Manga: Iberico Pork & Love & Camellia

I recently read a manga that surprised me for how different it is, the topics it includes, and the amazing art that I got used to in no time. I didn't know what to expect, and I honestly thought I wouldn't like it that much due to the description, but I still decided to give Iberico Pork & Love & Camellia, by Shoowa, a try, and I'm so happy I did! Thanks to the publisher for sending me a review copy!

• Print Length: 180 pages.
• Publisher: TokyoPop.
• Publication Date: February 22, 2023.
• Genres: Drama, Gay, Homoerotic, Romantic, Yaoi.
• Rating: 4 / 5 stars.

Sparks fly when high school delinquent Tsubaki antagonizes the leader of a local trash pick-up gang, the Iberico Pigs... except instead of going on one of his famous rampages, Iberico invites Tsubaki out to dinner instead. As the two of them spend more time together, will their relationship be nipped in the bud by Tsubaki's uncertainty, the Pigs' jealousy, or Iberico's family ties to organized crime? Meanwhile, a members of Iberico's crew hides a painful past — can he find it in himself to open up his heart to another?

In a comedic, tender, awkward, and sometimes deadly serious tale of high school trash pick-up gangs, environmental conscientiousness, and real-life mobsters, Iberico & Love & Camellia follows the mutual support and growing heartfelt feelings between rough-and-tumble young men.

This book is intended for mature audiences aged 18 and over.

Content warnings: (highlight to read) explicit sex; violence; homophobia; stalking, grooming & sexual abuse of a teenager by an adult; rape (and videotaping of the assault); drug distribution and forced drugging.

I liked how different this manga was! It took different, risky ideas, and put them together in a way that was easy to enjoy them. However, as you may expect, it is not something easy, and there elements that may be horrific for some because of how detailed they are. The same happens with the happy, cute, romantic elements.

Basically, we're talking about a manga that presents two different stories that are related to one another. They are not sequels or prequels, or anything similar, but are definitely connected, provide a wider view of what it is like to be part of this gang. The trash and environment elements are not as important as you might expect, but more like a complementary part of the story.

I would have liked it to be more extensive, maybe a duology, since both stories could have had a better development even though it works the way it is right now. However, I feel a few scenes were rushed and didn't have the impact they could have had with the right amount of space. I want to give it the benefit of doubt since there's another volume coming next Monday, so just a few more days!

All in all, Iberico Pork & Love & Camellia is a nice story that shows the raw reality of some people without romanticizing it, but also shows that there's a light at the end of the tunnel. With beautiful art that reflects the same feelings the script works with, and the promise of more to come, it's a manga perfect for fans of reality, healing, and love.

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