Manga: The Flower That Seems to Truly Dance

Has it happened to you that a book feels like a fresh breeze? I recently read a manga that gave a break from reality, allowing me to dream about a time where things were more complicated, but also more intense, more honest, more romantic. More everything. I'm talking about The Flower That Seems to Truly Dance, by Saki Tsukahara. Thanks to the publisher for sending me a review copy!

• Print Length: 224 pages.
• Publisher: TokyoPop.
• Publication Date: February 21, 2023.
• Genres: Drama, Gay, Manga, Romance, Yaoi.
• Rating: 4 / 5 stars.

"No one can know about these feelings. But at least I can think of you while I dance."

It's the 16th year of the Showa era (1941), and Soutarou Kuramoto, the son of a distinguished family, is returning from his studies abroad with something on his mind. As a child, he told his best friend, Haroumi Asuma, "I hate the way you dance".

Determined to apologize, he visits Haroumi, but the young man — now a renowned dancer — deftly avoids him. Or perhaps there's another reason why he won't meet with Shoutarou...?

Set in an era where connecting with the person you love wasn't easy, a reunion with a childhood friend allows a long hidden love to bloom.

While the story is pretty simple, I found the historical aspects fascinating. It's a realistic portrayal of human emotions and worries. I usually pass on this genre because I get lost on the historical aspects, but this time it was very light, easy to follow, and impossible not to enjoy. This time, I was afraid of what could could happen to Soutarou and Haroumi.

Both the script and the art were beautiful. The story was soft and sweet at all times, even during scenes that made me lose my breath. The art, so delicate, was a visual poetry that charmed the eyes. It's sensual, passionate, keeping the sexual, hot elements for the very end. It dances successfully in front of the reader like a play you can't take your eyes from.

The irony is that I would have liked a bit more backstory. Why did Haru start dancing? Was his experience a typical outcome? The dancing element (and I'm not saying the name, if you're wondering) was so attractive, so central to the plot, that I wanted to know more. It's not fair!

All in all, it's a beautiful story with beautiful art to keep you daydreaming, wondering what will happen to the characters. I usually complain about stories not being long enoug, but this one took advantage of the space in the best of ways! The Flower That Seems to Truly Dance is a gem you don't want to miss.

Kinky regards, K!

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Manga: Cut Over Criteria

Hello pornies. Long time no see (read?) I've been dealing with severe anxiety, maybe also panic attacks, so I've had to take some distance in order to focus on my healing. Reading has been difficult, but I'm finding that graphic novels, comics, and manga actually help me. So, today there's one I want to tell you about that I fell in love with: Cut-Over Criteria, by Koala Omugi. Thanks to the publisher for sending me a review copy!

• Print Length: 210  pages.
• Publisher: TokyoPop.
• Publication Date: December 9, 2022 (print edition releases on April 25, 2023).
• Genres: Drama, Gay, Manga, Romance, Yaoi.
• Rating: 4 / 5 stars.

Recent graduate Jin has been assigned to help out his upperclassman Seto, a highly competent but somewhat standoffish systems engineer. Though Jin is good at his job, he does seem to have his head in the clouds more often than not... and Seto's eyes always seem to linger on him more than they should!

A fresh new boys' love office romance in which opposites attract!

This book contains sexual content and is intended for an audience aged 18 years and up.

I wasn't that sure about a romance like this one, seemed kind of like a "gay for you" type of story, I would also say a little bit of insta-love, but I quickly realized that there's more than that. This is one of those realistic, organic stories about two people who decide to take the risk of having more than just friendship as they learn about each other and themselves.

The development is beautiful, the plot is good, the style is simple, and many scenes made me smile and fanboy about Seto and Jin. The more I read, the more I liked them, ergo, the more I enjoyed the book! I would also say there's a a good balance between romance and erotica, not too sugary, but also not porn-ish, for those who like something like that!

Also, the art is gorgeous! I liked that this is a different style to what mangas tend to look like. Koala Omugi took a risk with this, and I can tell you it works wonderfully! There's something about those lines and shading that match the tone of the story, complementing the atmosphere whenever it's needed. Again, perfect balance between art and script.

I think a story like this works as a stand-alone, but it would have also worked as a longer idea. I was getting curious about many things, I wanted to get to know these guys better, but there wasn't enough space! However, that doesn't mean I didn't like reading Cut-Over Criteria, because I did! I just wish it was a bit longer. If you're into sweet, steamy, natural romances, this one is a must-have!

Kinky regards, K!

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