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| Volume 1 cover of BL Metamorphosis (manga) @ SEVEN SEAS PUBLISHING \ Kaori Tsurutani |
A bit of context:
BL metamorphsis is a wonderful story of two unlikely friends. This unlikeliness stems from the large age gap that exists between our two main characters. Despite that age gap we are shown two interesting characters who bloom and learn from each other every time they interact.
How is the story ?
I initially thought I would be reading a BL manga. That would be a first for me. However, I was in for a complete surprise. What I ended up reading instead was a beautiful story about an unlikely friendship with a very large age gap and I am not disappointed at all. Quite, the opposite.
I must say that I read this first volume in preparation for participating in the Japan Foundation Toronto Book Club meeting. Another great session that I have had the pleasure to enjoy a couple of times and have loved every time I’ve attended it. Many of the ideas that I will share here are borrowed from the discussion I had during the meeting. It was a great event and I hope the organizers and the participants won’t mind if I share some amazing insights that were brought up during the meeting.
Urara is our young protagonist who is very shy while our older protagonist, Ichinoi, is very spirited and wants to live each day as if it could be her last. You only live once, right ? These characters should never have been close, except fate has some other plans for these interesting characters.
The way they meet and how they continue to keep in touch with each other is very realistic. The story provides many heartwarming moments as you keep reading each chapter. These moments are provided through their interactions as they share their love of BL manga. This is what I believe makes this an interesting story. These interactions gradually improve or rather transform both of them. That is what I’d like to draw your attention to in the hope that it entices you to give this story a chance.
During our meeting it was mentioned that Urara and Ichinoi are kindred spirits. I really liked that expression. It clearly describes the type of relationships or contact all of us look forward to, in our lives. Urara and Ichinoi share a bond with each other through their love of BL manga.
While this bond is certainly unique, it brings out qualities in each of our characters that they either forgot or never experienced. Ichinoi certainly was very spirited right from the start, but we get to see a version of her as she realizes her past regrets and things she should have done.
Urara on the other hand starts to slowly crawl out of her shell. She begins to realize that not all interactions might be bad. Especially a conversation with a kindred spirit who shares the same interest as you. Both characters learn from each other. I believe that’s the beauty of having such a soul connecting relationship that does not have to be romantic. This story portrays this emotion really well. Which is why I believe you should give this story a chance.
Conclusion :
Thus, in the end this wonderful story boils down to sharing your interest with people who appreciate and participate in your interest. That is a beautiful feeling to appreciate. When you can bounce of ideas with someone and you know they will not judge you for any of your thoughts.
In this case it was BL manga and for you it could be something else and that is quite all right. In the end you just have to find someone who you can be comfortable talking with and can be free to express your thoughts about your common interests. This aspect is beautifully portrayed in this story and which is why I wholeheartedly recommend it.
As of writing this article I have only read volume 1. I hope that the sentiment shared hear peeks your interest to read the series. I certainly will be reading it soon and will update this article as soon as I enjoy the remaining 4 volumes.
Thank you for your time. See you later!