Uta Isaki

I have conflicted feelings about this one. While we definitely need more asexual and aromatic representation this one very quickly turns into a kind of asexual 101, something I wish we could move away from. I loved the start when she felt isolated and confused by "normal" (something many aces and aros can relate to) and enjoyed seeing her discover that hey, not feeling this things is an option! I enjoyed seeing allonormativity/amatonormativity being called out and how it was shown as being so ingrained in how people talk to each other and how isolating it can e if you don't feel that kind of attraction towards others. But after that it very much felt like it became an educational pamphlet type thing (you know the kind - here's what this means and why you might be it) and the story kind of became secondary. While I don't have an issue with asexual education in books about asexual characters, I do wish that it had been more integrated into the story and character relationships that were being developed earlier in the story. And while I did still finish it and still appreciate that it exists, I started losing some interest and emotional investment around this point. Yeah, I get it may be helpful for those who are allo, but I would love it if more stories centered asexual experiences for asexual people and didn't spend a significant portion of what it is (even if we are a minority - it's just a little exhausting when it is described every single time, especially since this one had a long author's note type thing at the end).

(I don't know how much this is a cultural thing but I found it a bit weird that she immediately moved in with the professor she just met? I mean, I don't think there was anything sinister there or anything but while students may develop a close relationship with a professor it's typically not in first year or after one converstaion)

While I do think many aces and aros will see themselves in this book and enjoy it for those reasons, I feel like it is most suited for allos and those questioning their sexuality who are interested in learning more about sexuality due to how much of the story is a discussion about what asexuality is. It also does a decent job at showcasing how allonormative language and expectations are isolating if that is something you are interested in. I feel like there are several books out there that go down this route, but this is a nice choice if you want to go down the manga/graphic novel type route!

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. As always, all opinions are my own.… (mere)

Is Love the Answer? is an educational manga exploring aromantic asexuality through the eyes of a freshman college student grappling with her lack of desire for romance or sex. While initially she finds herself isolated from and misunderstood by her peers, she finds community with several other asexuals and a handful of friends who embrace her identity and help her understand herself.
The manga focuses more on the educational aspects and is lighter on the story side of things. As an aromantic asexual person myself, I think the manga captured well the sense of alienation from one’s peers and the frustration of having an experience of love and attraction that others so readily dismiss or refuse to believe. I also appreciate that it touched on some of the more material issues that can come from being aro/ace in a society that does support that, including the risk of sexual assault or other sexual trauma and the difficulties of being unattached in a society built with the expectation of having a partner or nuclear family.… (mere)