Breaking news! I’m coming out to tell you that a new manga from Square-Enix is hitting the shelves. Penned by Okura, うちの息子はたぶんゲイ is finally being released in English under the title I Think Our Son is Gay. We’ve covered this manga before, and I’m excited to see it finally getting its deserved widespread release, just in time for Pride Month, this year.
So What’s This Manga About?
Recapping for those new to the series, I Think Our Son is Gay isn’t exactly a Boy’s Love series. The manga follows the adolescent life of a first-year high school student named Hiroki. While the first chapter concludes with him accepting himself, he isn’t exactly ready to be open about his sexuality with his friends or family.
Yet, as the title implies, I Think Our Son is Gay isn’t told from Hiroki’s perspective. Instead, the manga is narrated almost entirely by his mother, and occasionally his younger brother in later chapters. Each chapter shows simply daily scenarios where Hiroki still shows a lot of insecurity and occasionally resentment about himself. Examples include expectations of having children, taking interest in romance now that he’s in high school, public displays, and of course, hiding pornographic manga in his room.
Certain chapters are disheartening to watch, resonating a lot of pity for Hiroki’s situation. Some chapters showcase the struggles and melancholy closeted queer teens experience as they come to terms with their feelings and sexuality. But because the series is told from his mother’s perspective, Okura gives us the surprise twist that will have the reader rooting for Hiroki, and his whole family, every chapter.
Between his developing crush on his classmate, navigating his ideas and expectations for a happy future, and learning to hide his bara manga better, Hiroki’s mother catches on to her son’s fear in being honest about who he is, as does his younger brother. In each chapter, they learn how they can silently show support to let Kiroki know that they still love him no matter what, without forcing him into an uncomfortable discussion he’s not ready to have just yet.
I Think Our Son is Gay is certain to be a wholesome and humorous instant hit you’ll want to have on your bookshelf.
Three volumes are currently available in Japan, and now it’s time for the west to experience the first volume. Those wanting to follow Okura-sensei and see sneak-peaks from upcoming chapters can do so on his Twitter feed.
Cover alert! We’re proud to present our cover for vol. 1 of the funny and heartwarming I Think Our Son Is Gay, which’ll be out in May, just in time for Pride! Join a loving mom in watching over her son as he navigates high school and identity! https://t.co/odlZaoSC60 pic.twitter.com/m2OeSCE1mt
— Square Enix Manga & Books (@SquareEnixBooks) February 18, 2021
