Watashi no Shounen is one of the most intriguing and provocative dramas in the medium. It portrays the relationship of a woman in her thirties, bored of her gray life, with a dull job where she has her ex-boyfriend as her boss. She just goes on living by inertia, barely motivated by anything.

But then she meets with a 12 year old boy. She saves him from a perilous situation, and gets interested in his well being afterwards after learning about his family issues. The bond deepens with time, with her becoming a sort of motherly figure to him... but her feelings slowly turn to love.

Now, with a bad writer this could quickly degenerate into pandering, power fantasy, fanservice and such. But Hitomi Takano makes a masterful description of what goes on in the mind of a woman at such a situation. The protagonist tries to fight off her feelings, aware of the obvious taboo and problems associated in such a relationship. She begins to question her whole motivations; are her actions really aimed at the boy's well being, or just a selfish way to get close to him? The consequences are also very well handled, in a realistic way.

This manga feels sort of a way for the author to deal with her own feelings in the subject, and is a fascinating read into the mind of a woman with motherly/romantic feelings for an underage boy. Even if you are morally opposed to this, the story is handled in such a realistic and trope-less way that never takes the easiest path, and has such a complex and excellently crafted protagonist, that you will enjoy the drama anyways.

... Last updated on May 5th, 2019, 7:43pm

This manga is a romance story about a 12 years old kid and an 30 years old office worker, but ( there is a "but") this manga is really realistic, any their romance between them comes from something more than just a need for companion or lust. They want to be together as friends and they treat each other as a really good friend. Also, every character in this manga is relatable, realistic and flawed and they act like a regular human being rather being a comical one-note ecchi manga character.

They?re not enough adjectives to describe this master piece, whether it is the character or plot everything just clicks in this manga. You may think ?oh it has to be the age gap plot device that makes this compelling like a forbidden fruit? but that is hardly the case, this manga stands alone just on the realistic and dynamic character relations and characterization of the inhabitants that makes you understand the actions and feelings taking place. Definitely a must read....

... Last updated on June 1st, 2018, 10:08am

The synopsis would usually scare people away for it's seemingly immoral plot. Luckly for me I'm not one of those people and decided to give it a shot with an open mind. That open mindset was thankfully not needed for it grabbed me with it's beautiful art and realistic heartfelt story. Seriously the art for this is top notch even if it is a somewhat common style. My only gripe with this series is that I chose now to read it and not a few years in the future where it's potentially finished because I can't get enough.

Where has it been all my life? Read it. It will be added on your list of best manga you have ever read. The mangaka is phenomenally good. She's definitely speaking from the heart and has high emotional IQ. Many aspects of the main character's life resonate with me deeply. There's some really poignant life lessons and realisations in there.

I love reading this so much. Its just perfect. I cant fault it.

Now i hope they never get entangled into a romantic relationship. That would destroy it. And no, its not about being open-minded. Sexual relationships are not for underage kids. Thats exploitation and it scars and destroys the person in their adult life. Trust me.

... Last updated on May 2nd, 2019, 7:54am

Spoiler-free short review

Unbelievable good and unique Manga.

Art:

I really love the cover of ''Watashi no Shounen'' / "My Boy", that's what took my interest first. Overall, Takano Hitomi's artstyle is seriously amazing and beautiful! You don't see that often nowadays. She potrays the feelings of each character with her art style really well!
Furthermore, each page of the Manga isn't too full nor to empty, just perfect! You can easily read it.

Characters:
Takano Hitomi put so much effort and thoughts in creating the characters of the story. They have realistic characteristic features, I can understand the thoughts Satoko really well. And Mashuu is so precious, seriously!

Story:
The Story isn't too fast nor to slow-paced, that's what I really love! Truely perfect. It's also not too lightweight. Additionally, the story is so interesting! I couldn't stop reading.


Please don't start reading the Manga with prejudice. You won't regret it, I guarantee it! This Manga is truely an amazing and original story with a beautiful artstyle. There are not many Manga with a plot like Watashi no Shounen, I recommend it to anyone who with an open mind.

... Last updated on July 4th, 2018, 3:26pm

It is so real and emotional. One of the best manga I have ever read.

The story is listed under romance so expect the age gap (but there's a time skip) but my favorite scenes were focused on Satoko alone. It's rare to see a manga featuring a 30+ character and I could relate to how it can be isolating in city/job and then making friends. So far the manga is very fluffy with both characters realizing that they cannot be together and being friends for now. Art is lovely with expressive faces and clothing details.

I love all about this manga except the ending. I don't understand the ending, too open.

It’s NOT an Age-Gap romance but a wholesome relationship between A young boy (who gradually ages upto high-school) and an office lady in her 30s.

The world isn’t “white” or “black”, relationships can’t be simply correct or incorrect, they can be colourful too, like Turquoise.

... Last updated on May 19th, 2021, 8:03am