VOTE: Manga Review of the Month (MRotM) - Jan.2018

[Twinstar]

Please vote for your fav review.

Review #1

Manga title: The Youth Yearns For Love (Seinen wa ai o kou)
Manga artist and author: Hino Garasu
Manga cover picture:

https://imgur.com/a/VXUdO

Review:
A 1 volume manga that is a compilation of a couple (2) short stories, both in settings where fear of homophobia exists (unfortunately). The Cover story pulled at my heart strings. Story about high school mates, self-denial, and repressing one’s emotions made me cry, probably because I could feel the characters’ pain because it was realistic. Fortunately, there was the eventual happy ending (thank goodness!). The second was a little more uplifting, with some added humor. There are some smut scenes, but nothing hardcore since it was more about the feelings/intimacy than lust (still pretty and hot though! The art is gorgeous!).

Review #2

Manga title: I Want To Do What Lovers Do | Tomodachi Ijou no Koto, Shitai.
Manga artist: Kurahashi Tomo
Manga cover picture:

https://imgur.com/cr37L3H

Review:

This story is somehow classic. Two childhood friends falling in love for each other, tasting the bitterness of unrequired love and hardships of keeping hidden their deepest desires which only causes more conflict and confusion between them. But despite the classic love story, this manga has a lovely story to share.

Hara and Suga have been friends since junior high, and when they go to Uni, they decide to live together. Thing that is completely masochistic for both of them, since ironically, even thou they understand and complete each other in every aspect, they are both unaware of the most critical emotion the other is hiding. Hara, is the tall and cool guy, super popular with girls and completely unaware of it or most likely his focus is on someone else. While Suga is very friendly and easygoing, he’s also unaware of how he attracts people toward him due to his open personality, even if in most of the cases the spotlight finally ends up on Hara.
Both of them struggle individually with their feelings for each other and lie to themselves that they are happy as long as they can be friends. But when Hara catches Suga turned on and sniffing on his jacket, things take another naughty turn...Let the conflict begin!

I honestly loved the story, it’s refreshing and lovely to see them fighting their desires. I’m more inclined to pity Hara for his 10 year hidden emotions and impressed by Suga’s straightforwardness, he’s always one step ahead of Hara. The artwork is really nice and their slightly naughty love story is definitely going to touch you.

[ellymate]

I see some nice artwork here, totally my liking...Thank you for yet another amazing month with fresh yaoi on the table.

[laketica]

Two wonderful reviews, thank you! I think I've only read one of the titles myself.

At first glance, I would have went with #2 but as I read each review for a second time, I felt that I got more of a review sense out of #1, less plot summary. So I went with #2 in the end. But they were both great in their own way. Thanks!

[angerbda]

Sounds like two interesting stories. I like to see more authors I am not used to read, so it gives me ideas of what is out there...

Thanks for the reviews which give me a good idea of what to expect, a bit more neutral with #1 and more 'reviewer's likes' in #2...

[kerlyness]

Both were very good. In the end, I went with #2; it went better (I know that's vague).