“Our Colors” by Gengoro Tagame: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Acceptance
Reading yaoi manga used to be a regular part of my routine. There was no need for planning or tracking what I read—it was all about the fun and connection these stories brought. Back then, being gay wasn't as openly discussed, and the fear of rejection and feeling like an outcast was all too real. But within the pages of these books, we found solace; we found a sense of belonging.
Our Colors by Gengoro Tagame struck me as truly creative. Once the title clicks with the story, it’s easy to appreciate just how brilliant the author is in their execution. The manga follows Sora, a high school student with a crush on his classmate Yoshida, as he navigates his journey of self-discovery and the complexities of being gay. Along the way, he meets Mr. Amamiya, a mentor who offers him the guidance he never knew he needed, helping him gradually embrace who he is.
What stood out the most was how different this book felt compared to others in the genre. I’ll admit, I went into it expecting some level of sexual content, based on past experiences with similar manga. But instead, I was pleasantly surprised by the innocence and curiosity that permeated the story. The nostalgia of the art style, the touching moments of epiphany, the purity of the characters, and the sense of unconditional acceptance were all incredibly refreshing.
If I had to point out one disappointment, it would be the handling of Sora’s crush on Yoshida. While the story builds up to this relationship, I felt it could have been a pivotal moment in Sora’s journey toward self-acceptance and coping with regret. However, the author chose a more subtle approach to resolve this, which, while fitting for the tone, left me wanting a bit more.
Ultimately, I really enjoyed Our Colors. It’s a longer one-shot manga, but that only allowed for a more leisurely pace that made the reading experience even more immersive. Every moment spent with this book felt magical. It’s the kind of story that many of us—especially within the LGBTQ+ community—would have been grateful to have in our younger lives. It reassures us that we are not alone, that we are worthy of love, and that there is a place for us in this world.