Mangonificent's manga / #prequel/sequel/spinoff(4)

A prequel with some very dark and disturbing material but, like in Itou-san, none of it is the romanticizing type. Ties very well into the main story, explaining Itou-san's past and how he ultimately started his transformation from a robotic killer to a man capable of love. Really liked how it also gave light to some of his quirks like the constant smiling and his quite unique taste in neckties.

(Gotta write a better review later but for now I'm just gonna gush) Masterpiece. I love how unique it is, I love the art, I love the plot, I love the characters. And I must also say: SO damn refreshing to see bi- and pansexuality acknowledged! That like never happens! And the way Kuroiwa mentioned this too, this complete carefree attitude about his sexual orientation, it's so damn lovely. None of the stupid denial shit you usually see.

(Fyi, haven't read the main series but after this I think I must) I'm so invested! I didn't expect this amount of thoughtfulness, the story is raising up relatable and realistic points and it's just so damn interesting to see the development of this man who has been struggling with some generational gaps and old fashioned views. I love how you can see how beautifully he has grown as a person and how he's still learning. (Oh how smoothly he shut up that guy jabbering on about how having a single placate stating 'we are a gay friendly bar' is the LGBT "shoving their views down our throats".) The art style took a moment to get used to (the blond guy looked like a serial killer to me lol), but I very quickly grew to like it. I'll take unique styles over generic ones any day anyways. The one thing I'm a little torn with is how the story is progressing. Because on one hand I have zero objections seeing this DILF get freaky but on the other hand I'm loving his journey of understanding so much that it'd be kinda disappointing if it all boiled down to: "Ok, I can now understand my son cuz, you know what, I'm gay too!" It's too soon to judge though because it all depends on how the topic actually gets handled from here. There's nothing wrong with the act itself anyhow, no wonder he'd be bi-curious.