Just Like Mona Lisa, vol 1 | Review

Just Like Mona Lisa, vol. 1
Story and art by Tsumuji Yoshimura
SQUARE ENIX Manga, 7/16/24
Rating: Teen

In an alternate reality where people are born and raised without gender, unless it is chosen by the age of twelve, Hinase (they/them pronouns) has been happily genderless in their seventeen years of life. But when two of their best friends separately confess their feelings towards them, Hinase must decide how to move forward. Do they decide on a gender based on who they choose to give their heart, or would it be possible to be loved without choosing a gender and live a happy life?

When I first read Just Like Mona Lisa, I was blown away by its artwork and concept. Using the famous Mona Lisa as an influence, Yoshimura draws the reader into Hinase’s world as they navigate through their new challenge. Hinase’s best friends, a boy and girl, each confess their feelings to them. While they both want to be respectful to each other and Hinase’s choice, the reader will find themselves deciding which person would be best for Hinase. There is one who cares for Hinase as they are, while the other wants to influence Hinase to be the gender that is suitable for their own attraction, not Hinase’s comfort. As that scene progressed, I already found myself picking a side. While this is occurring, Hinase weighs their options on how they should live their life. Do they feel that they should choose a gender? In addition, aside from the new rivalry that has been formed among their friend group, why should Hinase choose when they are content as they are?

As a cisgender female, I have only experienced what it’s like being nonbinary though my friend group which is beautifully diverse. I have slipped in the past (without malice) in regards to pronouns, and try to read stories that are sensitive and relatable to all life experiences. That being said, I found myself absolutely invested in Just Like Mona Lisa.  I felt this story really illustrated who Hinase is as a person, and their struggles to discover who they are. After reading this story, I would love to engage in a conversation with other readers to learn how they felt about Just Like Mona Lisa and what they took from it. 

I must advise that the manga ends on a controversial note. As Hinase begins to express wanting to continue their life without choosing a gender, we learn a devastating potential consequence if Hinase continues their life path as is. However, I hope volume two of Just Like Mona Lisa explores more on Hinase’s life, how the relationship dynamic with their friends develops, and how Hinase’s decision (or indecision) affects everything around them.

Filed under: Graphic Novels, Manga, Reviews, Young Adult