Aug 29, 2022
In a good way, I'm surprised I stuck with this one to the end. This kind of school teen drama typically isn't my thing, but I try to find the positives and learn from everything I read. Are you Real hooked me with the premise that Kiro and Ai are the only ones who see people as monsters, but that hook allowed me to lower my guard and get invested in the characters. At the end I was happy for Kiro that he could work through his thoughts and feelings, and come to the right choice for him, but also devastated for what many of the characters went through. I really want Ai to get the help and support she needs.
One thing I felt this story did really well was depict that awkward period growing up where you're still playing with action figures, maybe embarrassed about privately liking "childish" things, but old enough that you're interested in dating and romance. "Clownboy Beatbox" made me smile every time.
In the end, the not all the questions are answered. It's not wrapped up in a neat bow, but that's just like life.
