MANGA REVIEW | "Senpai is an Otokonoko" - Volume One
Makoto Hanaoka may seem like your ordinary high school girl. However, those who are close to them know they are anything but. When Saki Aoi confesses her feelings to Makoto, they let the cat out of the bag: they’re not a girl; they’re a boy who enjoys cross-dressing. But what’s even wilder than that is Aoi’s reaction to the news: she’s excited! Thus begins Senpai is an Otokonoko, a tale of a trio of friends interlocked into a love triangle.
At first, Makoto has no idea how to handle a person like Aoi. In the past, many boys have “confessed” their feelings to Makoto, only for it to be a cruel prank. However, Aoi’s different. Even when presented with the truth, the kouhai still wants to get close to them. It sets off alarms in the head of Makoto’s childhood friend Ryuji, who doesn’t buy the fact that she has the hots for a cross-dresser. Nevertheless, the three decide to hang out regularly, as Aoi gets to know the real Makoto outside of their high school girl garb.
You quickly get the feeling that Ryuji also has feelings for Makoto. Despite denying it, the fact that Ryuji keeps a picture of them in his wallet makes it seem like the complete opposite is true. It’s a sign that things might get complicated in the future for the two of them. But for now, the focus is on their continuing growing friendship, with a third wheel added to the mix.
As someone who watched the anime adaptation last summer, I can tell you that the first volume of Senpai is an Otokonoko barely scratches the surface of the story. Here, we’re presented with more lighthearted stuff, ranging from rooftop lunches and fireworks fun to Aoi visiting Makoto’s house for the first time. The latter, which also introduces Makoto’s mother, only gives you a hint as to what her true mentality is like when it comes to how she wants to see her son.
Don’t get me wrong: this manga is very funny. In fact, it’s one of the rare crossdressing-focused manga that laughs alongside the protagonist rather than laughs at them. With that being said, the series will often take a sharp left turn when it comes to Makoto’s relationship with their mother, Ryuji attempting to figure out his sexual orientation, and Aoi’s perspective on love and romance. Let me be perfectly clear: there’s a lot of heavy shit that’s going to happen in this manga, so it’s best to be prepared.
I say all of this because the first volume of Senpai is an Otokonoko doesn’t give the slightest hint of these future speed bumps. Yes, we may see a glimpse of Makoto’s mother trying to convince them to buy something less girly. There’s also the fact that Makoto switches out of their clothes before and after school, with the girl’s uniform and wig hidden carefully in a secret locker. Nary a sign of context can be found for why these moments occur, and — honestly — it makes for the moments when the other shoe drops to be both powerful and harrowing.
Yet here, we merely see Makoto, Aoi, and Ryuji acting like complete dorks with one another. Why? Because they’re in high school, and that’s exactly how high schoolers act. That dorkiness is amplified in Pom’s art style, as she switches between the gorgeous and the goofy at the drop of a hat. Surprisingly, even when the sillier visuals appear, it doesn’t take you out of the moment. Instead, it adds a warmth to the scenario, showcasing just how endearing these characters are.
Senpai is an Otokonoko doesn’t show all of its cards in its first volume. Those who watched the anime version will know the kinds of roads these characters will tread. But to those who are going to start out with the manga version, you’ll first be treated to a fun and heartfelt tale of love and friendship. However, don’t say I didn’t warn you when Senpai is an Otokonoko throws a gut punch at you!
FINAL GRADE:
Promotional consideration provided by Kodansha Manga. In stores June 17th!
