As more people read comics and webtoons (aka vertical scrolling comics) more than ever before, Beat’s Bizarre Adventure gives three writers the opportunity to recommend some of their favourite books and series from Japan, Korea and elsewhere. This week we have moms, amnesia and of course “life hacks.”
Version 1.0.0
I think our son is gay
Author/Artist: okura
Translator: Leo McDona
Lettering: Prescott
Cover design: Andrea Miller
Editor: Tania Biswas
Publisher: Square Enix
Okura previously drew a slice of LGBTQ+ Manga. Her next series, I think our son is gay, but tells a similar story from a mother’s perspective. Originally a self-published manga by X (formerly Twitter), it is made up of short chapters and is easy to read. But first, a summary is needed.
Oyamas is a traditional nuclear family. My father travels away from home for work. His wife Hiroko works part-time while caring for her children. Their older son, Hiroki, is just beginning high school and is excited about this new stage of life. However, after spending a long time with him at home, Hiroko can’t help but realize his “love” for his best friend Daigo and his male celebrity he watches on TV. She speculates that Hiroki might be gay, but she wants her son to be open to her on her own terms.
I think our son is gay. It’s an LGBTQ+ manga and not a boy’s love genre, so it focuses on hiroki’s identity rather than romance. By telling the story through Tomoko, Okra highlights the prejudices, microaggressions, or assumptions that heterosexuals have on strange people. They do so in a kind, meaningful, and fun way. Character questions and learning processes may make the reader feel like they are sitting in a gender 101 class, but okra keeps it casual and avoids sermons.
“Fun” is another important factor that makes the series integral to me. I portray the struggles of LGBTQ+ people and understand the importance of art, which serves a cathartic purpose for artists and readers as well. But we also need strange comics that find time for fun little moments in our daily lives. The importance of celebrating life can escape us in the face of recent events. Our son believes that gays keep the tone light without watering the portrayal of people and the importance of their identity.
The series is completed in a total of five volumes and is available both in print and digital format. We also recommend checking out this interview with the creators of Crunchyroll. A must-see! – I agree with giray
omnipresent
Author/Artist: Cerebroheart
Platform: Webtoon, ComicFury
This is a series I’ve been wanting to spotlight the beat for a long time. Omnipresence is a psychological thriller drama of 2020, currently on hiatus. That’s about Delilah Chan. Delilah Chan is about a teenager who has lost eight years of memories in a world filled with super-powerful individuals. She lives with her brother Elijah, her older sister, Iris, her big fluffy dog, Arlo, and her mother, the shell of her former self.
The main focus of the plot is on Delilah pushing a headache that bends her reality to fill in the gaps she lacks in her memory. The small pieces of memories she finds leave her and her readers with more questions. Who is her father? How did her mother get bedridden? Why is Delilah missing her memory in the first place?
The story is further conducted by an astonishing illustration of Celebrity Heart. You can see how much you think about the design, style, and panel layout. The series features a range of art, ranging from visually static saturated film grains to bright and harsh colors as they delve into her mind and mind state, highlighting the state of Delilah’s memory. These contrast with the lush, vibrant colors of the physical world.
Character designs have almost animated quality in terms of liquids and how they are colored in line with each other. It looks more like a Western manga, not a manga/anime inspired style that is common to Webtoons. Cerebroheart has an animated BFA and performs raster and vector-based design work in other comics. They are also credited as letters and even editors. So they have quite a range!
All character designs in Omnip Resecence are easily recognised. Delilah, with the other half exposed, along with her very bright red hoodie and brown hair that covers most of her face. Another outstanding design is Spider Girl’s Eroise. Her hair resembles the large tarantula fangs. She wears a simple hat with dark eyes on her face.
The series is currently on hiatus, but Cerebroheart is set to continue its ubiquitousness. They write and draw new episodes at their own pace. In the meantime, I really suggest people read this series. It’s a visual treat with lots of possibilities. There’s also a cameo from one of my own characters, La Tarantulavispa! – Justinguerero
Bug self
Author: 1
Artist: Shitara Kiyoto
Translator: Jan Mitsuko Cash
Lettering: Finn K.
Platform: i.e.
Few creators can consistently redefine the boundaries of storytelling. The ringleaders behind One Punchman and the Mob Psycho 100 return with Bugego, a manga that blends psychological plot, existential meditation and absurd humor. Bug Ego, explained by Kyoto Sitara, began serialization with Ultra Jump in October 2024. Its unique premise has already captivated readers all over the world.
The Bug Ego follows Hitsujiya, a well-meaning high school transfer student in which Kokudo, a socially troublesome classmate, incorporates it into himself to navigate the complexities of life. However, when kokudo introduces Shimajiya to “hacking”, things make a surreal turn. It’s not a clever trick, but a staggering glitch in reality that violates the laws of the universe.
What makes Baguego so persuasive is its ability to question everything to the reader. Dialogue is filled with philosophical undertones, subtly exploring concepts such as free will, purpose, and the absurdity of life itself. “What is the purpose of this hack?” or “Why is there something like this?” Bug ego suggests that life has no inherent purpose other than what we give. As Kokud states, “It’s no use to try to understand hacking,” there is no rhyme or reason. ”
Chapter 2 has a particularly memorable moment. Kokudo describes Lucid Dreaming, a “hack” that lets you control the world of dreams. “If the steps are wrong, or if your imagination isn’t strong enough, you’ll just get a simple nightmare,” he warns, setting up a seductive sequence that conveys readers to unpredictable, dreamlike reality. These moments feel like a twisted blend of Alice in Wonderland and Alice in Gintama, combining whimsical nonsense with existential horror.
Kyoto Sitara’s art is another highlight. The exaggerated, dynamic visuals evoke the spirit of JoJo’s bizarre adventures. Meanwhile, the layout of the confusing panels amplifies the unpredictability of the story. Strange and overrepresentation adds to the unique charm of the comic, even the strangest scenarios feel emotion-based.
I’m only a few chapters, but I can say that bug ego is a must read for fans of unconventional storytelling. It is a ride that bends the mind through absurdity and philosophy. If the early chapters are anything, we really want something extraordinary. – ilgınsideoysal
Follow Beat’s Bizarre Adventures and get weekly cartoons and webtoon recommendations!
Like this:
Like loading…
