Stuff i read this week

The Girl I Saved on the Train Turned Out to be my Childhood Friend Vol. 1

“Why is it like that?” That’s something I heard two girls in my local comic shop say about “My Dress-Up Darling” They had a short discussion about it and ultimately, they decided it was gross and unnecessary sexualising women and therefore, essentially, of no real value. It wasn’t ‘wholesome’ and was therefore gross I guess. I think they are DEAD wrong and I could talk about why that book is so incredibly designed for hours, but yeah whilst they were talking about that- I was busy buying this fucking book. I thought about that conversation a lot whilst reading this. Why is “The Girl I Saved on the Tain” like THIS?

Dress-Up Darling is overtly horny at times, it knows it’s a story about two teens, and heck stuff happens- they are working through THINGS, but at its core, it’s a DEEPLY sweet and dare I say it a ‘wholesome’ romance. Sexual stuff always happens for a clear reason, there’s a real intent to the gaze and it’s really interesting. Gaze in that book isn't just perverted leering. Its always used to represent something in the story, quite often embarrassment, cos these two kids are HOPELESS. But yeah, the important thing is that gaze has a narrative & design purpose.

As of writing these notes, I’ve not finished reading this volume but like, it’s kinda the opposite. This book has WHOLESOME vibes, its dressed up to look sweet and innocent, but dang- what’s up with the gaze? Why is there like a five-page bit about how big and soft protag-kun's sister's tits are? Why are there long panels just focusing on how sexy his mum's legs look in tights? Like, what’s going on here?!? What is the gaze in this book trying to imply?!? Does the source light novel have like, pages about how hot this guy's mum is?!? I'm guessing not, as its all going to be from his perspective? Hes not sitting there thinking WOW MY MUM SURE IS HOT LOOK HOW SEXY HER LEGS ARE WTF THATS CRAAAAZY. So why is the manga LIKE this?

But yeah, it’s hot garbage and there’s a billion books like this- but usually there’s SOMETHING there to grab on to - I don’t expect every romantic manga primarily aimed at young boys to be a masterpiece but like… there’s gotta be something redeeming!! Why is “the girl j saved on the train” like this?

4/10 not recommended (i have more volumes tho lol RIP me)

Its real good?! I do love these characters a LOT and it's a shame it just ends at what seems like a significant turning point in both of their lives... Even more so as the last chapter spends a good number of pages building up Ibuki's friends. There's a cool second arc hook being set up that just never happens. It's sad, but like, at least these 6 chapters exist!!

Dynasty Link

This would 100% make me fall in lesbians with her