I Wanna Be Your Girl Vol. 1

Being in love with your childhood best friend can be complicated, especially when, right before high school, she transitions to living as a girl. Printed for the first time in English, this manga series tells a thoughtful story about the complications of first loves, friendship, and what it truly means to be an ally.

"Takase explores gender identity, presentation, and acceptance in this gentle manga that feels comfortably grounded. . . . Sweet and engaging." --Kirkus Reviews

Hime has secretly been in love with her childhood best friend Akira for as long as she can remember. She was the first person who knew that Akira identified as a girl, and she made it her mission to be her Akira's protector against the world. Hime is thrilled that Akira has finally decided to live as her true self now that they are starting high school.

However, as Akira starts to attract all types of attention, Hime takes it upon herself to aggressively stick up for Akira whenever necessary. Not wanting her to be singled out or bullied, Hime decides that her only option is to put herself in Akira's shoes. Hime dresses like a boy in support of the friend she loves...too bad her plan only backfires on them both.

Author: Umi Takase
Publisher: Random House Graphic
Published: 07/01/2025
Pages: 240
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.60lbs
Size: 7.10h x 5.00w x 0.90d
ISBN13: 9780593902929
ISBN10: 0593902920
BISAC Categories:
- Young Adult Fiction | Comics & Graphic Novels | LGBTQ+
- Young Adult Fiction | Comics & Graphic Novels | Manga

About the Author
Umi Takase was born and is still living in the Toyama Prefecture. In 2016, she won an honorable mention at the 78th Shogakukan Newcomer Comic Awards where she debuted with her stand-alone short story "Ethnic Mirror" in the special issue of Flowers.