Because I’ve been AWOL since the last time I posted a recommendation, I have three that I’ve been planning to recommend anyways. Sorry for the delay. :\

Here are three stories that everyone should at least check out.


J-Boy by Biblos (multiple artists)

Summary: This compilation from Biblos contains stories ranging from serious, true love, innocent love, perverted masters, and many gags. My favs are include a samurai whom travels Japan to find his Seme, a child and his beloved hero, a master magician with a penchant for making his innocent student act perverted, and an all boys school rampart with “spiritual names.” Artists include Haruka Minami, Ruiko, Homerun Ken, Naduki Koujima, Kyushu Danji, Natsuho Shino, and many more.

Pro: This 350+ page manga is a very good pick for any yaoi fan as well as an excellent book to use to initiate newbies to the fandom. There is a range of artists, each with different styles and some have manga that has been, or will be, published by June. Many of the stories are cute and most of the less beautiful stories are hilarious. $16.95 price.
Con: I didn’t like the sob story that takes up 50+ pages right in the middle of the manga; the art and the story didn’t grab me at all. I don’t think you’ll find this in any book store unless ordered; I got it from an anime store. And, since Biblos in Japan have long gone, I don’t think we’ll be getting another volume.

Publisher:June……………………Shounen ai - Yaoi

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Minstrel’s Love by CJ Michalski

Summary: Minstrel Miura Noboru is desolate due to his lack of inspiration until a chance meeting at the park with high schooler Katagiri Yuuma awakens his muse. Despite Noboru being 99% creepy, Yuuma begins to warm up to him, even longing the time that they spend together.

Pro: Yuuma is cute :D. The story is very entertaining, especially once their feelings for each other are obvious. And Yuuma’s embarrassment towards what Noboru does is very funny.
Con: The huge style difference between Noboru and Yuuma makes the story feel very shota-ish, not to mention Noboru’s stalking tendencies and rough appearance during the first chapter. The story is only three chapters long.

Scanlator: ………………………Yaoi, 18+

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Hydra by Miyamoto Kano

Summary: Returning from the hospital due to an accident, Naoyuki Hitomi hears from his classmates of Ryuu Utsumi, a transfer student from Kansai whom possesses fighting skill as well as a tattoo, not unlike the yakuza. Hitomi’s given a chance to see the infamous tattoo with Utsumi’s casual invitation and is allowed to draw his observation. While he draws, Hitomi gets to know Utsumi and realizes that perhaps there are reasons other than the tattoo that draws him to Utsumi.

Pro: The building of the relationship is subtle, with the boys slowly getting comfortable with each other. There is no out of the blue confessions; blushes are rare and almost unnoticeable. The mystery around Utsumi is very intriguing. The drawing is simple but, sometimes, beautiful as well.
Con: Some may be drawn away by the 80s looking artstyle. There is lots and lots of reading. Sometimes it’s hard to figure out what is happening in the panels/with the characters.

Scanlator: ………………….. Shounen ai - Yaoi

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