Manga Reviews (from monthly contest)

[Twinstar]

Review #1

Manga title: Natsumichi Drive (なつみちドライブ)
Manga artist: Homuro Mita
Manga Cover Picture:
http://i.imgur.com/wulvSCv.png


1st story:
It’s tough being the 3rd son of a family, but this gets only tougher when you’re the 3rd son of a highly educated family and you can’t get more than 5 points in a test!
This is the story of Michiharu, the youngest son from an elite family who’s practically good for nothing when it comes to studies. The family is so desperate to see him pass the University entrance exam, that, as a last resort, they send him off to their relative house over the summer break to get some private lessons from none other than the super rumored “extremely gay” cousin, Natsuki.
Of course, this “minor” detail is not known to Michiharu until he actually meets the person in flesh and gets to choose between start learning or get done. Surprisingly, Natsuki’s methods of teaching prove to be easy to understand even for the most unprepared son… and soon, Michiharu not only relaxes, but wants to have a taste of Natsuki.

2nd story:
Akiyama’kun enrolls to a nail artist school dreaming of becoming a nail artist, but apparently he does not have the talent for it and Mizusawa’kun makes sure to show his disgust in every chance he gets… or is it just because Akiyama’kun is such a sticky, lovable person and he’s just jealous of his close proximity with Sensei?

Opinion:
I loved both stories! They are unbelievable cute, the first one has more plot and some steamy sex and the second one, just makes you wish it will last longer.
Artwork gets a full 10!

Review #2

Manga title: Akai Ito no Shikkou Yuuyo
Manga artist: Akira Yoshio
Manga cover picture:
http://i.imgur.com/I8cVbDV.png


Review:

The red string of fate. An invisible red thread believed to connect lovers to each other. What if you could see them? Would you give in to your ‘fated’ partner, or reject destiny, and choose someone out of your own freewill? That is the dilemma Keiji faces.

As a child, despite not being able to touch it, Keiji could see the red string. Things went south when his mouth slipped and he asked his parents why dad’s string was attached to someone other than his mum. They separated. He cursed his ability.

Strangely, the timing of the red string connection with your ‘fated’ partner differs depending on the person, and Keiji has yet to have his one connected. But there’s a cute girl he’s enamoured with, and she also has yet to be ‘paired’ with her soul mate.

Soon enough, Keiji realises that his string becomes connected with someone… Could it be? Could she be the one? But no. Of course not. To the surprise of us all, pardon the major big spoiler here… it was a guy. Oh no.

I fell in love with this cute yaoi story, as it was interesting to see how Keiji dealt with his conflicting feelings. Perhaps there is a lesson to be learned here: to never go against your destiny. Because don’t we all know how this is going to end…

[Twinstar]

Review #1

Manga title: Jackass! - Who said it was okay to touch?
Manga artist: Scarlet Beriko
Manga cover picture:

https://i.imgur.com/lmF1oqk.png

Review: This was one of my favourites. A one volume story that was centered around an unexpected kink occurrence and discovery - pantyhose.
You'd think with a premise like that, that this would be like porn without plot, but it's more a feeling of constantly being teased, and the build up of anticipation. I think the thing I liked most were the characters. I rather liked the friendship between the two characters, as well as the side characters (including one minor story which is important to the plot!). There were a couple scenes that were humorous and some that was a little bit deep (some touches of self-awareness, awakening of sexual identity, some homophobia) but all in all happy ending!

Review #2

Manga title: Omae wa Hitsuji
Manga artist: Takasaki Bosco

https://i.imgur.com/QpfLnvl.png

Review:

When Sahara Yuuya loses his house in a fire, his university friend Masaki Keigo offers him a solution: to come stay at his place for a while. Little does Yuuya know that the place is actually owned by Masaki’s older brother Tsukasa, who takes him for a stalker for lingering around his place. When Keigo finally gets home, they clear the misunderstanding and Tsukasa agrees to let Yuuya stay over until his situation improves. But Yuuya’s “bad luck” doesn’t end here… At the interview for the seminar he’s been preparing so intensely, he finds out that the Associate Professor is none other than Keigo’s older brother, who easily informs him that all members from the new seminar are not allowed to have a part-time job, but don’t you worry…Tsukasa’s got the perfect job for Yuuya: professor assistant during the day and sleeping together during the night…

Opinion:

Honestly the cover made me check this manga out and I wasn’t disappointed! I totally adore the graphic! The characters are gorgeous, they have smooth lines, the emotions are perfectly conveyed and the body line is so, so sexy, that it’s a pleasure to read this.
The storyline is nice, it mainly revolves around Yuuya and Tsukasa, their progress from total strangers to lovers. I’ve very impressed by the deep transparency of Tsukasa’s true feelings for Yuuya, he looks so cool and composed in the beginning and without realizing, he falls in love with Yuuya and he shows it so earnestly.

Miss Takasaki Bosco managed to win another fan with this story, so give it a try!

[Twinstar]

Review #1

Manga title: Shinkuu Yuusetsu
Manga artist: Bikke
Manga cover picture:

https://i.imgur.com/XWjG0r4.png

Review: This 3 volume manga follows an alternate universe wherein lies a country with rather unique humans. If you like the concept of soulmates – you very well should enjoy this one. Would generally be considered light on the BL aspect (so if you’re looking for smut, this is not the right choice for that), but the dialogue and the plot were fun and funny, and as the reader, made me feel teased by the author! Like ‘They wrote this on purpose!’ type feeling. Besides those feels, there was the very fluffy feels too, since the loves shown in this manga were very pure and lovely. All in all, this manga was a very nice change from the typical BL mangas.

Review #2

Manga Title: Your Butt Fetish is a Pain in My Ass (Shiri Fechi Nanka ni Sukarete Tamaru ka)
Author & Artist: Takayuki SHidatsu
Manga cover:

https://i.imgur.com/Lvkbiwt.jpg

Review:
Our hero, Amemiya, just got admitted into a prestigious university and has big dreams of an exciting new life. Nothing wrong if it weren’t for …. his butt! Beside his other qualities, Amemiya’s got a huge, delicious ass which invites all type of perverts. He’s saved by a molester in the subway and his savior accidentally gropes him in such a spectacular way, that makes him moan with pleasure… Now, we are introduced to the other main character, Arashiro, who’s none other than the “hero of the day”!
This is how a "butt fetish" is born. An accidental touch and "insecurities" take over for the other when the word “butt” is mentioned.

Their story is quite hilarious and very entertaining. Despite the first feeling that Amemiya’s character might turn out to be a weak boy and easy to predict, he’s actually proving to have some guts and shows he's more than a cute face and a big butt. But overall, the confused feelings he gives to Arashiro who’s a total straight guy, are priceless. The later is practically shocked by the desire that grows in him to claim Amemiya’s butt as his. In the beginning the feelings for each other have nothing romantic about it, but as the story progresses and their confused fetish and insecurities settles…we get to enjoy some steamy sex and more funny lines.

This was my first meeting with Takayuki Shidatsu’s work and I’m happily confessing that I really like the style and the fine artwork. I liked the fact that things didn't lead directly in bedroom, but in fact both characters are quite balanced, don't fall in love easily and argue a lot. Arashiro's inside struggles are amusing and the stubbornness of Amemiya's much appreciated. This just turns out perfect for lighting up ones mood.

[Twinstar]

Review #1:

Manga title: Asterisk
Manga artist and author: Morimoto Shuu
Manga cover picture:

(https://imgur.com/a/9n2GZ)

Review:

Prepare yourself for a longer read! An 8 volume fantasy setting shounen ai story. (No smut, but there’s an actual plot that develops!) The manga depicts a world where angels have a duty to assist souls to pass to Heaven. The protagonists are 2 angels, Frau and Kio, who are childhood friends. Secrets, mystery, plot twists, and adventure packed plot. Together, and with others (the other characters are important to the development of the story too!) they battle the evil ones that have their own eventually-revealed agenda. Overall, a unique story with great art and intriguing plot that is well worth the read.
(The art and the BL are a plus!)

Review #2:

Manga title:Batsu Game
Manga artist: Conro


Review:

A punishment game - “The loser has to go out on the road and kiss a stranger!”

It’s all about winning or losing, and Nagami Seiji is the loser. He kisses a stranger and the next day at school, destiny plays a dirty trick on him when the stranger turns out to be Miyata Rutsu , his sempai. ”Forgetting" is the last thing on Rutsu’s mind, and actually, he pays back by having his way with Seiji and taking his “O-face” picture, which he uses as blackmail - “My, my, punishment games are fun."

This story has more to offer than hot sex scenes, it’s fun, deep and absolutely fabulous! I was actually surprised, since I was expecting only some raw yaoi, but the characters are beautifully constructed, teasing, fighting, challenging, giving and taking as much, they both come headstrong on each other. Rutsu’s got a nice story and Seiji has such an “alpha” vibe to him that makes him so hot! There are a lot of feelings involved, many amusing moments which makes the story more catchy and the artwork is absolutely beautiful. What I find totally sexy, are the kisses…they look simply delicious and capable to turn you on!

Trust me, you don’t want to miss it.

[Twinstar]

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.

[Twinstar]

Review #1

Manga title: Hanakoi Tsurane
Manga artist and author: Natsume Isaku
Manga cover picture:

https://imgur.com/a/kj1cG

Review: An ongoing manga that I had to post a review of despite usually not reading any ongoing manga. The manga revolves around the world of Kabuki (traditional Japanese stage acting) and the main character Sougorou who is the heir of a top Kabuki family and fellow Kabuki actor from another actor, Gensuke. This story is amusing in its comedy, and I found many of the characters and dialogue amusing. It also has some common plots of shoujo romances (but with BL!) such as celebrities going to high school, rivals-to-lovers, and communication misunderstandings that make you want to yell at them for using the wrong choice of words. Overall a light hearted manga that brings with it some good feelings and smiles.

Review #2

Manga title: Heaven & Hell Roman Company
Manga artist: Mum
Manga cover picture:

https://imgur.com/m7aRqB9

Review:
You will absolutely be smitten with this manhwa! What starts with the idea of angels and demons losing their purpose because of the continuous development of humankind and so, God’s decision to create the H&H Roman Company, ends up in a deeper and more complicated story of friendship, unrequited love, secrets and lust. Lots and lots of lusting and pervert dreams, that will make you just as anxious as the lead character to discover how things will progress.

Now meet the protagonists, Ginger, a gorgeous half demon-half angel and the reason why you’ll laugh and feel like you’re riding a carousel of emotions, because this guy is in love with his childhood sexy demon friend and co-worker Rum, who apparently is totally unaware of all this. And if you think this is all, guess again, because then Mon and Mananan come along to stir some waters and add some more spiciness with their own crazy love story.

So yeah, this delicious yaoi manhwa is totally a five stars story, with twists, comebacks, love, humor and just enough sex not to get it overboard. On top of that, add the incredible beautiful artwork which comes in color up to a certain point and you have the best combination for a helluva read. The only minus I could find is the ongoing status, but don’t let this get in the way!

[Twinstar]

Review #1

Manga title: The Overdoing Party Night (Yarisugi Party Night)
Manga artist and author: Akatsuki Amama
Manga cover picture:

https://imgur.com/hzSKMOe

Review:

They say a picture says a thousand words… But that would put me over the limit for this manga review entry. But this picture certainly sets up a reader for certain expectations! And the manga doesn’t disappoint!

If you didn’t already count it because you were looking somewheres else *wink*, this is not a story of your usual yaoi ‘couple’. Ladies and gentlemen, nope. Two’s company, three’s a crowd, and FOUR is a party like this one *wink* (And no, this ain’t no mob type manga)

This manga depicts how Takase Ai and 3 other handsomes transform a failed goukon into an *ahem* eventful new experience! (At least for Ai!)

Aaaaand, it gets even better. This manga manages to throw a semblance of a plot about the four and some FEELINGS into an, otherwise very age cautioned, story.
Dive in and give it a shot! (or four *eyebrows waggling*)

Review #2

Manga title:

The Falcon Hides His Love | Koisuru Taka wa Tsume wo Kakusu

Manga artist:

Hitomi Mito

Manga cover picture: https://imgur.com/T1L4pfD


Review:

I never get tired of being surprised by what we’d call a cliché theme in Yaoi works: one-sided love for a childhood friend. There are so many works with this theme that one would say nothing new could be added to spicy things up, rise the adrenaline and provide a good read. But each time there is something!

Although, the storyline of this manga is simple and there’s not much of smut scenes, there’s comedy, struggles, great artwork and it can lighten your day and keep you glued to it until you reach the last pages.

This is the story of Takumi and Natsuki. The first, has a tough look, is well respected and has a great taste for fights, which he usually wins. But the most hilarious aspect about him, is his sensitive side to the point of crying. Natsuki on the other hand took upon himself the “protector role” and the “voice of reason”, who tries to keep Takumi out of danger as much as possible. Ever since he’s been saved by Takumi as a kid, he harbored romantic feelings for him, feelings that he never plans to confess until one day, when in the middle of arguing he actually steals a kiss from Takumi. In the spur of the moment, Takumi surprises everyone by publicly asking Natsuki to go out with him. But what happens once Natsuki shows the true length of his desire…

[Twinstar]

Review #1

Manga title: Ask the Stars for Help! (Komatta Toki ni wa Hoshi ni Kike!)
Manga artist and author: Abe Miyuki
Manga cover picture:
(https://imgur.com/nul1i9k)



Review:
This manga (and author) has been one of my favorites for a while now, and I’m actually rereading it again. From the creator of Super Lovers and Hakkenden, I’m not sure why this particular manga never made it popular (I want fanfictions and fanarts darn it!) So here's my attempt at reeling in more fans!

Takara (his name translates to Treasure, I think it’s lovely) is a feminine looking guy with an unexpected personality for his appearance. Mostly living alone, he ends up starting dorm life as he enters high school, where he meets Kiyomine – the tall handsome brooding sort (which gets on Takara’s nerves because he feels he got the short stick during puberty).

The manga is 26 volumes long, and goes through several developments of the characters, which are plentiful in humor and plot. There are many other interesting side characters that are involved here, and there are even some darker arcs in the story. All in all, I found the development of this manga to be well paced and the story very engaging. The eye candies are of course a plus as well!

Full transparency though – this is hard to tag as shounen ai, when the focus is more on friendship, but at the same time it does have some obvious ‘ships’ for us BL fans. But the relationship and feelings between the two main protagonists still brings me to smiles, and there are some scenes that have my inner fangirl squealing.

[Twinstar]

Review #1

Manga title: The Trail of His Fingertips (Tadoru Yubi)
Manga artist and author: Takasaki Bosuko
Manga cover picture:

(https://imgur.com/a/1vlZE5R)

Review:
A one volume story, this manga is a simple (but sexy) piece! Naoya, who had been in a one-sided crush with a colleague, gets his heart broken. Enter the megane-bishie (self-translation: handsome glasses guy!), popular designer Shuji. Shuji recognizes that the previously mentioned colleague had used Naoya’s crush on him to take the credit for himself, and offers Naoya… more than he could have imagined. (Read: YES THERE IS SMUT)

Have to say, the story rather resembles PWP (Porn without plot) type stories – ok there is maybe a LITTLE TINY BIT of plot - but I guess it probably says something about me that I really like the bossy, egoistic, domineering type characters (Shuji) and the somewhat ‘helpless’ and seemingly desperate bottoms (Naoya). No lie, the smut scenes draw me to reread this manga.

Not something to cry home about, but worth a read to check out the eye candy and smexiness.

Review #2

Manga title: Nozomu Bekumonai
Manga artist: Sangatsu Masao

https://i.imgur.com/tyVlFK0.jpg

Review:
Masao Sangatsu’s works are delightful! The plot and graphic are AMAZING that you simply can’t drop it and surely you won’t ever regret picking it up in the first place.

At first glance this manga treats the typical childhood-one sided love story theme, but the way it was developed in the 6 chapters is simply unique.
The first thing I found wonderful, was the fact that most chapters start and end with some type of “statement” or “motto” regarding life, each of this represent a smooth passing from one point of the story to another. The other, is the fact that we get a glimpse of the past, present and future without being too much or too little.

The manga starts off with the present time: college, and the aftereffects of the breakup of the notorious playboy Sumiyoshi who’s being treated yet again, by his childhood friend Shinomoto. Of course, it’s easy to realize that the story revolves around them. So, in order to stop Sumiyoshi in just accepting the next confession, Shinomoto keeps interfering in his affairs until the point that he’s actually taking the girls place in his bed. But one thing leads to another and Sumiyoshi actually discovers his true feelings for his friend, but how difficult can it be to prove that “this time it’s real” when you used to date whoever confessed to you?

[Twinstar]

Review #1

Manga title: I Can Lie Well If I Put On My Uniform (Seifuku o Matoeba, Umaku Uso ga Tsuketa no ni)
Manga artist and author: Kusabi Keri
Manga cover picture:


(https://imgur.com/a/Plk4wiz)

Review:
The title is a mouthful and the cover picture implies their mouths are otherwise occupied. A short story with sexy characters that brings me back to reading it over and over again.

The two handsome men in the picture are Sakuraba Souta (left) and Ukaji Tsumugu (right). Souta is portrayed as the playboy that became a pilot to get laid. As one of his not-so-one-night-stands starts to become a little too attached, he reaches out his childhood friend and fellow pilot (and number one rival!) to help get rid of her with a little bit of BL (A part of me says Sneaky Souta, but the BL fangirl in me rubs her hands together with glee).

Things escalate rather quickly after that and sexy times ensue (with a small hint of non-consensualness). The story further develops the two protagonists with looks into their past and other developments from the ‘childhood friend’ side as well as the ‘number one rival’ side, and the FEELINGS show up. And then you have sexy times WITH FEELINGS! Combine that with the awesome art, and you have a manga that should be bookmarked, favorited and you can join me with rereading it over and over again.

Review #2

Manga title: Here U are
Manga artist: D. Jun
Manga cover picture:

https://i.imgur.com/Tl2WknZ.png

Review:

I shall start with the only inconvenience there is, the ongoing status, but please don’t let this take you back and make space in your reading plans for it, if not, do it for the humor and the gorgeous artwork.

The storyline is about college life/fate/hardships/emotions. YuYang is the upperclassmate in charge with welcoming the new students and helping them find their way around campus. On the reception day he helps LiHuan find his room, but the attitude of this guy seems quite rude and so they start on the wrong foot.

I honestly loved from the start the contrast between the characters and there is an obvious character development with each chapter. LiHuan is a super tall and quiet guy who’s easily misunderstood, compared to him, YuYang is a very charismatic, direct and an openly gay guy, he’s way shorter than LiHuan and due to his character, is always surrounded by people, unlike someone else…

But more interesting was the fact that the author chose to write a short preview with the hardships they will share, so we simply get hooked up, because once you find out what they’ll be, you don’t wanna miss it! There are other things to appreciate like the beautiful writing style, the flow of the plot, the good background story of the characters and the suspense. This is a piece worth reading.

“As required, in the following 200 issues we would experience together every kind of hardships…”