Tasogare Out Focus (Twilight Out of Focus)

In front of a camera, roommates Mao Tsuchiya and Hisashi Ootomo make three promises: Mao must not tell anyone Hisashi is gay and in a relationship with another man; Hisashi must never fall in love or make any advances on Mao; and one must not disturb the other's "personal time." Thus begins their second year of cohabitation.

However, everything starts to crumble when the film club—of which Mao is a member—wants to cast Hisashi in the lead role for their upcoming movie. The problem arises with the movie's plot, as it is about boys' love—a romance between a delinquent and the class president. Mao is adamant to dissuade Hisashi from becoming the protagonist due to their first promise; but, to his surprise, Hisashi is easily convinced by the director.

After imagining Hisashi as the delinquent he is playing, Mao becomes overly conscious of his presence. He knows Hisashi is just a friend and out of his reach, but Mao cannot keep lying to himself anymore—his feelings toward his roommate may no longer be purely platonic.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

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Tasogare Out Focus was published digitally in English as Twilight Out of Focus by Kodansha USA on March 1, 2022, and in print under the Vertical Comics imprint on May 9, 2023, and in Spanish by Editorial Ivréa and Milky Way Ediciones.

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Ootomo, Hisashi

Main

Tsuchiya, Mao

Main

Ichikawa, Giichi

Supporting

Honjou, Yukitaka

Supporting

Kagari, Runa

Supporting

Kagari, Teru

Supporting

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Jan 29, 2024

hanabi_kou

Recommended

Funny

Spoiler

"I came looking for copper and found gold!!!" Part 1

Honestly, I didn't have high expectations for this manga. I thought it would be just another run-of-the-mill BL, but boy, was I wrong!

The story introduces us to Mao and Hisashi, two teenagers who share a room in a student residence. Initially, they barely interacted; however, one night something completely unexpected happens, and from that moment on they start getting to know each other.

Simultaneously, the manga delves into the storyline of the film club, with Mao serving as the cameraman. The club's advisor is Ichikawa, a charismatic, theatrical, and very funny teacher who, according to his own ... students, is like a teenage girl himself. His rivalry with the drama club, combined with his passion for BL stories, drives him to excel as the movie director, aiming to create a film that could secure first place in the school festival. And, of course, Ichikawa decided to recruit the handsome Hisashi to play one of the leads (this man has such a good eye, really).

However, I must stop here to carefully analyze certain polemical elements:

(SPOILER ALERT)

First of all, at the beginning of the story something quite shocking happens: one character, while asleep, tries to have sex with the other who was awake. Despite it is a problem that, though affecting very few people, also occurs in real life, Mao would have had good reasons not to forgive Hisashi or start fearing him. However, the latter quickly apologized and was even willing to accept the consequences, but Mao has such a good heart that he forgave him immediately.
It's worth mentioning that, in general terms, non-consensual intimate contact is frowned upon within this story, which is a big plus. Additionally, and without wishing to provide major spoilers, two more instances of abuse are depicted in flashbacks, both highlighted with a negative perspective. I am greatly pleased that current BL works aim to illuminate the shortcomings of past BL practices. I had to say it.

As the weeks pass, one of the protagonists starts to become aware of his feelings for his roommate, posing a significant conflict as the other guy is already in a relationship. Nevertheless, the latter also gradually begins to develop strong affection towards him, which felt very natural to me, both in the sense that the development of their relationship feels organic and due to the fact that it's common to prefer a partner closer in age. The final words that a certain character said to his ex were perfect, 10/10. Now this IS the way to deconstruct toxic clichés, dammit!

(SPOILERS END HERE)

My only complaint about this manga is that, although the drawing style is beautiful, there are certain panels where the body proportions look very weird and poorly done, but it doesn't happen often, so don't worry. Anyway, all the guys are so handsome, my goshhhhh.

Finally, the scene where they film the movie’s climax is wonderful and a real tearjerker, and Ichikawa, behaving like the biggest fanboy, represents all of us.

Do you know what the best part is? This story has a sequel! Go and read it!

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Jul 6, 2024

idofiddle

Mixed Feelings

Spoiler

TL;DR - A short BL manga about characters that are assumed to be around 16. The story includes serious themes in brief (mainly in chapter 4) and I would advise slight caution if you would be triggered by the presentation of a toxic, abusive and exploitative relationship.
This manga is short and sweet. Due to its short length, it would be difficult for you to be emotionally invested with the story and its characters. If you want a tearjerker, this wouldn't be the right manga for you, as you would be able to guess the direction of the story without any doubts.

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