Blue Flag Vol. 7by Wolfen MoondaughterReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Publisher
Credits Grade: 10 With Toma having gotten into a fight with Kensuke and Shingo, then confessing his love to Taichi last volume, this volume deals with the reactions -- not just of Taichi, or even Futaba, but the rest of the circle as well.There are a few points that were unclear to me, leaving me wondering if I've missed something, especially involving a fight between Mami and another character, and a flashback at the beginning of the last chapter. But the issue might be with me, not the story. I will say I was a bit blindsided again by a chapter title page that had 3 female characters in very adult lingerie, complete with emphasis on their crotches. Aside from the fact that they're all still in high school, it just doesn't fit the story at all! But it's my one big criticism of the volume. I'm still immensely curious about what's going on with Mami -- is she non-binary? A trans man? Is she asexual? Or does she have a crush on a certain character (a big point of confusion for me in regards to the fight she had)? Her relationship with Shingo, and what that might mean for HIM, intrigues me, as it's suggested that platonic love is far more important to him than romantic love -- this book seems to be exploring the different natures of love in an exciting and very human way! Kensuke has now become very compelling to me too -- especially when he reveals himself to be aware of the very issue I have with the reason behind his reaction to Toma, and gives a good explanation for why he feels like he does even if it's not really logical. I also really appreciate Futaba's internal struggle -- and how that has a domino effect on her relationship with Masmumi. And I appreciate Taichi's struggle to digest the revelation in context of his and Toma's history together. This volume emotionally complex and wonderfully philosophical -- as I've come to expect from this series, and which is my bread and butter! Some admittedly may find the conversations these kids having to be unrealistic -- and indeed, it does feel like the manga-ka is talking through them -- but I completely relate to them. I may not agree with every character's take, but you can see WHY they see things as they do, and it's given me a new appreciation for certain viewpoints that I hadn't before. Shingo's girlfriend and her friend are especially used well as a counterbalance to Kensuke and Shingo, to explore how different views can be and still both have valid interpretations, neither depicted as wholly right or wrong, each having caveats. And no answer is come by easily, if at all. This sort of story may not quite be your cuppa if you're just looking for a simple romance, but if you like to ruminate, this may be your bread and butter! Either way, the angst is delicious! Written: May 2, 2021
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