I agree with you on the rape fantasy thing.
It really makes me uncomfortable for the characters and really hard image for me to break when it comes to liking them when they finally get together.
I also don’t like how hard it is to find a story that’s just about a simple way of falling in love.
I by no means am a prude when it comes to the rough sex topics but rough sex can be more than just rape. There are plenty of people having consensual rough sex right now. it’s not that hard to write about.
I wish I could like your comment 100 times. I honestly really disliked the majority of the characters in this, and could not even muster up a glimmer of happiness when they got their happy ending. The first seme was so abusive - if he showed at least a little bit of remorse then I would have been less hateful towards him. And the uke? Ahh it really annoys me when they write such spineless characters with not a shred of self-respect.
I mostly stick to shounen ai now because of this, but I've found some yaoi gems that thankfully contain no rape - but they're definitely few and far between. Bring on more healthy, consensual relationships! (and about the rough sex trope; I actually enjoy manga like that, but it's hard to find any where it isn't a forced situation and eventual stockholm syndrome. How unfortunate).
I’m glad someone agrees with me I feel like people often just tell me to get over it or to not ruin their “fun”. This comic is really troubling and I agree all the characters are too unlikabke at the beginning for me to be invested in their ending.
Yeah I’ve made the switch to Shounen Ai too because I wanted some humanity.
Any recommendations?
I feel like me and you would get along well.
I am so happy that you brought up how this manga/comic is labeled as "rape" very clearly. I think many people seek rape in Yaoi but then complain about it to maybe seem more morally right due to their own guilt. They should know many healthy individuals do have rape kinks, Fargo (the person who created this) did create a fantastic work about very messed up people, that is the point that people keep missing. Nowhere did Fargo mention this is a simple story about people falling in love. How boring would that be? She created this story for people who enjoy more darker stories and it's a gem in that respect, for a darker and twisted theme. Yaoi has so many different varieties, I honestly have read more Yaoi comics with zero rape.
I don't want to be misunderstood - I understand that this has a rape tag, and I was prepared because I'm somewhat used to rape tropes in yaoi right now. I didn't know how far the rape would be took however, that is what I have concern with. Also, I have absolutely nothing wrong with people who enjoy such a trope. Like I said, each person likes what they like. My issue is with the fact that the proportion of romanticised rape in yaoi far outweighs those without it, or those that portray it in a more realistic manner. I have read almost every yaoi without rape in it, and their volumes are nothing compared to those with rape. Is it really so much to ask for there to just be more healthy relationships? I understand it's just fantasy, and I have no trouble seperating it from reality, BUT it doesn't mean I can't have opinions and feelings and altogether it would just be nice if mangakas explored more realistic, healthy and communicative relationships. It might not be 'dramatic' enough for some readers, which I appreciate, but you can have drama and angst in yaoi without the abundance of romanticised rape. I am no more morally right than those who enjoy rape tropes. I personally just don't enjoy when it's chapter after chapter of rape where neither acknowledges it and the abuser gets off scott-free (personally). Again, not every yaoi is about messed up characters. Often they are very sweet etc. so I don't understand why there always has to be a seme raping the uke out of love in it. Sorry if this seems lengthy and confusing. I know there's variety, but there's not enough. That's my issue. 80% is rape, which there shouldn't be. There should be a healthy balance for people who enjoy it, and people who don't. Sorry if I offended anyone with my words!
I'm not sure what you'd enjoy, but there are a few really good shounen-ai that if you haven't read already, you should definitely check out to see if they're your taste :)
http://www.mangago.zone/read-manga/king_s_maker/ - although this is a darker story, it is so, so good. They're in the process of making/releasing the second season right now. Although it's more of a rounded story that doesn't solely focus on the MC and the guy he likes, it has a really satisfying ending and intense plot.
http://www.mangago.zone/read-manga/vassalord/ - this also has an interesting plot. Perhaps you've read it?
http://www.mangago.zone/read-manga/kokoro_kanda_neko/ - yaoi, but incredibly sweet.
http://www.mangago.zone/read-manga/heaven_hell_roman_company/ - I prefer the side couple in this, and it's unfortunely still on-going ( ̄へ ̄)
http://www.mangago.zone/read-manga/soul_contract/ - sadly not completed yet, but so far I'm really enjoying the plot.
http://www.mangago.zone/read-manga/a_paramour/
http://www.mangago.zone/read-manga/the_priests_chart/
http://www.mangago.zone/read-manga/kyouju_to_shitsuji_no_shizuka_na_seikatsu/
http://www.mangago.zone/read-manga/on_doorstep/
^These are mostly fluff and uncomplete, but they're definitely good reads. Do you read manhwa/manhua/webtoons? They're mostly always shounen-ai, and unless you're strictly looking for it you'd be hard pressed to find any hardcore rape tropes in them. Also, I love being able to read about the cute couples in colour!
I have read far more Yaoi mangas (so so many) without rape, that also could be due to my choosing. I also have read many Yaoi mangas that had rape but it was not romanticized. The rape was shown in a manga that had no romance, just lust. Yaoi does have a lot of rape but I disagree that they are the most common ones. Another factor is that Yaoi mangas with rape are super popular and that’s what people tend to read, which is why I brought up the tags. 80% ? I disagree.
PREACH.
yup, you're right. it's lazy, pathetic writing (the art is cool so I'm not going to diss the author completely). that's why I couldn't finish this one even though I was so curious as to why so many other readers love it.
Patiently waiting for decent mangas/manhwas that aren't polluted with rape tropes... I have no issues with those who have a rape kink, as this is fantasy and they are free to enjoy what they like, but it'd be nice to get some variety in yaoi where 99% of it isn't literally rape and abuse. I thought I got used to it, but this manhwa is rediculous. The characters are all twisted and messed up. There's barely any plot, just rape, manipulation, mental and physical abuse, hypocrisy, more rape, probable mental illness, even more rape, and oh yeah- more rape, all out of 'love', obviously.