Manga Discoveries: Why the Hell Am I Reading BL?!
Before, I had been reading some stupid shoujo series with leading ladies that are so pathetic that I want to burn them for bringing shame to us females =_=
But I still wanted to read manga. However I'm still traumatized on those stupid characters. So what solution did I think in order to avoid such characters?:
Read shounen-ai (or BL or has the undertones) manga.
Why am I so sure? Well, most likely in those manga, there won't be a leading female in the first place. Yaoi is another option but . . . that's too explicit for me. I can only tolerate BL. (Before people get any wrong ideas, I'm not exactly a BL fangirl, okay. I don't take BL seriously.At least, on most of them. So I am usually surprised when I appreciate a BL series.)
(Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei isn't BL but ohmygod that scene just suggests something . . .and I love those two~)
So, this post consists a list of some of the recent BL manga I've read so far. All of them ongoing. The first one isn't exactly BL, but the others are officially such. Unlike with my previous Manga Discoveries post, these aren't guilty pleasures. I really liked these and find them good (or fun at least). They aren't exempted from stupid cliches either, but they still remain interesting for me~
Post consists of the following titles:
Cucumber Sandwich, Hanakisou, Seven Days, Silver Diamond, and Uragiri wa Boku no Namae wo Shitteiru
Before, I had been reading some stupid shoujo series with leading ladies that are so pathetic that I want to burn them for bringing shame to us females =_=
But I still wanted to read manga. However I'm still traumatized on those stupid characters. So what solution did I think in order to avoid such characters?:
Read shounen-ai (or BL or has the undertones) manga.
Why am I so sure? Well, most likely in those manga, there won't be a leading female in the first place. Yaoi is another option but . . . that's too explicit for me. I can only tolerate BL. (Before people get any wrong ideas, I'm not exactly a BL fangirl, okay. I don't take BL seriously.
(Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei isn't BL but ohmygod that scene just suggests something . . .and I love those two~)
So, this post consists a list of some of the recent BL manga I've read so far. All of them ongoing. The first one isn't exactly BL, but the others are officially such. Unlike with my previous Manga Discoveries post, these aren't guilty pleasures. I really liked these and find them good (or fun at least). They aren't exempted from stupid cliches either, but they still remain interesting for me~
Post consists of the following titles:
Cucumber Sandwich, Hanakisou, Seven Days, Silver Diamond, and Uragiri wa Boku no Namae wo Shitteiru
Cucumber Sandwich by AKAI Higasa
After losing their parents at an early age, Natsuhiko and Haru had to be seperated. Years later, Natsuhiko opened a cafe hoping to fulfill his and his parents' dreams. After an incident with a customer, Natsuhiko finds out that he is his younger brother. Unfortunately, he now works as a host. Not only that, Natsuhiko had racked up plenty of debt to finance his cafe. Can Natsuhiko overcome these obstacles and convince his younger brother to come back and keep his cafe, and their dreams, alive?
:: How it got my interest ::
It's a story about brothers *sucker for brotherly love* and . . . the title amuses me xD
:: General thoughts on the series ::
It DISTURBS me that the BL undertones are between the brothers. Story's so-so . . . but it seems to be more decent compare to Undertaker Riddle, the mangaka's other work. Art is so pretty . . . . overall I find this cute~
:: What I freakin' love about this thing ::
This series is simply SO CUTE! And I'm curious about the glasses dude. I think his arrival will make things fun~
Hanakisou by KOUDA Maki and HaccaWorks
The Prophet spoke of a day when the taking of human lives will lead to the end of the world, destroyed by an unending winter and a snow that covers the earth. Only by killing Kuroto, the harbinger of destruction, can the world be saved - and the only one who can do that is Hanashiro, the Savior. But when they meet, they discover that neither wants the role he has been given - and as they grow closer, they realize that neither wants to live in a world where only one of them can survive. But how can they overcome this fateful prophecy and their opposing roles in it? The last winter is fast approaching...
:: How it got my interest ::
Enemies tha are supposed to kill each other but can't? I love stories like that~ And I'm a sucker for savior and destroyer stuff~
:: General thoughts on the series ::
Actual story isn't as good as its premise . . .. but it's still interesting. I like some of the twists. I'm really curious on what's going on in the last volume. Oh, also, is this really BL??? I don't find it BL . . .at least on the scanlated chapters. The images from the game are more BL compare to what I've read in the manga.
:: What I freakin' love about this thing ::
They're like starcrossed lovers . . . and I'm a sucker for that~ Haha! And oh, the cros guy amuses me~
Seven Days by TACHIBANA Venio and TAKARAI Rihito
Bright and early one Monday morning, Shino Yuzuru asks Seryou Touji out on a lark when they run into each other at the school gate. Seryou, who's immensely popular, has the odd habit of going out with anyone who asks him out first at the beginning of the week, then promptly dumping them at the end of it.
:: How it got my interest ::
THE ART LOOKS SO PRETTY! And I'm also curious what's with the "seven days". Same attraction as what H*P is scanlating (referring to Countdown 7 Days)
:: General thoughts on the series ::
The romance here is . . . so straightforward. I am not used to it . . . but I liked it! Story's nice~ The art's really beautiful . . .can't stop staring~
:: What I freakin' love about this thing ::
The idea of two bishies who can't stay long with girls end up together . . . amuses me xD And art is really really pretty~
Silver Diamond by SUGIURA Shiho
Rakan lives alone, and the plants in his garden grow so thick and fast that it seems like a jungle. One day a man, holding a gun made of wood, falls right down into his garden. He seems to come from another world, and he's searching for someone who can bring back the green into his own dark and inhospitable world.
:: How it got my interest ::
. . . . . . the title (one of my favorite colors + one of my favorite gems). that is all.
:: General thoughts on the series ::
One of those series with a kindhearted leading guy with a bunch of bodyguards, huh. I thought it had been pretty cliche at first, but as I get to know more of the story, things made sense. The story's really nice and interesting. I love it.
:: What I freakin' love about this thing ::
It's so amusing . . .YAY HUGGLES!!! Bwahahahha! And Rakan's such a housewife!!!! Bwahahahahahha!!!
Also . . . also . . . THERE ARE TWINS!!!!!! TWINS WITH A FREAKIN' TWISTED RELATIONSHIP!!!!! SQUEEEEEEEEEE!!!! And I REALLY REALLY LOVE PRINCES! KYAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!
Uragiri wa Boku no Namae wo Shitteiru by ODAGIRI Hotaru
Sakurai Yuki is a mysterious boy with a mysterious ability. He was found in the bushes as a baby and adopted by his current family. Because of this, Yuki strives for independence. The last thing he wants is to be a burden to anybody. Furthermore, when he touches others, he can feel their emotions. Unable to control his ability, he often made insensitive blunders in the past. With death threats and his abilities increasing, what will happen when a man claiming to be his older brother appears?
:: How it got my interest ::
I've actually read this long time ago but I couldn't remember it anymore so I reread it (its upcoming anime urged me to catch up on it more). I must have liked it for the art and the cross stuff.
:: General thoughts on the series ::
It's yet one of those series with the kindhearted leading guy with a bunch of bodyguards. It's more stereotypical than Silver Diamond though . . . but it's prettier and just as fun~ Oh I'm totally watching the anime~ If nothing more awesome will air in the spring 2010 season, I'm totally blogging it!
:: What I freakin' love about this thing ::
I LOVE THE SIBLINGS!!!! ALSO THE CHILDHOOD FRIENDS!!!!! And I find the idea of a guy who still loves the girl even if she's no longer female in her reincarnation . . . very romantic~
After losing their parents at an early age, Natsuhiko and Haru had to be seperated. Years later, Natsuhiko opened a cafe hoping to fulfill his and his parents' dreams. After an incident with a customer, Natsuhiko finds out that he is his younger brother. Unfortunately, he now works as a host. Not only that, Natsuhiko had racked up plenty of debt to finance his cafe. Can Natsuhiko overcome these obstacles and convince his younger brother to come back and keep his cafe, and their dreams, alive?
:: How it got my interest ::
It's a story about brothers *sucker for brotherly love* and . . . the title amuses me xD
:: General thoughts on the series ::
It DISTURBS me that the BL undertones are between the brothers. Story's so-so . . . but it seems to be more decent compare to Undertaker Riddle, the mangaka's other work. Art is so pretty . . . . overall I find this cute~
:: What I freakin' love about this thing ::
This series is simply SO CUTE! And I'm curious about the glasses dude. I think his arrival will make things fun~
Hanakisou by KOUDA Maki and HaccaWorks
The Prophet spoke of a day when the taking of human lives will lead to the end of the world, destroyed by an unending winter and a snow that covers the earth. Only by killing Kuroto, the harbinger of destruction, can the world be saved - and the only one who can do that is Hanashiro, the Savior. But when they meet, they discover that neither wants the role he has been given - and as they grow closer, they realize that neither wants to live in a world where only one of them can survive. But how can they overcome this fateful prophecy and their opposing roles in it? The last winter is fast approaching...
:: How it got my interest ::
Enemies tha are supposed to kill each other but can't? I love stories like that~ And I'm a sucker for savior and destroyer stuff~
:: General thoughts on the series ::
Actual story isn't as good as its premise . . .. but it's still interesting. I like some of the twists. I'm really curious on what's going on in the last volume. Oh, also, is this really BL??? I don't find it BL . . .at least on the scanlated chapters. The images from the game are more BL compare to what I've read in the manga.
:: What I freakin' love about this thing ::
They're like starcrossed lovers . . . and I'm a sucker for that~ Haha! And oh, the cros guy amuses me~
Seven Days by TACHIBANA Venio and TAKARAI Rihito
Bright and early one Monday morning, Shino Yuzuru asks Seryou Touji out on a lark when they run into each other at the school gate. Seryou, who's immensely popular, has the odd habit of going out with anyone who asks him out first at the beginning of the week, then promptly dumping them at the end of it.
:: How it got my interest ::
THE ART LOOKS SO PRETTY! And I'm also curious what's with the "seven days". Same attraction as what H*P is scanlating (referring to Countdown 7 Days)
:: General thoughts on the series ::
The romance here is . . . so straightforward. I am not used to it . . . but I liked it! Story's nice~ The art's really beautiful . . .can't stop staring~
:: What I freakin' love about this thing ::
The idea of two bishies who can't stay long with girls end up together . . . amuses me xD And art is really really pretty~
Silver Diamond by SUGIURA Shiho
Rakan lives alone, and the plants in his garden grow so thick and fast that it seems like a jungle. One day a man, holding a gun made of wood, falls right down into his garden. He seems to come from another world, and he's searching for someone who can bring back the green into his own dark and inhospitable world.
:: How it got my interest ::
. . . . . . the title (one of my favorite colors + one of my favorite gems). that is all.
:: General thoughts on the series ::
One of those series with a kindhearted leading guy with a bunch of bodyguards, huh. I thought it had been pretty cliche at first, but as I get to know more of the story, things made sense. The story's really nice and interesting. I love it.
:: What I freakin' love about this thing ::
It's so amusing . . .YAY HUGGLES!!! Bwahahahha! And Rakan's such a housewife!!!! Bwahahahahahha!!!
Also . . . also . . . THERE ARE TWINS!!!!!! TWINS WITH A FREAKIN' TWISTED RELATIONSHIP!!!!! SQUEEEEEEEEEE!!!! And I REALLY REALLY LOVE PRINCES! KYAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!
Uragiri wa Boku no Namae wo Shitteiru by ODAGIRI Hotaru
Sakurai Yuki is a mysterious boy with a mysterious ability. He was found in the bushes as a baby and adopted by his current family. Because of this, Yuki strives for independence. The last thing he wants is to be a burden to anybody. Furthermore, when he touches others, he can feel their emotions. Unable to control his ability, he often made insensitive blunders in the past. With death threats and his abilities increasing, what will happen when a man claiming to be his older brother appears?
:: How it got my interest ::
I've actually read this long time ago but I couldn't remember it anymore so I reread it (its upcoming anime urged me to catch up on it more). I must have liked it for the art and the cross stuff.
:: General thoughts on the series ::
It's yet one of those series with the kindhearted leading guy with a bunch of bodyguards. It's more stereotypical than Silver Diamond though . . . but it's prettier and just as fun~ Oh I'm totally watching the anime~ If nothing more awesome will air in the spring 2010 season, I'm totally blogging it!
:: What I freakin' love about this thing ::
I LOVE THE SIBLINGS!!!! ALSO THE CHILDHOOD FRIENDS!!!!! And I find the idea of a guy who still loves the girl even if she's no longer female in her reincarnation . . . very romantic~
GENERAL IMPRESSIONS ON THIS BATCH
I love all, but I have to admit I have top and least favorites in this batch. Hehe.
I love all, but I have to admit I have top and least favorites in this batch. Hehe.
Most Amusing: Silver Diamond and Uragiri wa Boku no Namae wo Shitteiru
Most Dramatic: Hanakisou
Best Story: Silver Diamond
Prettiest Art: Seven Days
Favorite Bishie: Tsukumo (Uragiri wa Boku no Namae wo Shitteiru)
Favorite Siblings: Tsukumo and Toko (Uragiri wa Boku no Namae wo Shitteiru), Prince and Rakan (Silver Diamond)
Favorite Duo: Shusei and Hotsuma (Uragiri wa Boku no Namae wo Shitteiru)
Favorite Couple: Touji x Yuzuru (Seven Days)
Most Hilarious Bishie: Chigusa (Silver Diamond)
Most Badass Bishie: Luka (Uragiri wa Boku no Namae wo Shitteiru)
Most Adorable/Moe Bishie: Kuroto (Hanakisou) and Natsuhiko (Cucumber Sandwich)
Most Twisted Bishie: Prince (Silver Diamond)
Leading Character Decency: (1) Rakan (Silver Diamond), (2) Yuzuru (Seven Days), (3) Yuki (Uragiri wa Boku no Namae wo Shitteiru) and Natsuhiko (Cucumber Sandwich), (4) Hanashiro (Hanakisou)
Favorite Series: (1) Silver Diamond (2) Uragiri wa Boku no Namae wo Shitteiru and Seven Days (3) Hanakisou (4) Cucumber Sandwich
Go for Silver Diamond for good story and crack. Go for Uragiri for action and crack. Go for Seven Days for some nice slice of life romance and pretty art. Go for Hana Kisou if you're so into drama and fighting destiny stuff. Go for Cucumber Sandwhich if you like cute and cafe stuff and you just want to excite the BL loving you.
I'm obviously mainly for the crack, thus explains my top favorites. Hahahahha! Supernatural is also my top favorite genre . . .and those two also fall in that category~
7 comments:
"Before I had been reading some stupid shoujo series with leading ladies that are so pathetic that I want to burn them for bringing shame to us females =_="
Now replace "shoujo" with "harem", "ladies" with "gentlemen", and "females" with "males".
I think I might have to read Seven Days. The story idea sounds really cool.
Ohh, I think I have to check out some of these. Too bad I'm already behind on so many things. XD
As for Undertaker Riddle, it's not great...but there were something things that I loved, like the relationship between the main character and his brother. They fight, but you can tell they care about each other really. But that was only covered in like one chapter so far ^^;
I felt like Akai Higasa might have been influenced by Kuroshitsuji...but it's not like that is even perfect either. I love it, but sometimes it feels too fanservicey >_>
Ah, maybe my point was totally lost there, but I just don't think Riddle is that bad. I've read much worse things in the past (but I think I have a high tolerance for bad manga! haha)
Sorry, this comment ended up not even being about the manga in the post XD
i'm now reading uragiri wa boku no namae shitteiru, but it seems the scanlator stop on chapter 7~~ *sigh* where i can read the rest?
@ Baka-Raptor
I would totally feel the same if I were a guy =_=
@ Sarah Donald McElroy
Enjoy reading~ =D
@ Yukihito said...
We have the same taste, so most likely you'll like them too xD Hehe~
For me, both Cucumber Sandwich and Undertaker Riddle aren't that great but still very cute~ But yeah, they're kinda fanservicey though =_= And why I thought CS to be mroe decent compare to UR is mainly because UR had sort of been a Kuroshitsuji wannabe =_=
I get your point. But I wasn't saying that UR was bad. It's just . . . not great. And you know my bias in that series xD (butterflies~ dark stuff~)
Though I think it's true that you have higher tolerance to bad manga compare to me. Ehehehe ^^;
And it's totally fine~ No need to apologize on that.
@ Mito
I think that's all the scanlated chapters so far. So we just have to wait ^^;
You must read Rin! and Only the Ring Finger knows. Rin! is super sweet and the other one is my favourite shounen ai manga...maybe they are not that awesome but it has good romance, IMO.
BOKUTACHI WA ASU NI MUKATTE IKIRU NO DA (copy-pasted it, that's why it's in caps) is a nice read as well. It's funny.
Have you read Masturbation Master Kurosawa? Though it's not a romantic manga specifically, I think it's awesome. It's not shounen-ai, I kind of got reminded of it.
@ taciturndream
You must read Rin! and Only the Ring Finger knows. Rin! is super sweet and the other one is my favourite shounen ai manga...maybe they are not that awesome but it has good romance, IMO.
BOKUTACHI WA ASU NI MUKATTE IKIRU NO DA (copy-pasted it, that's why it's in caps) is a nice read as well. It's funny.
Have you read Masturbation Master Kurosawa? Though it's not a romantic manga specifically, I think it's awesome. It's not shounen-ai, I kind of got reminded of it.
Post a Comment