If SAMURAI FLAMENCO Isn't Gay, It'll be A Surprise

Well… looks like my guess about the true nature of Gota and Masayoshi’s relationship last time was pretty much spot on. Even his manager quickly dismisses any possibility of her being a potential girlfriend for the gy. So, no points for guessing whom Samumenco is going to learn how to love, now, kids…

I never actually read it, but this plot turn makes me think of ENIGMA. That comic was notable for sub-textually/textually linking its superhero’s secret identity with his sexual identity; and having him gradually come to terms with being gay as he went on a metafictional self-exploration. Who knows if that particular book was ever on Studio Manglobe’s reading list but, between that and ANIMAL MAN, this series has really seemed like something that would’ve fit on Vertigo Comics’ early line of offbeat superheroic titles.

== TEASER ==

And it’s funny noticing this, so soon after watching the new TIGER & BUNNY movie. Both series are shot-calling plenty of American superhero comics, but the reference lists couldn’t be further afield.

It’s undeniable that Haiji has to be real, at this point. Unless everybody’s hallucinating, of course (recalling the disbelief tension level set by previous episodes, I suppose that’s certainly possible). Again, the show’s conditioned me to squint at every new character, trying to figure out what they represent.

In this episode, the kid comes right out and says that these outlandish plot details have been the result of Samumenco’s fragile mind being unable to cope with there not being a continual supply of super-villains to complete his wish. If my hunch proves right, and these final few episodes are about Masayoshi coming to terms with his feelings for Gota, then Haiji really starts looking like the voice of reality, intruding on this elaborate, boyish fantasy that Samumenco’s constructed to not face facts about himself.

Watch "Teaching Love" and decide for yourself, then read my comments about the previous episode.

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Tom Pinchuk’s a writer and personality with a large number of comics, videos and features like this to his credit. Visit his website - - tompinchuk.com - - and follow his Twitter: @tompinchuk