Transgender Manga

[Guest Neuro]

There was a thread for anime and crossdressing and transgender plots, but I mostly read manga. Aheh!

Manga are Japanese comic books with a number of unique themes, and amazing art. However, there are manga-style comics gaining popularity all over the world. There are a surprising amount of manga with transgender characters and androgynous themes. Not all of them are completely accurate, but all of them are very fun.

Here are some of my personal favorites, that I wanted to suggest:

--HOUROU MUSUKO. A manga by Shimura Takako. This is a story about two children, a trans boy and girl; who become friends in their elementary school. They dream of passing as the opposite gender, in a culture where gender is very distinct. There are a lot of familiar themes in this story, which has recently become an anime--if you had a difficult childhood as trans, chances are you will laugh and cry with the kids of this story.

--RANMA 1/2. You can't knock the classics! A gender-bending comedy by Rumiko Takahashi (Inuyasha) which is also a popular anime, about a boy who falls into a cursed spring and becomes a girl at contact with cold water. Among the minor characters, there are several crossdressers and plenty of people of colorful backgrounds!

--NO BRA. A more 'ecchi' (adult) title by Kawatsu Kanjiro. The plot surrounds a complex childhood drama resurfaced as an ordinary guy's friend comes to live with him--only his friend, whom he remembers as a boy; is now dressing and acting like a cute girl! This is a comedy surrounding a lot of mixed feelings from this hapless guy, and a genuinely cute girl named Yuki who just wants to live as who she really is inside--and love who she wants to love as a girl.

GIRL GOT GAME (known as POWER in Japan). By Seino Shizuru. A young girl is accepted into high school under false pretenses, thanks to her father who dreamed of raising a son who was a basketball star! Now Kyo Aizawa has to try and fit in a guys dorm as a guy; while still becoming involved with her roommate... possibly...?

ANGEL SANCTUARY. The 2-episode OAV (direct-to-video series) was based on this long-running manga by Kaori Yuki. A series deemed by some to be sacrilegious; it features complex plots of heaven VS. hell, and a series of angels and demons--a majority of which, are transsexual; or crossdressers! The main character is a reincarnation of a beautiful, powerful female angel who wished to be reborn as a man. There are transgender female and male characters, in this complex and intriguing story.

PRINCESS-PRINCESS. By Mikoto Tsuda, is a story about an all-boys school who hires Special Students to play 'Princesses' to ease the schools female-less atmosphere. This is a sort of ridiculous manga with a BL vibe, full of gorgeous dresses and boys who reeeeeally look good in them.

These are a few of my many top picks. There are also many manga who feature transsexual people or crossdressers as part of their cast:

FRUITS BASKET Has at least two--but those are big secrets about the series!

SAILOR MOON Is famous for it's themes of androgyny, especially in the arch with the Sailor Stars (Who are somehow neither male or female, and 100% awesome).

YAMI NO MATSUEI (Descendants of Darkness) minor scientist Watari, has his dream of creating a sex-change potion.

KYO KARA MAOH! (also an anime and novel series) has it's share of crossdressers, and awesome characters.

Manga by CLAMP (the famous artistic team) are renowned for having androgynous, gender-neuteral or trans characters of all types and personalities. Gender roles are ALWAYS shaken up in a CLAMP manga, I suggest ALL of them.

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Post about your favorite manga, that feature transgender and crossdressers. There are a ton of them out there! Because reading is fundamental. Tell us about the good ones, and possibly the ones to avoid.

[Sally]

OK, I'll admit it - I have watched all of these threads and references to Manga and haven't got the slightest clue as to the exact definition of Manga!

Apparently a form of Japanese Graphic novel with a trans element at its core.

Would someone please let me know if I am even close.

Love ya,

Sally

[Guest StrandedOutThere]

I like manga, but I never have any time to read.

I used to get Shonen Jump.

[CharlotteW]

OK, I'll admit it - I have watched all of these threads and references to Manga and haven't got the slightest clue as to the exact definition of Manga!

Apparently a form of Japanese Graphic novel with a trans element at its core.

Would someone please let me know if I am even close.

Love ya,

Sally

Manga is basicly Japanese comic books/graphic novels (I don't think they make a distinction). I truly and deeply loved the Trigun anime but hated the manga (warning: Japanese read right to left instead of left to write and if they don't flip it to Western standards, you will get very ill from trying to read it. I almost threw up trying.)

Anyway...how shall I put this...the Japanese Manga takes wierd to a WHOLE NEW LEVEL. I say this as a frickin TRANSWOMAN, an extreme odity by nature. This is a very, very repressed society at all levels where the age of consent is 12 years old. These people invented 'tenticle rape.' Remember this: you can never unsee it. EVER. I know from experince. Do not inquire further if you value your soul. I literally can't stomch modern Japanese pop art by and large and it doesn't even taste good going down, so Sally, you probably want to avoid it like the Plauge. Of course if you are into soul searing horrors, the kind that give you nightmares years later, it might be up your alley. Your call, but I advise against it very, very highly!!!!

[Guest Neuro]

These people invented 'tenticle rape.' Remember this: you can never unsee it. EVER.

HAHAHA you are right.

Manga is for everyone, but you do have to be VERY careful as to what you pick up. Like with anything. A lot of times, on the back of the cover; it will have disclaimers and age range descriptions of why it is rated Y-M. There are ones for kids (Like Pokemon) for young adults (Like Trigun) and ones for ADULT adults (like Hentai *porn* titles). A lot of anime are better than manga, and vice versa. Is all about personal taste. Dissing manga altogether because some of it is 'gross' is like dissing music altogether because some music is 'gross', just because some of it is bad doesn't mean it all is. Most of it is harmless. But you do have to be careful, just like with music.

Not everyone has to like manga, but it IS an art form. It may not be your taste, but one must respect the effort and heart that goes from the authors hand into the characters and story. There are actually a few manga like Nausicaa or Ranma, that people who hate manga enjoy because of their heart and humor and witty characterization. Everyone is different, and to advise someone to avoid a genre with so many touching stories because of a sick few would be unwise.

Not all of it has a trans element at it's core, but many do. Androgyny is a big thing in Japan. Japanese comics are very different than most American comics, because of the unique culture. Not everyone in Japan is a pedophile who likes to rape with tentacles--if anyone should know that respecting different cultures and art forms is at the very least, polite--it's a transsexual bisexual author and artist (...*raises hand*). I agree it is not for everyone. But I'm very against hating on a good genre of stories because of an adult or perverted subgenre.

Sorry, I tend to get defensive about things like that. people in middle school said their parents didn't allow me to play with them because I read 'porn comics' (not true, until high school XD)... So, it hits kind of hard in the gut for me.

[CharlotteW]

I'll admit my every run in with manga has been a bad one. But like gansta rap, I've given up on the genre and am much happier for it.

[Guest Neuro]

I'll admit my every run in with manga has been a bad one. But like gansta rap, I've given up on the genre and am much happier for it.

Happiness is the key! If it makes you happy, do it. If not, do not. Simple as that I'll admit I gave up on gangsta rap and a certain internet organization of 'ANONS,' and am VERY much happier for that XD

One genre I have never been able to get into of manga: heterosexual hentai (adult manga). Only GL (girls love) and BL (boys love) for anything 'adult' natured. But I normally read just action, or comedy. Not a fan of too much erotica, myself (that I'd like to admit, because this isn't 'that kind' of thread! XD)

[Guest Neuro]

P.S to curious readers: None of the titles I mentioned above that have transgender themes are pornographic or contain pedophilia nature in them. Some of them have suggestive themes, however; I would not mention titles with overtly adult content on this site. <3 Because that is not allowed, and I do not like to support that kind of thing especially on such a site.

Please be sure to mention titles of transgender manga that are family-friendly, or at the very least; not pornographic in nature. A little ecchi (naughtiness) or weirdness is okay, but let's try to suggest appropriate titles so that we don't scar anyone for life with tentacles!!

[Guest Nikk]

I dunno about the manga, but the Ouran High School Host Club anime has plenty of trans references. It's all about this girl, Haruhi who breaks a valuable vase belonging to the "Host Club" at Ouran Academy, and to repay them, she has to act as a male host. It's quite a humorous series and I recommend it to anyone with time - even if shoujo isn't your thing.

[Guest Neuro]

Yeah, Host Club has a lot of gender-bending, and breaks gender rules and stereotypes~ Haruhi becomes a male host, there is a group of girls who perform as men in traditional 'Takarazuka' style, Haruhi's father works at a gay bar and begins to live life as a woman after mother dies--it's a comedy, but has a lot of great characters and stabs at breaking gender rules! >

P.S: James icon=awesome

[EVAN_DESU]

I dunno about the manga, but the Ouran High School Host Club anime has plenty of trans references. It's all about this girl, Haruhi who breaks a valuable vase belonging to the "Host Club" at Ouran Academy, and to repay them, she has to act as a male host. It's quite a humorous series and I recommend it to anyone with time - even if shoujo isn't your thing.

Wahaha my favorite manga and anime. xD

I LOVEEE Ouran.

Misuzu is scary, but Ranka is teh awesome.

I'd love to have a dad like that! xD

I don't like Haruhi I think shes kind of...

A female dog. >.>

My favorites are Hikaru and Kaoru

by the way I love your James icon.

I've always loved James. xD

[Guest Emily Violet]

There was a thread for anime and crossdressing and transgender plots, but I mostly read manga. Aheh!

theres a thread for tg anime where is it????

[Guest Crow]

Very nice... I like all of the manga mentioned. No bra, girl got game and princess-princess I haven't read though...

Ouran was a bit too long to read totally through but it is a very good manga.

[Guest CharlieRose]

I missed this thread when it came up originally. I am not really a manga fan in particular, in that I won't read something just because it's manga, but I have read a few books and liked them. I love japan's attitude towards gender, it's rather incredibly progressive in a lot of ways. (Well, some stuff I've read is kind of sexist, like all the girls are more like decorations than people, and it's the men who actually contribute to the plot, but as far as gender expression goes, it's the kind of society I'd like to live in) In Death Note, I was kind of amazed (and at first bewildered) by how many male characters look female in dress, style, facial composition, everything, and it's just how they look, it's not a big deal at all. There were like four different characters where I literally went, "Wait, why are they calling that girl 'he'? Oh, they're MEN!"

And these androgynous men are not portrayed as pansies/sissies, or inferior to masculine men, they're actually usually the main characters, calling the shots and generally being the ultimate cool. It's really neat. And, I don't know that much about the culture, but is there a female equivalent?

[Guest Justme360]

My favorites

Family Compo - Just before entering university, Yanagiba Masahiko's father died in a car accident. His mother died when he was four, which makes him now really an orphan. But even before the death of his father he didn't have a family life, his father being busy or abroad. When his mother's younger brother and his wife decide to invite him to live with their family, his life takes a turn. MTF, FTM Comedy, Drama

Pretty Face - Randoh Masashi, a self-centered, brash karate star, was the victim of a horrific bus accident that left him comatose, his face terribly disfigured by extensive burns. Genius plastic surgeon Dr. Manabe saved Rando's life and went to work on his face, gradually reconstructing it based on a photograph found in the wreckage of the bus. When Randoh wakes up from his coma, a year has passed, and Dr. Manabe has made remarkable progress. But in a cruel twist of fate, the photo that the doctor used as his reference was not a picture of Randoh, but of Rina Kurimi, the girl whom Randoh has a crush on! MTF Comedy

Bremen - Reiji and Kasuga head out to Tokyo to become the "Gods of Rock," but they seem to always attract trouble. On their way, Hayama Ryo and Fujii Ran join them in their quest. Despite its rockstar type look, this manga really is about action. MTF

This is my all time favorite its also an anime, best transition ever

Kashimashi - Girl meets girl - Being a girl is harder than it looks...For Hazumu, this couldn't be more true, because just the other day, she...was a he.Shunned by the girl of his dreams, Hazumu loses himself in the mountains and is promptly squashed by an oncoming space ship. The alien inside, feeling guilty, rebuilds Hazumu's body...but as the wrong gender! Now Hazumu must learn how to be the girl his parents always wanted while dealing with the trials and tribulations of being caught in a love triangle between two girls--his childhood friend, Tomari, and Yasuna, the girl who rejected him but is now strangely attracted to him/her! MTF Comedy, scifi

[Guest Neuro]

Hngh, I just started 'Family Compo' last night! XD it's awesome. I love how there are all sorts of different dysphoria in there, instead of just one set 'path' or mindset.

[Guest Alexander James]

OTOMEN is pretty awesome manga.

The main character love girly things but due to the fact his mother wants him to be manly. Reason is because the father left them to get a sex change. So the main character has to keep it a secret he loves girl stuff. Then he falls in love with a girl. While he's pretty much the perfect woman type, the girl is the perfect man type. It's pretty great since it's not stereotyping men and women.

When the main character thinks of his other mother, he actually did say that his dad is his other mother unlike the Host Club were they call Haruhi's dad he still (it's something so small that gets me angry a bit).

Also, there's a cross dressing scene which I LOVED!

I'm not doing this manga Justice though.... You can read it here! http://www.onemanga.com/Otomen/ sadly they update slow so buying the manga is best.... -______-

DON'T WATCH THE TV SHOW THOUGH! It's NOTHING like the comic! D:<

[Guest Nathan]

I love Ranma 1/2!

I've read a bit of the manga, but have mostly seen the anime (it was one of the first animes I ever saw!)

It's such a great series. ^^

I've read a lot (and loved!) of manga series where the main female character pretends to be a boy (for usually the same reasons, haha.)

(Hana-Kimi, Uwasa no Midori-Kun, ect.)

There is also this other manga series I really like called "Vanilla Ice."

The two main characters are a boy and a girl (Yoon Sul & Taehee), and the boy looks like a girl (and gets mistaken for one all the time) while the girl looks like a boy (and again, gets mistaken for a boy all the time.) It's a really good series!

@ Justme360:

I really like Kashimashi ~ Girl meets Girl! I'm still reading the series, but it's good!

And @Alexander James about Otomen:

I love that manga series! Asuka is such a cool character, I love him!

[Guest Neuro]

AUGH. I am close to finishing 'No Bra.' It sounds racy, and it is at times, but it is a very good series. The latest chapter (29) made me so freaking upset, because I could relate to it very well.

The main character Nomura Yuki has just been found out, and is having to live as a male. She doesn't want to be a burden to the school, so she is trying her best to fit the part. Her nature is so good-spirited, it makes me tear up. I really root for her, because her heart is in the right place... Poor Yuki. Even if she is on the opposite spectrum as me, I understand her struggle. AUGH. I wanted to rant this to facebook, but I don't think it would be as obvious as to why I sympathize with it there as here.

I also bought the first 3 volumes of Kashimashi. It's so good! Much better than I thought. I really wish there were more manga about FTM, though--and not just cross-dressing like Haruhi. True-to-life FTM like Haruka from Family Compo. As much as I adore Yuki, I would like more 'role models' who are FTM who share the same spirit.

[Guest Janessa]

I like, squealed for joy when I saw that Houro Musuko is being made into an anime series. o.o (that's like, my favorite manga series ever) <3

[Guest TracieV3]

Of all transgender manga I have read, the Gacha Gacha Secret (Revolution, under the Tokyo Pop release) manga is my favorite.

The premise is your average high school boy name Akira, that after a technological accident with a virtual reality game can now turn into a girl and back to a boy by sneezing.

The difference with this series is that Akira DO NOT even try to find a cure. He does not view this ability as a curse, but instead he views it as a blessing. He realizes how useful this ability is, and 'she' uses it to learn and become friends with the girl 'he' is interested in.

The series is mostly a romantic comedy, but a fun real read. There are 55 chapters, so it will keep you reading for a while.

[Guest Tess]

When I was a little kid, (early '70s) I was obsessed with a cartoon on Saturday mornings-Princess Knight. It was about a medieval kingdom where only males could inherit the throne. When the Queen has a daughter the King, knowing that an evil Duke's evil son will inherit, lies and says the baby is a boy. She grows up as a boy, with the wicked Duke always plotting to expose her secret. For some reason I couldn't get enough of this show. No-one else seemed to understand or share my obsession, and they never showed the ending here. Apparently, it was a manga as well. (I saw the opening sequence on youtube which brought back memories, but also made me think I might be too old for that kind of thing now.)