Unique & Unconventional

Shintani, part-timer at a casino backed by the yakuza, finds himself caught in his co-worker Kikuchi's embezzlement scheme. Sudou, a sleepy, young prostitute and the Oyabun's "wife," helps organize Kikuchi and Shintani's punishment.

*

Yokosu Inu, Mekuru Yoru is a poem at heart. I've never read a story like this one. Then again, no one really writes or draws like Nobara Aiko. One thing's for sure... her manga is an acquired taste.

Minato attempts to fulfill a fantasy scenario (two words, "being defiled") in the washroom at school and ends up roping a janitor into his play. Little do they both know they'll be seeing each other again soon, and often!

*

Just cute and sexy! The characters are great but the story's a little too short for my liking.

Susumu, doing some soul searching as a solo traveller, meets Tobias, the brilliant, one-legged snow boarder. They're as different as night and day.

*

Spectacularly written, and doesn't particularly follow any popular BL conventions. So, it's sure to surprise anyone who reads.

Takkun is tall, kind, and popular. He's got it all. Though, secretly, he just happens to love cute things. And thats why his stalker, Junpei, loves him.

*

This one includes some one shots, none of which I was too serious about. But the main pairing's great. Unconventional. Hey, that's my thing! It's cute. Surprisingly deep near the end. And a faithfully easy read.

Daiya-kun'a job is boring and incredibly stressful... it's hard being an awkward server. One day, a kind man, whom Daiya-kun names A-san, saves him from an uncomfortable situation. Now he just needs to know everything about him!

*

Erotic, capital 'E.'

Unique characters with unique designs. Stimulating. Definitely stimulating. And beautiful... hard to believe this is the same mangaka that wrote Hit on by a Kinky Guy.

Story #1: The cardboard robot a man made as a child has mysteriously come to life.

Story #2: A lecturer's trapped in a pit with his assistant... or not?

Story #3: A beautiful man ventures to the land of ugly, and finds himself a hideous man-maiden.

*

The first two stories are brilliant, the last one's campy and silly.

Susumu's editor tells him he should start writing BL. But his heart's not in it — well, only until his co-worker, Minoru, convinces him it's worth it. And promises to help him study.

*

So. Freaking. Good. The art, the dialogue, the narrative. It's so cute and incredibly true to life. Reminds me of my own relationships (say "Ew!" all you want). The lead is the seme, which you don't see every day. Even if you want to.

Shiba is humiliatingly in love with his cool senpai, Akiyama. When Shiba confesses, he gets much more than he bargained for.

*

If I had to be buried with a book, I'd need someone to buy a copy of Akiyama-kun first. Just so unorthodox for a BL! Nobara Aiko is incapable of writing a story that isn't raw or beautiful.

Trash-picking gangs have a penchant for romance.

*

I've read some of Shoowa's other work. Very different! But her art, aesthetics and language are all very shonen-reminiscent. The first story is a very precious favourite. Unparalleled in wit and character.

Chitose remembers Koutaka. Years after they'd last seen each other, it's Chitose's birthday, and he wonders if Koutaka remembers him too.

*

Melancholic and deeply nostalgic. A memorable read.