A third season for Free! is something I have always dreamed about but never thought would actually come true. The first 2 seasons exceeded my expectations… as if half-naked, dripping wet bishies weren’t enough, there was also solid plot and character development. These swimming boys endeared themselves to me and I was beyond excited for their return years after Eternal Summer.
However, as much as I’m reluctant to admit this, I don’t find the new season anywhere near as good as its predecessors. I have many gripes about Dive to the Future, such as:
- Not enough intense swimming races
- Not enough Rin (isn’t he supposed
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Jul 22, 2018
The first couple chapters of Jealousy have more vivid characterization than most volumes of yaoi I’ve read. The story is about Rogi and how he becomes obsessed with the young boss of the yakuza, Akitora.
Rogi makes for an enthralling main character because he’s full of personality- a fierce concoction of contradictions and hyperbole. He acts goofy and nonchalant in dangerous situations to the perplexity of those around him. He is a promiscuous and seductive man. But despite his worldly nature, he acts very childlike at times. Rogi causes chaos and doesn’t give a second thought about the consequences. With no concept of shame, Rogi is ... 
Jul 20, 2018
Hanakoi Tsurane
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Give this manga a try! Though the “rivals to lovers” storyline is nothing new, the kabuki milieu adds a unique flair. Plus the art looks pretty.
The main character, Sougorou, is silly and a bit immature. His family is comprised of kabuki performers and he is the heir. His rival is Genroku, who happens to be a fellow classmate and the heir to his respective kabuki household. Sougorou is downcast after reading online criticisms about his subpar performance in his latest show. Soon after, he finds out that he and Genroku will be playing lovers in their next show. Feeling the pressure to improve his skills, ... 
Jul 14, 2018
Yukidoke no Koi
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A budding romance between student and teacher is beautifully portrayed in Yukidoke no Koi.
Alongside its imagery of snow and blossoms, every aspect of the story has a delicate and ephemeral nature to it. It addresses the question of whether love is something that is just as transient as everything else. Sensei is still recovering from the trauma of losing the man he loved. He experienced how easily broken a gay relationship is when faced with the dictates of society to have a “normal” relationship. A student in his class, Sumiko, is in perhaps what is the most delicate period of a young person’s life. He is ... 
Jul 12, 2018
Mitsumei is a bit of a hidden gem. I’m so glad that I randomly found this manga because I’ve never heard any mention of it, but it’s a marvelous story. It is a tale of two close friends who were in military academy together only to be separated and reunite years later on opposite sides of the sociopolitical spectrum. Ivan is a spy for the army and assigned a perilous mission to get close to Ed, who now works for the mafia.
The manga takes place in Russia and as you can see from the cover image, snow is a common motif. It really is a ... 
Jul 11, 2018
Life: Senjou no Bokura
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This manga has a poignant ending that resonates with me and which still replays in my mind now and then. This is a cute love story between two guys. What makes it different from other romances is that it follows the couple from high school to old age. While the majority of stories end after the characters confess and become a couple, this manga shows the trials that await a long-term relationship.
The problems which the characters face are realistic instead of cliched drama. For example, it addresses the societal pressure of having a heteronormative relationship, and feeling like a gay relationship is abnormal and just ... 
Jul 9, 2018
Kimi wa Natsu no Naka
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If you’re in the mood for a cute and fluffy BL, look no further. Kimi wa natsu is much like its warm summertime setting- you’ll feel like there’s sunshine warming the inside of your heart after reading it. The characters have a cordial, easy-going chemistry. The manga takes time to show how close their friendship is, making the development of their relationship seem very natural and believable. There is no forced drama. Read this when you feel like you need to cleanse your soul after reading shameless porn-without-plot yaoi. I would also recommend checking out the mangaka’s other works for more sweet fluff, especially “Hoshi
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Jul 9, 2018
This manga is a very interesting read! The story is a bit more angsty than your typical yaoi. It includes sensitive topics such as bullying, suicide, and homophobia. Yet everything is tactfully handled, and the plot and characters feel compelling.
The main character, Hayato, is haunted by mistakes of the past. He befriends Souma, the quiet transfer student who is always alone. Souma is afraid of interacting with others because he doesn’t want anyone to find out that he’s gay. He is able to open up more when Hayato accepts him. However, Hayato has a dark secret of his own. He is consumed with regret over something ... 
Jun 21, 2018
Fukigen na Mononokean
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Though it may seem like another simple youkai story at first glance, what really makes Fukigen na Mononokean shine is the interplay between its two central characters. The “youkai of the week” format is really a vehicle for character development as Abeno and his trusty assistant, Ashiya, help each other through different trials.
Ashiya’s effervescent personality and Abeno’s cold and practical demeanor make them an unlikely yet somehow complementary pair. Ashiya’s warmth and empathy is exactly what Abeno lacks but needs. Having spent the majority of his life in the company of youkai, Abeno is not good at getting along with humans. Ashiya is there to ... 
Jun 21, 2018
Secret XXX
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This manga is seriously so cute! The main character, Shouhei, loves rabbits. He comes across a rabbit shop one day, and meets Mito, whom he falls in love with. Shouhei helps out at the shop so he can spend time with rabbits as well as Mito.
I couldn’t help but constantly squeal while reading this. Shouhei and Mito make a simply adorable couple. I find it endearing the way they interact with each other and show their affection. The manga has a nice balance of fluff and smut. Also the artwork looks lovely. Be sure to read the one-shot Allergy XXX first if it’s not included with ... |
