Afterglow
very insanely cute i will ALWAYS eat up these dynamics without fail RAHHHH character design is gorgeous, tenju’s back tattoo is so stunning and i love the way their bodies interacted during the more intimate scenes, very sensual and sexy!!!! Only downside is the awkward stiff expressions in certain scenes + some anatomy looked stiff too in their actions as well as the dialogue (which im assuming maybe its the tl) but otherwise it is still a very enjoyable read!! Love how steadfast kiyotaka is through their little argument and his little tsun tendencies… tenju indulging in his shy half truths is adorable as well, the overall romantic progression they had felt also was solid i aint mad!! Def couldve expand more on tenju’s backstory which i hope the author will touch in the next installment EEE Cant wait for their sequel!!!!!!
Private Call
I LOVEEEEEEE this story so much oh my god its pure adorable fluff, it feels so fresh despite being the usual abo setting, i think its because of the rarity of secondary genders so much so that even when jinhwan turned out to be an alpha, he doesnt make it a big deal and even clarified that he got a vasectomy LOOK ME IN THE EYE AND TELL ME HOW MANY MLS DO THAT!! NONE NADA EXACTLY?!!? he rlly said we having creampies worry free babyyy RAHHH i love him…. And i love the author for just dropping that in casually as a way of contraception thats so rare to see in fiction, especially an abo ml to say that AHHHHH the way he jumped into top 10 best mls for me instantly lol thats so insanely attractive of him!!!!!!!!!! A Sexy confident flirt and a puppy golden retriever to boot??! Author!!! I SEE UR GAME LOUD AND CLEAR BC ME TOO!!!!! Love love love the romantic chemistry and progression doha and jinhwan had. Usually when couples get together early in the story it’d automatically be a snooze fest but this one took me by surprise!!!!!! I loveeeee how sweet and timid doha is in navigating a healthy relationship and how supportive and adoring jinhwan is in helping him along the way, its soooo adorably sweet and vanilla that doesnt feel too textbooky. Especially with the way the author handled their past traumas. Their dialogue and communication shines a lot in those scenes, its soooo endearing TTT their little flirty banters is the cherry on top i swear bc it just flows so naturallt between them. I LOVE when characters does a big loud smooch over the phone, its so rare that whenever it happens i cheer so loudly ITS SO CUTE AND REAL!!!! Dont get me started with the gorgeous anatomy holy fucking shit???? The way the artist depicted their bodies interacting with each other during the sex scene and other intimate moments was fucking amazing. Hands HANDS THE HAND PLACEMENTS!!!!!!!!!!! immediately shot this story up to magnum opus bc of how natural the body movement is in each scene. And with the dialogue??? Perfection. I dont fucking care if we get zero plot and just have slice of life stories of these two being adorably in love i will fucking eat it bc the visual treat im seeing rn is INSANE…. love how author draws expressions as well, sure jinhwans mug is intense in some scenes but idk i find it so fresh and fun!!!! The way the characters are placed and posed in certain panels are so fresh too!! Jinhwan backing his car into the parking space as doha talks and fiddles with the cake box, jinhwan massaging doha’s foot, the constant hand holding, jinhwan teasing and flirting with doha by not letting him hold the cake box, all these acts of intimacy are so naturally subtle and it hits so hard when u notice it AHHHHH artist you absolute madlad…… so much care and detail is being put into consideration in the storyboarding man how could u Not love it????? Its so sweet and doha’s character is just So fucking adorable and jinhwan is absolutely smitten!!!! The chapters with sex are a lot, sure but it doesnt feel mindless or redundant to me, mainly because of how good the anatomy and dialogue are, i cant get over it give me more of those scenes bc holy shit does the artist know how to draw them!!!! The art style is so so mature and refined!!!!! ITS FUCKING GOOD!!!! I LOVE THIS STORY WAY TOO MUCHHHHHHHHH instant magnum opus for me idc LMAO its vanilla done right!!!
Perle
I genuinely dont know where to start with this but i know its gonna be long bc good lord, this story. Peak doomed yaoi. A commenter summarised it perfectly; its a tragic, shakespearean cliche. Right from the beginning you can already expect where the story is headed but it still doesnt make the buildup and irony hurt any less. I was Anticipating the angst and it still felt like a punch to the gut at the end. First of all, the art, story boarding and panels are done so tastefully that it perfectly captures the prose-like narration and dialogue that flowed through the story. Its so so beautifully written and suits the historical setting so well. I love how this story is a masterclass in executing the “show dont tell” story telling with all the hints of dialogue and symbolism littered everywhere. The story unraveling through jean’s wary, unreliable narrator perspective is such a nice way to navigate the readers through the court drama, politics and pending heart break. The story telling and story boarding in that aspect was purely top tier, i have no notes on that. It was amazingly presented. One of bl’s magnum opuses, easily. My heart still aches very numbly at the thought of all the symbolism finally piecing together at the end. Maximillian is one of the best, well written, thought-provoking and sensual characters ive ever read. I fucking adore him from the very start of his act as a wayward prince until the end. He tarnished his own name for the sake of a successful rebellion and its just so heart breaking when you realise that he has planned this down to the minute detail and it all started from the very first time he landed his eyes on jean reading egalité. Maximin knew he was leading a dying country that is in need of a complete revival from all the mess his uncle has created and earnest eyed Jean was the perfect vehicle for that. It all became so bittersweet when you realise that maximin orchestrated this for 10 long years by being jean’s sponsor, planting cornell to both spy and aid Jean all while essentially preparing himself for his approaching death. From the very start, jean’s love was doomed to die despite his efforts in searching and protecting him and i fucking cry at the fact that they never had a chance to begin with. Maximin covered his tracks as jean’s sponsor so fucking well that it even made me doubt he was little pearl in the first place lmao. And i love how the story shifted jean’s search for little pearl into him realising that whether maximin was little pearl or not, he would still love him either way. Its such a nice conclusion and development to both the romance and jean’s character and in a way im happy that maximin knew of such sweetness before he died, that whoever he is, jean still loved him regardless. AHHHHHHHHHH the angst is just so perfectly executed. It makes reading this the second time feel so much more heart breaking, especially when maximin treated jean awfully in the beginning, now understanding that he must be doing this so that jean’s hatred for nobles and his resolve for the rebellion will be unwavering. Yet despite that, jean still fell for him bc deep down he Knew maximin was his person. He knew!!!!!!!!! And that love nearly became their undoing!!!!!!!!!!! AHHH god… Even the way maximin teased and “insulted” jean on how hes a catamite that couldnt “act” bc of his obvious displeased expression, it was all so that jean Knows on what to improve on himself for their plan. Even leading him to the secret escape route all for the sake of helping jean lead a successful revolution. Its all so elaborate and fucking sad. “I hope you find this freedom/light is a gift to your liking” fucking kill me at this point??? He rlly made sure jean’s resolve for the rebellion was unwavering even when it meant he had to be hated in return. Knowing his sacrifice, it makes Maximin’s “My Joachim.” so devastating and full of love. What a well written, heartbreakingly noble character. Just when jean thought he was steps ahead in saving him, maximin, for 10 long years, has always been leaps ahead of him. The only pov you can even get from him is from the excerpts that ariel said to jean as “little pearl”. Those adoring observations mustve all been maximin’s. I’m still reeling at their letters especially at the detail that maximin too, yearned and adored jean just as much, with how crumpled and worn the letters are from the repetitive holding and reading. Everytime jean seethed at maximin’s actions all while yearning for his little pearl makes the reveal at the end so much more painful bc not only did jean realise he technically lead his little pearl’s to death (and with his own gun that gave to protect him at that which is so tragically romantic), maximin was also turning blind from the poison the duke gave him. And it all clicks when you realise why maximin refused to give jean the already present tea in his room at the beginning bc its for “imperials” only. The poisoned tea is for him alone. FAWK. Its all these little details clicking into place that makes this story an even heart wrenching tragedy bc jean, god bless his heart, genuinely had no fucking clue TT-TT even the reveal at the end where maximin ordered him to tailor his extravagant outfit; all bc of the promise jean made for him in the letter and its the only way he could claim it without jean knowing who he is TT-TT even the constant “i’ve been waiting for you to find me.” while knowing hes little pearl and his losing eye sight; “I just wanted to see you” “im used to the dark” i wanna die like ? maximin loved jean so fucking much man its devastating. The painting reveal made me sob even harder when i realised that maybe the unidentifiable animal leg jean saw in the painting maximin gave the duke too, was a tiger all along. And now in hindsight i could just laugh and cry at how jean technically had his confirmation in his hands already. To think Jean’s long search for his little pearl was already in his arms all this time, all while unknowingly leading his beloved to his own orchestrated death. Oh maximin, “Ma petite perle, mon cher jean” His little pearl, his dear Jean. The evidence and admittance that jean has been searching for so long. A tiger and his pearls. What better way to end the story. Jean finally did found his little pearl ;-; and they were each other’s little pearl!!!!!!!!!!!!! Pure adoring sweetness and heart break. It ended perfectly. A classic shakespearean cliche done absolutely right. I genuinely hope and pray that we get physical eng tl copies of the novel and manhwa, and an anime movie or a drama adaptation by a really good studio please please. Cloverworks would be perfect for this. Please. I need this story to have a big international following bc i Need that fix it/au fic NEOW. Give this author and artist their fucking flowers man. Instantly top 5 of my most favourite bl of all time. Gorgeous execution, elegant prose, dialogue and narrarion as well as beautiful, stunning art and expressions. The angst is satisfying, will definitely reread if im in the mood to have my heart shatter again. Beyond 10/10, Im in constant awe. I will honest to god remember this story forever.
Undercover Darling
Very fresh and interesting first love reunited slash undercover cop premise!! Mc and ml’s highschool experience was so heart breaking for the both of them, they love each other so much its just the circumstances that suck :( hope the resolution for the drama is satisfying!
Foam of the Sea
Love the overarching theme of fate and sacrifices in this story, its presented so tastefully especially with how the characters developed. God i’d die for mag, shes not some super op mc, shes so realistically flawed and her life as margaret is so especially bleak with how she got framed and killed as a scapegoat for “the greater good”. Especially with how grim the author presented the conflict on war and how it doesnt have a simple, naive solution. Like there are fucking stakes here and i appreciate the author for considering that!!! It sets the perfect tone for the angst and how inevitably fucked everything is in mag’s first life. Still aching at That panel where margaret hugged mag in comfort before she lied about her being a witch. It is one of the most heart breaking and beautiful scenes in rofan for me and perfectly captures the agony in her conflicting identity and decision. Shes really, really trying her best and like the theme (1 or All sacrifice) entailed; she’d rather sacrifice herself than allow another futile war. Margaret Must continue be wrongfully condemned in order to maintain the peace for others and its so fucking heartbreaking and bleak. Theres just so many instances in the story where one decision fucks up the fate of others all for the greater good and its presented in a way that u cant even hate the characters for doing so bc u can emphatise with it, even Squal’s mistake was heart breaking bc you can see how powerless and manipulated he was, the same with Jack’s fear and guilt in the ‘fire’ and poison. The characters’ decisions are so deeply entwined with the other that every reveal had me feeling devastated lmao. I love how the author tackled mag’s reaction in each reveal, its so deeply raw. Shes going through the fucking wringer Both of the men she loved had a hand in killing her but in totally different ways. And the way its resolved is so good as well, because all she wanted from Squal was an apology, and maybe Just maybe of him reaching towards her during the fall. Atleast Jack admitted to his wrongs, communicated and gave her a long needed apology, prioritised her safety during the kidnapping and in return mag chose their fate by jumping to save him. Its such a nice way to rewrite her traumatic experience with Squal all while developing her character at the same time. Love how that scene emphasised in choosing the decision she believed was best, no matter if it all turned to foam or not. The little mermaid parallels made it even better aaa Its so bittersweet and triumphant all at the same time :’) Margaret, jack and squal had shitty circumstances stacked up against them and the only one truly at fault is the southern leader. I love how realistic and multifaceted ALL the characters are, its so rich and full of depth, its so so refreshing to see flawed characters reframe their perspective and try their best to change things for the better. I unironically love squal’s character the most, hes just the most pitiful guy who kept on making the wrong choices that he thought was right. Just incredibly naive and misguided, and i love the way hes redeemed by finally taking reigns in stopping the war. Mag’s character development was so satisfying to see and jack’s guilt being revealed was done so well. In a way, its a story on their path to their own self-redemption as well (mag acknowledging the weight of the war, squal standing up against his father, jack trying to clear margaret’s name due to his ‘actions’) The parallels!!! God, I adoreeee the story telling, theme and writing this story has. The panels and story boarding were planned to perfection, especially the constant moon, stars and fate imagery. The stars falling in each decision mag chooses is so beautifully scenic and poetic. I love how the author had a plan ready in mind for this story and didnt choose to overstay its welcome by inserting unnecessary fodder plot. The theme is simple, direct and to the point all while tugging the heart strings successfully. The Artstyle and expressions are beyond gorgeous and the pacing was great, the plot is fresh and fun as well. Such a good rofan story seriously!!!!!!!!!!
Killer Peter
Oh im obsessed i love this so much everything from the art to the plot is jsut A1, its soooo fucking good!!!!!!!!!!! I have nothing to say other than this being one of my favourite korean shounen manhwas this year. Love how fresh and fun the entire killer concept + biblical motifs, very well expanded world building. I adore mc i love him so much he serves such a fierce mug in every chapter i just love him ? Cuntiest twunk ive ever seen… and the amount of gratuitous ass shots we have in this is amazing the artist is rlly doing it for the girlies and they have my thanks forever. The homoerotic tension and dialogue in certain scenes is great as well, bc truly what else is more queer than intense biblical motifs, with peter being this source of undying light of hope and fawned (desire to be killed, but hey still lol) by everyone !!!!!! Still reeling at the kowloon arc bc of how well written that arc is, the imagery and art and story boarding is amazing, i shed solid tears in that arc my gawd……. I rllt cant wait to see how this unfolds the further we get, its been so fun!!!!!!!! The found family of it all is so sweet too aughhhhhhhh i love it i love all the characters truly, i hope it ends with peter achieving his dream to take a photo with his friends (then and now) pls… give my old man a break. What a story seriously Author and artist are truly the dream team for this project i feel so blessed to get to read this AHHH need my fujo sisters and brethrens to hop on this and give it the love it deserves bc god i need those peter/everyone fics to flood ao3 NEOW!!!!!! Ch 54 (character info and sheets) Ch 69 (left off + want official tl)
Rairairaise
Love these tropes so much, the already established casual intimacy especially now knowing their backgrounds in their past, makes this even better :’) “you’re just as beautiful as ever.” Oh my heart….. theyre finally doing things they arent able to do in the past aaaa artist rlly knows how to tug the heartstrings so bittersweetly :’) the atmosphere as always is so muted, sweet and dreamy, i love artist’ line work so much ;-; its so delicate and detailed all at the same time. Rlly carries that added sense of warmth and comfort in every panel :’)
The Mutual Non-Aggression Is Unpalatable
The premise was rlly promising but the pacing and exposition/narration is so so incredibly confusing. The story boarding feels off too and jumps between scenes and locations rlly weirdly. Sometimes i dont even know what a dialogue/chapter is about bc of how choppy it is lmao. Still dont see the romantic chemistry between mc and ml, their interaction feels so confusing at times. The time skips makes it worse too. At most, it feels like youre reading an early draft of a story where they didnt get to expand the bullet points of certain sections and went straight to the drawing board, just sticky notes of everything and anything and youre just left wondering where in the story are we at lol. No climax, rising action nothing its all so confusinfhdhbd
Takara no Biidoro
Taishin carrying this entire story for me imma be real with youdhhdjdh hes sooooo fucking adorable, just ab absolute dear in every panel hes in. Hes so sweet and earnest and just trying his darnest best my adorable airhead baby…… i love airhead mcs so much theyre so near and dear to me… took me a good 2 hrs reading this bc of how i had to stop and clench my fist in every panel taishin is in hes just so fucking cute
Osananajimi ja Gaman Dekinai