Okay, I am recycling this idea from my own personal blog, but as a general bl-fan, this is what I would push forth if the reader is in search for good bl-books to check out. I was initially inspired by Yuricon’s aka Erica Friedman’s initial call for bloggers to list graphic novels as gift ideas, since New York Times didn’t bother to recommend any graphic novels.
Not everyone is a boy’s love/yaoi fan. This genre is a very specific niche in terms of manga – where there is an acceptance on homosexuality relations and love between two men. Now this list will most likely be suited for 16+ and adult readers. This list will also be of interest to already reading or beginning to read yaoi manga. So be forewarned if this is not your cuppa tea. This list of books is also chosen from an assumption that these books will definitely be your best worth for what is definitely out there in terms of relevant Yaoi manga. (P.S. Not going to go into bara, since that is a little too out of the left field.)
Many of these titles are generally not available at bookstores, so if you look over this list and find what you like, best bet would be for going to Amazon or Akadotretail (Maegane recommends this) or Borders. Now why would I say Borders over Barns & Noble? Because in my experience, they are a physical chain bookstore, that offer a much better Yaoi selection, and members rewards on a weekly event – this is even with Barns & Noble currently having the Nook. Oh also Deux is having an incredible fan sale with titles going for about $5 to $9.
Also another nugget of though before I jump into this list, would be a tweet that NY_Anime_Fest actually tweeted several months ago:
Emo is moe for girls!
Fujoshi Rumi (Media Blasters) (3 volumes+continuing) -This is not a strict bl manga, but one that surrounds the fandom of BL. Fujoshi Rumi is of a girl who loves bl, and what happens around her life. This is a good insight as to the mindset of a fujoshi, which is often generalized as a female otaku. This is a series that is rated 16+
Future Lovers (Deux) (2 volumes only)-This is is a really great character development story, that explores a possibility of what if between two very unlikely personalities. Kento wants to have a normal normal life, but instead gets involved with Akira. Explore through two volumes of their relationship ups and downs. Future Lovers will most likely make you laugh, cry and fall in love with the couple. This book series is for 18+
Living for Tomorrow (Doki Doki) (Oneshot) – Tasuku is a student with a secret, he may be an “agaman,” that is a charm for anyone they sleep with. People are chasing after him to gain his devil’s luck, but what would happen if Tasuku already has a secret crush on his fellow karate class mate Ryouta? The best thing about this book is the character interaction, but this story definitely has a strong enough plot for it to be a 16+ and leave the reader satisfied, but somehow this story is rated 18+
The Dawn of Love (June) (Oneshot) – Masahiro is definitely attracted by his classmate Takane, who he finds out would sleep with a lot of guys. In the real world you would probably be screaming STD’s, but somehow it works with these two. When I read this, I got into my head that this is about a couple in heat. Gah there is a lot of interesting (not explicit) images of sex, and lots of it. This is a very very strong 18+ book, so proceed with caution.
Junjou Romantica (Blu) (11 volumes+continuing) – A series that sparked a popular anime and product line. Junjou is filled with the story of three couples. All tied by the word Junjou – there is Romantica, Egoist, and Terrorist. Junjou is a word expressed as “Pure,” so yes. There is points of emo and comedic aspects in each story, with three very different pairings. So once again, this is a strong 18+ title.
Love Mode (Blu) (11 volumes only) – Under the classy male escort services of Blue Boy, there are lasting relationships made or broken. There are several couples that are introduced, but the main character would have to be the dangerous looking yet devilishly handsome owner of Blue Boy, Aoe Reiji. This series is once again 18+ but would be a great pick for serious readers.
Loving Gaze (June) (Oneshot) – Kazumi has a crush on Yajima, who works directly in the building next door to his own office. Now what would happen if they were to meet? Loving Gaze is a very very sweet and fluffy book, this probably won’t appeal the reader, unless they’re fans of a concept of true love and fate, this title is 18+ and there is the mention of a secondary couple, so take your pick.
Cute Beast (June) (Oneshot) – Cute Beast is actually an anthology. This is a popular format for many Japanese manga, if there are themes then there are going to be monthly magazines, where there is many short stories. My favorite would have to be the title story, but yes this is a book that is enjoyed by readers who want to read a sampling of short fluffy stories with different plot points, without getting tied into reading a long story. If the story is popular enough, then the author of the story will incorporate this story into another story. This book is rated 18+
Gentle Cage (June) (Oneshot)- This is the only yaoi novel selection I have in this list of graphic novels, but the story is definitely one that would satisfy readers. There are mixed reviews for this book, but similar to Loving Gaze, or Cute Beast, this is a subjective book that can be taken with a grain of salt from readers. Itsuki meets Tokiwa, a gifted sculptor, and a relationship begins, but what would happen if something happen to Itsuki and then eight years pass by?
The President’s Time (801) (Oneshot) – Okay just as I was wondering what other book was there I can list, I fianlly recall how I enjoyed reading The President’s Time. This is also one of those great releases that has great character development, and the premises is this. Mutsuki inherits his father’s business, but his dying wish was for Mutsuki to be an evil boss. A slight problem, Mutsuki cannot even hurt a fly if he tried, but he has been making some attempts, and one night he meets Torii, and their relationship steps from there. Similar to Future Lovers, this is a great character development book, that is filled with comedic scenes, something not to be missed. This book is also 18+