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ボーイズ・ラン・ザ・ライオット [Boys Run the Riot] #2
Boys Run the Riot, Vol. 2
Ryo and Jin have started their own fashion brand, Boys Run the Riot. Now they just have to get the word out there! But the world of fashion is a cutthroat business of patronizing adults, and the boys will have to get creative -- and save some cash -- if they want to get their brand off the ground and be taken seriously. Working part-time is hard enough, but for Ryo, being transgender makes it even harder. In work, friendship, and romance, he struggles to decide whether to come out as his true self. However, when he befriends his cool coworker Mizuki, the closet door begins to open...
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 4, 2020
About the author
Keito Gaku
7 books106 followersName (in native Japanese): 学慶人
Keito Gaku is a manga artist and transgender man living in Japan. Gaku is winner of the 77th Tetsuya Chiba Prize for his debut work, Boys Run the Riot.
Keito Gaku is a manga artist and transgender man living in Japan. Gaku is winner of the 77th Tetsuya Chiba Prize for his debut work, Boys Run the Riot.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 322 reviews
July 30, 2021
That cliffhanger tho!!!!
August 2, 2021
With the boys neither running the riot nor up the sales charts, it falls to our trio to get part-time work to support their brand. Ryo is about to learn more lessons he already knew regarding being a transgender teen, though Mizuki, his new coworker, turns out to be a lot freer than most. But the real problem is coming from the last place Ryo could ever expect…
If the first volume of this series ended up being very focused on expression, this one feels far more fixated on suppression, as Ryo struggles to be himself in a world that is very much not designed for him and with people who don’t seem to care about understanding him.
First, however, the guys try and get their brand out there and Jin’s optimism (and immaturity) ends up abutting with the real world. The way they get treated in their meeting is brutally rude, no mistake, but as someone who is declining into his old/crotchety phase, I see the guy’s point. Then again, Jin never met a bridge he couldn’t burn down.
With that avenue closed, jobs must be found and welcome to hell for Ryo. Finding any place that will let him be a man proves difficult, and a disaster of a karaoke bar (no matter your stance on bathrooms this whole thing is grating) sends him instead to an izakaya.
As it slowly turns into a place he can fit in, especially with Mizuki’s help, it turns out that even the best place might not be enough to keep Ryo from dealing with things he doesn’t want to. I really like the addition of Mizuki to the mix because she has this slightly older and slightly wiser but still a bit wild way to her that I thought was a nice change to the rest of the cast.
She’s also got the advice (and possibly some other stuff) that Ryo needs to hear to begin dealing with his sexuality. It’s an interesting thing to see him going through - he’s put so much time into his true identity that he hasn’t spent any time considering his identity sexually.
It’s definitely clear given his reaction to some things earlier that he’s given zero thought to the idea that he can be himself and still gay, or possibly anything, so it makes for an interesting narrative wrinkle. I don’t especially love the whole thing with his other coworkers, or how it’s handled - it feels a little over-the-top, but that one is on me.
All this, of course, manifests in some ‘well maybe’ potential romantic tension that might be something or might be our boy getting set up for another disappointment, which is shortly tabled in favour of the book’s big ending…
And oh dear lord that cliffhanger. Turns out you really can’t trust anybody and next volume is likely going to be brutal. Watching somebody do the one thing you DO NOT DO and on such a huge scale? Even my woefully behind the times cis-het brain knew better.
This book’s great and it’s important. It’s often downbeat and offering up hope only for it to be snatched away, but I don’t think transgender life in Japan’s exactly a bed of roses. I still feel like it’s a step or two away from greatness, but I think it’s super worthwhile nonetheless.
4 stars. I think the first volume and that gorgeous mural set an absolute standard that the series will be hard pressed to match, but that is not this volume’s focus anyway (a telling shot of a blank wall with a ‘no graffiti’ sign gives that away). Doesn’t change that this is still very good and is tackling something important in a solid fashion that makes it worth reading.
If the first volume of this series ended up being very focused on expression, this one feels far more fixated on suppression, as Ryo struggles to be himself in a world that is very much not designed for him and with people who don’t seem to care about understanding him.
First, however, the guys try and get their brand out there and Jin’s optimism (and immaturity) ends up abutting with the real world. The way they get treated in their meeting is brutally rude, no mistake, but as someone who is declining into his old/crotchety phase, I see the guy’s point. Then again, Jin never met a bridge he couldn’t burn down.
With that avenue closed, jobs must be found and welcome to hell for Ryo. Finding any place that will let him be a man proves difficult, and a disaster of a karaoke bar (no matter your stance on bathrooms this whole thing is grating) sends him instead to an izakaya.
As it slowly turns into a place he can fit in, especially with Mizuki’s help, it turns out that even the best place might not be enough to keep Ryo from dealing with things he doesn’t want to. I really like the addition of Mizuki to the mix because she has this slightly older and slightly wiser but still a bit wild way to her that I thought was a nice change to the rest of the cast.
She’s also got the advice (and possibly some other stuff) that Ryo needs to hear to begin dealing with his sexuality. It’s an interesting thing to see him going through - he’s put so much time into his true identity that he hasn’t spent any time considering his identity sexually.
It’s definitely clear given his reaction to some things earlier that he’s given zero thought to the idea that he can be himself and still gay, or possibly anything, so it makes for an interesting narrative wrinkle. I don’t especially love the whole thing with his other coworkers, or how it’s handled - it feels a little over-the-top, but that one is on me.
All this, of course, manifests in some ‘well maybe’ potential romantic tension that might be something or might be our boy getting set up for another disappointment, which is shortly tabled in favour of the book’s big ending…
And oh dear lord that cliffhanger. Turns out you really can’t trust anybody and next volume is likely going to be brutal. Watching somebody do the one thing you DO NOT DO and on such a huge scale? Even my woefully behind the times cis-het brain knew better.
This book’s great and it’s important. It’s often downbeat and offering up hope only for it to be snatched away, but I don’t think transgender life in Japan’s exactly a bed of roses. I still feel like it’s a step or two away from greatness, but I think it’s super worthwhile nonetheless.
4 stars. I think the first volume and that gorgeous mural set an absolute standard that the series will be hard pressed to match, but that is not this volume’s focus anyway (a telling shot of a blank wall with a ‘no graffiti’ sign gives that away). Doesn’t change that this is still very good and is tackling something important in a solid fashion that makes it worth reading.
June 4, 2024
Starting pride month by getting back into this manga! I forgot just how meaningful and real this story feels. Ryo’s internal struggle with gender identity and sexuality represent that of real teens everywhere; his conflicting fear of coming out warring with his discomfort at being perceived as female is portrayed so realistically. Matters of the self are always messy, though they get better, especially with a great support system to guide you through it.
This volume has a lot more substance to it than the first, when Ryo and Jin were just starting up their fashion brand. Now, Ryo is navigating a part time job and relationships with his new coworkers. He’s met Wing, an openly queer beauty YouTuber that’s willing to help boost their brand. I like how Wing is the first person to encourage Ryo to just feel, instead of overthink his crushes because of his gender identity and the labels that come with sexuality. It’s so great seeing him gain the courage to come out to Shimada, and confide in Mizuki. Im really eager to continue with this manga!
This volume has a lot more substance to it than the first, when Ryo and Jin were just starting up their fashion brand. Now, Ryo is navigating a part time job and relationships with his new coworkers. He’s met Wing, an openly queer beauty YouTuber that’s willing to help boost their brand. I like how Wing is the first person to encourage Ryo to just feel, instead of overthink his crushes because of his gender identity and the labels that come with sexuality. It’s so great seeing him gain the courage to come out to Shimada, and confide in Mizuki. Im really eager to continue with this manga!
June 1, 2024
Ooo this was a hard one friends. 3.5
We’re getting a lot more character development in this one with the introduction of new characters. Unfortunately, there’s a scene in this one that makes Ryo extremely uncomfortable and I don’t think one of the side characters handles it well nor gives Ryo good advice. They also do something at the end that makes my jaw drop. I’m really interested in seeing where the next volume goes and how all of this will impact Ryo. The art is absolutely brilliant and I still appreciate the creative team behind it!
We’re getting a lot more character development in this one with the introduction of new characters. Unfortunately, there’s a scene in this one that makes Ryo extremely uncomfortable and I don’t think one of the side characters handles it well nor gives Ryo good advice. They also do something at the end that makes my jaw drop. I’m really interested in seeing where the next volume goes and how all of this will impact Ryo. The art is absolutely brilliant and I still appreciate the creative team behind it!
June 5, 2022
"Don't get too cocky! It's arrogant to expect anyone to understand you if you don't put yourself out there!"
I absolutely LOVE that quote! While I understand this quote was spoken directly to a dilemma Ryo is having, but I felt it could be applied to any person. Beautifully said! Even thoughhhh…
I did not like this new character we met at all. 😅 The ending definitely only amplified those feelings toward this person and feel nervous for Ryo and was is to come for a vocal decision that person made.
I did like a few of the other people we meet though! I LOVED Ryo being able to feel like he can be himself with his coworkers despite how things unfold later on.
However, I didn't love this volume as much as the first. I REALLY missed our crew being together and more of the entrepreneur aspect that was heavy in volume one. (That opening was amazing though! Made me laugh and made me feel shock all at the same time! LOL!) (Also, I need to find more manga that have the same heavy entrepreneur thread! I love it!!)
I feel like we might not quite get that again in the third volume, but I think one thing that series is showing so far is pursuing a dream is never easy. Ryo was able to share who he really is with another person and be "accepted" by them, but with how the story ended, I don't know if it's going to be quite so "smooth" as we've seen for the most part.
I absolutely LOVE that quote! While I understand this quote was spoken directly to a dilemma Ryo is having, but I felt it could be applied to any person. Beautifully said! Even thoughhhh…
I did not like this new character we met at all. 😅 The ending definitely only amplified those feelings toward this person and feel nervous for Ryo and was is to come for a vocal decision that person made.
I did like a few of the other people we meet though! I LOVED Ryo being able to feel like he can be himself with his coworkers despite how things unfold later on.
However, I didn't love this volume as much as the first. I REALLY missed our crew being together and more of the entrepreneur aspect that was heavy in volume one. (That opening was amazing though! Made me laugh and made me feel shock all at the same time! LOL!) (Also, I need to find more manga that have the same heavy entrepreneur thread! I love it!!)
I feel like we might not quite get that again in the third volume, but I think one thing that series is showing so far is pursuing a dream is never easy. Ryo was able to share who he really is with another person and be "accepted" by them, but with how the story ended, I don't know if it's going to be quite so "smooth" as we've seen for the most part.
September 7, 2022
Il secondo volume fa un bel po' di passi avanti, come speravo.
Mi piacerebbe che storie come queste facciano capire A TUTTƏ il disagio di dover sempre "spiegare" chi si è. Chiunque dà per scontato che sei etero, fin quando non ti metti lì a spiegare (tema visto anche in Our True Colors)
E che bel cliffhanger!
Mi piacerebbe che storie come queste facciano capire A TUTTƏ il disagio di dover sempre "spiegare" chi si è. Chiunque dà per scontato che sei etero, fin quando non ti metti lì a spiegare (tema visto anche in Our True Colors)
E che bel cliffhanger!
August 31, 2021
CW: transphobia, on page outing
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August 11, 2022
Still a wonderful series. I didn't feel as much as a POW in the chest as I did when I read book 1, but this was still a close second. Definitely looking forward to reading more.
July 15, 2023
I didn’t enjoy this volume as much as the first. I think the first volume had more introspection and set up some of Ryo’s issues with the world not seeing him as he is.
This volume introduces some new characters like Mizuki, who’s great, and some others that aren’t as great. I appreciate the more realistic take on a trans character trying to do things like find employment in an environment that isn’t quite receptive to their identity. Essentially, Ryo is hiding with only Mizuki knowing who he is.
Similar to Blue Flag, there are some discussions of LGBT matters that were a hard adjustment as they’re thinking and phrasing that would be considered problematic in the West. Tsubasa is a terrible ally. I’m assuming they’re a gay man that likes make up and not only do they do something incredibly awful and dangerous at the end of the book, I felt like his response to Ryo being uncomfortable being hit on was not at all sympathetic. Regardless of it being fine for men to like men, everyone is entitled to not want to be hit on by someone they’re not attracted to.
Ultimately, it felt like Ryo’s only real allies are Mizuki and Jin.
This volume introduces some new characters like Mizuki, who’s great, and some others that aren’t as great. I appreciate the more realistic take on a trans character trying to do things like find employment in an environment that isn’t quite receptive to their identity. Essentially, Ryo is hiding with only Mizuki knowing who he is.
Similar to Blue Flag, there are some discussions of LGBT matters that were a hard adjustment as they’re thinking and phrasing that would be considered problematic in the West. Tsubasa is a terrible ally. I’m assuming they’re a gay man that likes make up and not only do they do something incredibly awful and dangerous at the end of the book, I felt like his response to Ryo being uncomfortable being hit on was not at all sympathetic. Regardless of it being fine for men to like men, everyone is entitled to not want to be hit on by someone they’re not attracted to.
Ultimately, it felt like Ryo’s only real allies are Mizuki and Jin.
August 27, 2021
As he pursues his fashion brand dream with his friends and starts a part-time job to raise funds for the endeavor, Ryo deals with the quandary of when, to whom, and why he should even ever come out as transgender. Making new friends becomes a minefield of sorts, and a new LGBTQ+ acquaintance is initially welcome, but they hold opinions Ryo finds strange and alien to his current state of mind, leading to more difficult questions than easy answers and a giant cliffhanger.
Looking forward to the next volume.
Looking forward to the next volume.
August 31, 2022
With their brand finally out there, it now falls to the trio to keep it going. But alas, life still has to happen and new ventures take money. Ryo gets a part time job to help fund the clothing line and ends up making some new friends, most notably Mizuki who begins to challenge Ryo's way of thinking.
The one thing I love about this series is that the author doesn't shy away from Ryo's struggles - both internal and external. We get to see how conflicted Ryo feels about coming out to the people he loves and how much it hurts him to hold it inside. But we also get to see the wonderful people who do support Ryo and that's what makes this story. Having that support system cannot be unrated and Gaku showcases that through Ryo's friendship with Jin. I just adore Jin.
However, this installment ended on a major cliffhanger that I have a feeling is going to alter the course of the rest of the series. I literally gasped out loud when reading it. It was that major.
The one thing I love about this series is that the author doesn't shy away from Ryo's struggles - both internal and external. We get to see how conflicted Ryo feels about coming out to the people he loves and how much it hurts him to hold it inside. But we also get to see the wonderful people who do support Ryo and that's what makes this story. Having that support system cannot be unrated and Gaku showcases that through Ryo's friendship with Jin. I just adore Jin.
However, this installment ended on a major cliffhanger that I have a feeling is going to alter the course of the rest of the series. I literally gasped out loud when reading it. It was that major.
November 12, 2021
Implied Spoilers: No direct spoilers, but major plot points implied.
I'm very fond of the first installment in this series, but this one isn't as much of a favourite. New characters and ideas were introduced in the middle chapters, while the already established ones were basically left on the backburner. This might have been caused by the mangaka not having enough space to work these ideas in the story more naturally, as the page count of individual chapters is overall lower in this volume.
The cliffhanger at the end was quite shocking - I feel like it's going to open up a very important conversation on being out and in the closet, and I'm excited to see how it'll be tackled. The discussion on sexuality was also interesting and the manga is seemingly setting to explore comhet as an idea.
I'm very fond of the first installment in this series, but this one isn't as much of a favourite. New characters and ideas were introduced in the middle chapters, while the already established ones were basically left on the backburner. This might have been caused by the mangaka not having enough space to work these ideas in the story more naturally, as the page count of individual chapters is overall lower in this volume.
The cliffhanger at the end was quite shocking - I feel like it's going to open up a very important conversation on being out and in the closet, and I'm excited to see how it'll be tackled. The discussion on sexuality was also interesting and the manga is seemingly setting to explore comhet as an idea.
May 12, 2022
Un très bon second tome qui continue d'explorer la relation de Ryo aux habits, surtout maintenant qu'il cherche un petit boulot et se heurte à la vision féminine que les employeurs ont de lui.
J'ai aimé la nouvelle personnage que l'on voit en couverture, une personne qui va le mettre a l'aise de son mieux, un vraie alliée.
Le sujet des relations amoureuses entre aussi en jeu et les discussions des personnages sont vraiment intéressantes.
Avertissement de contenu : outing à la toute fin
J'ai aimé la nouvelle personnage que l'on voit en couverture, une personne qui va le mettre a l'aise de son mieux, un vraie alliée.
Le sujet des relations amoureuses entre aussi en jeu et les discussions des personnages sont vraiment intéressantes.
Avertissement de contenu : outing à la toute fin
September 24, 2023
4.5/5
I feel for Ryo so much and hope I’m volume 3 we get more of him emerging from his shell. I’m not sure why they were so surprised that the content creator said that he was trans as it was clear they only promoted queer owned brands on their channel. I thought the first kiss scene was super cute and even though I’m sure they’re not pursuing a romance plot there I would love it. It does seem like their brand is going to take off and have more backing it to blow up publicly. This volume seemed to strongly set up for a good finish to the series and I’m excited to see it.
I feel for Ryo so much and hope I’m volume 3 we get more of him emerging from his shell. I’m not sure why they were so surprised that the content creator said that he was trans as it was clear they only promoted queer owned brands on their channel. I thought the first kiss scene was super cute and even though I’m sure they’re not pursuing a romance plot there I would love it. It does seem like their brand is going to take off and have more backing it to blow up publicly. This volume seemed to strongly set up for a good finish to the series and I’m excited to see it.
March 13, 2022
Exploration of gender identity and sexuality, the differences and similarities between them, potentially setting up discussion of comphet in future volumes. Not as well executed or impactful as volume one, but moved the plot along, as well as introducing new characters and challenges.
April 25, 2022
I don't know why I struggle to get into manga but I'm going to keep trying anyways. I keep wanting to like this series more than I actually do it seems.
September 16, 2022
Pro tip: love trans people.
January 3, 2023
Keito Gaku’s character writing continues to impress me. The moment on the bridge felt so cathartic and joyous. A real stand out for this volume.
June 6, 2024
Ryo needs money to help finance the fashion brand.
So welcome to the workforce!
Which turns out to be a minefield for Ryo..trying to feel comfortable in their body.
So welcome to the workforce!
Which turns out to be a minefield for Ryo..trying to feel comfortable in their body.
February 3, 2023
Yup, I was right. This is my new favorite manga series!
My heart is wanting to escape out of my chest due to the way this volume ends.
This volume, while being shorter than the first one, still covers so much of how Ryo feels with fighting himself and the world around him surrounding his gender. We also get to see more of the process with their clothing line.
I can’t wait to see both of these plot lines thrive in the next two volumes.
My heart is wanting to escape out of my chest due to the way this volume ends.
This volume, while being shorter than the first one, still covers so much of how Ryo feels with fighting himself and the world around him surrounding his gender. We also get to see more of the process with their clothing line.
I can’t wait to see both of these plot lines thrive in the next two volumes.
December 8, 2022
Un tome 2 tellement plutôt intéressant et dense que le premier ! Et la couv' est superbe.
On entre vraiment dans la tête de Ryo et on le voit négocier socialement pré-coming-out sa place auprès des mecs hétéro et dans le monde du travail.
Les notes de la traductrice en fin de volume sur les variations de sens du japonais sur le féminin et le masculin sont particulièrement instructives!
On entre vraiment dans la tête de Ryo et on le voit négocier socialement pré-coming-out sa place auprès des mecs hétéro et dans le monde du travail.
Les notes de la traductrice en fin de volume sur les variations de sens du japonais sur le féminin et le masculin sont particulièrement instructives!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
September 15, 2021
Trigger & Content Warnings
Transmisia
Outing, on-page
Transmisia
Outing, on-page
December 2, 2021
Oooof. This volume sure was not Light and Easy. Had some real visceral representations of dysphoria and the ending scene was gutting. I am....interested to see where it goes from here.
December 31, 2021
RYO'S FRIENDS I LOVE ALL OF THEM SO MUCH A KISS ON THE FOREHEAD FOR EVERYONE OF YOU
September 30, 2022
loving this series.
TW: transphobia, outing, misgendering
TW: transphobia, outing, misgendering
June 19, 2022
In order to get the sales going on their new brand, Ryo and Jin team up with a popular YouTuber. This volume ends with a huge cliffanger, so I'm so glad I picked up volumes 3 and 4 at the same time!
What I liked about this volume is the way Ryo's struggles are laid out, we get to really see his thought processes. When he comes out to someone at work, he realizes that maybe he'll be accepted more than he thought. The complex relationships in this really added another dimension.
Can't wait to see what happens next!
What I liked about this volume is the way Ryo's struggles are laid out, we get to really see his thought processes. When he comes out to someone at work, he realizes that maybe he'll be accepted more than he thought. The complex relationships in this really added another dimension.
Can't wait to see what happens next!
August 9, 2022
"and Shimada-kun grabbed my hand. He hit on me! But someone told me to try going out with him. That gender does not matter in romance. But if I did that... who the hell would accept me as a guy?" - Ryo Watari, chapter 15
that feels like a lot of stress, to not be seen as what you are, this is not the usual type of manga I read, but it nicely explains gender identities and the struggles of hiding those
*i am editing this while i am reading
SPOILERS
ffs they outed him on the internet, how wonderful
that feels like a lot of stress, to not be seen as what you are, this is not the usual type of manga I read, but it nicely explains gender identities and the struggles of hiding those
*i am editing this while i am reading
SPOILERS
ffs they outed him on the internet, how wonderful
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2024
I enjoyed this volume - a bit disappointed the clothing brand and therefore Jin and Itsuka took a back seat this time, but we got great introspection into and character development from Ryo instead so I'm not complaining (also I ended up really liking Mizuki)! I did get frustrated at some of the characters, especially how they interacted with Ryo and the cliffhanger to the next volume made me feel annoyed - I hope the situation isn't brushed over and adressed properly! Overall though, this was a great volume and I'm looking forward to continuing!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 322 reviews