Be-Boy Kidnapp'n Idol

Considering the year this was made, the story and art is actually quite good. Of course, nothing like what we have today but if you're a little tired of the same ol stereotypical seme/uke relationship, this is definitely a fun little watch.

It's a quick story, and very straight-forward, but it's fun, light, and innocent, a tale of 2 boys moving from friendship to something more. It's a Shounen-Ai, so don't expect any heated sex, and there's no adorable uke in need of saving (although the uke is adorable). All in all if you're a little tired of the usual (I know I was), it's ... a fresh of breath air, a throw back Shounen-Ai that probably broke a lot of boundaries in its time. If you got the time, give it a go!

This is from the darling 1980s and wins the prize for best title. Be x Boy is obviously (look at me with the "obviously") the magazine which...might still be in business, I'm getting on in years so I have no idea if Be x Boy's still around.

ANYWAY: Be Boy Kidnapp'n Idol is the story of Kazuya, a Pop Idol who gives concerts by singing over still-frame pictures of himself (this happens a couple of times and it can take awhile for you to figure what is supposed to be happening). Kazuya has a sort of Miley Cyrus thing going on (except everyone knows he's ... Hannah Montana).

Confusing title and lack of singing animation aside, Be Boy Kidnapp'n Idol is about 20 minutes long, the animation's not so bad (and is pretty sometimes), the story is cute, if told extremely quickly and it ends neatly on maybe a cliffhanger? With a title like "Kidnapp'n Idol" one first thinks that the Idol will be kidnapping people, but I guess not. However it does imply that he gets kidnapped a lot.... Like a princess... You could spend a worse 20 minutes.

What this boils down to, is that it's a very light boy-loves-boy story, with a kidnapping plot thrown in just to provide a little drama. Although if you're looking for any sort of 'action', this isn't it -- I don't recall anything more racy than an innocent kiss.

Pure-Pure Boy is a budding, young idol, who is always cheerful and somewhat naive about how the world works. His best friend is a little rougher around the edges, and it turns out he is interested in being a little more than just a friend. If it wasn't for the Pesky ... Pasty Pedophile who kidnaps his interest and gets in his way!

But really, it's a short story (under 30 minutes), so there's not enough time to develop much of anything, in terms of plot and characterization. Artwork and animation are unexceptional yet serviceable, and that's about it.