Exploring Transgender Males in Manga
Manga has long been a platform for exploring unique and diverse narratives, including transgender characters. Particularly, transgender males (FTM) have found representation across various genres within the medium, offering insightful and nuanced portrayals. This article delves into some notable examples of FTM transgender characters in manga, highlighting the diversity and depth of these portrayals.
NY Mamoru's My Hero Academia
My Hero Academia, created by Koyoharuka Natsume, includes both FTM and MTF transgender characters. One of the most notable FTM characters is an unnamed villain who, despite his villainous motivations, ultimately aims to help other transgender people. Another FTM character, who stands up for their peers against misgendering, also makes a significant impact. Additionally, there's a side character who is a pro-hero, adding another layer to the complexity of these portrayals. Although not primary protagonists, their roles in the story offer important insights into the realities faced by transgender individuals.
Nogizaka Tarou's Yuureitou / The Ghost Tower
One of the more prominent FTM transgender characters is Sawamura Tetsuo, a protagonist in Yuureitou / The Ghost Tower, written by Nogizaka Tarou. This manga, set in 1950s Japan, combines horror, mystery, and a deep exploration of marginalized individuals. Sawamura Tetsuo is a well-developed and complex character, serving as the main driving force of the storyline. His presence enriches the narrative, providing a richer and more nuanced exploration of transgender experiences.
Asazuki Norito's Sakura-chan to Amane-kun
Sakura-chan to Amane-kun, created by Asazuki Norito, features the protagonist Amane, a transgender teen boy. The manga explores Amane's journey as he navigates his gender and sexuality. Although the series has seen limited chapters and has been on hiatus, it remains a valuable and unique contribution to the representation of transgender youth in manga.
Fujimoto Tatsuki's Fire Punch
Among the manga that have only recently been brought to my attention is Fire Punch, written by Fujimoto Tatsuki. One of the characters, Togata, is an important/transgender male character in the series. While the manga's narrative may not explicitly address Togata's gender status, his presence is crucial to the story's progression and themes.
Shingeki no Kyojin / Attack on Titan
A more ambiguous yet intriguing portrayal of a transgender character comes from the series Shingeki no Kyojin / Attack on Titan. The character Hange Zo is often debated regarding their gender identification. Creator Isayama Hajime has requested that readers use gender-neutral pronouns, emphasizing a neutral identity. While it's not explicitly FTM, Hange's attire often aligns with a male persona, with the exception of their standard uniform.
Takatsuki Yoshino from Shimura Takako's Hourou Musuko / Wandering Son
Hourou Musuko / Wandering Son, authored by Shimura Takako, features a range of diverse characters, including the FTM transgender character Takatsuki Yoshino. Despite the character's complexity and depth, Yoshino's trans-closeted ending has been a subject of criticism among transgender readers, who find it disappointing that the character does not remain FTM.
Boys Run the Riot by Gaku Keito
Lastly, Boys Run the Riot, a work in progress by Gaku Keito, focuses on a central FTM transgender character, Watari Ryou. This manga, while still in the planning stages, holds significant promise for offering a fresh and authentic portrayal of the FTM experience in manga.
Manga continues to evolve as a powerful medium for exploring and representing diverse narratives, including those of FTM transgender characters. As readers, it's essential to engage critically with these stories and support the creators who strive to provide nuanced and respectful portrayals.