In the realm of shojo manga, the narrative often unfolds with the expectation that a charming protagonist will eventually capture the attention of a handsome love interest. Twilight Out of Focus 4: The Evening Monologues captures this sentiment perfectly, leaving readers wondering when Shion Yoshino will find his ideal boyfriend.
Shion’s Journey
Shion, a student at all-boys Midorigaoka High School, is determined to find himself a hot boyfriend. Despite his numerous attempts to connect romantically—joining multiple clubs and excelling in sports—love remains elusive. His latest endeavor leads him to the Film Club, where his flamboyant personality clashes with the reserved Vice President, Rei Inaba, who bluntly tells him, “You’re not gonna find a boyfriend here. You’re better off just quitting now.”
Undeterred, Shion embraces the challenge, even after Rei’s harsh rejection. However, when Rei finds Shion in tears in the music room and offers him a proposition—“You’re desperate for a boyfriend, right? Then why not try me out?”—Shion is taken aback. How does this unexpected encounter lead him to consider Rei, whom he previously deemed an “uber-nerd”?
New Beginnings and Passion
As a new member of the Film Club, Shion feels somewhat like a fifth wheel. Still, he’s selected to participate in a project creating a music video, much to the envy of his emo roommate, Kirito Kujo. Through this experience, Shion becomes engrossed in the creative process, learning about film production while discovering new passions.
In this fourth volume of Jyanome’s engaging series, we witness the evolution of Shion, a character markedly different from the dedicated film buff, Mao, and the committed club director, Giichi Ichikawa. Shion’s initial self-absorption and lofty aspirations make it challenging to empathize with him at first, especially when juxtaposed with the earnestness of Mao and Giichi.
Character Dynamics and Growth
As the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that Rei harbors concerns of his own, particularly regarding life after graduation. His laid-back demeanor belies the pressure he feels about his future. The interactions between Shion and Rei provide a compelling dynamic, particularly as they navigate the complexities of their feelings and aspirations against the backdrop of their film club.
Rei’s friendship with Jin, the retired club president, adds depth to the story, especially when Jin’s romantic entanglements come to light. Shion, characterized by his androgynous appearance, pink hair, and penchant for cute clothes, begins to change as he immerses himself in film production, stepping away from his self-centered tendencies.
Supporting Cast and Themes
This volume introduces us to a richly developed cast. I found myself particularly drawn to Kirito, Shion’s realistic and dryly humorous roommate, who serves as a grounding influence throughout the story. Familiar faces from previous volumes, including Mao, his boyfriend Hisashi Otomo, and Jin with Giichi, make notable appearances, providing continuity and a sense of community within the narrative.
The bonus chapter at the end features all three couples, along with character pages for Shion and Rei, enriching the reader’s understanding of the characters. It’s essential to note that this volume earns its 18+ rating for a reason; the beautifully illustrated consensual scenes enhance the storyline.
Translation and Presentation
The translation by Caroline Winzenried maintains a fluid reading experience, capturing Shion’s poetic musings and vibrant personality. Nicole Roderick’s lettering complements the artwork beautifully, enhancing the overall aesthetic. Two color pages at the front showcase Jyanome’s stunning art, making it a visual treat for readers.
As of now, the next volume, Twilight Out of Focus: Long Take 1, released in Japan in 2022, has yet to be announced for English publication. However, with a TV anime adaptation slated for 2024, there’s hope that Kodansha will continue to bring this delightful series to Western audiences.
Conclusion
If you’re seeking a perceptive and often humorous exploration of high school romance within an all-boys school setting, Twilight Out of Focus is a must-read. With its beautiful artwork, engaging characters, and genuinely hot scenes, this series offers a unique perspective on love and friendship. Don’t miss the chance to dive into Shion’s journey—give it a try!
