REVIEW: Dysfunctional Family Theory Vol 1

When two young men show up to their ex’s funeral, they are only expecting to pay their respects and get on their way. But as it turns out, their ex had other plans…

About Dysfunctional Family Theory

Dysfunctional Family Theory is a boys’ love manga by Mayo Tsurukame and published in English by Seven Seas Entertainment. Tsurukame is also the creator of Perfect Propose. In it, two men who share a mutual ex attend her funeral only to learn she leaves behind a 6-year-old daughter. It is revealed that Ririko has stated that either Sentaro or Touma is the father of her daughter, Meguru. Instead of taking a DNA test, she wants her daughter to choose one of them as her father. Ririko’s mother decides they will do a trial period where Sentaro, Touma, and Meguru live together, and then Meguru will decide who will be her dad.

As wacky as their start is, the three form a pseudo family and start navigating their new lives together. In a combination of flashbacks and present moments, we learn that Sentaro, Touma, and Ririko were all in the same circle a few years ago. Ririko allegedly cheats on Sentaro with Touma, which starts the tension between them. But as they start navigating parenthood together, the things left unsaid in the past start bubbling to the surface.

My Thoughts

As excited as I was for this story, I was unprepared for how layered it is. I thought I was in for some cute-wacky romcom -esque moments between Sentaro and Touma. As it turns out, putting someone who isn’t completely satisfied in life in a crazy situation will bring a lot of emotional baggage. Sentaro may seem the more put together out of him and Touma, but he’s holding on by a string.

This newfound parenthood shines a light on how the “Touma-Sentaro-Ririko” love triangle from seven years ago was never resolved. The “love triangle” is also deeply tied to Sentaro’s current career. How he’s settling for being a ghost-writer, despite being talented enough for his own musical career. Now, tasked with being a parent and trying to set a good example for Meguru, Sentaro is confronted with how the person he’s trying to show Meguru he is is not real. He also is struggling to paint Ririko in a positive light for Meguru, despite her not being the best either.

I am in awe of how Mayo Tsurukame is telling such an interesting story. It can be easy to make a wild premise into a wild story that is full of hijinks and fun, but instead they have taken the road less traveled. This is a wild story but it’s one where the messy parts of being humans are at full display. It’s one where there are multiple layers and there isn’t always a “good guy” or a “bad guy.” There are just people who are all a bit broken trying to pick up the pieces and make the best of their circumstances.

I will be anxiously waiting for volume two.

Where to Buy Dysfunctional Family Theory Vol 1

Dysfunctional Family Theory Vol 1

Story and Art: Mayo Tsurukame
Translation: Jan Cash
Lettering: Mercedes McGarry
Editor: Matthew Birkenhauer

Publisher: Seven Seas Entertainment

Dysfunctional Family Theory Vol 1 is available for preorder now and will be released on November 18.

Yiggy Bean

Amazon

Thank you, Seven Seas Entertainment, for the ARC.