Taking a look at the premise, one would not exactly expect this story to go as deep into certain issues as much as it did. A simple "love triangle" is not merely enough to describe the intricate relationships between all of the characters. The writing flows with the characters, their words reflecting and foreshadowing things in the future that the reader can't help but to be curious about. The absolute realness of their words, of their actions, is beautifully portrayed by KAITO alongside of seemingly simplistic drawings that actually contain multitudes of emotion. Their style of drawing strips of motion, with one or more characters subtly changing features as the panels progress, is simultaneously intriguing and comedic.
KAITO deals with the struggles of growing up LGBTQ+ amazingly. If you happen to be LGBTQ+, you can pretty much resonate with every single character in Ao No Flag, no matter their declared sexuality. Every single character goes through development and hardships that pose different reactions depending on who the topic is dealing with. Masumi is one of my favorite characters simply because she represents the kids who feel as if they cannot come out, not because they feel they wouldn't be supported, but because they don't feel an obligation to. As someone who is still in the closet to most of their family and friends (and certainly doesn't pass as desired gender), there is a certain kind of ache when you constantly are misinterpreted by people around you but know that they can never know the real truth of your identity. It's like walking in a dream, constantly feeling hazy around the edges of your body and never quite...fitting in. Perhaps it's just my projection, but Masumi's interactions with others really proves to me that she feels like nobody will ever truly know her. I feel that is the way a lot of closeted LGBTQ+ kids feel as well.
KAITO raises questions for the reader that aren't always answered right away. They throw in words that are seemingly unimportant until you read one of the last chapters and you scramble to go back to where you saw those words spoken for the first time. The parallels between all of the characters is almost jarring; how beautifully they all reflect each others flaws and personalities is almost too real to be seen drawn on paper.
Reading the ending and how other people interpret the ending is the toughest part about enjoying this manga. As someone who is a fan of happy endings, I have no qualms about it, though I know many who aren't happy about it. I will say that these characters grow in more ways than one while they are in high school; they are not stagnant nor unwilling to change. They are all aware of their flaws and their way of interacting with others. If you like a story that helps you grow alongside of the characters as if they are reaching out and grabbing you by the heartstrings, I cannot recommend this manga more. It truly touched me in ways that no series has ever done before. KAITO truly deserves praise for writing such a masterpiece.
