If you’re looking for a fun, fresh, romantic-ish story that celebrates self-discovery — you might want to consider the new Yen Press title My Oh My, Atami-kun, which covers each of those aforementioned bases in just its first volume. Here’s why it works!

The Plot

The first volume of My Oh My, Atami-kun follows the life of Atami-kun, a handsome and kind-hearted young man who continuously captivates girls' attention. However, nothing in storytelling is ever straightforward, and there's a fairly big twist – Atami-kun actually prefers men over women. As you might expect, the manga uses this setup as an opportunity to delve into Atami-kun's experiences as he navigates through fleeting yet heartfelt romantic encounters with various individuals, each bringing both happiness and sorrow into his life. It’s sweet, sincere, comedic, and a little pensive — so there’s no shortage of ambition.

The Characters

Atami-kun is the protagonist whose inner struggle between his true desires and societal expectations forms the crux of the story. His character is portrayed with some degree of shallowness (depicted through some of his surface-level connections) yet still delivers a unique presentation of vulnerability that helps make him relatable (or even accessible) to readers who gravitate towards complex introspection. The supporting characters, (toted as the upperclassman, the long-haired boy, and the worker at the flower shop), each contribute uniquely to Atami-kun's journey of self-discovery and acceptance, with plenty of compelling moments that make each a worthy contender for Atami’s affections.

Themes and Symbolism

My Oh My, Atami-kun beautifully explores themes of identity, love, and even the significance of challenging societal norms. The manga effectively portrays the complexities of Atami’s emotional conflicts, highlighting the challenges individuals face in expressing their true selves in a judgmental world. Furthermore, the symbolism of fleeting romances adds a layer of bittersweetness to the narrative, emphasizing the transient nature of relationships and the importance of cherishing meaningful connections. For casual readers, this one can be read without the requirement of digging deeper into its meanings — or conversely, readers looking for rich context might find this to explore the need for human connection, and that duality makes any story worthwhile.

Art and Visuals

The artwork in My Oh My, Atami-kun complements the emotional depth of the story with its delicate character designs and expressive illustrations (perfectly creating discernable love interests for the titular character). The use of soft, and subtle details enhances the mood of each scene, effectively conveying the characters' feelings and reluctance to explore them. Because, generally speaking, it’s nice to know what someone is thinking based on their reactions, and this title conveys those beats extremely well.

The Verdict

My Oh My, Atami-kun has plenty of romantic insinuations, dynamic interpersonal relationships, and progressive storytelling avenues to make this another inclusive find from Yen Press.