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Jan 25, 2022
The greatest wish of immortals is to die.
To put it shortly, Wadatsumi no Yometori is a story set in 19-20th century Japan (Meiji period) about an immortal merman and an immortal human. The human, Kiyo, became immortal due to being unknowingly married to the merman and searches for a way to die. While looking for a cure for immortality, Kiyo and the merman (wait did he have a name??) live a peaceful life.
To be truthful, when I first picked this up I thought it would become your typical BL manga especially with the length of the manga being 8 chapters, I didn't think it was
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possible to pack in so much character and backstory into those limited chapters but somehow it worked. The dark undertones are masked by the happy slice-of-life goofing off between Kiyo and the merman but underneath the lull of everyday life are the glimpses of a changing era and Kiyo's guilt of living on.
This is a actually a really sweet love story of two immortals that only have each other to share the pains of never dying.
I also really loved the how the clothes says something about the changing era of the Meiji Restoration. Flapper dresses and suits with hats mixed with traditional Japanese garments is a stark contrast to the traditional clothes he wore when he encountered the merman. When put side by side, it solidified the fact that Kiyo is immortal and has lived through a whole era change and will continue to live through the changes.
I tried my best to write this without spoilers but there's only so much I can say. This is a short read and I encourage you to read this for yourself.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Jun 16, 2020
Back in 2018 I had picked this manga up but with only 18 chapters released, I had to put it on hold until more chapters were released. And now... 2020... oh BOY was I not disappointed.
Kabuki and homosexuality... a combination that's nothing unique historically yet the premise of Hanakoi Tsurane is... Brilliant!
Quick rundown of the plot without giving too much away:
The story starts off as your typical enemies to lovers plot. Sougorou, after failing miserably in a show and faced with criticism online becomes depressed and is immediately thrown into another role with his (seemingly one-sided) rival of the same age, Gensuke. And in
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the typical enemies to lovers fashion, this meant they had to work together and while doing that, they grow closer together and remember what they love about acting and kabuki.
It doesn't sound too interesting from just a summary, but the interactions between Sougorou and Gensuke is hilarious and their chemistry really works out. Even as fictional characters, I feel a sense of joy every time they show up on stage together. The two complement each other and genuinely look like they have a lot of fun on stage. This is further highlighted with the expressive faces of Sougorou mixed with the soft warm look Gensuke uses when he sees Sougorou. It captives the fictional audience. And it captives the reader.
I've seen many people complain about the pacing is too slow but in my opinion, I don't think it's bad. In fact, I think the pacing really helps show the growth of Sougorou and Gensuke as actors on stage and their relationship. Each character (yes! that includes minor characters!) goes through a lot of character development and you really get to learn more about their family's kabuki lineage and the family relationships with each other especially on stage. For the first time, these background characters mean something. They exist, they have their own background, they have names, they have faces, and they're memorable.
Highly recommend if you're looking for a unique BL manga with an interesting premise and stay for the characters. This manga easily makes it onto my favorites list (except I already maxed mine out so....).
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Jan 7, 2019
As a note, this review is only reflecting the anime (donghua if you want to be technical) as a standalone. I have read the book and I would highly recommend reading the book at some point.
Mo Dao Zu Shi does very well with (some of) their visuals. From Gusu sect's Cloud Recesses to Yunmeng Jiang sects's Lotus Pier and just the forest in general, they're all gorgeously drawn backgrounds that uses a muted color palette that is reminiscent of ancient Chinese paintings. You can really tell that they spent a lot of effort on the scenery. It's definitely one of the highlights of the series.
On
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the other hand, the characters are less impressive. One of my biggest pet peeves is same facing. Same facing is when an artist consistently draws the same kind of face and the only way to distinguish them apart is from their hair or clothing. MDZS is very guilty of this. I couldn't tell anyone apart because all the people from the same sect wore the same clothes and everyone has the same face.
Another thing that I didn't like visually was the animation. Specifically, all the walking and running animations. They seemed unnatural and clunky and the lack of "movement" in the characters makes it seem too much like images put on top of another image. Speaking of images layered over images, some of the fighting animation painfully reminded me the difference in quality between the characters and the background. With no interactions with the background (i.e. twig snaps, leaves rustling, etc) it again feels like images over images.
Now that I've done a majority of the negative things, onto the music. The fact that I can finally hear the songs Lan Wangji plays is already a huge plus. That combined with the wonderfully melancholic OP and amazing soundtrack that puts specific emphasis on the Guzhin (Chinese zither) and the dizi (Chinese flute) which also happens to be the instruments the two main characters play.
Onto the story. A huge chunk of the donghua is set in Wei Wuxian's past and therefore, not much of the main story is really talked about in this other than the first couple episodes and a little piece of information in the last episode. (I even forgot there was a mystery!)
Because a large chunk of the donghua takes place during a flashback, most of the supporting cast isn't given enough screen time, if at all. Other than that, the donghua does a great job adapting the events of the book pretty much scene by scene (albeit a little less gay).
TLDR; read the book then come back and watch the donghua.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Aug 7, 2018
Log horizon is in no way pretty. Especially coming right after the legendary mess that is SAO, Log Horizon is visually inferior. Its animation and inconsistencies with certain characters and scenes made it look sloppy. But what was really strong about this show is how in depth the world is and how the characters in the show take advantage of the whole "in another world" situation. Log Horizon's approach to the "trapped in a video game"
I would give this anime a higher score but the romantic subplots tended to slow down the show. Although comedic scenes lightened up the mood, they felt out of place
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and poorly executed (also the jokes were the same it got old quickly) Basically what I'm trying to say is, the characters aren't really that interesting. Each character is very one note except for the main character, Shiroe.
Shiroe is by far the most interesting character to watch. Not knowing what exactly he'll do next and seeing everything unfold according to his plans makes Log Horizon fun and engaging.
8/10 for being an enjoyable show to watch but points lost for boring romantic subplot and flat comedy.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Jul 13, 2018
I am moved once again by BL manga with strong characters. As any good story should go, if it isn't plot driven then it better be character driven (feel free to correct me if I'm wrong) and part of that character driven magic is making sure the characters are interesting. The BL genre is over run with lackluster characters, boring and cliche "plots", and has little to no substance. Tokyo Shinjuu by Totempole has blown me away with its fun and dynamic characters. The manga is about Miyasaka, a listless guy with no real goal in life, happens to apply for a job as an
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assistant director and a movie otaku, Yano. There isn't much else to say about this manga plot wise but the interactions between the two main characters as they book end each other, personality-wise, truly puts the romantic and comedy parts of "romcom".
The simplistic art style mixed with the occasional over-exaggerated actions and expressions, makes this manga feel less like other BL manga and more like a comedy manga. Through the use of all of these tools, the manga effectively captures and portrays Miyasaka's goofy personality and his hopelessness towards Yano and Yano's blunt attitude.
Moving on to something other than characters, I felt the nail that really hit home with this is as a reader, I felt myself learning to enjoy and appreciate the work that goes into films behind the scene along side Miyasaka and I even got some information about the behind the scene of Japanese television.
The only complaint I have about this manga is how Miyasaka treated his girlfriend in the beginning of the manga...
All I really did was rant about the characters but this manga is definitely worth reading. And if you enjoyed this one, I highly recommend you read the sequels!! Those are good (if not better).
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Jul 23, 2016
Mod Edit: This review was originally posted for Hare no Hi (99983) and has subsequently been merged into Ai, Sei (154446).
How do you even write a review for a oneshot without spoiling anything?
I have read countless BL manga in the past years since i started on this road of hell and when you've read 500+ BL manga, the cliches get tiring, the drama doesnt effect the audience, and/or overall forgettable. Just another BL to put on my completed list on MAL. I have come to the conclusion that a solid BL manga has to have volumes and volumes of content but here, I have
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found a good ONESHOT?!
What sets Hare no Hi apart from many of the BL that are out there is how realistic and mature it is. Romance is not the focus. in fact there's little to none. Instead it is about Natsuki's father (name was never revealed) who sees a parallel between himself and his son, Natsuki.
It is a story that nods to how generations change and the regrets of missed opportunities and past mistakes. The characters are full of flaws and overall very human and could even be relatable to some.
I would like to give bonus points to RESPECTIVE EX WIFE. Not only is she there to NOT add more drama but also still being on good terms with her ex husband and supportive of her son. Now that, makes me cry.
This is a breath of fresh air I was looking for and if you're sick and tired of cliche, this is the fresh air you're looking for too.
I really hope I didn't spoil too much...
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Jun 4, 2016
I could have had the opportunity to watch this movie at the movie theater but the only screening date was on mother's day which I thought was clever. A smack in the face since many LGBTQ kids are mistreated by their parents. But because of this holiday I wasn't able to watch it and instead ran into the sub version online.
Doukyuusei is a simple lighthearted romance between boys that are worlds apart but through chorus practices, they become close and as the years go, even closer. And that's it. A simple story about two boys and their high school days.
Probably the main reason why I
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personally enjoyed this was the art style that closely stuck to the original art (bless the producers). The movements matched closely to the manga and certain scenes were stills or chopped up into panels. The scenery were beautifully drawn with it's "water colour" style and vibrant colours that gave a lighthearted atmosphere.
The hardest part about a manga adaptation is getting voices that would match and I have no idea how much work producers go through to come up with the ideal voice but I thought the voices of Kamiya (I could tell it was him from a mile away) and Nojima really brought the characters to life. They reflected the personalities of the
For once, an adaptation of a BL manga was not a disappointment. There aren't that many BL shows of any kind and the little that we have is god awful. They did cut out some parts in the manga but I think it worked out pretty well in the end and left me satisfied. I hope in the future more quality BL will come out.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Sep 22, 2014
I remember when I heard they were going to make an adaptation on DRAMAtical Murder, me and the entire BL fanbase+other people were buzzing with the news and it easily became the most anticipated anime of summer 2014.
Honestly, I was disappointed. Not that I was expecting anything.
The story [6]
it was good. Seeing how I played the game, I saw where they were headed with the show but everything felt rushed, while the beginning was a bit of a drag (the game's beginning was also a bit slow). A whole ending with each characters was sandwiched between each episode. It would have flowed better if they
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were given more room between each episode.
Speaking of characters [5]
They didnt give us enough time to really get to know the characters better. With one episode to meet them, have them appear popping up in places, and one episode for their back story; there wasnt enough screen time for each character to fully soak in with the viewers.
Art/animation [3]
Were lacking in some places. The parts where it required many different frames (ex: running/fight scenes/etc.) were half arsed through. Animation was not flowy, art wasnt consistent and overall rushed.
Music/sound/voices/etc [7]
I respect the producer's choice of another song by goatbed giving the anime the same feeling as the game but I didnt really like it. Slight disappointment with behind-the-gas-mask- voice but that was based off personal preference and bless the producers for keeping the voices the same as the game.
enjoyment[7]
It was so bad it was good
I tried not to compare it to the game that much (I loved the game) If I could, I would've marked it a 6.5. Adaptation wasnt as bad as what I expected (*cough* togainu no chi *cough*) it does the game no justice but it was fun. I suggest if you really are interested, play the game.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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Jul 28, 2014
Updated 06/2020
There's now 60+ chapters so it's time for an update to this review!
At first glance, it starts with the typical yaoi starter: r*pe. In this case, blackmail. Nemugasa is so emotionally and physically abused it makes me wonder HOW did this relationship start and how the HECK did it become like it is today. But as much as I HATE this, the character development is very flushed out and developed enough for me to let it slide.
Now for the art. When I first wrote this review (IN 2014??!!) I said the art was "hot" but "hot" isn't enough to describe the art.
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Going back to the beginning to catch up with the recent releases, I can physically SEE and FEEL the improvements and maturing of the art that directly translates to the maturing of the two main characters, Maya and Nemugasa.
I really enjoy the realistic depiction of the stress of taking college exams and trying to get into the school of their choice while maintaining a relationship. There's a lot of juggling around with rash decisions, sacrifices, losing sleep to study, having your future being decided in one moment... These are things that a lot of people can relate with. And when you thought the story ends when they graduate high school... it doesn't stop there! Enter college, with new struggles!
Before, I had rated this a 9 however, further into the story there's drama and misunderstandings in every volume which became exhausting especially for binge reading.
I was tempted to drop it to 7 HOWEVER there was a moment later in the manga that made me stop and think about lgbt experiences are like in Japan. I wish I could talk more about it but... that would be going into spoilers.
Maybe it's the fact that the characters feel like they're maturing or because it's been so long I matured, that this manga... resonates... with me more than I thought it would. I hope I was able to convey how much I enjoy this manga without giving away too much. And please give this manga a chance. Even if the beginning sucks.
(07/2014)
I have finally lost track on the amount of times I have reread this manga and everything single time, it has left me crying AGAIN AND AGAIN! I keep on promising myself to write a review but everytime I end up reading the manga all over again.
At first glance, It starts with the typical yaoi starter: r*pe. In this case, blackmail (like we've never seen that one yet). But above all else, the character development is what really sets itself apart from most yaoi.
Let me tell you a thing. The art in this is ABSOLUTELY ADORABLY AMAZING!!! It's detailed yet cute in a way that cute can become sexy and sexy to HOT (chibis are adorable too!)
I mentioned before character development. It's (or at least I think) realistic with the whole dealing with a relationship both being the lover and the loved one and the stress of the future after highschool and into adulthood.
I have read and reread this manga x times and I keep falling in love all over again.
Why would you not read it?
It's funny, adorable, sexy, meaningful, and heartwarming.
Now GO AND READ IT
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Apr 21, 2014
I am DONE with this shotacon stuff. I didnt know it was going to be shotacon when I found it looking through Arinfantasy's site.
First of all, I am permanently traumatized with Boku no Pico and it was not smart of me to start watching something without A.) reading the summary B.) checking MAL C.) not even seeing the front cover
The plot (2) was thin and it was just another hentai anime that's more fappable than enjoyable to watch.
Art (4): There was no eye candy here. Miisu was... not that attractive and Kuro looked like a girl (+1 for cuteness -10 for girly uke)
sound (5): I
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guess I liked(?) the OP and ED it wasnt too bad yet it wasnt the best. I've heard worse. As for the sex sounds. Typical "ah" moaning sound.
Character (3): I dont get these characters but at the end, there was a bit of back story on those characters. However, Kuro was alittle appealing when he got mad because he actually kicked butt.
Enjoyment (3): I found the entire idea of shotacon really gross and twisted. But it's mainly because of pedophila and my undying hate towards girly ukes. (that's why I joined the non girly uke club)
Overall (3): It was funny at one point and another and other times i just want to punch Miisu because his face annoys me. At other times I cringed because it was so gross (the banana scene and ESPECIALLY the salad scene)
!!RANT TIME!! skip if you dont want to hear me rant
I watch/ read yaoi for PLOT and because I find it fun and interesting seeing two guys go at it. But if the featured event in an anime/manga is to get the other guy into bed, then count me out. The more realistic the characters are, the better. I mean, it's not like I can walk out of my house and see really girly boys. (regardless of age and sexuality)
I dont want to rant now so let me cut it off here
Reviewer’s Rating: 3
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