STORY. I look at yaoi as another relationship-based manga, just between two men. And on a more adult level than shoujo/shounen.
Moreover, I like how relationships between two men are more realistic than those depicted in shoujo.
So I look at sex scenes as just part of the plot. So, story is 100% essential.
Not fond of cute, more into reallistic ...... reply
60 exactly, I looked at my inventory. I love to take them with me to my medical appointments, etc, etc lol. I have a couple of mangas for sale right now, if anyone is interested:
* Love+alpha- Kanzaki Takashi = 2 copies brand new @ $15ea plus s&h
* Thirsty for Love- Takaguchi Satosumi = 1 used copy, excellent condition @ $12 plus s&h reply
Suggestions: Natsume Isaku's works are my favorites. Especially Ameiro Paradox and Kiraboshi Dial.
I tend to find BL with an extra serving of FLUFF and ADORABLENESS. But of course, the story needs to have DEPTH. It can't be nonsense fluff. Specifically, the "I'm-straight-but-I'm-banging-this-one-guy-cause-he's-strangely-kawaii-but-NO-HOMO" kind of...... reply
I tend to be drawn to series that have a darker tone. The ones I love most often revolve around characters that have their own demons or major issues but find some sort of comfort in each other. I like protective but not possessive characters, and I heavily favor consensual scenes. 1 reply
If I'm on a page that shows anything raunchy I'll switch off of it. I keep other tabs open for that occasion. However it's not because I don't want people to know, it's just because some people aren't very comfortable with pornographic content. People know I read it, but I try to play interference for the sex scenes just to avoid the awkwardness. 1 reply
Several of my friends who I met through shred interest in anime know, as does my Mom. I'm in my 20's, so it's not like it has to stay a secret because of any legal angle. I don't talk about it around people I don't know well, simply because it might be off-putting to them. I've become more careful about what topics I bring up after finding out that...... reply
My mother knows full well that I read yaoi, and doesn't care. She has no real interest in it, but I've mentioned specific stories and shown some (non-pornographic) pictures to her when talking about things I like and admire in them. Then again, We're both adults, so it's just not a big deal. reply
