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MANGA: Hello Again
Hello Again – Ichikawa Kei
Onoda is avoiding his childhood friend, Hiroto, because of what he did in the past while the other is wondering what happened and why he is being avoided. But because Onoda was ignoring a teacher in school, Hiroto had to drag him in to the counselor’s office, and that’s when their friendship started blooming again. Will Hiroto find out why he is being avoided?
BL readers already know how good Ichikawa-sensei’s stories are. Colorful Line Blue Sky Complex and Slow Starter are favorites. Hello Again tells you not to do underage drinking especially when you have repressed feelings and I do love it but probably slightly, very slightly less than the others.
Things I like about it:
a. both POVs are shown
b. Hiroto seems so chill about the whole thing except during moment when he was sad
c. their friendship is intact despite the change in status
d. 99.999999% shounen aiThing I don’t like about it? Nothing, really or maybe just the fact that Onoda sleeps with girls.
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MANGA: High School Lullaby
High School Lullaby – Hideyoshico
From Must Be Endless: The popular boy in class and a boy who plays the devil’s advocate (has a girlfriend).
If your kink is messed up seme-uke dynamics, here’s a one-shot for you.
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MANGA: Kiki
Kiki – Homerun Ken
A series of one-shots consisting of boys with horns, priests, etc. Chapter 3 – Picnic part 2 (continued from ch2) – Despite everything, Kaname seems to have found a bit of happiness with Kenichirou. But Kaname’s father doesn’t want to let Kaname go and is doing everything he can to keep them apart. Chapter 4 – In God’s Hands – Masato used to be a delinquent that was so naughty he was called the “Legendary evil.” However, he has reformed because of his love for Jouji, a priest. But pretty rich boy Kikunosuke has his eyes set on Jouji as well and isn’t about to let Masato have him! Chapter 5 – Dark Gray Heaven, Rainbow-colored Paradise – Kotegawa Hajime has an automata made that is a perfect replica of himself, and plans to have this automata take his place as heir to his father’s company. Unfortunately, just after telling his father’s secretary about his plan, Hajime loses his memories in an accident. Now no one, including Hajime himself, is quite sure which is the real Hajime and which is the automata.
A debut collection with stories that range from somewhat funny to somewhat tragic and twisted. They’re slightly entertaining and could use more humor and fluff.
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MANGA: Maigo
Maigo (Missing Children) – Homerun Ken
1) Lost Children – Koyo Tomohiko and Fukube Naoto are childhood friends. But when Naoto gets a girlfriend and doesn’t have much time for Tomo anymore, Tomo’s pissed! But is friendship the only thing Tomo feels? 2) Diamonds are Forever – Taki Chisato and Kamitori Taichi have been goofing off instead of studying. Now their tutor, Taki’s cousin Atsushi, is punishing them for wrong answers… by making them kiss each other?! 3) Continuation of Diamonds are Forever. Chisato and Taichi are dating, but Taichi wants some of the physical benefits of dating. 4) Golden Star – Third year junior high student Murakami finds himself watching stoic classmate Takahashi play the piano every year for their school chorus. But Murakami really likes akahashi’s voice and wants to hear him sing. 5) Flower Scented – Mushano Kouji is a master wizard who teaches magic to children. But when 36 year old Sakurada Tsukihito asks to be his apprentice, Kouji doesn’t send him away. Sakarada is hopeless with magic, but great with housework, which is just what Kouji needs, but why does this man want to learn magic so badly?
A nice enough collection of mostly school boy stories. The first story was the standout for me but the last one was also cute.
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MANGA: Out
Out – Hidaka Shoko
Yoshino moves to a building owned by his college friend, Kuga. While hanging out with him, Yoshino starts to admire Kuga for his decisiveness and free style of living. But what if Kuga’s feelings towards Yoshino aren’t only those of a friendship?
A serious salaryman story of decisions and hesitations.
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MANGA: Tight Rope
Tight Rope – Natsume Isaku
Chapter 1-4:The son of a sick mafia boss is constantly pressured to inherit his position as the “5th”. However, Ryuu wishes for nothing other than to marry Naoki and have a happy family. How will this go? Chapter 5:Doushiyoumo Nai Keredo Continuation Chapter 6:Tight Rope Extra
Childhood friends connected by a bond stronger than marriage makes a good excuse for boyxboy moments. This volume is mostly shounen-ai with a bit of yaoi action. It’s funny and sweet enough but I can’t help wishing for more fluff.
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MANGA: Lily Colored Lovers
Lily Colored Lovers – Kojima Lalako
Adachi is worried how his crush thinks of him. Will he accept him for who he is?
A sickly sweet take on an uke-type character acting like a seme. An interesting concept that the author could have developed further.
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MANGA: Kamatte Kawaii Hito
Kamatte Kawaii Hito – Sagami Waka
In order to overcome his debilitating fear of cats, Natsumi Hayato goes to visit a cat cafe. But could his reaction to one of the staff he meets there be even more difficult to conquer than his phobia?
The story’s pretty much so-so but yay for cats.
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MANGA: Nanadome no Gomenne
Nanadome no Gomenne – Kojima Lalako
Stuttering, recluse Tooru believes he has seven things he’s sorry for. His twin brother Satoru knows all but the seventh…the very one that may shatter their way of life.
This manga packs a lot of drama for a one-shot and a kick in the gut climax.
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MANGA: Room Share
Room Share – Isino Aya
Two guys living in one apartment. Which kind of things would they share with each other, which ones would they keep to themselves? Would they laze around together, eat together, maybe cook together or even sleep together..? Find out for yourself with this heart-pounding room share.
While I would have very much prefer it that this should be purely shounen-ai, this manga is downright hilarious. The artwork is also kind of nice and best of all are the magic moments that bring a secret smile to Oohara’s face.
