Mar 9, 2022
Coming from a Chinese queer person, this manhua features one of the best queer representation in East Asian media I've ever seen.
There is no pedophilia, no problematic kinks, and no romanticization of toxic or abusive relationships. That might feel like the bare minimum (and it is), but it's so refreshing to see good LGBT+ representation when there is usually so much gross fetishization and romanticization of unhealthy tropes in East Asian media when it comes to queer relationships.
Most importantly, DJun touches on homophobia, fetishization, acceptance, and tradition in his storytelling - so many important topics that are sometimes glossed over in favor of showing two
...
men kissing instead. He details the experience of (and the intersectionality that comes with) being Chinese and gay in a way that I really relate to and appreciate.
In addition, the main love story is a gorgeous depiction of a healthy relationship, and even the side love stories leave you hooked. There is so much rawness that comes with Here U Are as a story; the behaviors and feelings of the characters are so real. It is not all fluff, but it is not all angst either. Everything is incredibly honest to what it's like being in a queer relationship (and being queer in general).
I will say that there is one borderline unhealthy age gap relationship that I felt uncomfortable with in the beginning (between an 18 year old and a man in his mid-thirties), but the author wrote them in such a careful way that made them grow on me.
If you respect LGBT+ people and want to see them represented well in media, I suggest you get to reading Here U Are. You will not be disappointed.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
