I Thot You Was a Toad's manga / #tragic backstory(98)

Suteneko no Karute

Ongoing | Halco | 2008 released

Two short stories: the first about a man who has been dumped so many times, he feels like an abandoned cat and is afraid to love again. The second is about a man who was cruelly used by someone he loved. Both stories are very heartwarming, sweet and full of kindness.

Apron De Choushoku Wo

Complete | Hiiro Reiichi | 2005 released

When I first read this story (way back), it was one of my favourites, and, although other, better manga have come along, I still enjoy it. There's something very soothing about the relationship between the graceful Shirakawa and his warmhearted loveable "dog" of a kouhai, Yamato. The lovely way they are led to embrace each other through the tragic (and understated) backstory of Kisshoubou has any easy realism that smooths over what would be quite an awkward transition — a specialty of mangaka, Hiiro Reiichi. The subplot involving the stolen intellectual property from Shirakawa's company moves the story back into a vaudevillian zaniness and takes away from the pleasant pace, while not really serving the story except to maybe appease the mystery over what happened, but that is my only nit. Read this. It's a classic.

Kiraboshi Dial

Complete | NATSUME Isaku | 2000 released

After a tragic mistake involving a colleague, Yousuke decides to take up the physician's practice in the Japanese Alps. There, he is forced to take up residence in the home of Kazuhiro, who seems unsociable and difficult. As Yousuke gets to know him, though, he discovers that Kazuhiro's past has left him with difficulties coping with being alone or in enclosed spaces. Yousuke decides to meet the challenge of being a doctor in every sense, and healing this strange man. A good story about how things are not what they appear on the surface. A cute community of people surrounds and supports Yousuke and Kazuhiro.

So Cute?

Complete | Yukimura | 2000 released

Emotions are wrung out all over the place in this story, after two gay men announce their intention to marry and family get involved. The story isn't about homophobia, however, but some slight familiarity with Japanese laws will make it less confusing: in Japan, gay marriage happens through adoption, and having one's name placed in an official family registry. This story is about the family that will be left behind. There are lots and lots and lots of tears and emoting, but it isn't really a tear-jerker.

Horo Horo To

Ongoing | kai asou,Asoi Kai | 2000 released
2014-10-30 13:09 marked

Every few years, a half-human/half-demon baby is selected to be the vessel for a spirit called The Crow, which is sealed in its body. Evil spirits attack the body of the chosen infant as they chase the Crow, and it causes the person much pain and eventually takes over. We follow the story of Taki, an orphaned boy who is chosen to become the replacement vessel. Sadly, this story has been dropped by the mangaka after Chapter 7, but it is a very interesting and well-told tale until that point.

Hanazono No Kioku

Complete | hino garasu | 2000 released

During a drunken spree, failed novelist, Yuu, meets up with the Chris and gets "married" to him, symbolized by tattooed rings. Chris has been broken down with tragedy and suffers from bipolar personality disorder, which he masks with prostitution and drug use, but Yuu is swept up in his mania and has a tragic secret of his own. Will these two be able to heal each other? Hina Garasu's artwork is beautiful, adding more power and poignancy to the ending.

Heart O Nusumu No Wa Dare Da

Complete | tateno makoto | 2012 released

Detective Torimaru is frustrated in his efforts to catch Kaitou Hato, in spite of the puzzles and clues with which the cat burglar taunts him. Kaitou Hato is the secret identity of the café owner where Torimaru's task force go to unwind. When the detective's outrage turns to infatuation, he is even more frustrated, especially when it becomes apparent that there is another partner is Kaitou's life, as well as a specific reason behind Kaitou's seemingly random targets. A fun mystery with a lively police chase theme.

Tasogare Wa Karera No Jikan

Complete | minase masara | 2000 released

Descendents, some of them, of a particular family line have the ability to bond others to them by projecting sexual vibes at them. Others in the family, who are immune to its effects, have used this power to control people for power or wealth. This is the story of two men who come from this sort of background, and what they do about it. As usual, Minase Masara's illustrations are beautiful and elegant.

Shachou to Hisho, Ai no Shoumei

Complete | machiya hatoko | 2009 released

The best was definitely kept until the end in this compilation: (Story 1: pages 1 - 75) Hot secretary and jealous president. (Story 2: pages 76 - 129) More interesting than the first. An art director and photographer finally acknowledge feelings they've held for years. (Story 3: pages 130 - 211) Machiya Hatoko has so much insight into the heart, and this story about two very lonely and alienated men — one the victim of abuse, the other, a man who isolated himself from love because of tragedy — who open up to each other in kindness and, so, find true love, is one of the best romances I've ever read. A story like this is so beautiful, it might even heal some readers.

I Cant Even Breathe Without You

Complete | Eda Yuuri Artist,Enjin Yamimaru | 2005 released

A surprising story about a mangaka with stellar talent in his field, but complete ineptitude in everything else, and his faithful friend who diligently cares for him, until the friend realizes his motives may be less pure and altruistic than he originally believed. Yamimaru Enjin's story may not seem that subtle on the surface, but she depicts Niki, the artist, with so much sensitivity and realism as a person who almost seems borderline autistic with his inability to accurately appraise the situations around him, his complete dependency on Shoji, and his lack of facility to cope with life. Shoji's personal struggles are painful in their own right, as he fights off his own inner demons and copes with the feeling of being used as a servant and dismissed as a man worthy of love and respect. This is a good, complicated story with tragedy in the past and treachery in the mix.