Hi! This is my first post here. I was wondering if people had recommendations for some good dramas that feature complex or difficult relationships. I like manga in which the story isn't all about "will they or won't they?" Specifically, here are some characteristics that I really like in manga:

-The plot is not predictable
-The author questions societal norms
-It makes you think about gender and/or sexuality
-There is a lot of subtext
-There are elements of the characters' pasts that complicate their decisions
-Characters have problems in their relationships that the author does not just brush over

Here are some manga that I think are like what I described:

Heart of Thomas - Hagio Moto
The Feelings We All Must Endure - Amano Shuninta
Blue - Nananan Kiriko
All My Darling Daughters - Yoshinaga Fumiko
Free Soul - Yamaji Ebine

As you can see, I have a slight preference for yuri, but I really don't care about the characters' sexuality as long as the relationships are interesting. Any recommendations??

How about Wandering Son?
Koe no Katachi as well

My current top 3:
Fullmetal Alchemist
Pandora Hearts
3-gatsu no Lion

Manga by Asano Inio, like Oyasumi Punpun or A Girl by the Sea.

Gold Rush 21, it's such a hidden gem among shoujo
Otona no Mondai

DONDAKEE!!

Bokura no Hentai was my first thought, but I see you've read it already.

Zankoku na Kami ga Shihaisuru -- The romance is secondary (or even tertiary) to the plot, though, so I dunno whether you'll like it.

IS - Otoko Demo Onna Demo Nai Sei -- I haven't read this myself, but going by the comments...

Kaze to Ki no Uta -- This is like a more explicit version of Thomas no Shinzou.

Cocytus -- A bit too short to go really in-depth, but I found this manga's approach to female/female relationships to be very refreshing compared to the norm. Same could be said for Kanojo no Sekai, though that one was a bit more idealised.

Seconding Otona no Mondai.

Ame Nochi Hare (Bikke)
Cheese in the Trap
Golden Days
Himegoto - Juukyuusai no Seifuku maybe, though personally it's a bit too much for me
Kodomo wa Wakatte Agenai maybe
Shimanami Tasogare
What Did You Eat Yesterday?

Golondrina has the gender/sexuality bit, but it's not about a relationship, more about the protagonist's self-actualization. My Secret Brother has some fairly good relationship writing going on, but there's no talk about gender/sexuality thus far. Welcome to Room #305! is pretty good, though it's a series of story arcs all centered on different people and not really on one relationship. And the characters don't start out as realistic, but they do become more fleshed out as the webtoon goes on.

Thank you, everyone! I have added many to my list. Should be enough to keep me busy for a while 😀

DEFINITELY Bokura no Kiseki.

It has all of the themes you want and sounds like a perfect fit. It's one of the best manga I have ever read story-telling wise, and the pasts of the characters are really unique. The story is unpredictable and makes you really question the integrity of each character. Plus, you'll keep guessing who is who (that'll make sense when you read it)

Never have read anything like it and its really good so give it a shot because I'm sure you'll love it.

Truly a gem among the dust.

Why am I like this

I strongly second Cheese in the Trap and Bokura no Kiseki.

Bokura no Kiseki is all about relationships and has a TON of characters so it can be confusing at times but if your willing to try to understand it you will love it

Cheese in the trap has a lot of the things you listed but its strongest point is that the relationship that they have is not always healthy for them and the characters have many flaws that they struggle with accepting. also you wont find a better female lead then Sul, I usually dont like female leads but I really connected with her.

I also want to recommend Song of the Long March, it is one of my favorite stories of all time and continues to surprise me every time there is another twist to the story. the characters all have flaws that are not at first apparent but later on both you and the characters realize it. the relationships are very complex and you never know where the story is heading. seriously one of the best stories out there.

also Lan Chi seems to fit as well, its been awhile since i have read it but its about a girl that is adopted who has trauma from her past and has relationship problems with her new family. its really good too 🙂

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