MANGA: Kotaete My Drifter

Kotaete My Drifter – Kamome Ohshima

It’s the hedonistic New York of the roaring ’20s. One night at a dazzling party Elliot meets Robert, a suspiciously suave man who reminds him of his first love. The two handsome gentlemen hit it off right away and soon their relationship takes a romantic turn… However, the paths of history are often cruel. Can they withstand the challenges thrown at them? Let Ooshima Kamome’s newest work captivate you with its sweet and dark atmosphere…

Answer My Drifter takes us to 1929 New York, just before the stock market crash. At a party, Elliot meets Robert, and the two quickly become lovers. Robert stirs memories of Elliot’s childhood friend from Chinatown—a half-white, half-Chinese boy he once loved.

Though Robert hints at ties to the mafia, Elliot remains his lover. When those connections and dark past catch up with Robert, Elliot is forced to fight for the man he loves.

This manga beautifully juxtaposes sweet and angsty, innocence and violence. Past and present Elliot dotes on Robert, unaware of the horrors in Robert’s life. Learning Robert secretly saved him from those when they were kids only made his resolved to keep Robert safe even stronger.

Chapter 4 is particularly harrowing in its graphic depiction of violence, so tread with care. Robert went through the wringer and was forced to work on the streets to survive, making him feel unworthy of Elliot.

His farewell letter is heartbreaking, but Elliot would have none of the goodbyes, determined to have him no matter what. Cheered so hard whenever Elliot was always there to catch his man. That ending made my heart soar!

This is a poignant tale of enduring love, resilient against poverty, tragedy, and time. Overall, friends may drift apart, life and love can always bring them back together.

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