REVIEW: ‘I’ve Become an Omega Today’

Omegaverse (also known as ABO) is a genre of science fiction, usually romantic, that came out of fan fiction that not everyone knows how to start reading. Still, with more manga publishers getting English rights to omegaverse stories, the genre is becoming more accessible. Published by Yen Press, I’ve Become an Omega Today is a story that works as an entry point into this specific genre of BL in a particularly wholesome way. Written and illustrated by Sachi Maiki, I’ve Become an Omega Today is translated by Leighann Harvey with lettering by DK and was published first in 2019 through Kodokawa Corporation, Tokyo.

I’ve Become an Omega Today follows two childhood friends, Kanade and Munechika. A typical childhood friends to lovers story with a twist, ever since they were kids, Kanade has wanted to spend the rest of his life by Munechika’s side. However, Kanade’s hope of becoming Munechika’s was shattered the moment he found out he was a beta. After all, an alpha like Munechika needs to be with an omega, and then as the title implies, Kanade becomes one.

For the uninitiated, I’ve Become an Omega Today is a one-shot that is an omegaverse story. In addition to male and female, there are second genders: alpha, beta, and omega. Betas are, well, just everyday people while Alphas are the dominant class in the world, considered more intelligent, in more top physical condition, and desirable. Omegas are on the opposite end, thought weaker and male omegas can have children. Alphas and Omegas often become mates, drawn to each other through pheromones, and that’s the very simplistic backdrop for this one-shot. If you’re confused, don’t worry, I’ve Become an Omega Today is extremely accessible for folks just learning what the genre is.

Like other omegaverse stories, there is a drive to have sex between the characters. Still, the illustrations keep things at 16+ for older teens, showcasing the after-moments instead of the intimacy itself. This allows the story to focus more on the connection between Kanade and Munechika beyond sex, a trope a lot of omegaverse series fall into. Instead, I’ve Become an Omega Today focuses on an omegaverse element that allows the character to grow: compulsion. The overarching tension in Kanade and Munechika’s romance comes from the question of “is here because he has to be or because he wants to be?”

Then Kanade presents as an Omega in college, and both his and Munechika’s parents suggest they become mates. While they both have feelings for each other they’ve never articulated, they accept the arrangement and move in together. However, throughout their relationship, the feelings remain buried, with each of them trying to put the other’s comfort first and making assumptions without having any conversation. Kanade assumes that Munechika is with him out of obligation, and Munechika takes Kanade’s distancing words at face value. Of course, like any good romance, they just keep communicating until the final chapters.

When they do have a heart to heart and open, the angst and tension pay off with the two relying not on their status as Alpha and Omega but as two people who have loved each other since childhood, finally allowing themselves to speak their feelings. It’s a heartwarming ending, and their relationship is wholesome to the point that it avoids a lot of the toxicity we often see in omegaverse couples. While they know they have to be together, they individually choose to remain with one another until they finally voice their emotions. The characters investigate any sense of compulsion to be together, whether sexually or just being in the same space.

Sure, I’ve Become an Omega Today isn’t a revolutionary story for the genre, but it is a one-shot that is a great way to start reading it. With this series out and The Monster and the Beast also out from Yen Press, I’m hoping for more mature BL titles to come out alongside their all-ages ones as well. If you already like omegaverse, pick this up because it’s a great story that explores the emotions behind feeling like you’re supposed to be with someone versus wanting to be with someone. And if you’re new to the genre, read it because it’s a great jumping-in point with a great story.

I’ve Become an Omega Today is available now wherever books are sold.