Heuristic's (Completed and Reviewed!!) 4 and 5 Star BL Manga PART I

Objectively, this is probably a three-star manga, but I gave it four because, in spite of the fact that it lacks a plot and is on the saccharine side, there was just something about the main couple's dynamic that I find irresistibly charming. Recommend if you're craving sweetness from a story that skips over the drama of getting together to focus on a mutually loving domestic partnership.

This is a lovely story that is mostly concerned with what it means to be a family. What drama there is stems mostly from Hitsuji struggling find his place in the father-son unit, even as he teaches his former friend and now lover how to be a parent. Recommended if you want some domestic fluff that doesn't paper over real-life struggles, even if it is a trifle rosy.

Over-the-top indulgence mitigated by a comedic, self-aware tone. It also helps that the main character is very masculine, in spite of the fact that he is cast in the most feminized role imaginable. It may seem strange to give it four stars, but for its excellent art, comedy, & unusual approach to telling its story, it deserves it. Recommended as a thoroughly indulgent manga that is smart enough to not take itself too seriously.

For all of the elements featured in the manga that I don't usually care for, there is a lot that bucks BL convention. This is a well-written, intelligent erotic drama featuring characters that are more interesting than your run-of-the-mill BL stock types. Recommend if you're in the mood for a delightfully atypical, character driven story and don't mind that the people in it aren't especially good people. It is, however, more rape heavy than others on this list, so be forewarned.

So much better than I expected; it features subtle world building that touches on the systemic oppression of minority groups in a way that is understated and thoughtful. The world is socially complex, and this complexity manifests itself in small details. Definitely recommend if you crave a sweet half-bestial romance that doesn't insult your intelligence.

A by the numbers BL story and almost 3 stars, but I gave it four since I liked it so much. I thought the development was plausible, the dynamic between the two was fun (and a little novel), and the pacing is tight. There's nothing realistic or genre-bending about this one, but it is nevertheless a decent story for what it is. Recommended if you want to read a lively, well-written romance that does total BL cliche well and doesn't overstay its welcome.

A heartwarming domestic story that is light on the drama but heavy on the sweetness. It gets bonus points for featuring a child that acts like a child rather than a mini-adult. Recommended if you're in the mood for well-written domestic fluff.

An incomplete story, but not an unsatisfying read as of Vol3Ch18.5. As much a love letter to BL fandom as it is a romance, it highlights the absurdities of BL tropes & fandom while showing why it is that we love it. The story is mostly a comedy, but the love story is actually well realized, relying on a slow-burn romance built upon a sweet and sincere dynamic between our two main leads. Among the funniest BL manga I've come across, an absolute treat.

The highlight is Hideaki, who is surly, manipulative, and, at times, borderline abusive to his childhood friend for whom he obviously has feelings. Tomo is a better person & seems genuinely kind, but it becomes apparent that he has been lying to himself. Their dynamic is, perhaps, not the healthiest, but in service of a damn good story that eschews the usual school-life romance tropes, it's for the best. Recommended if you're in the mood for story with a realistic bite & sweetness.

A gentler romance than is usual for this mangaka that still preserves her nuanced characters & comedic flair. The romance is developed gradually and meticulously, and our leads are so believable that when things turn out well, it's immensely satisfying. A great read if you want a mature and realistic but sweet love story, featuring the patented Nishida Higashi formula of smart writing and realistic characters.