The Essentials - BL

On the darker side of yaoi, Yoneda Kou's content is unflinchingly realistic at times. The struggles of past relationships bite down on two people and keep them from moving on, in every aspect of life, both consciously and unconsciously. "Coming out of one's shell" is depicted beautifully in this story, by the actions of both the seme and the uke. Famous in Japan, both author and series.

Again, a controversial one. This one is all around hated by the west, and it's largely forgotten in Japan. Around 2004, at it's peak, Ayase, the protag of the series, was once voted the cutest uke of all time (he's still pretty cute). He is sold as a sex slave, and bought on auction by a loan shark. Though he means no harm, the loan shark struggles to keep stereotypical masculine rage and territory-marking in check. What they both want to be healthy is a cycle of miscommunication.

Has a very successful anime, which of course inevitably gives it a lot of traction in the west. The themes are almost sickly sweet, but Love Stage takes a refreshing look into the idea of being homosexual. It is comical, cute, and very heartfelt. The main character is an otaku who grew up in a family of entertainers, full of talent when all he wants to do is manga. The protag's life experiences actually mirror the mangaka's, as she is the grand daughter of a former prime minister.

Literally "Rose of 100 Days," but localized as "Maiden Rose," Hyakujitsu no Bara is one of the most uniquely mature historical romances to ever become popular, in any genre. As typical of this mangaka, the story follows the wartime past and present relationship of two men from sudo-Europe and Asia. The artist works well to juxtapose elements of zenophobia, religion and foreign custom. The external works against the individual to define anew the value of love and loyalty.

Haru wo Daite Ita, localized as "Embracing Love," is by far one of the most iconic BL of the pre-Junjou era. The story revolves around two actors that are hired to play gay men in the movie adaption of a famous novel. One of the actors is a well-to-do star, while the other has been pulled from the AV industry for his part. Conflicts ensue about the pride of a professional. This series inspired two OVAs and a spinoff anime and manga - a samurai alternative storyline in meiji.

I would consider this a very well known read in the BL community of Japan, but not so much of the western world. This story was a great surprise for me. It turned out to have a very strong message: "Success is nothing if you don't have anyone to share it with." Maya, the seme, is also apparently beloved for his "legendary hotness." I agree with this statement.

Antique Bakery has both a live action movie, and an anime. The mangaka is one of the most prolific BL authors, and is a favorite among the academic and literary community. Her stories are often more mature and "josei" than typical BL counterparts. Antique Bakery is about the venture of a straight male to open a business with a gay baker who somehow "always makes his employers fall for him." It is a smooth, unforced read with true fun, true hurt, and true motivation.

This story is one of three trending Yakuza BL: Saezuru (on this list), and Acid Town are its compliments. It is a very dark tale with 2 sequels, and it takes a while to find "love" as a central element. Yakuza are loyal to a fault, and sometimes jealousy and love has no business in the affairs of an illegal dynasty. Kabuto is a high-ranking member, while Nirasawa is an expendable footman, brought off the street. Neither are gay. But both slip into a mutual relationship.

The mangaka of this series is the most prominent male author in BL. His style is partial to the aestheticization of effeminacy in men. This story is about a man and his two half brother, who find themselves living under the same roof. They are all in the film industry, haunted by the success of their late father and mother in the creation of a specific work, that they must now remake. The trauma of the past closes in around them and comes full circle into the nostalgia and beauty of their film.

Very cute tale. It sets the standard for BL stories that focus on the conception of "even though they're boys, they naturally fall in love. Had its peak relevance around 2010. Lately it isn't as commonly mentioned."