cmdrbanger's manga / #childhood friends(66)

This doesn't feel kind bl in the typical sense, more like ground in reality manga about gay couples. (Seeing them use pillows during sex is so real lmao!)definitely my new fav author.

First couple is dumb. Second is a continuation with side characters, funny gap moe couple. Third is a fake relationship bet/miscommunication one shot. Meh, not that great aside from the middle couple, but because it's so short it doesn't get to develop enough.

Meh, too tropey and the anatomy is stiff.

A rare serious manga that believably redeems the bad ex, but NOT with the same partner. I didn't read much of Yumi's story only because it sort of undercut the impact of his and Kan-chan's (Hayashida's) story, and the abuse didn't need belaboring to get the point across. Hayashida's story is just the more interesting one, with more unexpected twists and turns and general subject matter. Maybe not the most cozy and rereadable favorite, but a favorite nonetheless!

At this point I'm used to the flavor of Ogoretsu Tanaka's work. The stories and characters are thoughtful, and the scenario's don't play out according to rote tropes. Not to say it's boring, far from it! Every story has something unique going for it, especially the characters themselves.

Leans heavily on the trope of a boy being forced to live as a girl (including being assaulted as a child), but is good nonetheless. It's a painful reality that Arima almost certain never received the kind of support and therapy he needed.

Short and sweet. The stuff about finding time to be alone and have sex was actually really cute and grounded, less tropey.

Established relationship drama, yay! I need lots of these.

THIS IS IT! THE FINAL FORM OF BL+FRIENDS TO LOVERS!!! Absolutely god tier portrayal of friends to lovers Heavy on the sex, but the confession scene is the best I've ever read, ever.

First story: one-sided consensual poly, but I assume the gf didn't know Maki had Hayama on the side, and Hayama was brokenhearted when it ended. Second stoey: fake dated as kids to protect another kid from bullying, didn't notice feelings until they decided to 'break up'. An unusual scenario, but didn't explore anything particularly interesting once they got older.