Manga Reviews (from monthly contest)

[aarinfantasy]

Manga Review of The Month (MROTM) - October 2014


Review #1:

Manga title: A Ruler Wearing a White Coat (Hakui no Shihaisha)
Manga artist: Kabutomaru Chouko
Manga cover picture: http://joyofyaoi.files.wordpress.com...shihaisha3.jpg



Review:

A Unique BDSM Romance

Mood: Spicy. Today I’m craving a BDSM story filled with hot, very explicit sex and all the kinks. But I’m torn, because I’m not up to slogging through the angst or darkness that tends to crop up in BDSM yaoi. Today I’m really looking for a consensual romance. What’s a girl to do?

Story: “My true self is deeply hidden away from others.” Thus begins the story of timid Moriyasu, a medical supply salesman, and Nobuaki-sensei, a highly respected surgeon who sees through his secret.

Mangaka: Kabutomaru Chouko has written a number of BDSM stories, but this volume strikes me as the least cliche, with the most substantial relationship development. Kabutomaru-sensei’s art is only moderately attractive overall, only occasionally pretty, but she is skilled at drawing expressive faces and emotion-filled eyes. She doesn’t hold back on showing us all the details in her sex scenes, and for some reason the graphic images in this manga haven’t suffered the cruel erasures of censorship.

My experience: I enjoy that this story’s dom-and-his-sub dynamic isn’t weighed down by twisted drama. The romance is built piece by piece in a way that engages me, the bondage and toys are fun as ever, and today’s desire for sex, sex, and more sex is sated. For today's mood, Hakui no Shihaisha was exactly what I was looking for.

Review #2:

Manga title: Lost Boys
Manga artist: Kaname Itsuki
Manga cover picture:

(taken from here)

Here is a one-shot BL story, and as the title indicates it’s based around idea of Peter Pan, the Lost boys, and Neverland.

I’m all for that sort of thing, except for the fact this was…boring. The “Peter Pan character” named Air essentially kidnaps Mizuki to be a father for the Lost Boys. You could say the content is very fluffy and cute because nothing bad really happens in this. There is virtually no conflict in this; any conflict that did happen was resolved quickly with little consequence. The conflicts act more like a cheap way to show exposition while including conflict at the same time, but it doesn’t work if it’s only good use was exposition (whether it was for backstory or introduction of other characters). A conflict should be a form of obstacle for the characters to overcome and become better characters from it. It technically did happen but it felt really anti-climatic.

I know my personal views shouldn’t completely sway my opinion on a work’s quality…but I do not understand these characters. I can’t even grasp a form of understanding for their reasoning. “Why do you feel that way? Why are you doing this? What? That’s not a good reason…”

The characters feel very flat, and their development is equivalent to me watching a low production children’s cartoon or movie attempting to teach a lesson. It takes you by the hand and walks you through the story instead having you fall into this world and exploring it and the characters on your own because they’re worth exploring.

I will say that, again, it does classify as something very cute and fluffy. I also took amusement with the Captain and his first mate. They were more fun and engaging than the main characters in my opinion.

Review #3:

Manga title: Maiden Rose (Hyakujitsu no Bara)
Manga artist: Inariya Fusanosuke
Manga cover picture:
Link: http://i.imgur.com/ETu559Q.jpg?1
Review:

In the midst of fierce fires and countless battles between three nations, two soldiers found themselves hungrily longing for each other. One was a beautiful entity leading his army with such elegance and charm, but was forced to hide his real emotions behind a stoic mask; the other labeled as a “Mad Dog,” thought of as someone not trust-worthy, wild spirit and arrogant, and yet caring and loving inside, and showing respect solely to his master: Taki Reizen and Klaus von Wolfstadt stood against the enemies of their nation while fighting their own war against each other.

This manga is, no doubt, one of the most popular titles under BL fandom. Despite its mature and deep theme about war and such, the author, Inariya Fusanosuke-san perfectly mixed this theme with delicious Klaus x Taki moments and I am so in love with this idea. The story itself has its own uniqueness; although there are also war-themed manga titles around, you can definitely tell that this is somewhat different. The characters are also a plus factor. Taki and Klaus are so cool with their uniforms on. I have to admit, though, that I somewhat feel weird when strong-looking Taki becomes a perfect sex doll for the brute Klaus. I also feel so sad whenever Klaus ends up raping or hurting Taki despite the fact that they do love each other. But the real nosebleed is the smut. Rape or not, those scenes are oh so sexy, any fan would actually beg for more. No one can tell from the manga cover alone (that really looks like a Shounen Jump-ish cover because of the cool uniforms) that there are lustful explicit scenes inside it.

I believe it’s a perfect read for mature readers who seek for less lovey-dovey pinkness, more action and a serious story. Not to mention the doujinshi, with chibi cats, dogs and a wolf. Yes, chibi.

Review #4:

Manga title: Hakuyou Ayakashi Gatari
Manga artist: Ichijou Lemon
Manga cover picture: imgur: the simple image sharer

Review:

Anyone here likes bishi with long white hair? It is always a plus though. This manga is about Hakuyou, whom is actually a demon wolf, born as a white wolf. Sadly, everyone in his clan is born as black thus making him alienated by his clan. He was abandoned by his parents and left alone. And by the time he reached the age of 18, he can no longer ingest food but only essence.

Sadly, no one wants to be with him. And he left his land to the land of the humans.
Left for death, he was found by Shouji. After Shouji took care of him, and got his essence stolen, Hakuyou ran and left him alone. Unfortunately, they met again.

The art is light and adorable. And the story is cute too. It does not contain yaoi but only shonen-ai implications. Even so, it is a light read and has a good flow in the story.

For those whom are interested in something fast and light, I would recommend this.
Though the translation is till on the way, I think there is good potential for this manga.

~

[aarinfantasy]

Manga Review of The Month (MROTM) - November 2014

Review #1:

Manga Title: Calling
Manga Artist: Ootsuki Miu
Manga Cover Picture:


http://joyofyaoi.files.wordpress.com...uki-miumed.jpg

Review:

Mood: Today I’m craving a moderately-paced mature romance, preferably one with a good sense of humor. Please, let the drama feel natural, not contrived — maybe something about the challenges of being a grown up and building a life. But don’t forget a heaping serving of consensual, very explicit sex scenes. If there’s even a hint of non-con, it needs to be taken seriously. Oh, and for reading along, a good drama CD would be an excellent bonus.


Story: Kazuaki, a straight, low-ranking salaryman lives a boring, rather lonely life, one he seems sadly resigned to. By chance, he runs into Kira, an energetic, emotionally open porn actor who falls for him at first sight… to Kazuaki’s dismay. Between their both being men and Kira’s socially stigmatized career, his pursuit of Kazuaki is destined to be an uphill battle.


Mangaka: Ootsuki Miu tweaks yaoi conventions enough to come up with stories that feel original. Her art has a loose, sketch-like look, her characters are quirkily handsome, and her sex scenes are wonderfully graphic and hot. For me, Calling has this prolific mangaka’s most well-developed storyline and genuinely interesting characters.


My experience: I like that the connections between cautious Kazuaki and enthusiastic Kira develop gradually and that the challenges they face feel surprisingly realistic. Despite the unlikely setup (salaryman x porn star), this romance and these characters feel genuine, and when they struggle with what their careers mean to them, it resonates with me. I’m also quite happy about the variety of sex scenes. Yes, I always walk away from reading this love story with a full, warm, satisfied feeling.

Review #2:

Manga title: Seven Days
Manga artist: Rihito Takaharai (Written by Venio Tachibana)
Manga cover picture:


Seven Days is a BL that spans 2 volumes, covering a full week. It has decent art, and I love the concept. I actually like a lot of things about it, though I had trouble “enjoying it” and I’ll cover why as we go.

Rumor has it that Seryou Touji will date anyone that asks him out first thing on Monday, and date them for a full week before breaking up with them. While waiting for a pizza he ordered one Monday morning, Touji’s sempai, Shino Yuzuru, asked Touji out on a whim. The story is simple: you go through their week together.

Here’s the part that bugged me: I found Yuzuru unlikable in general and it’s hard to enjoy a story when one of the characters you’re watching falling in love with each other is not likable. That could just be me because plenty of other characters say things I don’t particularly like and I don’t mind them. Yuzuru, I’m actually not fond of. However, I’ll acknowledge the parts I liked:

Both characters have a problem with the idea that people have expectations and judge people they don’t know by their outer appearance and their overall aura. While I don’t like Yuzuru I think he’s meant to act this certain way to prove the overall point. They both want someone to love them for being themselves, flaws and all. It’s a common message in general, but for this to work there has to be actual flaws and sometimes BL manga doesn’t always have those. Given, I do like the other character more, but so long as they have a good relationships, who am I to judge his choice? I won’t go into the characters because I think to match the theme of the story, I’m going to let them to be discovered by the readers. The readers get to learn a little bit about the characters, the same way the characters learn about each other.

I think it’s overall worth a read for sure. I don’t think it’s anything amazing(probably due to the one character), but certainly nothing bad. Worth a read at the least; and if people like both characters and the plot then it’s a win-win for them!

Review #3:

Manga title: Tsurukusa no Niwa
Manga artist :Katou Setsuko

picture:
http://i59.tinypic.com/i3vy3n.jpg

Tsurukusa no Niwa is a four story series gathered in a one volume manga in which the stories are set in a very normal background.
There are no Yakuza or supernatural themes and that is what makes this manga unique in its own style. True; the stories are very simple but surely not plain There is a bittersweet depth in all of them which makes the plot develop quite strongly. (as strong it can go for a short story or for a one-shot) .Art and concept are quite eye-catching for they make the reader wonder about their normal surroundings, what is going on in it and how people may be interacting to each other.
Art is very likable; Well-done, simple and neat especially when it comes to body curves and hair curls. Neither buff nor womanly. It gives vibes of a cool mixture of art and story; may be not having a very eye-catching art as in some titles or having a very strong plot in some others , but what can be seen here is a mix of both of a nice art and storyline; though simple but neat enough to be a good read.
Despite all the good points, the weakest point in the series is that a few stories in it have an open-ending. Readers who prefer solid endings may not enjoy these certain stories but on the other hand there are also a lot of fans who prefer open-endings. So, this title can be a good choose for people to lean on either side.
With all things mentioned above, Tsurukusa no Niwa is a very enjoyable read in which the reader can comfortably sit back and enjoy a normal and simple title but with different point of views in each story.

[aarinfantasy]

Manga Review of The Month (MROTM) - December 2014

Manga title: Jigoku Meguri (Hell's Tour)
Manga Artist: KUJU Siam
Manga cover picture:
Click here to view the original image of 667x438px.

Click here to view the original image of 667x438px.

link: http://i60.tinypic.com/30hsb60.jpg

Review:

King of the Hell; Enma, is a complete womanizer or so it seems. Even when one of his personnel; usually Takimura Ono, walks on him, he is unbashful enough to ignore him. What is worse; he always teases Takimura with his usual greeting: Have you decided to become mine yet?

Jigoku Meguri is a sweet manga in two volumes and despite the simple summary, it certainly is not over- clichéd.However it is a coin with two sides. Either the reader would read on with enthusiasm or would drop it completely.

The idea is very unique. It is refreshing and nice. The plot is shaky at times but the main chain of the events is well-connected; also some panels can be confusing if the reader is not attentive enough. It is not a boring monotone manga at all and it is well-balanced in a swirl of bittersweet emotions, love and guilt.

Art is definitely beautiful; like a representation of a new style which is a total plus, even for the readers who don’t like slender and delicate ukes. Actually in this particular manga it is something that rather sits well with the plot .Something like a modern beauty and the beast. But of course it is a matter of taste.

Hot seduction and smut.The sex scenes are too beautifully drawn to consider them just as a simple sex. May be that is why the mangaka had sealed off some of emotional moments with the gorgeous art and body language between the characters.

To sum it up :

Plot: 8/10 Art: 9/10 character design: 8.5/10 and in all 8-9 /10

And one hell of a unique experience in hell.

[aarinfantasy]

Manga Review of The Month (MROTM) - January 2015

Review #1:

Manga title: I hear the sunspot/ Hidamari ga kikoeru
Manga artist: Yuki Fumino
Manga cover picture:

http://i.imgur.com/wUcvOSE.jpg

Story (4/5): Poor college student Taiichi is looking for a part-time job when he accidentally discovers the secret lunch spot of the hearing-impaired student Kouhei. They couldn't be more different: Taiichi is loud, open and vivacious; Kouhei is the silent loner.
What starts off as a deal of exchanging class-notes for bentou slowly turns into friendship. Both have pasts of hardship and loneliness, and their bond grows stronger as they learn about each other and their own view on life - sometimes by making two steps forth and one step back.
When Kouhei is suddenly faced with the possibility of going completely deaf, what is it that he fears the most?

BL (2/5): Gentle and heart-warming. If you're looking for hot yaoi, this probably won't satisfy you.

Characters (5/5): I was amazed by the mangaka's deep understanding of human nature and behavior, which is well reflected in the protagonists as well as in the other characters. They make mistakes, struggle, have hopes and fears, and, thus, feel very real and tangible.

Style (4/5): The panel arrangement and angles allow easy reading and capture 'loneliness' and 'silence' perfectly. As the title indicates, motifs, such as weather and sky, are used frequently, which I appreciated from a literary point of view.
In contrast to the clean background, the characters are drawn sketch-like, giving the impression of being 'alive' and in motion.

Conclusion: Since this is soft BL, I advise you to change your expectation from ‘yaoi’ to ‘deep plot’. If you enjoy gentle but heart-wrenching stories and are open for non-mainstream drawing styles, I highly recommend this one shot.

Review #2:

Manga title: Akihabara Fall in Love
Manga artist: Kashima Chiaki
Manga cover picture:
Link: http://i.imgur.com/E8qP54n.jpg
Review:

Akihabara Fall in Love, written and illustrated by Kashima Chiaki, is a story of an ordinary salaryman named Hasegawa Yuuki, his fateful encounter with a clumsy super mega otaku Akiba Ayumu and how their relationship flourished in the Electric Town that is Akihabara. Released in 2014, it has four chapters about Hasegawa and Akiba and an extra story with a title, “The Coward’s I Love You.”

One fateful night, Hasegawa helped Akiba from being robbed and got hurt instead. After his recovery, he met Akiba’s fundashi younger brother, volunteered to cook for the brothers, discovered how cute Akiba was (since he was quite young-looking despite his age of 30), cross-dressed and later found himself completely fascinated by that inevitable feeling inside of him: love.

This type of plot is mediocre – a setting and theme we usually read in a typical BL manga – and it somewhat lacked character and relationship development. Although it was sweet and touching, the feeling that I just read something “plain” bothers me. Even the cross-dressing didn’t help that much. On the other hand, I like sensei’s great sense of humor, illustrated in every chapter. But story-wise, I like the extra better. Too bad it was THAT short.

Although the art was not so vibrantly detailed, it has fine lines that make the reading enjoyable. Every panel is happy-looking and clear; despite the predictable plot and ending, you’d still smile in the end and say, “I’m happy for them,” sweetly. The smut is also great, no complain at all! Because of these “happy” panels, it seems that the couple has enjoyed their first moment in bed and it was pleasant to the eyes.

Have a younger-seme-older-uke or megane-uke fetish? Or just wanna read a light fluffy story with some comic relief? Come to Akihabara and fall in love.

[aarinfantasy]

Manga Review of The Month (MROTM) - February 2015

Review #1:

Manga title: Choco Strawberry Vanilla
Manga artist: Psyche Delico
Manga cover picture:
Review:


Chocolate. Strawberry. Vanilla. Three of the most favorite ice cream flavors in the world, I should say. Imagine that you’d put them together in one the same cup. It would definitely taste weird. Yet it’s sweet. After all the weird wild sweetness you’d endured, you’d ask yourself, “Why the hell I did this?” while feeling dismay on your tongue. Hiroi, Take and Mine, the three characters of this manga by Psyche Delico, thought the same thing.

Threesome was the theme: Hiroi wanted his things shared with his BFF Take. He even demanded for it; everyone’s obligated. And so, his recent boyfriend Mine would not be an exception. He’s not sick or anything. He just loved sharing everything he had to his closest person. Take wouldn’t complain anyway – he was used in that kind of setting since their childhood. He already knew that what Hiroi had was also his. Mine, on the other hand, felt disgusted with it, at first. Romance was designed for two individuals in love, no poker-faced best friend included. He sometimes anticipated sex with Take alone, though.

That kind of “sweetness” lasted long, to everyone’s surprise. But then, one question started ringing to each of them: “Why can’t we share the ones we love?”

We desire and preferred romance between two people alone, just like what Mine envisioned. It was more convincing, and sweet. I thought the same thing before reading this manga. But as more pages were flipped, that question began knocking inside me as well, and as you read it, the more you’d understand why.

The other elements – art, character development and whatnot – were all fine as well. The theme was clear to me; I fully understood why it was threesome and why it has to be this crazy, and as a reader, I think this was one of the best threesome stories I’ve ever read.

So, should we add syrup or nuts on our wild ice cream combination so we could eat it all up?

Review #2:

Manga title: Hoshi no Yakata
Manga artist: Tori Maia
Manga cover picture:


Link: http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k255/sephslover/kneel_down_and_kiss_my_boots_covergooc_zpshscpdigy .jpg~original
Review: Hoshi no Yakata, or the Palace of Stars, is an SM club where several interesting stories take place. Each chapter of the five-volume manga has plenty of enticing sexual encounters which are absolutely not appropriate for the faint of heart. If you like it hardcore, that’s definetely something for you. Tori Maia-sensei’s artwork is beautiful and delicate and the pages have a clean look to them. But, even being a classic among those who love SM manga, Hoshi no Yakata’s more than hot sex scenes and gorgeous slaves and masters though. It has rich characters too. Each of them with their own personal dramas and deep feelings to be fully enjoyed by the reader.

As a personal SM fan, I give it a 10 and highly recommend it IF you’re into chains, whips and some physical and psychological abuse.

[aarinfantasy]

Manga Review of The Month (MROTM) - March 2015


Review #1:

TITLE: Kuma to Interi ~ Orso e Intellettuale (Bear and Intellectual)
ARTIST: Basso (Ono Natsume)


http://i.imgur.com/iFCaSxY.png

Basso-sensei brings us a collection of stories that oozes with well-dressed men and European settings.


ART
Sketchy art-style without the minimalistic elements popular among other authors; sensei uses a rough line to detail the characters’ gestures and background scenery. You can notice an almost rustic finish that is far from being unpleasant to look at, it rather highlights the character’s masculinity and the atmosphere’s intimacy.


CHARACTERS
They are men in their late twenties, thirties and above, and are recognizable by their professions, ambitions and their behavior with the people they relate to. Basso-sensei aims to create characters that resembles to actual men i.e. she doesn’t hesitate to nullify the misconception of characters defined only by their sex positions. Reversible is the norm and this doesn't endanger the protagonists' pride or their romantic development. Ultimately, the artist digs into their mundane concerns and insecurities which provide them with an air of realism.


STORIES
They take place in Italy; the first three oneshots are interconnected by characters related to politics. While the anecdotes are easy to follow, there’s space for comedy, introversion, a bit of violence and even a series of fortunate events. The variety of themes these men bring up while trying to convey their feelings, leaves you with a sense of having witnessed ordinary people making their daily lives ―a bear and an intellectual? That’s just a treat for starters.
The gelato, a typical Italian motif, is recreated in the next three stories; each snapshot will tell us about the romantic affair of a gay couple bonded by love but also by their gelato enjoyment.
To finish the journey, the last set of three stories will leave us wondering about how odd or unique could be love among mismatched couples.

An ideal read for those looking for high-quality BL.

Review #2:

Manga title: In These Words
Manga artist: Toga Q & Kichiku Neko
Manga cover picture:
Link: http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k2...b.jpg~original
Review: What first got my attention about In These Words was that gorgeous man in bondage in a few, rare manga panels I could eventually come across when browsing the web. Being the huge hardcore yaoi fan that I am, I always thought of looking for that manga until the fortunate day I found out it was surprisingly sold in my country.

I bought the first chapter and started reading it as soon as possible. The next evening, I just had to go back to that online store and buy all the other chapters available.

The story IS that good!

Revolving around a complex police case of serial murders, it is centered on Asano Katsuya, an investigative psychiatrist, deeply involved in bringing to light all the mysteries covering the case by facing its prime suspect, challenging Shinohara Keiji.

At the same time, Katsuya has to struggle against his own personal problem – terrifying vivid nightmares of psychological and physical torture.

Such an involving plot is told in a very elegant way, even having a very well written text-only introduction of some pages.

Its gorgeous artwork, different from what I'm used to, as a yaoi manga reader, has a more realistic trait to it, but in a pleasing and welcoming way. You just don’t get tired of looking at those panels again and again and admiring all their beauty.

Now about the sexual content, there’s a lot of it, but sex in this story comes with pain, suffering, humiliation and blood, so I DO NOT recommend it AT ALL, if you’re not comfortable with BLOOD, RAPE and EXTREME EMOTIONAL DISTRESS.

On the other hand, if you can deal well with it, or even are especially into it, you’ll have the pleasure of reading a thrilling, addictive manga.

[aarinfantasy]

Review #1:

Manga title: Lock Out
Manga artist: Yamane Ayano
Manga cover picture:
Link: http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k2...a.jpg~original
Review:

INTRO

A oneshot by Yamane Ayano. Just by saying that, it’s already well recommended, right? Yes, it certainly is. Yamane-sensei’s one of those favorite artists among the huge yaoi community and her bishies are “affectionately” called sex gods with their gorgeous faces and sculpted bodies. Even their gentlemen’s parts are beautifully drawn, but this awesome mangaka’s work has even more to offer and I’d like to express just a drop of my admiration for her in this review.

THE PLOT

Skillfull lock picker Izawa’s caught in the middle of a legal fight between a big company and a smart lawyer’s client. To win the lawsuit, both parts try their best shots and that includes Izawa’s expertise, which goes only to the one who can offer him the best profit. In this attempt, the lawyer, Sakaki, kind of forces the lock picker into an apparently impossible-to-lose bet. At least, that’s what Izawa believes.

THE CHARACTERS

SAKAKI TSUKASA a.k.a. The Seme. As expected from a seme created by Yamane-sensei, Sakaki’s successful, challenging and sensual. He’s got a sharp mind and seems to be able to stir Izawa as he sees fit.

IZAWA SATOSHI a.k.a. The Uke. His great talent doesn’t cost low and is used for his own benefit only. Though smart, he seems naive when confronted by Sakaki. He’s the rebellious kind of uke.

THE SEX SCENE

The only sex scene is totally worth your time. I’ve recommended Lock Out to friends again and again and people would always go crazy over it, telling me how hot the sex scene was.

It really is! Very steamy, slightly non-con in the beginning and certainly 18+, it emanates an involving atmosphere of complicity between the two characters, which matches perfectly the kind of relationship they are about to engage in.

CONCLUSION

Highly recommended!

[aarinfantasy]

Review #1:

Manga title: Shiny Star
Manga artist: Nanami
Manga cover picture:

Click here to view the original image of 511x741px.

Link: http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k2...q.png~original
Review:

PLOT

Adapted from Porno Superstar, the ongoing manga, Shiny Star’s focuses on the AV actor, Hikaru, and his current rival, Masaya, who decides to dive into this business after watching a video with Hikaru in it.

After that moment, Masaya becomes obsessed with having sex with Hikaru, considering taking the same career the most efficient way to achieve his dream.

Even as a newbie, Masaya already causes an awesome impression on people working in this market. The only one who seems annoyed by his natural talent and attitude is Hikaru himself. But persistent Masaya won’t give up his obsession that easily though.


THE CHARACTERS

Hikaru, being the shiny AV star, is self-centered, arrogant and spoiled. On the other hand, his a top professional, giving all of himself to work and helping his co-workers do their best as well. He seems to have a secret about his past as an AV actor but that’s just a guess, based on Hikaru’s actions.

Masaya’s a very straightforward and determined man who seems able to go to any lenghts to get what he desires. His strong will and objectiveness don’t fail to impact Hikaru greatly.


THE ARTWORK

Both Masaya and Hikaru are gorgeous men. Typical bishies, I’d say, with their beautiful faces and slim bodies. The backgrounds look simple and uncluttered, which is a plus to me. The pages are clean-looking and pleasing to go through. My only complaint being Hikaru’s obvious passion for cowboy hats but I guess that comes to illustrate his arrogant personality.


CONCLUSION

Though I totally wouldn’t skip Porno Superstar, Shiny Star is 100% recommended even if you don’t intend to or haven’t read the previous manga yet.

Good reading!

[aarinfantasy]

Review #1:

Manga title: Midnight Carrier
Manga artist: Nishimura Syuko
Manga cover picture:

Click here to view the original image of 667x973px.

Link: http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k2...c.jpg~original
Review:

INTRO
Nishimura Syuko-sensei… I do love her work! Her stories are always a good read, mixing a bit of drama, sad pasts, funny moments and cuteness with a lot of intense love and super hot sex.

Her characters are passionate and strong-willed, not to mention gorgeous men.

Unfortunately she seems not to be so active anymore, but you can easily find her awesome works if you look around.

I do recommend them all! But for today, I’ll go with exciting Midnight Carrier.

THE PLOT
Iku and Yohji work together as truck drivers, delivering goods with Youji’s own truck, Diana, for Hinode Transportation. Both men lead a very adventurous life as the competition among transportation companies, especially Hinode’s main rival, Benten, is quite fierce.

But that’s not all about them. It seems Yohji has a dream of his own he longs to reach, and Iku, on the other hand, has a past he wants to keep well hidden.

Along with a thrilling work and their own secrets, they manage to live a beautiful story of partnership, love and passionate intimacy.

THE TWO MAIN CHARACTERS
Iku, the uke-like seme. The cute, blonde seme is spoiled, childish and needy but he’s also an extremely talented driver who takes his prefessional competitions very seriously.

Yohji, the seme-like uke. This handsome, manly uke has a great sense of responsability and an extremely kind heart. To him, everybody else’s needs always come before his own.

THE SEX SCENES
Though the single-volume manga is undoubtedly 18+, the ecchi content is tamed, but still very steamy.
Both seme and uke look manly from head to toe. That, in my humble opinion, certainly makes the sex scenes even hotter. In fact, I guess they’d make an awesome seke couple!

CONCLUSION
You should really read it!

[Twinstar]

Review #1:

Manga Title:
Papa's Assassin - Ryuunosuke Wa Tonde Yuku
Manga Artist:
Shoowa
Manga Cover:


Review:
When it comes to stories with controversial relationships, most works I've come across tend to take a light approach and focus more on the fetish rather the plot itself. They're meant to be light, romantic and overall no-brainer. When I picked Papa's assassin, I was expecting something along similar lines, after all it is tagged under smut. But I was surprised by mangaka's take on the subject. Released in 2011 with just 6 chapters scanlated, I'm not sure if I'll ever manage to finish this series. Still, whatever I read of it so far was enough to form an impression and it was pretty enjoyable.
Ryuunosuke, a 16 year old teenager, is infatuated with his good looking father, Daniel. He has no idea Daniel isn't his real father, in fact they're not even related whatsoever. Daniel is troubled with typical teenage parental woes when he uncovers something that suggested his son might be gay. Ryuunosuke is a mess, not only he can't tell Daniel he likes men, there is another bigger secret he is hiding. But then things begin to change when Ryuunosuke meets someone...

I personally recommend this manga to anyone who digs forbidden relationships kind of stories but haven't come across many that are written in a way that almost seem believable. I loved the artwork style as well, the cover page makes it look a bit like Bara but it isn't bara. All in all, a good story with lots of variations involved. With the existing chapters out, don't expect much out of it except to enjoy the ride, as the series will leave you with cliffhanger.