sure why but instead of just mention the website and brand, she posts the pictures they took. Now, this might seem like no big deal but remember; Watari is not out yet to anyone except his two friends, Mizuki, and Shimada. This is a popular youtuber that everyone at his school watches. They all watch in horror as Watari’s worries have just begun.
Characters
Mizuki Momose
She’s one of the employees at the Izakaya Watari works at. She’s an art student with a free spirit. Also Watari’s first kiss.
Shimada
Another employee at the Izakaya. He’s into motorcycles and initially had a crush on Watari. One of the few people that knows he is transgender.
Tsubasa
She’s a popular make up Youtuber who is also the older cousin of Watari’s classmate. Not much is known of her but she did accidently out Watari in her video.
Yutaka Kashiwabara
A classmate who is usually seen with Watari’s bully. Secretly supports BRTR and was their first sale.
Highlights
- *Facepalm* Jin passing gas in front of the store manager
- Watari coming out to Mizuki (even though she guessed it herself)
- We got more of Model Jin!
Conclusion
Another amazing chapter! While I was annoyed at the end, I could also see a potential argument for Tsubasa. How can you brand yourself without showing photos of your new website? I thought the photos were specifically to go on the website? I’m guessing maybe they just weren’t going to include Watari? I don’t know, should’ve been discussed more. Mizuki is an interesting character. I look forward to getting to know her more. Personally, I think she’s got a secret or two as well. My predictions for the next volume will be Watari will be pissed at Tsubasa. Perhaps Shimada may be more comfortable around Watari? All in all, another 5 Onigiri rating!
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