Other BL/YAOI Comics of Note
Playtime with Hakdo
(english)
(manhwa/korean) (explicit) (ongoing) I was skeptical about this one at first because I wasn't sure I was going to be able to tolerate the art style, especially of the main character, who is definitely not drawn to be a standard BL lead. But it's just so funny and great, the two leads are hilarious and it is very easy to watch their antics. There is only the tease of melodrama here, but it never goes that far which is rather refreshing for an explicit yaoi story. There's an arc where a salty ex returns from overseas and just when you're about to roll your eyes from what you expect to be yaoi trope number 5845, it is not treated like that at all. Also the ex's re-confession is hysterical. Also, Mikoshiba's, I mean, Hakdo's sister is a great addition to the story. Again it's worth noting when a female character is actually supportive and great in a BL property instead of a homewrecking harlot. It's nice that the characters are adults who act like adults, but that notion is also played with where the story teases the reader with the idea that one of the characters may be underage, but it turns out to be a 4th-wall sort of misunderstanding due to the reader's misinterpretation of context, and I had to laugh my ass off at it. In the end, these characters are great and the story is funny and entertaining. The sexy times are also fun and hilarious, so it's just an overall wild ride.
Walk on Water
(english) (korean)
(manhwa/korean) (explicit) (ongoing) This story feels somewhat like 1) the non-comedic/dramatic version of Playtime with Hakdo, and 2) a much better version of what From Points of Three was trying to be but ultimately failed to be due to too many tropes, improbable relationships and setup, and poor development of the relationships with a serious lack of chemistry between the characters who are supposedly in love. *cough* Well, this wasn't supposed to be an explanation of why From Points of Three isn't a very good series, but I digress. However, what Walks on Water has going in its favor: adult characters, good art, good sexy time, an interesting view of the adult film industry, has the concept that many of the actors in gay porn are actually straight, believable relationship and character development, interesting plot and story, a very likeable main character. The progression of the main character from the role he fills in each successive film he does is interesting and feels like a logical progression. The characters have chemistry, and behave believably. At the end it had me speculating about future developments in the story, trying to predict what would happen. This one makes me so hungry for more but it's still just on chapter 32 in the raws which is frustrating. Of note, I don't think this one is tagged 'bara', but I feel like this might be one that even gay guys would enjoy reading (not just fujoushi). GIVE ME MORE DAMMIT!
Broken Season
(english) (korean)
(manhwa/korean) (explicit) (ongoing)
This one is a good melodrama with a childhood friends story, a straight character realizing he loves his friend, and well constructed interconnecting slow-reveal sadpanda backstory that was very well thought-out. When you hit the end of the first season, chapter 37, you suddenly realize you were just reading the prequel to the real story (which was why it ended on such a sour note), and that the meat of what the author wanted was just now starting at chapter 38. The two main characters are interesting, their history and relationship are interesting. They have good chemistry, and the main character (the one that wasn't gay per se), has a believable love for his friend that he just can't give up. I like that their relationship isn't rainbows and sunshine, and both characters can be shitty in their own ways (although main character not so much). I like Nami's role in the story even though she breaks my heart because you can easily see real people like her existing. It is both sad and hopeful, and the things that happen in the story aren't so ridiculous that you roll your eyes at how unlikely it is these things might happen. I am very interested to see where the real story goes and how these characters finally reach an accord after all the agonizing drama that has threaded itself throughout their lives.
19 Days
(english) (chinese)
(manhua/chinese) (non-explicit) (ongoing)
The first thing I saw was that this series has over 200 chapters, which gave me pause. The next thing I was skeptical about was its unlikely rating of 9.8/10 despite a questionable art style. The first many chapters were just random vignettes about two guy friends horsing around like dorks in high school, and I was trying to figure out if there was supposed to be an overall plot, or story, or anything that resembled a normal comic. And then somewhere in the 40s it morphs into an actual serial comic with more standard chapters-long storylines and such, fleshing out the characters and their backstories, introducing side characters and how they relate to the leads, etc. The vignettes are actually very, very funny, and I found myself loling at most of them. The plot becomes interesting when it's finally brought in because you're already invested in the characters from reading through their silly unrelated vignettes earlier in the comic. The dialogue is minimalist which is a breath of fresh air compared to most manga/manhwa/manhua, and almost all character dynamics are related in a visual manner. It's got a very unique feel to it, and it is unlike any other comic I've read. Also regarding the two leads; one of the two is definitely in love with the other. Antics happen, the other character smacks him down when it doesn't matter, but when it does, he always steps up without hesitation. And while I do like my share of hardcore yaoi, I do still greatly appreciate such subtle characterization as is present here that never overtly states whether or not these characters are in love with each other and/or are dating in any fashion. The characters are comfortable with each other, and that's all that matters. Anyway, it's fine the way it is.
Unfather
(english)
(manhwa/korean) (explicit) (complete) I initially wasn't going to write about this one, but after having it and the comments surrounding it percolating in the back of my mind for a few days, I find myself compelled to mention it. This is a psychological drama about fucked up people fucking up each other's lives and the terrible results of the things that they do to themselves and each other. The story is tightly plotted (no filler), the characterizations are on point, and one of the most amazing things is that the series is able to lean on the tired Yandere trope without the use of it coming across as forced or cliche (like most stories that have a Yandere). Now, I don't normally like Yanderes because, while there are real people who are as sick in the head as this character, you don't really come across them all that often in real life. They are certainly present in fiction stories at a higher rate than in real life among the population. And Yanderes usually end up making the story either seem farcical (if their psycho crazy habits are made fun of by the story) or too melodramatic (if their actions are treated at face value). However this story actually uses the trope in a proper manner, is developed and characterized well, and their actions have real world consequences. In fact, you don't even know who the Yandere is until the latter quarter of the story, which is great. Double-in-fact, you get to see how an otherwise normal person sort of develops into a Yandere given the correct stimuli. I applaud the author for their effort to make this work. Anyway, you can tell that the author spent a lot of time outlining the story before even putting stylus to tablet. All points in the story service the plot and characters, and everything unfolds organically and in a logical fashion toward the ending that the author (in the afternote) said s/he had planned from the very beginning. That said... I can see how the subject matter would make people uncomfortable, and people made uncomfortable by the subject matter would be very disturbed by the ending. I tried to approach the whole thing from the perspective of just taking the characters as they are, no kink-shaming, and was able to enjoy it. Look, the bottom line is if it bothers you seeing a 40-something-year-old screwing a 24-year-old, this might be something you should pass on, even though it's very well done. Also, I could've done with a little less of the bottom blabbing "no, stop" during sex when he was obviously enjoying it. Of course, this is a general problem for YAOI as a whole, not just this story in particular. I can't think of a single explicit YAOI comic I've read off the top of my head that didn't have this problem in it. Look guys, the bottoms are allowed to enjoy sex too, thanks!
Speaking of the main kink of the story.
(spoilers for Unfather)
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.
.
.
.
.
.
.
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There are a lot of comments on mangago about people being bothered by Kyunghee and Sihyun's relationship, and how it all falls out in the end, and I can understand why this is. But let's look at this from a more abstract perspective. First of all, the youngest character in the pairing is 24, which is well beyond the age of consent in any society. It isn't clear how young Kyunghee was when the relationship started, but in Korea he has a good 4 years of consentable age to go back to not make it weird, and in the USA, 6 years. I got the impression this arrangement between the two started within the previous year in the story, so maybe 23 (if I missed a timeframe on this, pls let me know). The people who want to ding this on the massive age gap really have no leg to stand on because both characters are more than old enough to make whatever choice they want. Whether or not it's a good choice is a different story. Sihyun is definitely manipulative and creepy, and is definitely abusing his position of power over Kyunghee. However, Kyunghee is depicted as more than wiley enough to understand the situation he's in at the end of the story, and also he's well known for making terrible decisions in his life, so regardless, the ending is appropriate because it is true to the characters even if it feels a bit shitty. It's shitty because Kyunghee is a shitty piece of trash on almost the same level as Sihyun himself. You can't excuse away Kyunghee's behavior with "tragic backstory explanation" without realizing that the other two characters (Sihyun and Junsik) probably have tragic backstories to explain their shitty behavior too. It's just something that the author decided wasn't worth depicting, and that's fine, Kyunghee is the main character, so he got more screen time and more character development than anyone else. The reader naturally wants to believe Kyunghee is a good guy because of all that when he really just _isn't. Furthermore, let's face it, this whole shit scenario is compounded by the fact that society's impression of a gay relationship between a guy and another guy twice his age would never be accepted, both characters know that, and constantly wound each other because of it even when they both have independently been shown to have feelings for the other (yes, even Kyunghee). The system was against them from the beginning, which made it impossible for them to come together without significant sacrifices and a boatload of angst.
Anyway, this is all in effect to say that just because the relationship squicks you out doesn't mean this isn't a well-constructed story with well-developed characters, no stupid plot holes, and good pacing.
(english)
(manhwa/korean) (explicit) (ongoing) I was skeptical about this one at first because I wasn't sure I was going to be able to tolerate the art style, especially of the main character, who is definitely not drawn to be a standard BL lead. But it's just so funny and great, the two leads are hilarious and it is very easy to watch their antics. There is only the tease of melodrama here, but it never goes that far which is rather refreshing for an explicit yaoi story. There's an arc where a salty ex returns from overseas and just when you're about to roll your eyes from what you expect to be yaoi trope number 5845, it is not treated like that at all. Also the ex's re-confession is hysterical. Also, Mikoshiba's, I mean, Hakdo's sister is a great addition to the story. Again it's worth noting when a female character is actually supportive and great in a BL property instead of a homewrecking harlot. It's nice that the characters are adults who act like adults, but that notion is also played with where the story teases the reader with the idea that one of the characters may be underage, but it turns out to be a 4th-wall sort of misunderstanding due to the reader's misinterpretation of context, and I had to laugh my ass off at it. In the end, these characters are great and the story is funny and entertaining. The sexy times are also fun and hilarious, so it's just an overall wild ride.
Walk on Water
(english) (korean)
(manhwa/korean) (explicit) (ongoing) This story feels somewhat like 1) the non-comedic/dramatic version of Playtime with Hakdo, and 2) a much better version of what From Points of Three was trying to be but ultimately failed to be due to too many tropes, improbable relationships and setup, and poor development of the relationships with a serious lack of chemistry between the characters who are supposedly in love. *cough* Well, this wasn't supposed to be an explanation of why From Points of Three isn't a very good series, but I digress. However, what Walks on Water has going in its favor: adult characters, good art, good sexy time, an interesting view of the adult film industry, has the concept that many of the actors in gay porn are actually straight, believable relationship and character development, interesting plot and story, a very likeable main character. The progression of the main character from the role he fills in each successive film he does is interesting and feels like a logical progression. The characters have chemistry, and behave believably. At the end it had me speculating about future developments in the story, trying to predict what would happen. This one makes me so hungry for more but it's still just on chapter 32 in the raws which is frustrating. Of note, I don't think this one is tagged 'bara', but I feel like this might be one that even gay guys would enjoy reading (not just fujoushi). GIVE ME MORE DAMMIT!
Broken Season
(english) (korean)
(manhwa/korean) (explicit) (ongoing)
This one is a good melodrama with a childhood friends story, a straight character realizing he loves his friend, and well constructed interconnecting slow-reveal sadpanda backstory that was very well thought-out. When you hit the end of the first season, chapter 37, you suddenly realize you were just reading the prequel to the real story (which was why it ended on such a sour note), and that the meat of what the author wanted was just now starting at chapter 38. The two main characters are interesting, their history and relationship are interesting. They have good chemistry, and the main character (the one that wasn't gay per se), has a believable love for his friend that he just can't give up. I like that their relationship isn't rainbows and sunshine, and both characters can be shitty in their own ways (although main character not so much). I like Nami's role in the story even though she breaks my heart because you can easily see real people like her existing. It is both sad and hopeful, and the things that happen in the story aren't so ridiculous that you roll your eyes at how unlikely it is these things might happen. I am very interested to see where the real story goes and how these characters finally reach an accord after all the agonizing drama that has threaded itself throughout their lives.
19 Days
(english) (chinese)
(manhua/chinese) (non-explicit) (ongoing)
The first thing I saw was that this series has over 200 chapters, which gave me pause. The next thing I was skeptical about was its unlikely rating of 9.8/10 despite a questionable art style. The first many chapters were just random vignettes about two guy friends horsing around like dorks in high school, and I was trying to figure out if there was supposed to be an overall plot, or story, or anything that resembled a normal comic. And then somewhere in the 40s it morphs into an actual serial comic with more standard chapters-long storylines and such, fleshing out the characters and their backstories, introducing side characters and how they relate to the leads, etc. The vignettes are actually very, very funny, and I found myself loling at most of them. The plot becomes interesting when it's finally brought in because you're already invested in the characters from reading through their silly unrelated vignettes earlier in the comic. The dialogue is minimalist which is a breath of fresh air compared to most manga/manhwa/manhua, and almost all character dynamics are related in a visual manner. It's got a very unique feel to it, and it is unlike any other comic I've read. Also regarding the two leads; one of the two is definitely in love with the other. Antics happen, the other character smacks him down when it doesn't matter, but when it does, he always steps up without hesitation. And while I do like my share of hardcore yaoi, I do still greatly appreciate such subtle characterization as is present here that never overtly states whether or not these characters are in love with each other and/or are dating in any fashion. The characters are comfortable with each other, and that's all that matters. Anyway, it's fine the way it is.
Unfather
(english)
(manhwa/korean) (explicit) (complete) I initially wasn't going to write about this one, but after having it and the comments surrounding it percolating in the back of my mind for a few days, I find myself compelled to mention it. This is a psychological drama about fucked up people fucking up each other's lives and the terrible results of the things that they do to themselves and each other. The story is tightly plotted (no filler), the characterizations are on point, and one of the most amazing things is that the series is able to lean on the tired Yandere trope without the use of it coming across as forced or cliche (like most stories that have a Yandere). Now, I don't normally like Yanderes because, while there are real people who are as sick in the head as this character, you don't really come across them all that often in real life. They are certainly present in fiction stories at a higher rate than in real life among the population. And Yanderes usually end up making the story either seem farcical (if their psycho crazy habits are made fun of by the story) or too melodramatic (if their actions are treated at face value). However this story actually uses the trope in a proper manner, is developed and characterized well, and their actions have real world consequences. In fact, you don't even know who the Yandere is until the latter quarter of the story, which is great. Double-in-fact, you get to see how an otherwise normal person sort of develops into a Yandere given the correct stimuli. I applaud the author for their effort to make this work. Anyway, you can tell that the author spent a lot of time outlining the story before even putting stylus to tablet. All points in the story service the plot and characters, and everything unfolds organically and in a logical fashion toward the ending that the author (in the afternote) said s/he had planned from the very beginning. That said... I can see how the subject matter would make people uncomfortable, and people made uncomfortable by the subject matter would be very disturbed by the ending. I tried to approach the whole thing from the perspective of just taking the characters as they are, no kink-shaming, and was able to enjoy it. Look, the bottom line is if it bothers you seeing a 40-something-year-old screwing a 24-year-old, this might be something you should pass on, even though it's very well done. Also, I could've done with a little less of the bottom blabbing "no, stop" during sex when he was obviously enjoying it. Of course, this is a general problem for YAOI as a whole, not just this story in particular. I can't think of a single explicit YAOI comic I've read off the top of my head that didn't have this problem in it. Look guys, the bottoms are allowed to enjoy sex too, thanks!
Speaking of the main kink of the story.
(spoilers for Unfather)
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
There are a lot of comments on mangago about people being bothered by Kyunghee and Sihyun's relationship, and how it all falls out in the end, and I can understand why this is. But let's look at this from a more abstract perspective. First of all, the youngest character in the pairing is 24, which is well beyond the age of consent in any society. It isn't clear how young Kyunghee was when the relationship started, but in Korea he has a good 4 years of consentable age to go back to not make it weird, and in the USA, 6 years. I got the impression this arrangement between the two started within the previous year in the story, so maybe 23 (if I missed a timeframe on this, pls let me know). The people who want to ding this on the massive age gap really have no leg to stand on because both characters are more than old enough to make whatever choice they want. Whether or not it's a good choice is a different story. Sihyun is definitely manipulative and creepy, and is definitely abusing his position of power over Kyunghee. However, Kyunghee is depicted as more than wiley enough to understand the situation he's in at the end of the story, and also he's well known for making terrible decisions in his life, so regardless, the ending is appropriate because it is true to the characters even if it feels a bit shitty. It's shitty because Kyunghee is a shitty piece of trash on almost the same level as Sihyun himself. You can't excuse away Kyunghee's behavior with "tragic backstory explanation" without realizing that the other two characters (Sihyun and Junsik) probably have tragic backstories to explain their shitty behavior too. It's just something that the author decided wasn't worth depicting, and that's fine, Kyunghee is the main character, so he got more screen time and more character development than anyone else. The reader naturally wants to believe Kyunghee is a good guy because of all that when he really just _isn't. Furthermore, let's face it, this whole shit scenario is compounded by the fact that society's impression of a gay relationship between a guy and another guy twice his age would never be accepted, both characters know that, and constantly wound each other because of it even when they both have independently been shown to have feelings for the other (yes, even Kyunghee). The system was against them from the beginning, which made it impossible for them to come together without significant sacrifices and a boatload of angst.
Anyway, this is all in effect to say that just because the relationship squicks you out doesn't mean this isn't a well-constructed story with well-developed characters, no stupid plot holes, and good pacing.