otakulys's manga / #actual gay character(16)

I didn't realize I was reading the sequel to this, but this one isn't even complete yet. Anyway, I've only read up to chapter 9 so far, but I know what happens because of the whole sequel thing. There are interesting things about the set up. There are some things I can enjoy a bit more knowing what happens later. Just a light, simple story, it seems.

The entire time I was reading the five chapters that are currently translated, I was waiting for a moment when I'd stop hating the main character. He's selfish, pushy, manipulative, self-pitying, rapey, and cruel, and it didn't seem like that was going to change. I really, really WANTED to like this manga because the art is gorgeous, but I didn't see how it could possibly wrap up in a satisfying way. However, I somehow thought it was only six chapters long total, but it's ten. I looked through the raws, and though I can't read the dialogue, I think some of the things I was desperately hoping would be the case are actually what's happening here. So I feel fairly confident giving it five stars, rather than the two stars I'd have to go with if certain things were never fully addressed.

These were all really weird and mostly disjointed, though the twist at the very end of the first story made me chuckle, and the final exchange of the second one made me laugh a little, too. Each oneshot involves a psychotic person, usually more than one, which is played for comedy in the first two, but takes a messed up turn in the third. I got the feeling that we were still supposed to be laughing, but it was so sad and mean. Like, moral of the story, never be nice to anyone. After that, though, it doesn't seem to follow any sort of pattern other than the "no happily ever after" theme. Mostly unrequited love throughout, though the mood really changes. That final story made me cry, despite my best efforts. It was just so pointlessly sad. Is this guy not aware that gay men can also have children? Adoption isn't an imaginary thing. Anyway, sad and weird, rather abrupt, pretty uncomfortable. Mixed with strange humor? That about sums it up, haha.

Sweet and sad, short little story about a guy who loves someone who doesn't love him back, and a potential love that's nearby. Not as heartwarming as I was hoping, based on the tags, but the ending is certainly sweet. More development, length, and time to see their emotional connection would have helped.

A little confusing at times (and was he in love with his actual sister? What?), but overall, it's a very sweet, touching story. Sad at times, for sure, but it has a happy ending, and that's what matters. I don't know if this piece was inspired by The Vow or by the story that inspired The Vow, which was a true story, but it's definitely a fascinating concept. There were things I would have changed, but I really did enjoy this manga. And I love the art. So pretty. I'm gonna go devour more of this artist's work and see if she'll be one of my faves.

I was torn between four stars and five until the ending. It was so sweet, so I had to go with five. Beautiful art as always, and the mangaka sure has her little kinks that seem to pop up a lot. She loves two moles on the uke, a seme with memory loss, and lack of communication of feelings causing issues, lol. But her work is great, and she never uses nasty tropes like rape to love, so her little quirks are fine by me. I actually guessed the twist right at the beginning (in a general sense) but I got so caught up in the story that I actually forgot and got surprised. XD That's the sign of a good manga. This isn't my absolute fave by her for a few reasons, but I did really enjoy it. She's quickly becoming one of my favorite mangaka.

I'm definitely a fan of this mangaka. Her art is so pretty, and her stories always have a nice little hint of hope between the main pair. And other characters, apparently, haha. This is a cute one, though I wish she'd explored the homophobia element more. Usually I prefer a world where being gay or bi is the norm, but when it's slice of life, coming of age stuff like this, I enjoy seeing the boys come into their own. The snippet with the poor bullied boy was interesting and sad, and I was looking forward to the guys facing and overcoming bigotry thrown their way. Oh well. It was a sweet manga regardless.

Ugh, so sad! At least there was the little text that said they'd meet again someday, but man, what a downer. I would have rated it higher if it were longer and more fleshed out, but for what it was, I did like it. I wish we could get a sequel to this where they do get to rekindle their friendship again. And they both end up with good people who treat them well.

Aww. That was quite sweet. It's more of a 4.2 than a 5, but I bumped it up to five because the seme never raped the uke out of love. When he asked if he could put it in, and Tomoya said no, I thought, "Welp, this is it. And later it'll be treated as romantic because he secretly wanted it." But then he didn't, and things still got creepy, but for yaoi, it was pretty relieving that it didn't go the usual way. The oneshot didn't really do anything for me. It was cute and stuff, but I get the feeling that it may have been one of her first attempts at yaoi. Or manga in general. The art was off, the story was weak. But I did love the ending, haha. Not so much of a secret after all.

I don't like how much he says gay sex is gross (plus I hate the "it's okay if it's you" trope, barf), but this is adorable otherwise. I wish it weren't a one shot. I wanna see them get it on. Maybe there'll be another part? Here's hoping.