Manga Reviews (from monthly contest)

[Twinstar]

Review #1:

Manga Title:
Poison Cherry Drive
Manga Artist:
Motoni Modoru
Manga Cover:


Review:

Poison Cherry Drive (PCD) is a single volume serialized in Hanaoto and licensed by Kitty Media back when dinosaurs still roamed the earth. To summarize, it is a yaoi version of Gintama with an art style reminiscent of Detroit Metal City. This may seem to be an odd description, but that’s exactly what this manga is: odd.

Story: The manga is centered around a jack-of-all-trades group who will take on any job. Their first task was to kidnap a man and rape him as revenge for their client. And that was about as normal as it gets. It only gets crazier with each page, and by the end, the only possible conclusion is that everyone is crazy. Literally.

… Yeah. Since there’s not much of a plot, let’s move on.

Art: For those of you unfamiliar with Detroit Metal City, suffice it to say if you’re looking for your pretty boys (i.e. Kanda Neko or Aya Sakyo), you’ve strayed far, far, far, farrrrrr from your path. This is the author of Dog Style, but I think she was on drugs when she drew this one. Every now and then, Motoni-sensei throws in a distorted facial expression that completely kills any sexual tension in the story and shrivels up penises. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to laugh or to masturbate. Or maybe both.

In conclusion, I’m not really sure what I was reading when I flipped through this book. It started out with a vague existence of a plot, but even that slipped through my fingers as I continued to read. But what it lacks in storyline, it makes up for with unique style and humor. For those who love crack yaoi or are simply high on crack, this is the manga for you!

[Twinstar]

Review #1:

Manga title: Puchitto Hajiketa (Cherry Poppers)
Manga artist: Kanda Neko
Manga cover picture:
http://i62.tinypic.com/fn692c.jpg


Review:

Filled with humor and romance; Puchitto Hajiketa is a likable manga in one volume with high-rated readability.

The Plot (8/10)

The story is about Noshiro and Ashikata who were once together but split up due to a painful and embarrassing sexual incident. Humiliated and traumatized; Ashikata never bottomed for any one again. But just when he was about to start enjoying his life and role as a top, his world turned upside down by a chance meeting with Noshiro after three years.

The plotline is nice but a bit fast-paced. However it is fun and the mangaka 100% succeeds in providing sweet moments for the reader without being sugar-sweet.


Relationships (7-8/10)


The relationship and sentiments are very realistic and captivating. The push and pull for a fresh start automatically makes the reader want to read more and despite the obvious lack of depth at the start, the plot progress is very good.
But then again, the reader is left to wonder why a relationship is totally broken and forgotten upon a sexual incident and why a grown man completely walks out of it instead of trying to patch it up in time.


The Art (10/10)


It is simple but very neat and beautiful. It is not unusual for BL manga to have beautiful art but this one certainly is something.


The smut (8/10)

If you are looking for a manga filled with smut, this is not for you. The panels with sex scenes are short but hot and eroic.


Conclusion (8/10)

Despite all the up and downs; this manga is highly recommended for it certainly fulfills the role of a fun and neat read. It contains romance, sweet moments, humor and amazing art all in one package and the best part? It has a seke pair potential.

[Twinstar]

Review #1

Manga title: Oko-sama Star (Child Star)
Manga artist: AOMIYA Kara
Manga cover picture:
http://i.imgur.com/jApYPin.jpg

Plot: Honda is just your typical nice guy while Kaidou is seen as a delinquent by his classmates. One day, while helping out on a live action Seitan Ranger show, Honda sees Kaidou wearing a ranger suit and soon discovers that the rumors surrounding Kaidou couldn’t be further from the truth…

Characters: Honda is just a normal 18 year old high school boy but because of his growing attraction to Kaidou he soon discovers his sadistic side and a rising sense of possessiveness. Honda on the other hand looks like a typical Yankee character but is actually a very shy and affectionate person especially to Honda. He works hard to achieve his dreams and find happiness in simply making friends.

Conclusion: THIS IS A MUST READ!!! I’m deeply in love with both of the characters, especially Kaidou-kun. From he’s unbelievably adorable blushing face to his gentle smile. He’ll have you punching a wall just to stop squealing from joy and laughter. I also love how Honda-kun came into terms with his feelings for Kaidou-kun (with the help of some amazing friends) and their confession scene is one of my favorites of all the BL mangas I’ve read . I am deeply offended and sadden by the fact that this beautiful work of BL art is only one volume, ONE VOLUME! I needed more! XD

If you are looking for a fluffy, funny, super lovable high school love story (with a hint of angst) then look no further, Oka-sama Star is all you need to read and you’ll be craving for more XD

Review #2

Manga title:
Complex
Manga artist:
Manda Ringo
Manga cover picture:
From volume 2 http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...tar1/Cover.jpg


Review:
Complex is a 4 volume manga that ran from 1996-2002. This older manga is not like the ones you tend to see today, on many levels.

Plot
It starts off with the main characters, Junichi and Tatsuya, as kids. To warn potential readers, it does start off with a pedophile teacher who does some sexual acts to the boys and a girl in the first chapter. But after that, it moves on to show how that affected the boys and how their friendship and feelings grew as they did. The story really is like the title, complex. It tells about all the trials and tribulations these two go through as they grow up into adults and even as old men. Relationships are tested and bonds are broken and put back together. It is a story that has stuck in my mind since I read it and it stands out among the thousands I have read since.

Art
The style is older looking but the artwork is nice and consistent. It gives the characters an innocent and more real feeling when you watch their expressions. Watching them grow up and seeing them change is a nice getaway from the norm nowadays.

Characters
I don't want to say much about them without giving too much away. The reason is that the story really follows their development from boys to men. Each thing that happens affects their lives and helps them grow. Yes, they both have their flaws but they try to get past it or try to work it out. The story for each main character is deep and gives you feelings and experiences so much like real life hands you.

Overall I recommend this manga to anyone who loves deep and long stories. Character development is great in this one and being able to follow them throughout their lives is refreshing.

[Twinstar]

Manga review #1:

Manga title: What God Says (Kamisama no Iu Touri)
Manga artist: Moegi Yuu
Manga cover picture:
http://i.imgur.com/R8qGqvs.jpg?1


Review:
Kamisama no Iu Touri (roughly translated as Like What God Says) is an ongoing manga written and illustrated by Moegi Yuu, the mangaka who brought us Katekyo!

Plot
Strict yet super caring Midori took care of the orphaned Hinata when the latter’s mother passed away. Hinata didn’t mind at all, until he noticed some strange things about his cool guardian: casting no shadows, no reflections in the mirror, turning into a… crow?! How could a scaredy-cat Hinata deal with that, now that he learned that he was about to lose Midori too?

Well, it is still ongoing, with only five translated chapters so I cannot complement much. But I am thrilled about the upcoming ones. The plot is interesting, especially Midori’s real nature and why he needs Hinata that much. Although I have to admit that the romance building between these two is obvious and expected. If there would be more conflict in the future, then I wouldn’t mind.

Art
Midori with mole at the bottom of his lips is absolutely gorgeous. But he does resemble some butler I know… Anyway, the rest of the art is nice and clean, detailed and consistent. Captivating, I should say. "Those scenes" are yummy, too; except that they are somewhat short.

Recommendation
There’s more to come so let’s go trail this exciting title!

Manga Review #2:

Manga title: Choco Strawberry Vanilla
Manga artist: Psyche Delico
Manga cover picture:
http://i.imgur.com/bkVSSV0.jpg


Review:

"Who decided that there's only one person you can love?"
"What if they like each other more than me?"
These 2 quotes above sum up the main idea behind this manga.

Hiroi and Take have been childhood friends, and are so close as to consider the other person a part of their own self.
Hiroi shares all the things and people he treasures with Take, and Take holds them dear because they are Hiroi’s things, even when they don’t suit his personal taste. But the equilibrium always ends up tilting with the 3rd party failing to find a balance in the threesome relationship.

In an unexpected reunion, Hiroi's former classmate, Minegishi, cried because of his love for Hiroi, which moved Hiroi deeply, and that’s when Mine stepped into the duo’s life. Mine and Take hated each other emotionally, but the way they indulge themselves when making love made Hiroi jealous…How will things turn out this time?

“Choco, Strawberry and vanilla”, the 3 ice-cream flavors stand for Take, Hiroi and Minegishi. Take is distant and indifferent, with a take for being forceful; Hiroi is affectionate and cheerful, but he has a rather crooked attachment to people, and is a seme despite of his typical uke features; Minegishi is a complex character, he may cry from overflowing emotions, showing his soft side; On the other hand, he stands steadfast and doesn’t vacillate no matter how nice or mean Take treats him.

I’m not a fan of threesome plots, but this manga is definitely worth the read with a story that has a fair amount of depth in exploiting the three’s relationship.

Manga Review #3:

Manga title: Nigeta Hitsuji no Tsukamaekata
Manga artist: Aoyama Tohmi
Manga cover picture:
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k2...j.jpg~original


Review:

INTRO

The first two chapters of this manga were all that I was able to read until now, but they were enough to make me want to write a review of it.

The light and fun atmosphere of the story, along with some interesting questions that remain unanswered for now, leaves me eagerly waiting for more.

So my short review will definitely be more of a positive recommendation for those who are looking for some easy reading.


CHARACTERS

Hide seems to be a friendly and easygoing man. He’s very skilled at cooking, household chores and fixing things. As a reporter, he’s incredibly persistent.

Eli’s your typical genious ~ shy, introverted and adorably childish sometimes. He’s also very attractive and mysterious.

Conia’s Eli’s companion. Probably his young brother? He’s easily seduced by Hide’s talents, especially as a cook.


PLOT

Hide’s a reporter obsessed with interviewing a genious Mathematician who has solved the century’s enigma ~ The Alice Conjecture.

Eli, the genious, on the other hand, is obsessed with being inaccessible to everybody, being the media on the top of his list.

After struggling for a few months in search of Eli, Hide finally tricks the genious and makes his way into his life.

Being two opposites as they are, their life together couldn’t be any funnier to watch. And totally unpredictable as well.

Like, is Hide the nice guy he seems to be? Or would he go to any lenghts to get his interview? Even if that meant to deceive Eli and hurt his feelings?

Is, Conia, Eli’s cute companion, not as young as he looks?

And what about Eli’s horns??? Yes, he does have horns!

For now, there are more questions than answers but to find out how the three men’s involving story will unfold will be a real thrill!

[Twinstar]

Review #1

Manga Title: Kimi no Nioi ga Suki (I Like Your Smell)
Manga Artist: Aion Kiu
Manga Cover Picture:
http://pic.mangapicgallery.com/r/alb...283_275507.jpg


Type of Manga: Yaoi, Mature
Review:
The title of this manga actually only refers to the first three chapters. This manga is currently incomplete as far as translation goes, but it is actually a manga with multiple smaller stories.

The title story revolves around two lovers. Youji suffers from oxyosmia, which is a condition that renders a person overly sensitive to smells. Just imagine being locked in an elevator and being able to smell a sickening combination of perfume, smoke, body odor, etc. If you think that’s bad, imagine having a really, really sensitive nose. The only scent that Youji loves is Akira’s, despite how uncomfortable Akira is with Youji’s habit of pinning him down to, well, smell him. Even when they’re having sex.

Akira’s solution? Find something that will make Youji not want to smell him all over. I won’t spoil his attempts for new readers, but needless to say, he’s not terribly successful. Or at all successful, really.

As is typical with this type of story, the ‘uke’ has an attitude problem, the ‘seme’ frets about stupid things, usually way off the mark, and the two of them sort of stumble their way to a resolution.

The artwork is nothing special. It’s probably pretty average in terms of artistry. The storyline follows a familiar path, but the addition of the oxyosmia makes for an interesting tangle of problems…does Youji like Akira only for his smell? Is Akira just humoring him? Is he really angry at him?

I actually really enjoyed the primary story, and would recommend that you read this manga. Also, I liked that both lovers in the title story are very masculine. Sure, one is shorter, but they’re both very obviously men, and they look it. I found the characters amusing, and the story itself was pretty easy to follow. The characters were easy to tell apart, too, which is always a plus in my account.

Overall, I give the manga an 8/10. I’m looking forward to the remaining chapters when they’re complete!

Review #2

Manga title: Beautiful life ( Nichijousahan Bi )
Manga artist: MOTO Haruko
Manga cover picture:
http://i68.tinypic.com/kcz5hw.jpg


Review:
Beautiful life is a likable manga in one volume for readers who enjoy angst wrapped in adorable moments.

Plot (8-9/10)
The story revolves around Fumichi and Sazawa; one a waiter with nowhere to belong and the other a single father with a cute daughter. One night after Sazawa finds him bruised and beaten up in a dirty alley and takes care of him, Fumichi starts to wonder how it feels to have somewhere to call home.

Characters and relationships (8.5/10)
Character design is pretty good but it could be better. Both characters are interesting in their own way, especially Fumichi with his confused feelings and unfocused mind and let’s not forget Iyo-chan, Sazawa’s cute daughter who is the main reason for his father and Fumichi’s relationship with her adorable clinginess to the latter.

Their bittersweet relationship blooms with a slow but pleasant pace and although there are plot holes here and there, the main chain of the events remains solid.

Art (8/10)
The art is simple yet the best for the setting. It doesn’t outshine the story and provides a neat atmosphere with a unique style.

Conclusion (8/10)
Beautiful life is a wonderful manga with a great potential and it is regrettable that the mangaka has not put more effort into it but,then again,the fact that it is a very enjoyable read doesn’t change. So, don’t hesitate if you prefer plot over porn!

Review #3

Manga title: Kayashimashi no Yuuga na Seikatsu
Manga artist: Mamahara Ellie (author: Tono Haruhi)
Manga cover picture:
http://i.imgur.com/GFrAncP.jpg


Review: In this novel-turned-manga, Mamahara Ellie carefully and thoughtfully portrays Mr. Kayashima’s graceful life, tells a beautiful love story to its completion, and mixes romance and drama with a modest art style. This three volume series felt very unique: peaceful yet exciting. Proper yet perverse. Subtle yet appreciable.

Story: It is a gentle narration of a gradual love story with just the right amount of sex (Rough gardener ravishing innocent young master? Yes, please!). Some of the novel’s details were trimmed out for the manga, but Mamahara Ellie ensures the reader’s ability to infer necessary facts. That being said, the relationship and its development may seem superficial to some because realistically, the manga could not incorporate everything.

The story’s narration shifts between characters, unraveling the story from various angles with a purposeful method. The extra stories and side narrations provide slices of humor while the main story progresses steadily and calmly, very much like the daily life at the estate of Kayashima Sumito.

Art: Mamahara Ellie is known for both her shoujo and shounen ai titles, and her style is rare in the yaoi world. It reminds me of Antique Bakery with a watered down version of Yoneda Kou’s dramatic flair. Although she generally doesn’t indulge in many sex scenes, in this title Mamahara-sensei executes them with erotic elegance, satisfying perverted fujoshi around the world.

Characters: The development of Sumito from a selfish and awkward young master to an expressive lover was quite satisfying; however, his lover doesn’t appear to change as much, remaining stoic, rough, and straightforward to the end. All in all, the most entertaining character in the series is the butler. Really.

Conclusion: I dare not say everyone will love this title, but it was a nice change of pace from the usual single volume yaoi titles.

[Twinstar]

Review #1

Manga title: Hua Hua You Long
Manga artist: Xing Bao Er (author) , Ai Li Ka (artist)
Manga cover picture:
http://i.imgur.com/d48ByHE.jpg


Review:
Hua Hua You Long is a manhua based on a novel with the same name and it portrays a bittersweet relationship between a beautiful cold-blooded Emperor and a strong-willed bandit.

The story begins with Emperor Jing using his extraordinary beauty to disguise himself as a woman to seduce Lu Cang in order to punish him for his recent village raids. When a terrified Lu Cang realizes that there is a man in his room instead of a pretty maiden, it is too late.

The most impressive fact about this manhua is the seme/uke portrayal. The seme is beautiful and dignified while the uke has manlier features, but when it comes to top and bottoming Jing’s superiority is absolute though his depravity can be irritating because it creates too much pointless sex.

Characters:
Jing: A sadistic beautiful beast who uses every method possible to keep his toy by his side.He doesn’t poetize his desire and is manipulative and ruthless to the point of marking Lu Cang’s body with his imperial seal.

Lu Cang: A bandit who according to Jing requires a special treatment. He is bitter and is desperate to escape from Jing’s clutches.

Relationship:
Their relationship is clichéd yet complicated. Lu Cang doesn’t enjoy Jing’s forcefulness. His sadistic dominance doesn’t turn Lu Cang on and although responsive time to time, he is unwilling. Jing on the other hand tries to be softer but his possessive nature refuses to let go and creates a frustrating defective cycle.

Smut:
Hardcore and uncensored. Be prepared.

Art:
Art is elegant and expressive and the subtle way that the story is hidden beneath is intriguing.

Conclusion:
This manhua is highly recommended if you are looking for gorgeous men, long hair and explicit sex and despite all plot holes, it is an enjoyable read.

[Twinstar]

Review #1

Manga title : Shinkuu Yuusetsu
Manga artist : Bikke
Manga cover picture :
http://img15.hostingpics.net/pics/54033385191l.jpg


Review :
What's love for you ?

Can we consider a close relationship between two boys without any physical relationship, like a true love?
Being dependent on a person, it's possible to falling in love with another?

For me, an unconditional trust between two young boys who didn't need words and justifications to understand, is the finest and most powerful form of love that can exist.
Shinkuu yuusetsu it that. This is not a boy's love, it's just the story of two boys dependent each other, their parents and their friends.

Through 3 volumes, the author skips steps in presenting us characters who naturally love each other for many years. Few surprises since we know that different couples are not in danger. Just a slice of life, and the discovery of these adorable boys, who have feelings of incredible purity.

An unconventional story, questioning the concept of attachment and affection, when in our universe, sex seem essential to a love life.

When you've been together with someone since you were a kid, how often do you really stop confirm feeling like love in so many words?

Review #2

Manga title: Pulse of a Dark Mirage; The Resurgent Reality; Genwaku no Kodou; Yami no Kodou; Ongoing manga! ^^
Manga artists: Yoshihara Rieko (Plot); Kada Michiru (Art)
Manga cover picture:
http://www.zupimages.net/up/16/15/84xd.jpg



Review: For my first entry ever, how could I ever not present you this little jewel? Yoshihara Rieko, Ai no Kusabi’s author offers us here a REAL manga. She’s behind that great story and Kada Michiru gives life to this story with her unique art.

Summary: Strange things are happening all over town, and Amano Kouichi’s nightmares have started again. Several clans have been spurred into action as the past gradually resurfaces. Just what is going on, and how do the Amano brothers fit into the picture?

So… Why change a summary when it tells so little and so much at the same time? I did try but in the end, I decided to just leave like that.

“Strange things”. Two words and you already know that manga enters those categories: fantastic, horror, mystery, supernatural. Of course, it’s Yaoi and to add a little more, it’s a drama. When I said it’s yaoi, don’t hope for sex each and every chapters because you won’t find it. I think it’s more shonen-ai most of the manga but later there are actual sex scenes. One again, if you want some real graphic scenes. This manga is not for you.

“Several clans”. Beware the headaches because it may be confusing at some points with all the different characters. Luckily, at the beginning of each chapter, there is some kind of reminder to help.

“Past gradually resurfaces”. Warning. It’s not only one past and I’m not talking about only one person past.

Some may think that this story is slow but once you begin to read you just can’t stop. It’s like you’re a prisoner. You just want to know what will happen next chapter and you keep reading. You’ll never know what will happen!

NOTE from AF Staff: This review exceeded the 300 words limit so it had to be cut off.

[Twinstar]

Review #1

Manga title:
Usagi Otoko Tora Otoko
Manga artist:
Honma Akira
Manga cover picture:
http://i.imgur.com/RynMVut.jpg


Review:

Story: 9/10
Characters: 9/10
Entertainment: 10/10
Overall: 9/10 (Highly recommended)
Status: Translated up to 12 chapters (No cliffhangers)

When you fall in love, is it the person you fall in love with or the body? Can love transcend all?
What made this light hearted story an absolute favorite for me is how simply it managed to answer these complex questions.

Uzuki is a doctor whose personality traits match that of a rabbit. He gets scared easily, avoids trouble at all costs and makes a run for it whenever situation gets tricky. What makes him lovable though is his will to not give up in the face of fear and stand up for what he believes in. Brash and unapologetic, Mafia boss Nonami has the personality of a tiger and is furthest from an “ideal” boyfriend. But what lies beneath his explosive persona is an intelligent and caring man who will go to any lengths to protect the one he loves.

For me, this is a heartwarming story about two adults who unwillingly fall in love and slowly come to terms with their feelings. But most of all, it's about conveying the message you can't help who you fall in love with and if your heart desires so, you'll make things happen. The fact that this whole message is delivered in a comical premise with such an ease and plenty of character development makes it impossible for me not to appreciate it.

The manga also contains a sequel to "Spell it as Lie, Read it as Truth" about a prodigy child who is in love with his grown up neighbor and his journey into adulthood with his unrequited love.

[Twinstar]

Review #1

Manga title:
Aiso Tsukashi
Manga artist:
Aida Saki and Yamada Yugi
Manga cover picture:
Imgur: The most awesome images on the Internet


Review:

Story: 8/10
Characters: 8/10
Entertainment: 7/10
Overall: 8/10

Aiso Tsukashi is the story of Sawaragi featured in the manga Takaga Koi daro, and focuses on the aftermath involving his prison days.

Kyousuke Sawaragi has had enough of his yakuza lifestyle and decides to make a clean start once he's released from prison for sake of those he holds dear. He is unwilling to let anything from past impact his decision; even a boy in prison whom he took a liking to deep in heart, but turns a cold shoulder against without second thoughts. Years later, their fates entwine and the same boy Shuuya crosses his path again. When Sawaragi intervenes to save Shuuya from his distressed state, he has no intention to make it a permanent habit. What he doesn't understand is that living in denial can only go so far. Little by little, Shuuya chips away at the restraints Sawaragi set on his life and thus began their struggle for love.

Although it's a fairly well written story with good development and beautiful art, I couldn't help but notice there's a certain dullness in story which fails to leave the reader truly engaged. Sawaragi pretty much keeps a straight face in every situation which makes him mature but sometimes bland character. For someone who has faced numerous hardships, Shuuya has a maturity level of a toddler. Perhaps a lot was covered in one volume, but the plot could have been more interesting. It's hard for me to rate this manga anything lesser than perfect given that it's a work by two of my favorite artists, but I really couldn't appreciate it as much.

Apart from these let downs, I still think it's a good manga to read and deserves a chance.

Review #2

Manga title: Yondaime Ooyamato Tatsuyuki
Manga artist: Scarlet Beriko
Manga cover picture:
http://i.imgur.com/kFVIMo3.png


Here comes the story of Tatsuyuki Oyamato, a young and handsome yakuza that doesn’t want to inherit the leadership of his group. Even though his caretaker is always chasing after him trying to bring him up into a man among men, Tatsuyuki only wants to fool around and ease the pain of his broken heart. One day, he’s sent to Fukuoka just to find himself involved into a pretty awkward situation.

Sounds exciting? Of course not, you'll probably think this is your run-of-the-mill yaoi manga. The same old premise, the same old settings, why exactly would someone want to read this? Appart from the detailed art that makes the characters' muscles stand out nicely, you might find amusing how the mangaka mixes up the formula, that is, a strong uke paired up with an equally strong seme. Not enough? what about seeing a beautiful but whiner seme whitout being dumb, cheesy or simply annoying? If you don’t like that type of puppy-like-semes, fret not! because this seme is cool enough to accept the source of his feelings and talk about it with his partner.

I recommend this book if you want a light comedy with lots of smut. Definitely a must for those who enjoy clear-cut seme/uke pairings and for those chasing new takes on these traditional roles. Despite being cliché in that sense, this story leaves you with that lingering feeling of “somehow these guys aren’t quite stereotypical”.

Give it a shot! it’s now available in english via Renta! and if you end up liking it, you will adore the CD drama featuring Satou Takuya, Okitsu Kazuyuki and Shingaki Tarusuke. Performing quality ensured, it’s a top notch treat for your ears~♥

[Twinstar]

Review #1

Manga title: Treat me gently, please
Manga artist: Yonezou Nekota
Manga cover picture:
http://pictures.abebooks.com/isbn/9782351807996-us.jpg

Review:
It’s a fair assessment to say that popular titles such as this get overlooked when it comes to reviews because most people know about it already... So this review goes out to those that are relatively new to the wonderful world of yaoi and should give you a “brief” idea of why this manga is a great choice!

The manga starts off in high school and revolves around Maya Hideyuki and Nemugasa Takashi. One day, Maya spots Nemugasa cheating on a test and decides that rather than outing Nemu, he will hold that information over Nemu’s head and get him to do what he says, which often results in the 2 of them doing pervy things together. This is the starting point for the relationship between Maya and Nemu which starts to evolve over time.

Now as for why you should read this manga, the reasons are many but I’ll limit it to four:
(1) Artwork – having beautiful drawings to look at whilst reading is a plus and Nekota Yonezou delivers in her characteristic “beautifully cute” art style & let’s her fetish flag fly by donning Nemu in his trademark tightie whities/Y-fronts;
(2) Characters – initially the focus lies with Maya (delinquent) and Nemu (nerd) and their polar opposite personalities but as the story progresses we meet additional characters like Maya’s cousin, Akira, and read the spin-off stories;
(3) Storyline – this manga is given the time to slowly develop the relationship between Maya and Nemu (from high school through to university), and we get to see a character changing his trademark style – something not seen in many mangas;
(4) Doujins – ‘nuff said!

An excellent read that will have you feeling the feels as both Nemu and Maya try their best to treat each other gently…

Review #2

Manga title:
Loved Circus
Manga artist:
Asada Nemui
Manga cover picture:
http://i.imgur.com/MGozZqt.png


Review:

Story: 8/10
Characters: 9/10
Entertainment: 8/10
Overall: 8/10

Kei is a very simple minded and ordinary salaryman who had a series of misfortunes including a failed love that somehow landed him on the doorstep of willful death. His luck fails him even in death and his attempted suicide is fouled by a group of male prostitutes from "Circus", who tell him straight up death is a luxury he cannot afford as he has a debt to pay. Thus begins Kei's story of coming to terms with his new life as a male prostitute, struggle for fixing his past mistakes and looking forward to a new future where maybe he can find love again.

My impression of this story is based on the very limited chapters available in English so far, and I suspect one of the main protagonists is yet to make an appearance. Even so, it has been such an interesting read to learn about Kei as a character. I picked up this title hoping for a kink based short story, but what I discovered was so much better. Kei's outlook towards his work has to some degree made me respect people in the prostitution industry more and as the "plain average" character, his mature way of thinking has its own charm even if he's not particularly a stud. There were plenty of humorous scenarios to make it worth my read and I'm pretty excited to learn about the unknown man in overcoat on the cover. Will Kei really find someone special? Give this manga a chance if you're bored and looking for something cute and funny to read in a less cliché writing style.