Jun 3, 2025
My Girlfriend's Child gives us a realistic and in-depth perspective on unexpected teenage pregnancy. It is a reflection of reality and depicted extremely well. This depiction is a stark contrast to what we often see portrayed in other media where teenage pregnancy is usually shown as a warning or a moral failing and the individuals involved are hardly ever humanized. So to have this refreshing and humanistic perspective simply feels good. To top it off, it is a well told and well presented story.
The art in this manga is soft, line-work heavy with minimal shading. I think it has an innocence to it which really
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complements the teenage aspect of the story, like a reminder that these are still children. There’s something quite pure about it.
There’s a deep focus on emotions and thoughts with moments that can speak volumes without always needing words. I really like how the mangaka uses her art to highlight what she’s trying to express. Sometimes it’s not what is said, it’s what we see and how she chooses to present it. Pay attention to how she draws a scene because it often captures the intensity of the moment and I found that there are a lot of visual metaphors. I like the character designs. They feel fresh and present and each character has a necessary and profound presence in the story. They’re not just there, they each serve a purpose. The mangaka does a great job at showing different perspectives around one shared reality which I think was very important in order for this story to be good. At times it’s not nice, it’s ugly, it’s uncomfortable, but that’s what makes it powerful because it feels real.
The young couple at the center of the story are clearly a couple. You can see them blossoming but also battling this difficult situation in their own way. The inclusion of moments of emotional and physical intimacy between them (not sexual) really highlights and strengthens their relationship for the reader. It’s powerful. Given that this manga is centered around pregnancy, I think it would have been incredibly disheartening to see a couple at the center of it who lacked emotional intimacy. These moments remind us that they’re still teenagers, yes, but they’re also a couple facing a life-changing event. It makes the story feel grounded and heartfelt, and it reflects what many people would hope to see in a supportive and emotionally present relationship during such a time. Although, that may not always be the case but you'll have to read and find out.
I would recommend this manga to absolutely anyone regardless of age. There are funny and heartwarming moments and also moments that are hard, maybe even uncomfortable. But that’s exactly how it’s supposed to be. This is an experience that affects more than just the teens directly involved. It extends to friends, family and others around them. It’s a life-changing event and the mangaka really brings that out. She doesn’t focus on blame or moralizing. Instead she humanizes the people involved. Teens in these situations are often seen as cautionary tales, not as real individuals going through something deeply emotional. This manga changes that.
What makes this story even more powerful is that teenage pregnancy is something that happens all around the world, yet in many cultures and countries, it isn’t openly discussed. It’s often brushed under the rug or portrayed through a lens of shame. Even adults who go through similar experiences often don't speak about it. You just figure it out when it happens to you. That’s why I believe this manga is meaningful for readers of any age. It allows us to follow a journey that’s real and complex with many possible outcomes.
I’d really like to see more men reading this manga. It would be great for more male readers to experience a story like this, one that actually includes and gives space to the male perspective in situations like this. Often the male voice is minimized or left out entirely, but here the mangaka acknowledges that it took two people for this situation to happen and both of them matter. I think that’s important. Men should see themselves reflected in these kinds of stories too, which is depicted well in this one.
There are moments I laughed out loud or felt the panic and anxiety of a moment because I was reeled in through the intricate depictions and powerful dialogue that felt so real. You might not laugh as I did and you might be more infuriated like some others, but go in with an open mind and bear witness to what love and growth can look like. There are an array of questions that arise through out this story and you might find that you relate or see yourself in this in one of the characters. It has it's charm and this is one of the most honest depictions of teen pregnancy I’ve read.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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