Review by Kris

Akihito Takaba is a freelance photographer who got a hot tip and a huge scoop involving politicians and the criminal underworld but unfortunately the story was quashed. The crime boss Ryuichi Asami won’t have Takaba butting into his business so to intimidate Takaba he kidnaps and rapes him. But that won’t keep Takaba down. He’s determined to get the story one way or another. But he’ll need to watch out now that he’s entangled in Asami’s world. Not only is Asami after Takaba (he’s attracted to him) but it seems that Takaba’s caught the eye of the Chinese Mafia and their boss Fei Long. Man, poor kid! How will he handle these rough (but gorgeous) men? Also included are a few one shots: Love Lesson involves high school students, Plants in Love feature two classmates who find out their dads seem to be having an affair, and Risky Society is about a secret crime fighting group where the members have superpowers. Sorry for the poor synopsis but I really don’t want to give away the story.

This has to be one of the biggest, and most anticipated, releases of the year. Since the demise of BeBeautiful fans have been clamoring for any yaoi publisher to license this series. Earlier this year Digital Manga, Inc. announced that they had acquired this license just on the heels of the announcement that Ayano Yamane was going to be this year’s guest of honor at YaoiCon. Digital Manga announced that the title would be released through their Juné line. Initially there was excitement to be had but then worries about the fact that Juné was releasing it and not 801 Media (Digital Manga’s more explicit boys love line). Since Juné is Digital Manga’s mainstream BL line it’s a known fact that in the past they’ve been known to make some content edits to make it possible to sell their titles in more places i.e. brick and mortar stores like Borders. To try and quell the fear Deb Aoki at about.com spoke with the folks over at DMP regarding this title (click here for that article.) Now just to let all of you know I don’t own the original Japanese tankobon (I will eventually) or the BeBeautiful series that was released several years ago (by the time I started reading yaoi it was out of print). But thanks to a friend of mine she did have a copy of the first two volumes and lent them to me so I could compare the two against each other.

Now I can inform all you rabid fangirls out there that you have nothing to worry about. This is a beautiful release and you will be pleased. In my opinion it is a far more superior than the BeBeautiful version. They’ve included a full color cover page. The translation read smoothly and they’ve kept the honoriffics (-san, -sama, etc.). For someone who is new to the series and only read the BeBeautiful version right before the Juné volume the Juné translation was clear and made it easier for me to understand what was going on. In the volume Finder is only the first third of the book and the rest are brief one shots. In the BeBeautiful version the one shots Love Lesson and Plants in Love have aged up their characters and either state that they are university students or imply they are college age. But looking at the artwork they look like they are high school students (uniforms and the like). In the Juné edition it is vague. There is no statement of their ages but you know they’re high school students. With the new translation I was able to enjoy Risky Society a lot more and it made much more sense. And finally no artwork has been altered in any way, at least comparing it to BeBeautiful’s version. All in all I have to say that the Juné’s is miles ahead in quality over the BeBeautiful volume. I’m sure that there are people who will prefer the other volume but for me Juné wins.

Ayano Yamane-sensei is a fan favorite and I can see why. Her art is simply stunning and her men ooze sexiness from every pore. The sex is hot, explicit and leaves very little to the imagination. Yamane-sensei is also known to be very protective of her work. She insists on the highest quality and won’t settle for less. Because of this fact I was one of the few fans (of sensei’s, not of Finder seeing how I haven’t read it until now) that knew that Finder would get the best treatment and there wouldn’t be anything to be worried about.

All of the characters are impossibly beautiful, extremely ruthless, and everything you would expect in the criminal underworld. You can’t help but feel sorry for Takaba getting roped into all of this. The Finder story starts out with non-con and some pretty kinky stuff so if that isn’t your thing you may want to stay away but this series is a piece of yaoi history created by one of the genre’s most gifted artists. Do you want to be left behind?

Review by Linda Yau

The setting of this story is in a desert town, Gimmy is a teenage repair guy, and by mistake he loses his siblings as offerings to the local rain goddess. Sora, the goddess usually receives dolls as offerings, but follies occur. Gimmy messes up, but is determined to get his siblings back and that’s where the adventure begins.

This graphic novel has been sitting on my table, and I have read it a while ago. The first volume is a light easy read, definitely fine for the age group, and maybe younger than the 13+ rating it has for it. The plot was fairly predictable, and character designs were drawn quite cutely and moe. Putting together this book, there was parts of obvious fanservice, yet there is a premises with this story that may or may not catch the interest of readers.

There’s one sequence that I liked, and that was the point where Sora was threatening to take back the rain, because she was trying to kick Gimmy out of her home. Since rain is very important, the reactions of the other characters were what I remember, months after reading this book. Some townspeople where confused as to what was happening, but my strongest recollection was of the mayor and it was along the lines of how this brat is a goddess is beyond me.

Since the female character acts like a brat, this would most likely tickle younger readers. The first volume begins a story, and will be concluded in the second volume. If you are a fan of cute Lolita girls, with some light comedy, then this would be a suitable manga for you.

Utahime – The Songstress

Review by Kris

There is an uncertain future for a far off land. You see for centuries the land has been protected by the nightly singing of the songstresses. The songstress sings a song of protection toward the capital where the ruler resides. The ruler has always been male while songstresses are always born female. But there is a wind of change. In one of the villages that sprung up around the songstress’ tower the unthinkable has happened. A male songstress has been born. Not only that but when the ruler of the land’s wife gives birth to a daughter, are they doomed?

In Utahime – The Songtress we are introduced to a heartbreaking yet hopeful tale that honestly moved me to tears. I realize the above paragraph is lacking in information but I’ll try to take the complicated story and explain it a little more here. In the land the ruler is only able to produce a male heir so when a daughter is born things get a little hairy. In the case of the Utahime (the songstresses) they are able to give birth to both male and female children but the songstresses abilities are only passed on to one daughter. So it is important for the songstress to give birth to make sure the gift is passed on to the next generation. By having a songstress in the village it gives those who live there a boost in their economy, but protection from enemies as well.

Utahime – The Songtress focuses on a small songstress village and the main cast involves the village chief’s son, Thomas, and the son and daughter of the songstress, Kain and Maria. Kain and Maria have been raised up in the mountains because they are the children of the songstress. It is assumed that Maria is the songstress and Kain is put in charge of protecting Maria from the greedy villagers. Thomas, the son of the chief, feels in necessary to meet the songstress and her children. He then becomes quite close to Maria and somewhat close to Kain and sees the difference in treatment the villagers show towards the twins. They shower Maria with gifts and attention and ignore Kain. As he sees the relationship between Thomas and Maria grow, he feels like he’s no longer needed and decides to run away, not knowing that he’s the songstress. Thomas truly shows concern as he searches for years to try and locate Kain. Maria finds out the true nature of the villagers as her mothers health is on the decline and wonders if Thomas’ gestures are just to get with her, Kain is out having the time of his life, Maria discovers she’s not a true songstress and Kain finds out that he is.

DMP has made a genius choice in publishing Utahime – The Songstress as the title to kick off their new look. Not only is the cover design a much-needed improvement (I wasn’t a huge fan of the purple band across the bottom) but the amazing job that Aki-sensei has done with this title has moved me beyond words. I often come across titles that are really very good and are emotionally moving but I think that Utahime – The Songstress blows them all out of the water. Not only is the art truly stunning, but the story is told using the whole spectrum of emotions. One minute I was laughing and the next I was on the verge of tears. There were so many aspects of this story that I could relate to on a personal level that made this a truly amazing read. I hope that we’ll be able to get more from Aki-sensei because I am truly impressed.

Another reason why this was a great title for DMP to publish is because with their larger trim size you are able to truly appreciate everything. Plus with their new look and no dust jacket does make it look very snappy. Keep up the good work!

Youkai Doctor

Review by Linda Yau

Kotoko Katsuga is the descendant of a long line of people who exorcises youkai or demons. However by the time she came about, she pretty much lost that power, and can only be aware of spiritual beings that no one else can see. Because of this, in her past – people shunned her, but since she advanced to high school, she has been popular for the “amazing” things that she can do, so at the moment she is considered a quack.

Kuro Gokokuji is a bona-fide youkai doctor, he heals demons as oppose to exorcist. However, since no one can see what he sees, he is regarded as a perv and creep. It doesn’t help that he is attracted to the concept of “boobs.” Now what would happen if these two people meet?

Some points of this manga is refreshing, other in terms of relationships is something I see in a lot of manga, a character believes the best out of others, tormented pasts, misunderstood meanings, secrets that no one can see. Also cute drawings of youkai, as well as scary ones, which is a refreshing contrast. Reading through this manga seemed so quick, that as a reader, can’t help, but want to read more. So yes, this is a good premises, do check this horror/comedy manga if you get the chance.

Stolen Hearts: The love of Eros and Psyche

Review by Linda Yau

The story of Eros and Psyche should be well known to Greek mythology enthusiasts. This is the love story of Aprohdie’s son finding his own true love. For those who don’t know the popular name of Eros, he is Cupid – that cute baby always prevalent on Valentine’s Day.

In my experience, reading the story of Psyche certainly didn’t put the spin like Foley’s adaptation. His rendition of the timeless story in Stolen Hearts is a romantic clear cut tale, with a couple of jealous mothers and sisters in the way. There are definitely additions to make the myth more fitting with contemporary times. Because the myth is so well known and there’s only so much that can be spoiled that is not – I won’t really mention about the story then.

What also makes this story different from the other representations, is that this story is a visual novel. For many young readers now, with the popularity of telling stories through comic book panels, this makes an interesting read for children in either Elementary or Junior High school. This story is also good for the romantic fans, so this is definitely good for a light read.

The Magic Touch

Review by Linda Yau

The purpose of a massage is to often relax and de-stress a person. So what would it be like to have a massage society in your high school? The purpose of this club is to unite students who are interested in practicing to massage others, and what would happen if there is sparks there? The Magic Touch with a tag line of “Romance is at your fingertips!” is such a shoujo series.

Chiaki Togu is a shy high school student who is the star of her high school massage society. She never expected or asked for much, as her self-esteem or confidence was often crushed by Sayaka her scheming twin sister. Life was pretty bleak for her, until one day as she was heading to school. She happens to see and fall in love with a back that cried out to be massaged. This back belonged to the back of Yousuke Moriizumi, the hottest and most popular guy in school. Undaunted, Chiaki tries to ask him for a chance to massage his back, and Yousuke issues an ultimatum, to let his back get massage. Chiaki must make him fall in love with her. Thus begins their pure and proper relationship.

In this book there is also another couple in this book, the Prince of the massage society Takeshi Togu, and Yuna Aizawa, a fellow first year of Chiaki. What guarantees Takeshi a fan club in the massage club, doesn’t mean that he is lucky in real life. He really wants a girlfriend, but always gets rejected from other girls who think of him as a jerk. It wasn’t until Takeshi asks for Yuna’s help to teach him how to court a girl, that Yuna realizes her attraction for him.

Since The Magic Touch is a series, and a shoujo one, it has its angst cut out for it – so expect it to be a long drawn out romance. What makes this a good read for any shoujo fan is the cast of supporting characters. There is also the animation of certain elements that makes it a comedic cute read. It is just a refreshing read to read massage as a tool for romance.

If this was a series to be animated, then I wouldn’t mind throwing my support for it. Yet possible animation of this manga series is quite unlikely, as in Japan, The Magic Touch is finished, and at only nine volume, this makes for a fun and quick read. If you want to learn more information about its Japanese counterpart, the title of The Magic Touch is Oyayubi kara Romance.

The Walking Man

Review by Linda Yau

In this bustling world of rapid movement, and possibly the normalcy of your life, what would happen if you there is an opportunity to observe the area around you? This is what the protagonist in Jiro Taniguchi’s The Walking Man does. He is a nameless Japanese salary man who for all appearances is a newlywed who has moved with his wife to a new location that reflects Japanese suburbs.

Each chapter features the protagonist on his walks, and normal every day events. So I believe there is a theme of enjoying life, by relaxing and taking normal sights as being an experience. That to explore, is to discover unknown facets to moments. Reading this book was a pretty subjective book for me, as it definitely reminded me to not try to rush every where so much.

This is a book that I was able to pick up during New York Comic Con from Fanfare/Ponent Mon publications, UK/Spain based publisher, who has translated and released titles from Jiro Taniguchi who is an acclaimed manga-ka in Japan.

The Walking Man, also is a good example of how graphic novels can definitely appeal to not just children or adolescents. This is a book that is meant for adults, and there is not as much dialogue, so people can look at this book as a story art book, as well as a graphic novel. Another warning though, there is one scene where the protagonist strip naked to go and swim in someone’s pool, on a late night walking excursion. While there is no mention of sex, the fact that there is male nudity, would make the rating for this book not suitable for children or adolescent.

One slight complaint though, seeing the protagonist walk around so much, I wonder when exactly would he work for money of for his family? There was a distancing factor, in my opinion, so while there are vivid and stark inked drawings, I wonder how close the protagonist was to his family. I’ll definitely recommend checking this book out, if you are an adult with an interest of the slice of life, and not just the action or romance that popularizes the other graphic novels.

The Dawn of Love

Review by Linda Yau

Masahiro Matsunaga is a confident law student who is openly gay, and one day he is suddenly attracted by his classmate Takane Takekawa. Masahiro vows to sleep with him once, but upon finding out that Takane was a very willing partner, and they sleep together. Masahiro discovers that once was not enough, and becomes obsessed to committing with Takane in a monogamous relationship. The problem with Takane is the fact that he is willing to treat Masahiro as a sex friend, but it would take more to convince him to let go of his five other relationships. Even more importantly Takane’s one older lover, who he is reluctant to end with. Now how will Mashairo deal with his fickle lover?

Takane seeing Mashiro’s desires agrees to consider having a relationship with Masahiro on one condition. Satisfy and take him to heave consecutively for seven straight days. So guess what this means straight monkey sex – with as much fluid and positions as possible. Now this is really strange to see it drawn the way Juné has it. You can’t exactly call it explicit, being that there’s no male organ draw on the paper – but there are lots of sweaty scenes, backs, faces, as well as legs in the air – so then yes! This book is surely for those yaoi fangirls, of which I am happily a supporter of.

Because the bulk of the book is taken by The Dawn of Love, there is one short one shot in the end of the book titled A Flower Awaits Summer, not as hot and steamy as the title story – it is still a very sweet story, with a graphic designer realizing his love for a delivery boy.

Okay, has my summarizing of the story whet your appetite for some more? I hope so, this review would probably echo some points from Kris’s earlier review, but I hope to bring a new perspective to the book itself, since I really enjoyed it, for all the smut that there was.

When I got the book, I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did. One turn off was the cover’s color – a florid pink that initially made me quite startled to pick it up. I was quite tempted to cover up the book itself, as I did for another book I reviewed. But then I noticed Masahiro’s earrings, and I was hesitant. Sounds quite superficial, but lately been looking at guys with earrings, and this is a trend that is not always apparent with manga characters, so I was a bit more intrigued. Then I read into the book, and was pleasantly surprised to see there was a male character who was openly gay. I read quite a few graphic novel with Yaoi themes, now identifying your sexual orientation is usually inferred by the reader – I always appreciate stories where there is a confident man, assured of his desires.

I have never read any of Hirokawa-sensei’s other works, but when I read her author’s note, that really brought a smile to my face. I thought of Freudian Slip in a more raunchier way when she mentioned her thoughts about the title page’s image. Now I have always read author’s notes with a touch of salt – since it is possibly written for Japanese fans of the book earlier, but at moments of it being translated for American readers I really appreciate that there is some characteristics that is shared by readers of different cultures. I really can’t give the books any more compliments than it already is, now readers you may love or hate the book – but this is a book to definitely read among the many titles out in the bl-market now.

This is a book for adults, so if you’re a teen reader – then it is not a book to pick up. If it is not shrink wrapped in the book store like the many other Black Lagoon titles, then I wonder where is the book clerks in that bookstore, and are they going to be held responsible for the barrage of the parents wondering what their teenagers are reading, if they catch them with such a title as this in their hands?

Oh My God! Volume 2

Review by Jilly Gee

I’m beginning to have doubts that any couple at all will come out of this series in the end, let alone Jade and Yuto.  Nothing has changed between them from the first volume to the end of this one, no closer to each other than they were before.  Individually, however, they have come to realize some things.  More than just the clingy puppy from the previous volume, Jade purposely tries to get Yuto to handle some things on his own, to test his theory that the boy does indeed have powers himself and maybe even to boost Yuto’s defenses.  Yuto, however, is a bit slower to catch on; while he did realize rather quickly how to purify the ball, he still wonders why it is that he is able to do so.  They had both better speed up their grand revelations a bit, seeing as how the mysterious enemy has realized that something is out there disrupting their plans and the minions have started menacingly throwing their muscle around.

Aside from the mysterious enemy characters, another character is introduced, a mysterious and handsome stranger.  This stranger knows more about the gods freeloading off of Yuto’s family, wondering why he would be with Yuto, but being reassured seeing Rin there at the same time.  While Jade and Rin continue trying to one up each other in the bid for Yuto’s attention, the handsome stranger is in the background, reminding readers that there is much more to the story than just gods that argue with each other and a teenage boy to keep them in line.

Despite my disappointment that nothing has advanced romance-wise, it’s still a fun read; after all, it’s still only the second book in an unfinished series, and plot-wise, it’s advancing quite well, adding some worthwile antagonists.  Oh My God! still has the sweetness and fluffiness that is its charm, with Rin and Jade worrying immensely whenever Yuto is in trouble and Yuto wishing for Jade by his side whenever trouble does occur.  Anyone looking for declarations of love, kissing, and things like that will have to be very patient; anyone looking for sex will probably not find it in this series at all.

Oh My God! Vol. 1 review by Kris
Oh My God! Vol. 2 review by Kris

Mister Mistress, vol. 2

Review by Jilly Gee

While the first book in the series had Rei simultaneously torturing and pleasuring Fujimaru for the seemingly selfish reason of feeding himself the sexual energy he needs as an incubus and Fujimaru loudly proclaiming the injustice of having to do these things with another man, the second book has Fujimaru saddened that he is seemingly just food and nothing more to the incubus, and Rei actually looking at Fujimaru with concern and trying to find out what the boy is feeling.  More is revealed about Rei’s relationship with Fujimaru’s grandfather when Fujimarau, a little jealously, questions Rei about it.  Not only is their relationship getting delved into, so is the fantastical side of the plot as a succubus comes into the picture and reveals more of Rei’s past and threatens his future.

The second volume of Mister Mistress goes much deeper than the first, with Fujimaru admitting, even if just for a moment, that he maybe wouldn’t like it if Rei wasn’t around anymore and Rei actually worrying about and caring for Fujimaru.  Although the level of absurdity in this volume is lower than what was found in the first, the series is still hilarious (the exorcism preparation killed me) and with a little less absurdity comes a little more sweetness, which Rei claims Fujimaru exudes.

I still maintain that it’s the classic case of uke-in-denial with a unique and fantastical incubus twist, which should give an idea of exactly what kind of character Fujimaru is.  Depending on how long a series is, there are some stages to being this uke:  denial, less denial, and then acceptance.  At this point, while I would like to think that he’s reached "acceptance", I will probably find in the future that the third book starts with Fujimaru still trying to get rid of Rei; I’ve learned my lesson, having been tricked by those super sweet chapter endings in other stories before.

Mister Mistress, vol. 2 review by Kris

Hanky Panky

Review by Linda Yau

Hanky Panky is a collection of one-shots, where each of the stories features characters that develop a crush or act on a pre-existing crush. The cover is pretty attractive, and I heartily recommend picking up this steamy book. In the title story of Hanky Panky, Manaka has a double life by daytime he is a geeky college student, but at night he is Itsuki the sexy hot host club owner. Now what is he to do after his classmate Doi seeks a job at his club, and shows sexual interest in him as Itsuki, but not as Manaka?

The Truth is… is the second story where Miki as a high schooler has a serious secret crush on his friend’s older host club owner brother Kensho. Now what would be Kensho’s response after Miki gave an reckless answer for his plans after high school?

In Lovers, Only Tonight, Suzuki spends one night drunk at a strangers apartment. The next morning he is confronted by a man calling him coach. Suzuki does not recognize him, and quickly leaves the place. Years before, Suzuki was a coach, and left after his confidence was shattered by Makio, so is this the boy?

A Kiss and Beyond has Ehara and Saki as childhood friends. Now Ehara always makes his girlfriends angry at him by cheating with others. This is noted by Saki, but what would happen if Saki was Ehara’s significant other?

The last story is One Sweet Position with coworkers Kei and Tatsuya. Kei is attracted Tatsuya, but how is he to react to Tatsuya’s apparent wife and child? Have another relationship or leave?

A Lovely Punch brings us back to the couple from Hanky Panky in a public/compromising situation, so now what is Manaka/Itsuki suppose to do?

Only criticism I found with this book, is always something I found with the one-shots, they are too darn short, that characters and plot might not be develop, so if there was a sequel for any of these stories, it would be nice.

Kris wrote an earlier review for this book as well.

Wanted

Review by Linda Yau

All songstress Armeria ever wanted was to find Luce her first love, after he got kidnapped by the infamous pirate captain Skulls. Fast forward eight years later, she has disguised herself as a boy, and joined up with the crew. Unfortunately her plans of finding Luce is dashed when the crew realizes that she is a women. Now what is she to do after Skulls tether her at her feet binding her to his side?

Of course, I don’t want to spoil the story anymore than necessary. Wanted actually has another one shot story, Spring Cherry Blossoms, and takes place during the Meiji Restoration period of Japan. Sho is a woman with dreams of becoming a female doctor. One day at her local bookstore, she notices flamboyantly dressed man, and later becomes attracted to him after he stands up for her.

However, society seems to go against her ideas, soon after she learns that she was betrothed to be wed. Sho is disappointed by this, and tries to run away from this reality. She soon realizes that the flamboyantly dressed man is Takao, her betrothed’s younger brother. Sho’s reputation is brought into question after she tries runs away from this fate, and what will eventually happen to her as she tries to grasp control of her fate?

I truly enjoyed this one-shot graphic novel. The artwork for this book is actually quite prettily drawn. The plots of the stories are all very well drawn. A short complaint on the ending for Wanted not being as finalized as Spring Cherry Blossoms was.

This is a romantic story book that will appeal to the romance fans that are out there. So if you are also a fan for Hino’s other work, Vampire Knight, and waiting for the graphic novel to be translated then this book, can provide a sweet break from the dramatic angst.