The word “Twilight” evokes a powerful sense of transition, mystery, and often, romance. While most famously associated with Stephenie Meyer’s vampire saga, “Twilight” and similar phrases appear across various forms of media, hinting at themes of coming-of-age, hidden desires, and the complexities of love. This article delves into three distinct works that share a connection to this evocative theme: Touched by Twilight, In the Twilight of Our Adolescence, and About a Love Song manga.
Touched by Twilight: A Historical BL Romance
Touched by Twilight is a historical Boys’ Love (BL) manga licensed by Tokyopop for release on December 2. Authored by Yukiaki Uno, this series explores a poignant narrative of a mentor and a student. Their relationship, however, is tragically severed by familial strife. Years later, fate intervenes, allowing them to cross paths once more. The manga promises a reunion and a rekindling of their bond amidst historical settings and emotional complexities.
In the Twilight of Our Adolescence: Navigating Youthful Discoveries
Also licensed by Tokyopop, In the Twilight of Our Adolescence by Waka Hayashi is set for release on November 11. This manga delves into the intricate journey of young boys transitioning into adulthood. It portrays their struggles, mistakes, and gradual acceptance of life’s multifaceted nature. The story centers on Tanahashi Yusei, a popular and talented student who harbors a secret admiration for his inconspicuous classmate, Nakagawa. A particular incident draws these two seemingly different individuals closer, exploring themes of hidden feelings and unexpected connections during a formative period of life.
About a Love Song Manga: Music, Age Gaps, and Unexpected Romance
About a Love Song (also known as Abauto a Rabu Songu) is a Boys’ Love (BL) manga written by Hiroko Natsuno. Tokyopop has also licensed this title, with a release date of December 9. The plot revolves around Hoshina, a band member passionate about music but struggling to compose love songs. He works part-time at a convenience store where he encounters Seto, a younger college student.
The narrative takes a turn when Hoshina, drawn to Seto’s “blinding purity,” takes him home after finding him drenched in the rain, leading to them spending the night together. The following morning, Hoshina discovers that Seto is younger than he initially thought—a high school senior. This revelation fills Hoshina with regret, leading him to insist they cease seeing each other until Seto graduates. Despite Hoshina’s attempts to maintain distance, Seto’s feelings for him intensify.
The story explores the complexities of an age-gap relationship, Hoshina’s attempts to act as a “pseudo-sincere adult,” and how their connection inspires Hoshina to finally write a song about his emotions for Seto. After Seto’s graduation, he watches Hoshina perform this song, leading to the reconciliation of their feelings and a “sweet, heartfelt love story”. The manga has been released on AMAK’s e-commerce platforms and is complete with six chapters.
Themes in “About a Love Song”
About a Love Song delves into several notable themes, including:
- Age Gap Romance: The central conflict and development stem from the age difference between Hoshina and Seto.
- Music as Expression: Hoshina’s struggle to write love songs and his eventual inspiration through his feelings for Seto highlight music as a powerful form of emotional expression.
- Coming-of-Age: While Hoshina navigates his regret and growing feelings, Seto’s earnest pursuit of the relationship speaks to a different form of emotional maturity and conviction.
- Hidden Desires and Openness: The initial unexpected intimacy between the characters and Seto’s persistent affection challenge Hoshina’s guarded nature.
The Enduring Allure of “Twilight”
Beyond these specific manga titles, the broader concept of “Twilight” continues to captivate audiences. Stephenie Meyer’s immensely popular Twilight series, which chronicles the romance between human Bella Swan and vampire Edward Cullen, remains a cultural touchstone. The series, which originated from a dream Meyer had in 2003, explores themes of forbidden love, mortality, temptation, and eternal life, heavily influenced by Meyer’s Latter-day Saint faith.
The Twilight saga’s success spawned five successful film adaptations and a dedicated fanbase known as “Twihards”. Despite criticisms of its writing style and “retrogressive gender stereotypes,” the series resonated deeply with young adult readers, offering a “safe joining of love and sex” within its narrative. Author Stephenie Meyer has even hinted at having “other stories outlined” within the Twilight universe, suggesting the enduring appeal of its world and characters.
Whether exploring historical romance, adolescent self-discovery, or contemporary love stories, titles incorporating “Twilight” or similar themes consistently tap into universal experiences of transformation, vulnerability, and the profound impact of connection.
