Very excited to see Scarlet Beriko getting an official English-language release! Jackass! is definitely not without its faults, but it’s also one of the few BL manga I’ve found that not only features a gay character, but a gay character who engages with gay culture. I am not at all an authority on Japanese youth gay culture, but Katsumi’s characterization does feel funny and honest to me, and the inclusion of both his lightly unconventional gender expression and his job working with other gay people in a gay district as more than a throwaway joke is kind of remarkable.
The main story, featuring the characters pictured above, has less feminist points of interest, but is also less problematic (no teacher/student relationship.) It’s a really fun romp, with lots of very teenage emotions and hormones, and a little bit of kink positivity. Definitely something to look forward to and consider purchasing if you can!
