This work deserves so much more recognition and praise. To echo what the other reviewer said, this is a solid coming-of-age shoujo work.
The story follows Iwakura Mitsumi's highschool journey moving from the countryside to Tokyo with an ambition to enter a prestigious university and enter the public service workforce. Mitsumi is honest, hardworking, and a little naĂŻve (in a good way). The story portrays an honest and multifaceted view of highschool life: childhood dreams/aspirations, new budding friendship, first love/romance, self-doubt, self-growth, and every other million things that come during our adolescent years. It truly depicts the nostalgia of high school life but also sheds light
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Jun 15, 2020
Never Good Enough
(Manga)
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The story follows Louis, a college professor, who was dumped by his long-term boyfriend, Nick, while on vacation. Guess who makes an entrance into the story? The ex-boyfriend's younger brother, Theo. While I'm not a fan of "brother complex/rivalry" troupe, CTK incorporates it well into the story. Louise and Theo's dynamic isn't perfect -- professor x student + ex's little brother -- but definitely intriguing. They are polar opposites of each other; Louis is charming, mature, calm, and rightfully petty when he needs to be, while Theo can be a little immature and even insecure at times but they compliment each other pretty well. CTK's
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Apr 28, 2020
On Doorstep
(Manga)
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This was CTK's second work that I read and I immediately knew that I was going to love it. The artwork and story were both very quite unique and refreshing. The deep black and white contrast, diverse character design, and detailed background gave it an overall clean finish. I was not sure what to expect with the 'cop and thief' troupe but was pleasantly surprised with how the story turned out. I really liked Reese and Jimmy's dynamic; their conversations, reactions, expressions were raw and relatable. The loss of a loved one, depression, anxiety, PTSD are all sensitive topics but those elements were appropriately presented.
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Apr 19, 2020
Hoshi dake ga Shitteru
(Manga)
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Hoshi dake ga Shitteru is a very well-written soft BL story. The story is based on a chance meeting between two strangers, Sora and Kengo-san, under a starry night. After are a few other coincidental meetings, they become closer to each other. I noticed that Furuya sensei focuses on characters sharing similar interests/hobbies and this work was no exception. I appreciate sensei's effort in making sure that the relationship is based on mutual and consenting individuals; a trend lacking in the BL genre. The story also lightly touches on astronomy and stars so the dialogue was informative and interesting. It left a deep impression and
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Apr 10, 2020
Ase to Sekken
(Manga)
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To be honest, when I first read the synopsis, I was turned off from reading the manga thinking it was a story about a strange man having a 'smell fetish'. While the latter remains somewhat true, I was surprised that I came to like the story and Asako and Natori-san's relationship. Despite the smell fetish, their relationship is quite relaxing without any orchestrated drama. It's a refreshing (no pun intended) and lighthearted work within the josei genre. If you are looking for a josei romance with a little bit of fluff and smut, this might be for you. I am definitely looking forward to more
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Apr 3, 2020
See You Later, Mermaid
(Manga)
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Words are powerful. The title is a little misleading since there are no mermaids involved in the story but instead used as a metaphor for the main protagonist's power: Tatsumi's voice changes to the sound of ocean waves and he has the power to compel the person to do as he wills when this happens. Without giving out too much of a spoiler, the story begins with two strangers who meet by the ocean and how fate connects them. The artwork and story are both simple and refreshing; it makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. If you want a short and refreshing read
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Mar 31, 2020
Where do I even begin reviewing this wonderful piece of artwork? Jackass! breezed into the yaoi world like a breath of fresh air. The first time I read it, I was awestruck with the unique characters, clean artwork, and captivating story. I purchased the manga and love to re-read the story from time to time.
The story as mentioned in the synopsis revolves around two high school friends, Masayuki and Keisuke, who after an accidental pantyhose slip-on find out that the other has a pantyhose fetish. Beriko sensei's unique art style is one of the key points of her storytelling. Her attention to detail to ... 
Mar 26, 2020
Usagi Otoko Tora Otoko
(Manga)
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Usagi Otoko Tora Otoko is one rare hidden gem when it comes to BL/Yaoi genre. After re-reading the manga numerous times, I love the characters much more each time. The story revolves around Dr. Uzuki, a general surgical resident, who saves Nonami, yakuza gang leader, who's left to bleed to death on the street from a gunshot wound which leads to all the drama after their meeting. What I genuinely adored about the story was how their affection blossomed for each other over time with proper interactions versus the usual trope where the seme forces himself on the uke. Their interaction always leaves you feeling
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Feb 22, 2020
Mother's Spirit
(Manga)
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This is probably one of my favorite romance mangas. It is very rare having proper romance stories, especially within the BL genre. The story and relationship between the main two characters, Ryouichirou and Qaltaqa, is so pure and beautiful. Their relationship built up at a moderate pace and you could see that they really understood each other before starting a 'relationship'. I was initially worried but came to appreciate how the author integrated the natives in the story in a sensitive and respectful manner. Apart from lovable characters and a unique plot, the artwork is truly magnificent. The small detail in body proportions, sceneries, facial
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Apr 3, 2018
Koi wa Ameagari no You ni
(Anime)
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Boy oh boy. This anime really took me by a huge surprise. When I initially read the plot, I thought it was going to be about a hopeless teenage romance with an older gentleman and the whole "pedophilic" troupe but boy was I wrong! There was less emphasis on the romance and more on self-reflection and how to navigate through life.
I absolutely loved the anime and started looking forward to it every Monday after finishing my classes at uni. The character development, artwork, and music were all splendid. I never thought that I could deeply bond with a 45-year-old restaurant manager but Kondou-san's life really ... |
