Aiko's manga / #Manga(14)

5.6, I’ve reread this one a few times at this point, it’s difficult for me because I get mixed feelings reading this one. It’s very much a green flag story, the Seme explicitly asks for consent for their acts and a whole part of their development as individuals as well as a couple is based on his being aware of the Uke being completely new to the whole BDSM community. But it does bother me a bit that this story does partially seem to lean into a Uke that seems/is portrayed as a little bit of a Himbo that’s easy to tease/easily influenced. It’s not on the bad side of this type of Uke that’s commonly seen in this genre at all, but I feel like that’s where my reserves come from. Regardless, they communicate, the Uke really falls in love with the Seme, the Seme cherishes the Uke, it’s a very light BDSM which is nice because it skews away from that abusive side of BDSM which normally in this genre (and esp in older mangas) does not contain normal consenting situations. And the art is of course uniquely original. I probably could reread this one.

4.5, it’s not bad for a short manga, it’s actually a unique concept. A mafia member from 1920-1950s New York suddenly appearing in modern day Japan only to get into a homosexual relationship with a Japanese man who’s technically over 60+ years younger? Wouldn’t have put that on a BL bingo card by any means. I really do like the one, unfortunately though there is SA (forced oral sex) and a constant innuendo around the Uke being compared to a woman but for the innuendo, I’ll overlook it because this man is from a time riddled with all sorts of discrimination and the over appropriation of neurotypical cooties. Besides that, it’s nice to watch this battered crude gangster of a Seme become this very much in love has only eyes for the Uke type of guy. I could reread this.

3.8, honestly this isn’t the worst but rating this based off how I feel after reading it and it’s likelihood of being read by me again, this is how I have to rate it. First of all, the Seme SAed and damn near r@ped the Uke, no doubt about it. Then the dejected side character SAed the Uke. WTH is up with this dynamic- why does the Uke have to be SAed at all for this plot to have any sort of substance, it really doesn’t need to be this way. Non-consensual kisses are NOT it, they are NOT romantic therefore should NOTT be romanticized. I think everyone needs to ask themselves, if someone who looked like Michael Cera (no offense) came up to them and grabbed their face and kissed them repeatedly without asking, would you actually pull a face like the Uke does? Or would you sock that man in the face? Next, it’s a beautiful art style and I do adore how the side characters are integral parts of the story despite this being a fairly short manga in a way that makes you sort of love the side characters. The part timer stands his ground by drawing firm boundaries but still is comforting and helpful as well as supportive for those he gets along with, the dejected other side character goes through a grieving process but is shown to come out the other side sort of (and him lashing out at the Seme was understandable). Additionally, I know the story covers how the Seme truly started to get “intrigued” about the Uke in a way that’s supposed to be heart throbbing but .. it’s undermined by the apparently various side street hook ups he had along the way all while being intrigued?. It just loses its romantic value. Finally, I would’ve rated this perhaps a bit higher if there were chapters that followed the dejected side character as he finds love. Because if his love story as a side couple turned out better than the main/initial couple, I would’ve rated it based on their contribution to the story overall. Prob won’t reread.

5.0, I could reread this because it’s a very satisfying revenge plot and a break from the BLs or other romance genres I read. I enjoy revenge plots but don’t often read them because unfortunately a lot end with a change of heart and not much to show for it besides “the power of love and friendship heals ️

100.0+, I LOVE IT! I’m sad I didn’t read this sooner but bless the anime trailer for it led me here ʅ（◞‿◟）ʃ This is SO wholesome and cute, it’s quite a bit of reading compared to your average BL manga (ofc less than anything with 70+ chapters and ofc less than a novel). But it was necessary to make this level of depth, it was a beautiful composition of monologue with a nice flow. And it had the perfect mix of fluff to smut, I’d reread this one again and again T^T

5+, this is really cute because I think it more accurately depicts how their dynamic is and prospers. A part of me would’ve loved another chapter perhaps that does a Katsuki POV where he becomes more accepting of being closer to Izuku but at the same time that’s a development that we sort of see more in canon so anyway- I’d reread this.

5.0, I think it’s cute that there was a habitual factor to their behavior and that Baku could pick up on Izus mood shift but I always wish DJs for Boku No Hero Academia could have a little depth to Bakugos deflective behavior. But also a part of me just wants a bit of angst wherein Baku tries to atone for his bullying rather than continue or pretend we’re past it. Could reread again tho, it was cute.

1.8, im sorry but this manga kinda sucks The art style is pretty sick, don’t get me wrong, but what even.. is the plot? A “dominant” omega has an interest in an alpha who’s essential a gentle top who’s a younger son of a conglomerate family but they have to surpass the older brother that’s an alpha r*pist in order to be together properly. That’s it? Oh wait no the cherry on top is supposed to be that.. the r*pist brother approves in the end while the couple share a passionate hospital bounded pillow talk moment. Ah yes and the “dominant” omega— what about this omega was dominant? I think you folks are confusing a power bottom with a dominant omega. Don’t get it twisted, a dominant omega would’ve commanded that grapist of an alpha to get on his knees and fuck off out of there without any of his futile hassle. This is nothing short of a crack anime for sure, of course im not rereading this are you insane lol.

3.9, this isn’t as bad as I thought it’d be within the first couple chapters but personally think it’s mid. It’s not terrible, it’s not great. There’s a sort of sweetness in how their love involves healing eachother from break ups that impacted their psyche. This acted as a foundation for them to try to be more communicative and find compromise (IE, the Seme teaching the Uke to be quieter or the Uke teaching ig the Seme to match his freak?). It still felt like the Seme had some reservations about their sex life by the last chapter and oddly the Seme acknowledges his r@ping of the Uke properly unlike the Uke. It’s just odd. Wouldn’t reread again tbh.

3.5, mid to me. The side couples were better than the main couples in my eyes. I think the first couple either evokes a love or hate response from readers depending on if you’re more like the Uke or the Seme. In other words, are you the teaser or more commonly the one being teased? I can only associate with being tease, in other words with the Uke, which is why their dynamic doesn’t really resonate with me. Even while they had coitus the Seme doesn’t relent in the teasing statements that I suppose were meant to be his versions of endearment, but he’s teetering on the line of a degradation kink (if you feel called out by this? … if the shoe fits, wear it :P). And that’s defo not me lol. On the other hand, the second side couple with a fan-idolized celebrity dynamic was pretty cute and relatable for someone who’s a bit awkward and avoidant at the same time. This Ukes expressionlessness was actually interesting as an addition for their relationship. The third couple (Calligraphy instructor x ex-student), I’ve seen criticism about the age gap implying the instructors still essentially a pedo. Pretty sure their story is meant to be the total opposite, the Seme was portrayed to feel reserved and strict with drawing a boundary until the Uke persisted. The Ukes an adult, new adult, but an adult nonetheless who made a decision to be with the guy he loves, they’re healthier than the main couple (the Seme in the main couple literally forces himself on the Uke constantly). I’d date an older guy ʅ（◞‿◟）ʃ but everyone has a right to their own opinion. Last couple was a little unnecessary, what’s with the self isolation defensive response into immediate resolve? Idk feels rushed. Wouldn’t reread again tho.