I read this manga at around a difficult time, so it was something that stuck with me. The manga's theme is about child sexual abuse and recovery, and it focuses on high schooler Jeremy and his slightly older step-brother Ian. Jeremy used to live with his mother in America until they met a man called Greg. His mother fell in love with Greg and married and moved in with him to England. Greg then sexually abuses, hurts, and blackmails Jeremy for at least a year (forgot exact duration). When Jeremy's mother found out that Greg was sexually abusing Jeremy, she becomes upset at Jeremy instead, and she didn't have very good health to begin with, so it made her health worse. Jeremy loves his mother and that really hurt him. Jeremy then plans for Greg's death with an accident, but then both Greg and his mother dies, and his mother's death eats away at Jeremy. Ian is Greg's son from another marriage but he never realized how Greg had been abusing Jeremy all that time they lived together. He falls in love with Jeremy but then starts to piece together what happened with Jeremy. (There's a lot more stuff here, but I can't summarize it well.) Jeremy later runs away from home and struggled with addiction while living with some other people, and Ian seeks to get Jeremy to come back. The story ends on a hopeful tone without specifically getting the two characters together, but it is more about healing from abuse than it is about romance.
If you want some fantasy, like assian dramas with beautiful guys with long hair and are a fan of "The Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation", then you have to pick this title an add it to your collection.
This is based on a chinese novel with the same title and the artwork is to die for... as for the plot, well it regards Gods and particularly one that ascended for the 3rd time in 800 years.
The main protagonist and the "God" in question is none other than the Crown Prince Xie Lan, who 800 years ago ascended as a Martial God and somehow managed to hit the bottom and now he's got no followers or any particular strong powers. But his character makes up for all that, as he's kind, clever, noble and pure of heart. Particularly because of these traits and because of (I assume) one incident from 800 years ago, he caught the attention of none other than the feared Ghost King, Hua Cheng.
Hua Chend on the other hand is powerful, cunning, clever and has a lot of knowledge regarding the other Gods. He appears before Xie Lan under another form and somehow manages to tag along and make himself present in Xie Lan's life.
The story relates around their faithful meeting and new incidents, building their relationship and making the read fall in love with them. The artwork is amazing and full colored, this is enough reason to pick this Manhwa up and read it.
First of all, I have to say I was really glad I stumbled upon this gem. This is a slice-of-life story crossed with somewhat fantastical/supernatural elements, with a good balance of humor, drama, and pop-culture/game references. It has 4-koma pages (that link together) as well as regular pages.
What I like about stories are the new elements they bring that let me learn something new. Not every story can do this, since depends on what one has personally seen before, but Game-ya BL manages to do this with the elements of game design and development. I could tell, just by reading, that the author had personal experience in the game development industry (and the author's bio seems to confirm this) in the way they write about the workflow process, the types of people working there, and how they react to different work demands.
This story brings both a down-to-earth and a supernatural twist to the "transported to another world" and "inside a video-game" plot elements. In the later portions of the story, one can definitely see a theme addressing the philosophical concepts of free will versus divine intervention.
Anan Naoyoshi is an optimistic and emotionally open salary-man (love a honest man who can cry), while Takeshi Orono (Nobu-san) is an older, down-to-earth, and no-nonsense gruff lead planner at the game studio. Even the side characters like Anan and Nobu-san's coworkers are entertaining and interesting people (and we also get to see the main characters' family in later parts of the story).
The art was what initially drew me to this story, because its style reminds me of a fun and casual comic: practical and entertaining at once- but the plot and story elements are what kept me reading on, because I just wanted to see what came next.
Try it!
11-03-2021, 04:11 PM
ellymate
Manga Review of the Month - September/October 2021
I must start first from what I liked more about this manhwa, which was the artwork. This is simply beautiful and throughout the story this kept me glued to the screen.
In matters of storyline, I can't fully complain as it was interesting, but simple nothing thrilling or with a twisted plot. More like I felt that some aspects probably weren't explained.
The story starts with Sooho the main character which has a pelicular ability, he can see ghosts. Reason why most of the people around him find him strange or weird and so he ends up having few friends. One day though he ends up seeing for the first time an angel, and later that day he manages to break that angel's wing so he's stuck up looking after him. And so we meet Taker, the beauty with light blue eyes like the sky and dark hair like the feathers of a crow.
The cute part about angels in this Manhwa is that they take various forms, like humans or the cute side birds. They are also described as entities with no empathy or feelings, more like mini robots doing their "jobs", but Taker is different from the start.
As the storyline progresses their relationship changes, but don't expect something +18, this is a light yaoi Manhwa but definitely worthy of your time.
01-01-2022, 07:53 AM
ellymate
Manga Review of The Month (MROTM) - November/December 2021
Review #01
Manga title: Semantic Error Manga artist: Angy Kim Manga author: Jeosuri
It has been a while that I had so much fun while reading a manhwa, because this has content, slow burn/development of the characters relationship, funny situations, great character development and so great art!
I believe what I love so much is the slow paced and the amazing gigglish/butterfly feeling when they get to actually kiss!
So, we have Chu Sang Woo, a computer science major, rigid and really clueless when it comes to human interactions or feelings, he's got the perfect-boring daily routine until one group presentation for a project, where he deletes the names of everyone who didn't contribute, among them Jang Jae Young.
Now, meet the other protagonist of the story, Jang Jae Young from the Design Department who was suppose to graduate, but due to the presentation incident, his graduation and study-abroad is pushed back. He decides to hunt down the person that caused all this and so he finds Chu Sang Woo who's got no idea who he is.
Their situation is hilarious, Jang Jae starts by stalking Chu Sang and ruining his daily routine and from there on, it's so fascinating to watch them interact and come together. Their closeness is so smooth, their feelings swift so natural that is a bless to read. Chu Sang is such an interesting character, that I really don't get bored of, he's reactions and thoughts are so unexpected, that is so funny and frustration for Jang Jae.
I picked this manhwa up because of the similar artwork that reminded me of 19 Days by Old Xian. So, in case you do like this type of artwork and a gangsters story on top of that, this is the right choice for you!
The characters are cool, especially Sehyuk, whom I loved from the start, here I must mention and relate to yet another amanzing manga, because Sehyuk reminds me so much of some characters from Dogs by Shriow Miwa, so yes, this is the best cocktail made ever, with a sprinkle of sexyness and boys love.
The main characters meet up after Hamin, who's part of a household of gangsters gets kidnapped, because he chose to live an 'ordinary life' far away from that dark world, too bad his father's enemies don't see it that way. As a result, his father sends his right hand, Sehyuk to rescue and babysit his only son. But here start the problems and their co-living..
Sehyuk stands out way too much, he's like a rabbid dog and likes acting like they have something much more in front of his friends, which of course he wouldn't mind if Hamin would signal it. The story is thrilling, full of anticipation, very funny and annoying because is ongoing... but it is worth the time!
05-06-2022, 11:05 AM
ellymate
Manga Review of the Month (MRotM) - March/April 2022
Manhwa Title: Vampire and Hunter
Artist/Author: LALAax
Review:
I picked the first fantasy manhwa I came across this time and don't regret it. The artwork is really nice, which was one of the big pluses that got added as soon as I checked it out.
Storyline... Once upon a time there was a Vampire that was glorious and beautiful, who sacrificed so much, but fate played a hand in his salvation and so he fell into a 200 years deep sleep... only to wake up from a nightmare and realise that his dream might not be very far from reality.
At the time he can't even realise that the "dream" is actually part of a distant memory. But as soon as he wakes up, he meets his nemesis, a Hunter, who claims he is actually his Lover...
Yes, this is the bait and yes, things do get more interesting and comical at the same time, spiced with some deep emotions and hidden secrets from the past.
But please be aware that it is an ongoing read
If you want some smut story, with some plot, here is a story for you. This is a Korean BL manhua.
Han Jihyuk is Eun-gyeom's manager, so it is an office love settings. Uke is older than the seme. Eun-gyeom have a terrible luck when it comes to love life. The problem is he is attracted to handsome face, hence, those he like either cheat him of money or are married man.
Seme is a childish jerk at first, but uke isn't weak and girly, and stand for himself especially when confronting seme, although he can be a crybaby at time.
I really like the manga artist's drawing on their chibi version in the extras. Rabbit Eun-gyeom and Tiger Han Jihyuk. It is very cute.
Overall, it is a fluffy story full of smut.
06-23-2022, 02:52 PM
ellymate
Manga Review of The Month - May/June 2022
Review #01
Manga title: Rebirth (Jiyo)/Rebirth (CECI) Manga artist: Jiyo Manga author: Ceci Manga cover picture: https://i.imgur.com/gKp53ml.jpg
Review:
This korea manhua is complete and completely scanlated. At first, based on the summary given, it gives me an impression that it is a revenge plot kind of story, where uke goes back in time and tortured the seme etc, but it isn't. Moreover, it gives reader a satisfying ending, a roller coaster ride and you will feel warm inside after reading 70 chapters + 6 side story. It could be read at COPIN, BiliBili comics, Pocket Comics, Tappytoon.
To summarize, it is a second chance story, where after Yeo-dam pay for his life in return for the emperor to be recovered, gets a chance to went back in time before he met emperor and making sure he didn't follow the same footstep as he did in his first lifetime, which is what he wish. This manhua is in Yeo-dam's pov, so in his perspective, Emperor don't know about love and don't understand human, hence treated him badly.
In this second chance, every loose ends are tied up, misunderstandings are resolved, regret did not exists at all, maybe in Emperor's case there is a small regret, you will know what I meant in the final side chapter.
Review #02
Manga Author and Artist: Mikkamita Manga title: How my daddies became mates
If you are in the mood for some alpha/omega pairs in an omegaverse delinquent story, then this is the type of cute, nice, smexy read.
The story starts with Akane and Aoi and their sweet daughter asking about how the two met and got to be a couple. Their present is super lovey-dovey with their amazing marriage, but their past is way more interesting... That fateful encounter and their first fight is really unforgettable and amazingly funny due to Akane's behaviour. Both main characters come from two different high schools and each represents one of the top "delinquents" and fighters. But what they didn't expect what for them to be alpha and omega and so bound together as treu mates.
Please be aware that this is an ongoing series.
11-01-2022, 03:43 PM
ellymate
Manga Review of The Month (MROTM) - September/ October 2022
There are 3 major arguments as to why you should read this: 1.You like superheroes;
2.You like comedy with a nice background story and
3.You totally dig the amazing artwork!
Meet Mills, one of the main characters and adopted son of two super agents dads, who put their life at risk daily in order to protect the innocent. And now, meet Shadowmaker aka Aiden, also adopted and the arch nemesis of Mills's dads..
Shadowmaker is actually considered a villain because he attacks various facilities causing panic among the people, without an apparent link between his attacks. And one day, after a long hiatus, he remerges in time to do something totally atypical to him, defeat a monster and rescue Mills.
The fun part begins when their roads cross again and Mills is taken by surprise when he gets an unthinkable proposal...a date with the mighty villain.
This swapped me up and I read it in a heartbeat. The world created is pretty amazing and the humour thick; the artwork dreamy and the plot catchy. You don't even realise when you got so far ahead and crave some more...
01-01-2023, 05:41 AM
ellymate
Manga Review of The Month (MROTM) - November/December 2022
I picked this action manhwa because of 2 strong handsome men on it. I couldn’t resist and I didn’t get disappointed. The artwork is really great, plus it’s a pacy action story about a poor car mechanic and a rich yakuza boss.
Storyline, the mechanic´s name is Shin. He survives on the street, on duty to fix cars every day. One day he sees a handsome guy Jake on the street with an old broken car. He ask him for help. All went well, until Jake pays him. On this day, Shin hit the jackpot and pushed his mobile number on him just in case he could do more than fixing cars. With a wink, the “race” begun.
This and more will be revealed with some spicy and hidden secrets. Please be aware that it is still an ongoing story.
Review #02
Manga Title: Ao Ao Waiting to Be Eaten (Caught!!) Manga Artist&Author: Si Wang Wen Hua; Yao Yao Manga cover picture https://i.imgur.com/MGqmqLc.jpg
Review:
A story with mythical creatures, Gods and a very tangled love story.
The manhua starts with Ao Ao, who is the Eastern Green Dragon and is searching for the incredible XuanLong Dragon Pearl in the mortal realm, passing as one of the high school students there. Unfortunately for him, Ryan, a fellow student finds out his true form that very night. Little does he know that Ryan is the Western Black Dragon to whom he made a promise a long time ago to return to him.
As the story progresses, we are taken back and forth between present and past, explaining how Ao Ao lost his memories and had no recognition of Ryan or their old selves.
The story is captivating from the first pages, it’s complex and presents the storyline of Ao’s older brother as well. The artwork is very nice and the suspense deep. This is definitely an interesting read!
03-04-2023, 12:41 PM
ellymate
Manga Review of The Month (MROTM) - January/February 2023
https://ibb.co/7JM3Jqv Review:
A SUPER CUTE story! This supernatural manga of Beasts and Humans is made of romance and Alpha, Beta, Omega material.
This manga has 6 stories (sequels) consisting of 5-6 chapters, it’s smooth and easy to read. If you like adorable cat ears and tails, you are right here for the good stuff.
The story itself starts with a beast Doctor in a Hospital, Dr. Miyaji. He is sweet, shy omega and takes good care of his beast's patients. One day he got a “patient” who is the director of the hospital, Mr. Kijima. He is also a beast but with a dominant alpha gene and likes to meddle with Miyaji life. Always flirting with him, which is not so easy for the doctor.
But one day, it seems to work out for the two? After some twists and turns the story goes on with steamy scenes and some conflicts. Even if this not enough, we also got some interesting side stories.
The art is wonderfully made and at first it’s black and white but later they colored the manga which is a huge plus.