Our Dreams at Dusk: Shimanami Tasogare

vroman Oct 9, 2018

9.4

Shimanami Tasogare is a manga that truly brings light to what it means to be LGBT+ in a country that's mildly unaccepting of it. Despite only being 23 chapters long, we, as the readers, get to see a huge change in the characters that we're shown and though the ending was a bit rushed, this manga was absolutely stunning in art, amazing in it's characters, and even though the plot wasn't the best, it still worked. Shortly, I believe that it's definitely worth the read. Now for the elongated version of this review: The manga isn't for everyone. That's definitely true. It's heavy on themes like homophobia, gender dysphoria, cis people being, well, cis people, but the LGBT character are never shown in a horribly bad light. Not only are the characters are allowed to be themselves, they're allowed to make mistakes, like with Tasuku and his crush. I love Tasuku. He's learning to accept himself, learning to accept others and beginning to understand what the other people in the community feel. He's trying his best, and as a reader and member of the LGBT community, I feel for him. He's an extremely relatable character that made you proud in those perfect little moments of the story. This manga doesn't just focus on gay people either. Trans characters, genderfluid characters, lesbians, even those who are asexual or questions-- they're all welcomed by this story and truly brings out a nice feeling. These characters become a family, a true showing of what Pride means to all of us. It's amazing. The art is amazing, too. There are scenes where you will just have to stop for a moment and just look at how intricate and beautifully drawn the characters are, the background, the scenery. Everything just fits together and brings this manga to a wholesome closing. In other words, you should all read it. You won't regret it.

lionman00 Jun 16, 2020

10

My favourite manga. Wonderful to read. Art is really beautiful. Deals with a lot of LGBT+ issues realistically and almost all of the characters are part of the LGBT+. Made me very happy, sad and seen at times. 100% reccomend. Made by an agender (x-gender) author.

tsukinohana Jul 15, 2023

9

A very touching manga depicting very realistic LGBT life and issues. The story is not some hero's journey plotline - it's is simply Tasuku becoming friends with other LGBT people and becoming comfortable with himself because of them and becoming a better person as a result of being at peace internally. Every volume is vaguely focused on a different character and their struggle as a different person, rather than another "category" within LGBT. It's done very masterfully in a way that really only an LGBT author such as Kamatami could do. The art sometimes turns metaphors literal in the most stunning spreads. But for the most part it's quite subdued, though attractive. The overall style is very relaxing, despite the hectic drama and sometimes heavy topics dealt with. A lot of this manga is understanding people as a whole, not just LGBT people. Characters are very well-rounded and realistic as people, although sometimes there are timeskips with development that's not necessarily deserved - but I suppose that progress and healing is not linear, especially for those who are struggling. This is my favorite LGBT manga. It handles the issues very thoughtfully, elegantly, and respectfully, while diving into the numerous struggles the queer community faces, and telling a very healing story in the meanwhile.