Mangonificent's manga / #personal favorite(12)

I love this so much. It has this really serene, calming atmosphere. It's taking its' time, not rushing the development, not afraid of being subtle, and it all just feels sensual and mature. Really unique and charming artwork as well.

Really liked this one. Beautiful art all around and Mr Dandy... oh my, did the artist take a peek at my aesthetics list? Like, good golly sir you have it all! But eye candy aside, I also love how completely confident and unashamed he is about his work. He seems to fully enjoy it and takes pride in how effectively he's able to help his customers. In fact, I get this feeling he has some sort of self-esteem issues for the "real him" and therefore likes this job about transforming to someone's ideal. (My prediction is that the black haired dude will eventually convince him that "I fell in love with you, yes YOU" and that there is no fantasy, just love for the real Dandy.) Anyhow, refreshing how it's not your usual "save a poor suffering prostitute" setting and I always like seeing older characters get some love. His age plays perfectly with the general maturity he exhibits, this kind of "seen it, done it" attitude which only life experience can bring.

After I picked this up, I soon formed a habit of reading a couple of chapters every night before bed. Good choice for that since the artstyle and slow build convey this serene, calming atmosphere despite all the drama going on in the story. Does such a good job developing the plot and its’ characters, even made me cry at one point (Merry’s mom ಥ﹏ಥ). The relationship between Sooho and Merry was so endearing and wholesome. Was actually surprised how affectionate and even playful Sooho was because at the beginning I expected him to be this aloof type of character. One criticism I have is that the ending felt a bit rushed. Poor Anemone really deserved some more resolution IMO. Such a wonderful lady but her involvement kind of just stopped without us even getting her reaction to a tragedy involving her. I'd have loved to hear how she moved on. And what about Merry's childhood friend? Seemed like she was developing a crush for Anemone but that element was completely dropped. Was a bit off-putting since the story otherwise took its' time with all the development but here in the end, not so much.

This really immersed me. Such a beautiful, perfectly paced ride with great characters. Loved how they used train as a metaphor for life and the people you meet in it, how some stay for your journey while the others leave. Conveys really well the feelings of loneliness, how the MC graves for human warmth but at the same time is afraid of it. Managed to make me relate on such a level that the moment he shared his first kiss with the boss I was simultaneously feeling happy and nervous. Happy he was getting that warmth from this seemingly good man but nervous in case he'd end up hurt again. I also must commend the refreshing way the story used the high schooler. In most BL mangas it’s like a rule that the first (attractive) person the MC sets their eyes on is the destined love interest. Here instead the character plays a different but still an important role, making it so that it’s not only the love interest who is instrumental in the MC’s healing process. Both his boss and the high schooler provided him with something precious. I liked that a lot.

(Gotta write a better review later but for now I'm just gonna gush) Masterpiece. I love how unique it is, I love the art, I love the plot, I love the characters. And I must also say: SO damn refreshing to see bi- and pansexuality acknowledged! That like never happens! And the way Kuroiwa mentioned this too, this complete carefree attitude about his sexual orientation, it's so damn lovely. None of the stupid denial shit you usually see.

Such a beautiful slow burn. I really appreciate how the story is taking its' time to develop the dynamics between the two, building a relationship that goes far deeper than the usual surface level drivel I see. It got me truly immersed in these characters and relating to their journey. Even small gestures feel intimate. Both leads are extremely enjoyable. I swear, the real world needs an army of Sasaki-sans omg. I mean, he's so adorkable and sweet and respectful and and and... just SAFE you know. I also absolutely love the art. It's pretty but not generic, it has tons of personality. What a rare gem this is! I'm in love.