I'm Yours, Blood and Soul
Satisfying even until the end. It’s funny how even until the end, the vampire is held ‘hostage’ by the devil. Be it his blood or his soul, just like the title. Even so, the author made it that the devil is loyal and not some sort of manipulative bastard who keeps undermining his lover (even if it somehow looks like that). God be damned, that bittersweet end made the whole experience even better! This manhua really fleshed how vile humans can be and yet how valuable they are to demons
Kokoro O Korosu Houhou
Fun to write. Scarring to read. Traumatic trigger. I know I shouldn’t have completed it nor did I dare to read it. But I thought I was already fine and this could end in a way that Haruki could break free and live a life away from Hikaru. But why? Why does it have to end like this? I can’t even fully reject nor deny this possibility because I know how much of it could truly happen... how binding it is and how apathetic response lead to more drastic choices like Haruki tempting Hikaru. As much as I’m glad that Hanabasu doesn’t have to deal with a dreadful burden, his actions have pushed Haruki to fall deeper. This is messed up and I’d rather have not fucking read it. But I already did so I’ll just bury it in my memories.
Retsujou PARADOX -Banken ha Yoru Kiba wo Muku-
The background case could be confusing but it'll make sense in the end (even if it kinda takes a while to process). The art really makes every panel mesmerizing, especially when these horny dogs devour each other. From what I've been used to with politics, it doesnt really go for the "corrupt", "mafia-like violence", and other typical ways to show that politicians are pigs. This one focuses more on taking the rug off of their feet and taking their place kind of ambition.
Love Nest (Minaduki Yuu)
Masato must have been one of the reasons why canines are a feature I tend to notice quickly. His character is relatable and admirable because though he hurt others and tries to redeem himself after, he doesnt deny what he’s done. Even his reason to leave wasn’t just about what he did but how their relationship would affect Asahi. In his defense, even if he tests people’s relationships, he managed to see beyond the two of them and put Kousei’s value to Asahi in consideration.
Haru wo Daite Ita
Classic yaoi with its dramatic flair. I remember having read Winter Cicada before but I'm not sure if it's from here or as a stand alone. As much as I admire how dramatic these kings are, I can't stop laughing at how petty some of their fights are. Everyone is just screaming or throwing fits. However! Some of the conflicts were exceptionally treated well (attempted rape, media, show business amidst harsh environments or disasters, and the like). I like how important sex position is highlighted here, like it's not just a matter of "domination/submission" or pleasure. It gets really confusing towards the end because the chapters seem to be out of order or how the whole dialogue changes in a certain chapter (ex. Iwazumi and Kato at Iwazumi's family house). Seeing as the sequel seem to disappoint people, I'd rather avoid it. Kato has had enough near death experiences to traumatize Iwazumi. As unpredictable human lives are, if Kato's death is thought to be unjustified then I'd rather stop here. I can accept these near death or implied future death of Kato because they were because of his job and of natural disaster. It's just that, drama and tragedy are separated by a thin line of limiting how much you can break a character. I wouldn't like this story to be tragedy, even if I know it's the author's discretion to do whatever with it.
Nanohana Boys
I love this so much even if there are a few loose ends. The amount of courage displayed here balanced the tragic realities we hope to confront ourselves. Prejudices and discrimination are difficult to erase but this tries to battle them as individuals. It’s not as idealized or shown through rosy-tinted lenses. Kenji and Yu battled them out in ways that they are able. For a boy who has never felt loved and treasured, Kenji feared to be betrayed by Yu’s kindness and his own yearning to depend on someone else. And Yu, who gains Kenji’s trust slowly without asserting himself like a hero I often see are portrayed on stories like this. Yu looks for allies to help him make his desire to help Kenji a reality. It’s not the sort of impulsive dreamy-eyed willfulness to pull someone away from their problem. He puts into consideration what might happen next and Yu’s patience never ran out. It’s understandable if it was for pity and the sort to make himself feel good, but it went beyond that. Thank you for creating this!
Houtou Musuko to Koi no Ana
Piled up tropes being tackled with a realist lens. But we know Yaoi shrugs it off if it isn't tagged as Tragedy.
He, Him & Us
For one thing, the art is phenomenal. The plot is dragging and is mostly dialogue. It's frustrating and tends to victim blame. It has family issues and foreboding obsessive-possessive traits that endagers life. Personally, I feel like the characters blab on and on redundantly which makes the art fade in the background even if its beautiful. The overall plot is great though. It gives you a healthy premature end where the MC is freed from a potentially more toxic relationship.
Shounen No Kyoukai
Bitch! I got scared cause the comments made it sound like a tragedy. Now im just fcking feeling fantastic! It's not a sob story, it's a REVOLUTION! Damn you, Taiga. Couldve slapped you but this one is a great one. Good thing Kaoro was a quick one or else the world wouldve gone upside down. Whew.
Kanawanu Koi no Musubikata