 | Magical boy volume 1 (Magical Boy) Author: Kao Studios | |
| Price: $13.11 | ||
Summary:
Max is trying to get through high school as transgender. But on top of classes, crushes, and coming out, Max's life is turned upside down when his mom reveals an eons old family secret: he's descended from a long line of Magical Girls assigned to defend humanity from a dark, ancient evil! With a sassy feline sidekick and loyal gang of friends, can Max stay true to his gender identity, take on his destiny, save the world, and become the next Magical Boy? In graphic novel format.
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 01/01/2022 *Starred Review* In this fantastic reimagining of the popular magical girl genre, Kao sticks to classic genre conventions while considering a important question: What happens when a person granted the cosmic powers of a magical girl is actually a trans boy? Max has finally worked up the courage to come out to his parents as a trans boy on his birthday, but his mom has other plans—she reveals that he's a descendant of the goddess of light, Aurora, and he's destined to be a magical girl, just as his mother once was. Max isn't interested, especially when his transformation involves a frilly gown, high heels, and makeup. But a malicious deity, Devoid, has broken the seal Aurora originally put in place to hold him, and the monster begins to use the ignorance and fear of the people in Max's town to gain more power. Max finally adopts his family's mantle, but calls himself Magical Boy instead—with, happily, a more masculine outfit to match. Using a classic manga art style in full color, Kao keeps the story fun and exciting while tackling real-life issues Max faces, such as frequent misgendering and deadnaming (an opening content warning helps here). While Max's experiences of transphobia can be upsetting, the notion that he can identify as a magical boy and still retain his power is a refreshing and welcome take. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.
