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I'll make this short and straightforward because I was a bit sad to see that it has such a low rating, and I hope I can get you to give it a chance!

Let's talk about the art first, because that is arguably the most charming thing about this manga. It reminds me a little bit of est em, Hidaka Shoko and Yoneda Kou all mixed together: the characters are definitely masculine and very attractive in that manly, but not bara, way. Super gorgeous and good-looking. But then again, what constitutes as "good art" is very subjective. However, if you're a fan of the drawings done ... by any of the three mangakas I mentioned, I can guarantee that you'll love this.

Plot-wise, the author managed to make the sexual tension between the brothers feel authentic and non-icky. Incest can either be really sexy or downright gross but she succeeded in creating an interesting relationship with their subtle flirtations, and the contrast between their attitudes towards each other - the younger brother is angsty and provocative, while the older brother is cool, mature and aggressive when it counts.

On the downside, the story was a bit too short, cutting out tons of opportunities for character development and more drama to unfold. Still, I highly enjoyed it and cannot wait to see more works from this author.

Ah, Nishida-sensei, the often overlooked mangaka in the yaoi world. And what a shame, really. When you think of the best writers in realistic boys' love, the names that immediately pop up are Yoneda Kou, Kyuugou and Miyamoto Kano, among others. But if you're a fan of the more realistic side of this genre, you should get acquainted with Nishida Higashi's works too.

On the surface, Life, Love doesn't look promising. The plot has been overused and the story looks painfully cheesy with the added blow of bad art. (I'll talk about this aspect later) But Life, Love manages to take an old, cliché concept and ... make it interesting and refreshing again.

CHARACTER: 8/10
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I'll start with the characters first because, although they're not very complex, they possess qualities that really helped the story shine and give it more depth.

First thing that is done differently: Jack is the American gangster guard and in theory, or according to yaoi stereotypes anyway, he should be the cool, tough, stoic, sweet-talking guy. And Takahiro, the sheltered Japanese politician's kid, should be a bit naive and prone to exhibiting damsel-in-distress vulnerability.

WRONG. You were wrong, I was wrong, everybody was wrong. Jack is the so-called 'dumb kid' who can't read and write, follows his boss's orders blindly because he's 'stupid and can't think for himself' and has zero sexual experience, despite the fact that he's not only super good-looking but also almost thirty. Yeah, far from cool. On the other hand, Takahiro is suave, cheeky, brazen, almost ten years older (hell yeah for age gaps) and of course, far more sexually experienced. With women, that is.

Doesn't this sound awesome enough already?! If not, I guess I'll continue trying to convince you. *looks at you judgingly*

Also, both guys are manly men. There won't be any fluffy sweet moments, or tender cry-on-my-shoulder-while-i-say-love-you scenes, because that's not what manly men do. Manly men say "F*** you" and shout it out and show attitude.

STORY: 9/10
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A major twist in the plot is the fact it's not so much of the kidnapper saving his hostage; rather, it's the other way around. Takahiro 'saves' Jack. I won't say anything else because it would spoil the story.

Also, in many kidnapper and hostage stories, they end when they successfully escape and the last we see of them is them bounding off into the sunset with the vague promise that they'll live happily ever after. In Life, Love, the story is just beginning at this point and the realism hits in: It's not all sunshine and roses.

However, there's a recurring bad point I've noticed in the stories I've read by Nishida-sensei. The stories start off good, become great in the middle, with some really nice climaxes, then right at the end, it finishes lukewarm. I always find myself slightly dissatisfied with her endings because they wrap up so... Unsatisfyingly. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why she's not as well-known as her fellow yaoi mangakas. But despite that, I still give the story a 9/10.

ART: 6/10
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The art may come as an unpleasant shock for people who have never read Nishida-sensei's stories. It is very plain, the characters look stiff and you will realise Jack and Takahiro have the EXACT same faces. I'm not kidding. The art style does have its own charm though. But it might take some getting used to for some. Bottom line: Don't drop it just because the art looks ugly; stick around for the story and who knows, you might end up liking the art too.

ENJOYMENT: 9/10
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Self-explanatory.

Overall: 8/10
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A unique story and enjoyable character interaction and development, with a good dose of angsty and sexy moments. There is some room for improvement in the art and story department (as I had mentioned before, her endings are a bit lacklustre), but overall, I enjoyed reading this tremendously and I would recommend it to all yaoi fans.

To be blunt, Addicted to Curry has a very mediocre plot, rounded off with forgettable (but not unlikeable) characters and slightly above average art. In all honesty, I feel that it merits a 5/10,but I gave it a rating of 6/10 because of my soft spot for food/cooking manga.

Why didn't Addicted to Curry manage to hold my interest?

To sum it up, it is because of the stale story and almost non-existent plot development. I had high expectations for this manga because of its good ratings, and simply due to the fact that it was about cooking curry. But I was disappointed with how ... the story progressed as I read it.

It was a little bit unrealistic but that isn't the main point. A story doesn't have to be realistic to be good. But on top of being unrealistic, it just was not interesting. It was kind of cheesy, with the over-used premise of an abandoned restaurant, followed by the sudden appearance of an angel sent from heaven in the form of a genius cook who, with his unparalleled skills, amazingly revives the shop (and the fighting will of the cutesy, well-meaning owner).

It's fine to use an over-used plotline. But to make it worth reading, there HAVE to be elements that make it different from the rest of such stories. There has to be a certain twist, or a cast of very strongly developed and unique characters. Unfortunately, Addicted to Curry employed neither and the story ended up sub-par.

Despite this, Addicted to Curry deserves credit in other aspects.

I really enjoyed the depictions and descriptions of the curry dishes. Cooking it as well as eating it; they were both a treat! The episodic stories also ended with the recipe of the spotlight curry so that you can try your hand at making it yourself. The range of curry information is truly praiseworthy.

Bottom line: Passively entertaining. Worth the read if you're a die hard lover of curry. If you love ecchi as well, you will most definitely enjoy it. However, if you're looking for a good, solid, interesting cooking manga, give this one a skip.

Just today, I told my sister she had to read this manga called Yowamushi Pedal and naturally, she asked, what is it about? When I said "Cycling", she gave me an unimpressed look.

Cycling? How exciting does that really sound? In all honesty, if someone told me I had to read this AMAZING manga, that was super adrenaline pumping and awesome and had a really exciting plot and great characters, but said it was about "Cycling" I think I would put it on the waiting shelf AKA mangas-that-i-plan-to-read-but-probably-never-will.

But I still gave this a try because I happened to see some cool fanart of it and ... the characters' designs really intrigued me.

And I totally don't regret it. This manga impressed the socks off me and I'm going to explain exactly why.

There's one main reason: the pure ENERGY and EXCITEMENT of the storytelling. The feeling is almost indescribable; there's just this huge rush of excitement and anticipation when you read the manga. It's so fast paced and intense.

Important note though, the art can be off-putting at first, and that's just putting it lightly. But as the story progresses, you'll realise the art style is actually perfect for the manga. The roughness, the strong, sharp strokes, the occasionally grotesque faces, and whatever else you thought was 'ugly', suddenly they become the manga's gem. Without this unique art style, I can say for sure the manga wouldn't be able to carry out its story to the fullest.

By the way, what do you think of when you think of cycling? Leisurely rolling past sunflower fields with a shi tzu in your wicker basket? (yes I actually imagine this) Your fuzzy childhood days of riding a tricycle with a helmet on your head? A fun day out at the park enjoying the breeze in your face?

Well, welcome to Yowamushi Pedal, where those visions get thrown out the window like a 10KG rock. We get swept into the insanity of competitive road racing, where the bikes go even faster than cars. And just like any other competitive sport, cycling is no exception to the blood, sweat, and tears, all the pain and intense emotions, of fighting to win.

And that's the second charm of the manga. It will change the way you viewed cycling. It is interesting, something you haven't experienced before. And it's bloody exciting, did I already mention that?!

Of course, I also have to give special mention to the characters. They're a hodgepodge of super weirdos, super psychos and just some genuinely cool or lovable people. You won't get bored with this manga's cast.

Room for improvement? Perhaps if I were to nitpick, the proportions for the characters' bodies can be a bit off sometimes. But honestly, it doesn't bother me because I'm too busy pressing 'next page' to pause and say, Yo, your head's too big.

Overall, I recommend anybody looking for an interesting new read to give this a try. Maybe shounen isn't your thing, maybe sports manga isn't your thing. Maybe cycling sounds lame. It doesn't matter. Yowamushi Pedal has a special charm and interesting plot that will surely captivate you if you give it a chance. Like I did!

I think we’re all familiar with what a fantastic adventure epic that One Piece is. Oda has created a world that is so brilliantly imaginative and exciting that I can almost confidently say that no other mangaka will come close to matching or surpassing what he has done. One Piece will make you laugh, cry, smile along with all the characters; it will make you feel like living in their world. I won’t review the plot or the battles and such, since that has already been comprehensively well-done by other reviewers, but I just wanted to share one aspect of One Piece that will always ... stay very close to my heart.

No other manga has given me as much joy as One Piece. During the time I read it, I was very happy. This manga is special because it reminds us of some very important things in life. It reminds us to follow your dreams no matter how hard it seems and what other people say, to stand up for what you believe in and most of all; it reminds us of the power of friendship and human kindness. I think these are all things we tend to give up on and stop believing in as we get older.

One of the messages that had a huge impact on me was that ‘No-one is born into this world to be alone’. No matter how lonely you feel, you have to hold on to life and hang in there for people who will love and accept you. You might not meet them now, but you will eventually. I’ve never had many friends, and only formed a few close relationships with people. I’ve never found anyone whom I can call a true friend. For people like me, this message is very powerful and can lend a lot of strength. I think it is wonderful that a manga can convey these kinds of pure, hopeful feelings.

And that is one of the amazing things, perhaps even the most amazing thing, about One Piece. It gives you a sense of real, genuine joy as you read it. It really touches your heart. That is why it has managed to captivate thousands, millions of readers around the world, and why it will continue to be one of my most favourite mangas ever.

It's been a long time since I've read Liar Game (because waiting for updates is excruciating) but with it being one of my most highly rated reads and most favourite manga, I'm compelled to write a review.

Let me say this first, don't let the art put you off. This is extremely important because the art is effing terrible in the beginning. Goodness knows how many people have dropped this manga (and maybe even rating it badly) because of the art.

However, it does get better as the story progresses and it even grew on me. I began thinking the art style was actually perfect for ... the story.

Liar Game is one of those manga that you literally cannot put down because of how exciting and unpredictable the story is. It's also a really smart manga (you just know the person writing this has one heck of an intelligent mind). The plot is impressively creative, and the storytelling and pacing is superb, especially the twists and turns it makes.

The main characters are an interesting cast and most are likeable in their own ways. Akiyama is the unrivalled main star of the story, with his unparalleled intelligence and suaveness. Nao is a more hit-or-miss character, you either find her innocence/naivety/good-heartedness endearing or vaguely annoying. I was intensely irritated by her in the beginning but grew to sort of like her and respect her in the later chapters.

I would term Liar Game as a 'mental thriller' and a complete masterpiece in terms of its story; a truly top-tier manga that any fan of unique storylines and adrenaline-pumping mental game fare should not miss! The only reason I rated it 9 and not a complete 10 is because of the lacklustre art, which could definitely be better and truly elevate the manga.

Otherwise, it's just an awesome and really interesting read that I would recommend to any manga lover or even non-manga reading people. (It's that freaking good)

For some reason, I always come back to this manga to read it again. There's something about the main characters' relationship that is very heartfelt. (And I'm a sucker for age gaps, I would recommend this title if you're into that kind of stuff)

Shuuya is your typical broken and reckless kid (I say he's a kid because that's how he's referred to in the story but he's in his early twenties) who uses sex as escapism, fucks whoever, whenever way too carelessly and has that weird sort of sex appeal that attracts men.

Even though his character is a typical sort, even seeming superficial and ... one-dimensional, don't dismiss him as boring or having no depth. I really enjoyed seeing his character grow through the story. He has a childish sort of personality but he's earnest and pure in his feelings and how he worked hard and cared for Sawaragi was really sweet.

Sawaragi is a cool, composed character and actually quite attractive in the rough and gruff sort of way. (the ultimate manly seme haha) But the thing I like about him is his maturity. It's refreshing to see an older yaoi character who is GENUINELY mature and actually acts (and looks) like his old age.

Overall, it's a nice story with enough angst, sweet moments and enjoyable character interactions. It gets a solid score of 8 from me, would recommend it to any fan of the yaoi genre!

Honestly, I'm surprised New York New York doesn't have a higher viewership. It's a solidly good realistic-type bl manga, but being quite old (published in 1994) and having an art style that can get some getting used to probably causes its under-the-radar status.

It is an enjoyable story that is easy to read and has a happy ending, despite the difficulties along the way, especially so in the beginning where Kain acts like a super bitch. This is where he gets his title of a "very unlikeable main character" but he changes significantly towards the ending for the better.

The story has its fair share of ... angst and sweet moments, but never gets too emotional. For some reason, I didn't feel very emtionally connected to the couple's relationship. There is a bit of distance between the characters and the reader. Despite that, I still enjoyed reading it because of these points:

1. The story followed through the time they met to their old age and death, something I really enjoy reading in bl manga.

2. The realistic style it had; it covered issues from prejudice against gays, the difficult process of getting the parents' blessings, the fear of coming out as a homosexual, child adoption and gay parenting, etc.

3. The 'love at first sight' encounter and the pure love Kain and Mel had for each other was pleasant to read about.

Overall, it's a good title to pick up if you're in the mood for a more realistic bl story. The art can be iffy to some, I wouldn't say I really liked it (in fact it turned me off the first time I tried reading it, I only completed the manga on my second try) but it's not bad; just different from what most readers are used to.

Kimi wa Pet is a masterpiece in it's genre: Josei romance. It is unique, well-written and utterly enjoyable. And this is coming from someone who takes girly romance manga stories with a pinch of salt.

Sumire Iwaya is a high climbing career woman with an intimidating aura, modelesque good looks and an impressive work record. Still, this is only one facet of her character, and something concocted from superficial observations of acquaintances. In actuality, she's quite dorky and endearing, loves anime and wrestling shows, and feels most comfortable in her sweats and lounging on the sofa.

However, she's had little luck in love and was even ... cheated on by past boyfriends. One left her because he felt inferior when he was with her.

To prevent this from happening ever again, Sumire swore to only date a man who earns more than her, is taller than her and has a higher education than her so he would never leave her due to self-esteem issues. No easy feat mind you. She is also jaw-droppingly tall. (In fact, she's been called an 'Amazon' in the manga.)

Can a love really blossom between her and a boy, who is not only 7 years her junior, but also fails in the three departments?

Kimi wa Pet is a long series, spanning 82 chapters. But the length is needed for such a complex and lovingly paced story.

Art-wise, it might take some getting used to as the style is distinctively different. But it's one of those types that grow on you after a while, so don't let it turn you off.

This is a romance that is heartwarming, mature and genuine, and teaches that love comes in ways you would never expect.

Overall, highly recommended for anyone who likes romance with a more mature and realistic edge, or if you're looking to try something with this theme.

Look at me, look at me! The monster inside me has grown this large!
- The Nameless Monster (Obluda, Která Nemá Své Jméno)

What does a man have to do to become fictitious? How does one make his existence merely fiction? It's dubbed as the "perfect suicide". Kill everyone who has had memories of you, and finally, kill yourself.


Somewhat long summary, or rather, plot introduction:

The plot of Monster revolves around Dr. Tenma, a surgeon with a bright future in his field of work, and engaged to the beautiful and glamorous daughter of one of the medical world's most influential players, his hospital's director, Udo Heinemann.

One day, he ... is instructed by Udo to abandon a young boy's surgery, who is in critical condition from a bullet wound to his head, and to operate on the Mayor who came in later. Infuriated by the hospital's politics and haunted by his past mistake of giving in to it, he defies his superior's order and operates on the boy, while leaving the Mayor's operation to his colleagues.

The boy survives the operation and Dr. Tenma feels liberated. He did the right thing. As a doctor, he had been fair in his duty, he had saved the life that was to be rightfully saved. But are everyone's lives truly equal?

That's when his reality turns into the most horrifying nightmare he could imagine.

The Mayor dies, Tenma's status is revoked, the director who had taken him under his wing to bring him to the heights of the surgical field casts him away, and his fiancee abandons him.

Consequently, the director dies and the killer is none other than Johan, the boy that Tenma saved. Johan was a mass serial killer, and now that he was brought back to life, goes on a killing rampage, a seemingly mad massacre of countless people.

Agonized, Tenma then sets out to find Johan, and with his own hands that brought this monster back to life, kill him once and for all.


This is a manga that is a true thriller; it's intensely psychological, chillingly creepy, packed with fast-paced action, and builds up the suspense perfectly.

Monster will stay with me as one of the most memorable and impactful mangas I have ever read, not because of the plot and it's expert story-telling (though that is of course what makes it the outstanding manga that it is), but because of the ending.

The ending still creeps me out and it was that moment that made me realise that Monster was, at its heart, a true horror story.

Never before have I experienced a manga that ended at such a bone chilling climax with no trace of closure. This is scarier than those fucked-up horror mangas because at least those have some sort of ending, no matter how warped or disturbing.

I heard the ending is even more creepy in the anime, what with the animation and music. (wow ok I just jumped when I heard a scraping sound outside my room I'm scaring myself shitless writing this) But don't think of watching/reading the ending before even reading the manga, it's only scary if you've read the entire story.



"Tell me, what do you think is the ultimate fear? I thought I'd reached the darkest part of the abyss. But then, ahead of me... There was an even greater darkness."

- Johan Liebert