When a hulking, affable Canadian named Mike Flanagan—who declares himself the widower of Yaichi’s estranged gay twin, Ryoji—arrives on the doorstep of Yaichi's family in Japan, hoping to explore Ryoji's past, the family reluctantly but dutifully takes him in, changing their lives in the process. - (Baker & Taylor)
The first volume of the acclaimed global sensation, from one of Japan's most notable manga artists: Yaichi is a work-at-home suburban dad in contemporary Tokyo; formerly married to Natsuki, and father to their young daughter, Kana. Their lives suddenly change with the arrival at their doorstep of a hulking, affable Canadian named Mike Flanagan, who declares himself to be the widower of Yaichi's estranged gay twin, Ryoji.
Mike is on a quest to explore Ryoji's past, and the family reluctantly but dutifully takes him in. What follows is an unprecedented and heartbreaking look at the state of a largely still-closeted Japanese gay culture: how it's been affected by the West, and how the next generation can change the preconceptions about it and prejudices against it.
(Please note: This book is a traditional work of manga, and reads back to front and right to left.) - (Random House, Inc.)
GENGOROH TAGAME was born in 1964 and lives in Tokyo. After graduating from Tama University of Art, Tagame worked as an art director while writing manga and prose fiction, contributing illustrations for various magazines. In 1994 he cofounded the epochal G-Men Magazine and by 1996 he was working full-time as an openly gay artist. He is the author of dozens of graphic novels and stories which have been translated into English, French, Italian, and Korean. His artwork has been exhibited in galleries across Europe and America. My Brother’s Husband marks his first all-ages title, and earned him a 2018 Eisner Award as well as the Japan Media Arts Award for Outstanding Work of Manga from the Agency of Cultural Affairs. - (Random House, Inc.)
Booklist Reviews
*Starred Review* In America, the struggle for equal rights for LGBTQ people is a part of the national conversation. But in Japan, LGBTQ individuals are still largely closeted and socially invisible. Into this culture walks Mike, a large, friendly Canadian and the widower of Yuichi's gay brother. Feeling obligated to ask Mike to stay in his home, Yuichi, a single parent, is dismayed when Mike, who is out, open to questions, and secure in his identity, befriends his young daughter. Yuichi's low-level homophobia is tempered by his daughter's unquestioning acceptance of her new favorite uncle. As the days progress and his daughter continues to naively ask personal questions, Yuichi begins to see Mike, who is clearly grieving, as a complete person instead of a stereotype and to examine his relationship with his brother before and after he came out. Tagame is best known for bara manga, and the men in this story are solid and muscular, a far cry from the long, willowy character designs often found in manga. The art is crisp, and the characters' faces expressive, allowing the reader to see their hurt, confusion, and relief. While there is some nudity, it's never sexualized. A sensitive exploration of the transition some families go through when a family member comes out and a possible entry point for those needing to start conversations of their own. Copyright 2017 Booklist Reviews.