Kono Gomi wo Nanto Yobu
What Do You Call This Trash

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What Do You Call This Trash? (Kono Kuzu o Nanto Yobu?) is the kind of manga that initially feels like a guilty pleasure but quickly reveals its emotional depth and layered storytelling. It starts as a chaotic mix of questionable relationship dynamics and trashy drama but evolves into a journey about trauma and dependency.

The story centres on Yuuto, an ordinary, well-meaning guy who finds himself trapped in a toxic yet irresistible relationship with Akira, his brother Kai's ex-girlfriend. Akira is relentless and manipulative, using Yuuto’s emotional vulnerability to her advantage. On the surface, she’s the "crazy girl" archetype—a stalker, obsessive, and unapologetically messy. But as ... her backstory unfolds, the manga does the unthinkable: it makes you sympathise with her. Akira’s trauma and yearning for love add layers to her chaotic persona, turning her into a character you can't entirely condemn + she's kinda cute ngl.

Yuuto, the protagonist, acts as the moral centre of the story [Exluding Kai], but he’s far from perfect. His internal conflict—caught between guilt, attraction, and his inability to say no—makes him an interesting specimen. He’s the kind of character who frustrates you with his choices but keeps you invested because those choices feel painfully real.

Kai, Yuuto’s brother, is initially just a plot device—a ghost of Akira’s past and a source of tension in Yuuto’s present. However, as the story digs into Kai’s perspective, especially during his backstory arc, he emerges as a tragic and complex character. His relationship with Yuuto, filled with guilt, resentment, and unspoken care, is one of the most compelling dynamics in the manga. Chapters that focus on Kai hit especially hard, particularly when his vulnerability and brokenness are laid bare.

The plot thrives on its imperfections. The first few chapters might feel like an edgy soap opera, with Akira’s antics bordering on trashy melodrama. But as the layers peel back, it becomes clear that the chaos serves a purpose. The story delves into themes of emotional dependency, trauma, and the unhealthy ways people seek love and validation. By the time you reach chapter 28, you’re left reflecting on how the relationships—flawed as they are—speak to the deeply human need for connection, no matter how messy or toxic it gets.

The art style complements the story's tone. While not overly flashy, it excels at conveying raw emotion, particularly during moments of tension or vulnerability. Subtle details, like Akira’s shifting expressions or the visual framing during Yuuto’s introspective moments, add depth to the storytelling.

What sets What Do You Call This Trash? apart is its refusal to shy away from the ugly parts of its characters. There’s no perfect romance here—only broken people trying to piece themselves together. It’s uncomfortable, messy, and even trashy at times, but that’s what makes it so compelling.

However, it’s not without its flaws. The pacing can feel uneven, especially early on, and the initial chapters may push some readers away with their questionable dynamics. But for those who stick with it, the emotional payoff is well worth it.

Rating: 8/10
Would I recommend it? Absolutely, but with a caveat: this is not a light read, nor is it for everyone. If you enjoy stories with complex, morally grey characters and aren’t afraid to sit with discomfort, What Do You Call This Trash? is worth your time.

When I finished Helck, I thought that no other manga could ever compare. It was the "perfect" manga in all sense of the word. It had romance, action, drama, suspense, it was thrilling. It was a perfect rollercoaster of the shonen spirit.

Ironic to it's namesake, "What Do You Call This Trash," is far from trash. But it did have me thinking what to even call it.

Then I remembered the reason I kept going forward and living, even when times got tough. Because of manga like these. Manga that show us, we as humans are imperfect creatures. We make irrational decisions and don't even fully understand ... ourselves. But that's what makes us human after all.

Deep down we all hope, that at the end of the tunnel, there is light. That happy endings do exist. We might come out the other end battered and bruised, with scars that will never heal... But regardless, we made it. It may not be perfect and it may not be the ending we were hoping for, but it's our ending.

And when a work of art so perfectly captures the essence of that human spirit, somehow, of our beautiful imperfection, it can't be considered art at that point.

It can only be considered "human."

What would I call this "trash?" Well, I would describe it as "imperfect." And someway, somehow, that's what makes it perfect.

The dumpster fire has been completed as of chapter 30. Conversely to (somewhat) widespread expectations, there's a surprising amount of wholesomeness in how the Mr. Mangaka approached the whole thing.

Is 'Kono Gomi...' a masterpiece? No, far from it really. I wouldn't call it something that would be even worth your time if the series were, let's say, 50+ chapters.

For a quick 2-hour read while commuting, though? It's a decent way to spend the time and a solid 6/10 if you're not too picky.

Key themes, as evidenced by the title, involve:

- Severe co-dependency issues
- Toxicity in relationships
... - Stalker behavior
- 'Being a hero' mumbo jumbo that...fits somewhat, I guess?

In all honesty, this manga is 'Just OK' in all departments. Art, characters, character development/progression, plot, resolution - everything doesn't stand out too much, but it's not too bad either.

6/10 -- some bonus points for the author not dragging this for 30+ chapters more with meaningless drama. The trade-off is that as it stands in its completion, 'Kono Gomi...' is sanitized, toothless, and...kinda dull in a way?