Kirai's manga / #re-encounter(33)

Synopsis: Kanade (MC) is the sort of trash who womanises, gambles and mooches off his partners. One day, he meets his high school classmate, Haruka (ML), who has been harbouring affections for him for a long time. An accident sends them to a world where women no longer exist and men have developed secondary genders. Now an omega, Kanade finds himself falling for Haruka. Review: Haruka is a good boyfriend to Kanade, and Kanade grows quite a bit after living with Haruka. Their reactions to the concept of omegaverse is funny, and I also like that they return to their original world near the end of the plot. Plus, it's good to see Kanade fight back against assailants; even though he is an omega, he is not meek. The faces are drawn well, but sometimes they lack expressiveness. As for the story, it pivots often to the next plot point and the pacing is uneven because of this.

Synopsis: When the MC's crime organisation goes under, he is approached by the ML, who buys his body. MC is suspicious of this man who's willing to shelter him from the law, but it turns out that ML is merely in love with him and, perhaps, a little unhinged. MC only manages one outing without notice before ML decides to trap him permanently. Review: A small-scope manhwa with crisp art, decent smut, a rough MC and a deceptively soft-looking ML. This manhwa ends on an ambiguous note, without the MC reaching the point of falling in love or developing Stockholm syndrome.

Synopsis: Learning that he's an omega, Asahi (MC) shares the news with his best friend, an alpha named Kei (ML). However, Kei deduces that he and Asahi are not fated pairs, and in anger he rapes Asahi. Many years later at a class reunion, Asahi realises that he's in love with Kei. This triggers his heat, prompting Kei to make Asahi his permanently. Review: The art is decent but both characters are rather shallow. The ML is sadistic and toxic during the time he thinks he cannot have the MC, which so happens to be the majority of the story. Amazingly, MC falls in love with his ex-best friend even after getting raped then ghosted. They both forgive each other upon learning that their love is requited. That side character friend is not paid enough for this.

Synopsis: Only people with superhuman consitutions, known as hunters, can fight against monster dungeons. Siblings of hunters are exempted from army conscription, so some families adopt orphans who demonstrate the potential to become hunters in adulthood. Yeon-woo (MC) is one such orphan, becoming the big brother to Mo Jeong-woo (ML). Yeon-woo is determined to become a hunter to protect Jeong-woo, but Jeong-woo becomes prickly whenever the topic comes up. Five years later, Yeon-woo is deployed to what may be his last stand. Review: The world-building is the best part about this manhwa. The way different facets of society treat hunters is very compelling. I also especially liked how the time mechanics of the dungeon closes the age gap between MC and ML. However, at the end, any care is thrown out in favour for smut—in a dungeon in which MC's entire squadron have died. The story stops there, which is a bit disappointing, but readers say that the original author passed away before they could finish writing, so I understand.

Synopsis: Kim Doyoon gets into a car accident and wakes up in the body of Yeo Doyoon, who has committed suicide. Although they come from different social classes, it seems like they share a similar abusive upbringing. Returning to university, Doyoon re-encounters his closest university friend, Hangyeol, but he acts much colder than how Doyoon remembers him. Meanwhile, Hangyeol keeps seeing similarities between this suspicious person and his beloved sunbae whom he is mourning. Review: Worth the read. Kim Doyoon has a good heart and respects the body he awakens in. Despite being loved by everyone he befriends, he is insecure about worth as a person. Hangyeol is the type of love interest that only cares about his sunbae—otherwise, he's a total misanthropist. You can tell when Hangyeol discovers the truth about Doyoon's identity by how his attitude instantly does a 180° turn. The story also goes in depth on the backstories of Kim Doyoon, Hangyeol and even the deceased Yeo Doyoon, explaining how their experiences have shaped their personalities. There's lots of comedic moments and also angst. Read up to chapter 57.

Synopsis: Hayato (MC) has been borrowing the name of an infamous yakuza member, 'Tiger', in street fights. One day, a man he brings to bed turns out to be the real Tiger. Review: It's got some romance, smut, backstories and a couple that can kick ass, but overall it's mediocre.

Synopsis: Torisumi Yuuhi (MC) is unable to see people's faces due to his childhood trauma. One day, he encounters a man whose face he can see—and that man confesses to him on the spot! Thus, Yuuhi becomes friends with Ukawa Itsuki (ML), whose personality is totally different from his introverted self. Review: Cute couple. It's a fairly light manga, with characters that act rather outlandishly. I liked how many elements of the past influence the present, such as Itsuki's job occupation. It was also heart-warming to see Yuuhi's disorder start to improve at the end. Even so, I don't understand why he is able to see the face of his childhood bully, the root of his trauma.