There’s a new manga on the block by the name of Sensitive Boy. While arguably not as mainstream as One Piece, Dragon Ball, or Death Note, the sweet coming-of-age manga has touched the hearts of many, originating from an author known plainly as ’46’ on a manga consumption and distribution website known as MangaDex. Although Sensitive Boy hasn’t been picked up by any major publications yet, it’s only a matter of time.
The manga has been getting rave reviews from all corners of the internet, who particularly praise the author’s sensitivity toward the topic of sexual assault and the decision to tell the story from a male’s perspective.
There are no doubt others in circulation, but Sensitive Boy is undoubtedly many readers’ first exposure to such a niche subject, especially as there’s a stigma surrounding sexual assault that prioritizes the experiences of women over men. Sadly, in most instances where female-on-male sexual assault is tackled, it isn’t taken as seriously, but Sensitive Boy certainly breaks the mold for all the right reasons.
Sensitive Boy follows Kaede Seto, a young boy adjusting to life and the challenges therein as a student at an all-boys school after being sexually assaulted. Joined by his two friends Izumi and Asahi, Kaede seeks to finally find true love and move on from a difficult past.
As mentioned, this manga isn’t available on the shelves, nor has it been officially licensed under any publisher. Author ’46’ originally posted the English translation for Sensitive Boy on MangaDex, which can be accessed for free. Chapter 1: A “Normal” Boy and Chapter 2: I Want To Take the First Step are both available on MangaDex.
Alternatively, interested parties can purchase a digital version of the manga on Amazon Japan, and although it isn’t the preferred option for U.S. readers, it does give back to the creator.
