criminally underrated BL

[PG, school life, drama]

TW: child neglect, self destructive behavior

+ childhood friends to idk actually lmao
+ friendship/bromance
+ good coming of age story

Two childhood friends who drifted apart realizing that they couldn't be without each other. The story is short and i wish it had been more developed, but i like it regardless. Underrated.

4.5/5

[18+, anthology]

TW: homophobia, violence, voyeurism

+ great writing!
+ entertaining and interesting plots

So underrated! Reading this was like watching a compilation of short movies. Each story is so unique, and though i've never been to spain so i can't confirm it, the background felt well-researched and realistic. I love it so much.

4.5/5

[18+, school life, romance]

TW: internalized homophobia

+ strangers to lovers
+ respectful relationship

This was a good read. The MC is an airheaded boy who loves daydreaming and writing fiction, and i like him a lot.

Sequel: http://www.mangago.me/read-manga/aoi_tori_yori/
Spinoff: http://www.mangago.me/read-manga/yakedo_to_tsumeato/

☆ 4.5/5

[18+, slice of life, drama, romance]

CW: promiscuous behavior, sexism

"I want to be a scar on him that never fades, and i was willing to do whatever it took." what a line. What a manga. So well written even with such short chapters. Every character has reasons for their choices, and their growth & development are so rewarding to read.

Prequel/spinoff: http://www.mangago.me/read-manga/seinen_hakkaten/
Sequel: http://www.mangago.me/read-manga/aoi_tori_yori/

4/5

[18+, school life, rom-com]

TW: bondage, dub-con because of alcohol, pet play

+ friends to lovers
+ funny as hell
+ interesting characters

The author captured the innocence and weirdness of highschool boys really well. I like kashiwaya's personality and his out-of-this-world imaginations--i've never seen a character like him in BL manga. So entertaining and refreshing to read!

4.5/5

[18+, historical, drama, hurt/comfort, romance]

TW: violence, age gap

+ strangers to lovers
+ tender

The son of a bankrupt kimono store reunited with his late father's former employee who wanted to repay the kindness he once received. I love how tender and romantic this manga is. From the art to the plot and the dialogue, it made me feel like missing someone i've never met before.

4/5

[PG, drama, romance]

TW: brothers pseudo-incest, ableism, child abuse, child neglect

+ good writing and characters
+ autistic MC

Two brothers found out that they weren't related and had to face the felings they'd kept hidden for so long. I think the author did a very good job writing about their relationship, how they were bonded and how they developed feelings for each other, as well as their confusion and fear in acknowledging them.

4.5/5

[18+, supernatural, historical, romance]

TW: pedophilia & rape (not between MCs), period-typical sexism, kidnapping, age gap

+ reincarnation
+ beautiful writing and art
+ bittersweet

An orphaned guy who had been able to see spirits since he was born found himself living with a mysterious man residing in the mountains. The man kept many secrets, and one of them linked them together. This was a bittersweet and beautiful story.

4/5

[18+, rom-com]

TW: sexual assault (not between MCs), homophobia

+ co-workers
+ manly couple
+ good communication, not much drama
- the assault was not dealt seriously
- some problematic remarks

Two men who're passionate about their jobs kept butting heads when they first met, but gradually found that they were actually a good fit for each other, both in work and romance.

4/5

[18+, romance]

+ enemies to friends to lovers
+ co-workers
+ manly couple

Daiki, a ground mechanic at Japan Airways, had always hate-envied Rihito, the capable and handsome star pilot. After years of animosity, the two were forced to get along after Rihito moved in with Daiki, and finally became friends when they realized how much both of them loved their jobs. I liked reading about men who are passionate about their work, and this is just a treat.