Kai always had Ren by his side, and he never imagined it would be any different. However, when their final year of high school begins, life changes unexpectedly, putting them in separate classes for the first time since middle school in My Ultramarine Sky (2015), Nagisa Furuya delivers a heartfelt story that explores the evolving dynamics between friendship and love. Let’s dive into this touching BL manga that tackles first love and emotional turmoil.
Plot Summary: Navigating the Distance Between Kai and Ren
Kai and Ren have always been close, often entertaining their friends, Andy and Kaname, with BL-style antics. But for Kai, those feelings became real a long time ago. Separated by different class schedules, Kai struggles with not being around Ren as often as he used to be. The separation leaves him feeling lost, yet he’s afraid to confess his feelings, fearing it could end their friendship if Ren doesn’t feel the same.
One day, after leaving the shogi club, Kai finds Ren asleep at his desk in an empty classroom. Kai softly admits his feelings to the seemingly unconscious Ren, saying, “You know, I’ve always liked you, Ren. Always.” To Kai’s surprise, Ren opens his eyes and stares directly at him.
Shortly after this, Ren starts spending time with a girl from his new class. This development leaves Kai confused and frustrated. Distracted, he ends up injured during a football game, and Ren rushes to check on him. Later, Ren texts Kai with the unexpected news, “You should know I got a girlfriend.”
Character Development: The Journey of Kai and Ren
My Ultramarine Sky excels in its portrayal of Kai’s emotional journey. Much of the story is told from Kai’s perspective, giving readers insight into his confusion and frustration. His love for Ren is heartfelt, and the story explores how difficult it can be to navigate such strong feelings, especially during adolescence. The separation from Ren becomes more than just physical distance; it highlights the emotional gap forming between them.
Ren’s perspective adds depth to the story. When their mutual friend Kaname tells Ren, “It sucks to see you two at odds. I wish you’d get back to being your usual selves,” it forces Ren to reconsider his interactions with Kai and realize how important their bond is. However, as time passes, readers are left wondering if it’s too late for Kai and Ren to repair their relationship.
Nagisa Furuya’s Art and Storytelling
Nagisa Furuya beautifully captures the emotions of her characters through clean lines and expressive facial features. The artwork perfectly complements the story’s emotional tone, whether it’s light-hearted moments between friends or the tension of unspoken feelings. The strategic use of a shogi piece throughout the story adds symbolic depth, serving as a metaphor for Kai and Ren’s relationship.
The side characters, Kaname and Andy, are well-developed, adding humor and contrast to the story. Kaname’s love for anime and his blunt observations help drive the plot, while Andy, known for looking older than his peers but lacking tact, rounds out the group dynamic.
Publication Details and Bonus Features
Kodansha’s trade paperback edition of My Ultramarine Sky does justice to Furuya’s art, with a color illustration included at the front. The fluidity of the panel layouts creates a cinematic experience, enhancing the overall narrative flow. The translation by Sawa Matsueda Savage is excellent, with clear lettering by Nicole Roderick. The brief translation notes are also helpful, including an interesting fact about the “Asunaro hug,” which adds cultural context to the story.
Readers are treated to a bonus chapter titled, “I Still Don’t Know Everything About You,” which adds more depth to the story. Furuya’s afterword and a character guide for Kai, Ren, and their friends provide additional insights into the story’s development.
Final Thoughts: Why My Ultramarine Sky Stands Out
Even though My Ultramarine Sky is only Nagisa Furuya’s second published manga, it’s an impressive and emotionally charged work. Furuya masterfully balances the light-hearted aspects of adolescence with the emotional weight of first love.
Kai’s journey through confusion and heartache makes this BL manga stand out from others in the genre. His relatable struggles with self-expression and understanding his feelings make the story compelling for readers who appreciate coming-of-age stories. The nuanced relationship between Kai and Ren leaves a lasting impression, making My Ultramarine Sky a must-read for fans of BL manga and stories about first love.
