How not to write a review

The Yaoi Review made me realize I need to stop reading reviews from yaoi blogs (the few that are in existence) after reading Jennifer's review for Incubus Master. She gives the plot an A+, the readability a B (wtf indeed), the sexual content an A-. The overall grade is an A-. What is saddening about this review--other than the outlandish grades--is the lack of substance. Instead of telling us what is exceptional about the plot, what sets it a part from your typical fanfiction and why you need to spend 3 dollars on each section, we are given smoke and mirrors:

What can I say? I love this plot. It’s always a good sign when you find yourself eagerly awaiting the next release. At no point in time did I find myself predicting where the story was going or thinking I already knew the ending. There are a lot of original elements to the story and I found it to be very engaging throughout. The synopsis provided for the story doesn’t do the story justice in my opinion. I think Yamila does a good job of 'going there' when tough situations arise in the story; not every element is sunshine and unicorns but that’s what makes the story a little deeper than most we get.

What about the story kept her waiting in suspense? What elements are original? How does Yamila go there? There is no elaboration. So, yes, I am frustrated--doubly frustrated since I am a English major--to read a review which tells me as much as the story's synopsis. And, yes, when I read a positive review with little to no substance I feel the writer is either purposely trying to mislead their audience or they have no writing skills. And not to be crude, I believe in this case it may be the latter. I understand reviews are opinions, but these blogs are not personal or casual blogs. These people are in contact with companies and undoubtedly believe their blogs serve a great purpose. They have the power to convince individuals to spend their hard earned cash. If you wield such power, it's your responsibility to at least learn how to write a good review.

Another aspect of her review I find quite puzzling is how Character Development received an A+ when she never discussed the character development. There is a section labeled "character" where she basically gives character descriptions:

Jinady, a human, is the main character the story follows. From the illustrations, he looks like your typical feminine long haired bishie and in some aspects he is but what I liked most about him is how the author chose to go beyond the typical bishie mold. Jinady not only is a bit of a slut throughout the story with his partner swapping but he also switches up once becoming the seme. I think it’s all his sexual risk taking that makes some of the sex scenes so steamy.

Figaru is Jinady’s main love interest although not his only one. He’s a demon who’s looking for love after losing his wife and although there are plenty of potential suitors, he knows he must be careful with who he partners with. Don’t feel sorry for Figaru when Jinady gets slutty, he’s getting his needs met as well!

There are plenty of other characters to keep the story interesting including a shape shifting demon named Gor, a slightly crazy transvestite named Leatha, spoiled brat and not to be trusted Rowan and our poor Vandrel, who is just too love sick over Leatha to make any good decisions

None of the above has anything to do with character development, which is about change and growth. So the reader is left in the dark as to why character development received an A+. We know Jinady likes to top and/or bottom and Figaru lost a wife but how does this add to the story? This information seems more like random facts than an in-depth dissection of a character.

Now, lets talk about sex, baby:

As I mentioned above, you get to see the sexual content illustrated and in color. Each part provides at least one sex scene and they are usually quite graphic and long. There are a lot of different partners written about so you definitely get some variety. I found the sex scenes written about Jinady to be the most appealing, probably because he’s the one we get to know the best (and is the most slutty!). The writing at times does detract a bit from the sex scenes and one of them early on didn’t really do it for me, moreso due to one of the characters involved but I saw improvement with each subsequent scene.

How does the author improve the sex scenes? What technique is applied to make them interesting? Is the sex there for mere titillation or is the reader able to garner any information about the characters through this physical act? Since one sex scene was found distasteful, mostly due to who was involved, is the only improvement whom Jinady is having sex with? What about the writing? How does the writing improve from what is presented in the free sample? As a reader all I gleaned from the above paragraph is there is graphic sex in each section and the sex scenes with Jinady are the best. The absence of how and why makes the writing come off lax and sloppy. It's that book report you wrote on the Giver in the fourth grade where you believed "it's cool" was a sufficient enough description to receive an A.

Look, I have yet to buy Incubus Master because I read the free preview and was not convinced it was worth so much as a nickel. These other reviewers have read the story and it's their job to convince me I am missing out. A good review would pique my interest and make me doubt my own preconceptions. The reviews I've read so far make me question whether or not these people have even written an essay for a class because rule number one of any essay is BACK UP WHAT YOU WRITE.

Furthermore, do not be quick to brush off those who only read the free sample. The job of the writer is to hook a reader with the first sentence. Incubus Master does not succeed at this task. So to casually forgive the poorly written opening and promise improvements in the sections which require payment is disingenuous.

Yaoi Prose: Incubus Master

Oh, god, this is hard. Okay. When I workshop a story I have to look for the good and bad when I write my critique. Good followed by bad, bad followed by good, there has to be a balance. But when someone expects you to pay money for a story written with the same care and expertise as a twelve year old who writes Inyuasha yaoi, the game changes. It's not about helping a writer improve anymore, but helping you make a wise choice about where to spend your money.

This morning I read the free 3 chapter preview of Incubus Master by Yamilia Abraham. The story opens in the midst of a battle, I think. I'm not really sure. Nothing's really clear. All you know is something is happening. This is one of the major flaws of Incubus, the author takes for granted her audience is familiar with the subject matter. I most certainly am unaware as to what a Succubus or Incubus is and I'm sure I'm not alone in this lack of knowledge. It is the author's responsibility to find a creative way to weave a description into the narrative, but that's another thing Incubus has little of: description. This is all forgivable in the land of fanfiction where the audience already knows what the world of Gurren Lagann looks like or a batarang is a weapon and not just some funny sounding word. But when a author chooses to forgo much needed detailing the writing comes off lazy.

So, yes, there's this thing going on and Jinady, our protagonist, is swept up by a demon. End scene. In the next scene we learn he has been held captive and used as a sex slave by the demons in a cave high in the mountains. We are made aware Jinady is a pretty, pretty man before we're plunged into a long sex scene with an incubus. If the focal point of a story is sex you better have the skills to write one good sex scene. Sadly this is another of Incubus' shortcomings. Although, for once there is detail, the description is very cut and dry. Insert slot A into slot B. What really spoiled the sex for me is how the gasps and moans were written into dialogue. Instead of being sexy it has the opposite affect and makes the scene more comical. Come on, think of any bad!fic you read in the past and I bet you can remember the "oooohs", and "ahhhhhs". You got a smile on your face right now, don't you. Because it was funny! It's funny because it's unnecessary.

As an English major, the over use of the word that in this piece kills me dead. Also the back and forth between present and past tense doesn't help the flow of this already choppy work. Even if a reader is able to overlook such breaches of the rules of writing, the absence of detail will undoubtedly turn them off. Which leaves me to question blogs such as Kuriousity which reviewed this and didn't find many, if any flaws. What I want to know is if the site owner would go out of her way to purchase these chapters if she wasn't receiving free digital copies. I doubt it. Because if she wanted to read bad writing there's this site called fanfiction.net where she could get her fill for free.

What saddens me more than the bad writing is after chapter 2 of Incubus Master there are the glimmerings of a great idea that could have flourished if written by a more skilled writer. Or, perhaps, if she just had someone edit the story. Even a couple of proof readers. Any help would have been beneficial. Incubus Master does not read like a finished work. It's a first draft in need of extensive reconstructive surgery.

This mini review is on the first 3 chapters. Maybe I've piqued you're interest and you want to check it out yourself. But I cannot recommend anyone pay for this in good conscious. I advise you guys to put your money to better use and treat yourselves to a coke or a candy bar instead.

Review: Tea for Two -Vol. 1-

Author: Yaya Sakuragi
Pages: 184
Price: $12.99
Publisher: BLU Manga
Summary from back cover: Clumsy Madoka Tokumaru can't seem to go a minute without breaking something. To teach him a little self-control, Tokumaru's sis forces him to help out the Tea Ceremony Club despite the hesitations of the club president, the graceful Kazume Hasune. Composed and cool, he is the exact opposite of the brash Tokumaru. Will the two be able to bridge their differences, or will a potentially hot romance become cool like iced tea?

Review: I've stated before how BL's strong point isn't typically the plot but the characters. This is a tried and true rule that if done correctly can produce some exceptional work. Tea for Two is an example of this done right. And although this first volume may have a few kinks to work out, it has way more right going for it than wrong.

The story opens with Tokumaru breaking his little sisters picture frame. She tears into him about his tendency to throw his weight around with no consideration for anything surrounding him. Refusing to have him destroy anymore of her things she demands he joins the tea ceremony club to learn composure. Enter Hasune, the club president and our premiere seme. He agrees to take Tokumaru under his wing, hoping to transform the rambunctious duckling into a graceful swan before the cultural festival.

Not much of a beginning, right? Everything I described above takes place within the first six pages. Because of this the plot comes out rather forced, as if Sakuragi couldn't wait to get Hasune into the story. I think the real problem for me is we hear and see more of Nagomi in those first three pages than we do of her brother, so you get more of a feel for her character than his. I understand manga creators are on a schedule and have limited time to complete chapters, but I think the story could only benefit by showing us Tokumaru's personality instead of having it explained to us by Nagomi. Yes, this would have taken a few more pages, but the opening to any story is very crucial and she risked losing readers by cutting corners.

But, despite this flaw, obviously many people continued to read and were smitten. What exactly were they smitten by? Well, when we finally get to actually see (key word here) these two characters in action you quickly discover how endearing they are. And, no, this isn't a story about opposites, in its essence this is a story about people learning to make compromises in relationships. Yeah, Tokumaru is super rambunctious and Hasune is super composed, but this never gets in the way of their relationship. Of course, true to the old addage: opposites attract, this is initially what draws the two to each other. But they go through the same relationship problems many couples go through regardless if they are alike or not. Every person comes into a relationship with different expectations, I don't care who you are, there's going to be something you expect the other person to do or be and you learn, hey, they won't and they're not. Of course this works vica versa and you can change or just keep on keepin' on. In this first volume you see Hasune struggle with this when they are approached by a group of high school trouble-makers. Oh no, what will our seme do?! What he does the first time (yes, it happens twice) takes me by surprise as well as Tokumaru. This is one of the highlights of this manga for me, Sakuragi makes her characters go against the BL norm.

Aside from our main couple there is another: Hasune's pastry chef friend, Keigo. The guy he's had a crush on since high school, Mizuki, dumps his girlfriend of three years, leaving an opening for Keigo to make his move. The only problem is that Keigo is too afraid to take that first step and Mizuki has suddenly become cold toward him. What's a seme to do? Not much of anything, it would seem. He mopes while getting advice from friends at the bar, Hasune, and even Mizuki's ex. This might be great for a character that has been a big part of the original storyline, but to watch a character you barely know mope about isn't very entertaining, especially when he's acting differently from what you've initially seen of him (some how his angst level jumps from 0 to 10 in this short). Despite these flaws I was taken by Mizuki and would love to see more of him. So if anything his presence saved this one-shot for me.

Speaking of extra characters, I think this is a perfect time to segue back to Nagomi. There are BL that are totally devoid of females and I believe they suffer for it. Tea for Two makes use of them and benefits greatly by their inclusion. Hasune and Tokumaru both have sisters and it's quite obvious that they play a huge part in their lives. In many cases Nagomi's interaction in her brothers life would have ended with his introduction to Hasune, but Sakuragi refuses to retire her and ends up making great use of her. She is, of course, a part of the tea ceremony club too. Hasune's sister, Kotoko, even gets her own little story at the end of the manga where Nagomi makes an appearance. This only makes the overall manga more endearing.

When it comes to the art I kinda have a love hate relationship with it. I would have never purchased Tea for Two if it wasn't for a 40% off sale at a local Borders that was going out of business. She suffers from the same "bad cover art" disease that plagues Tanaka Suzuki. And the alterations BLU made to the cover didn't help (they very rarely do). Also, Sakuragi draws her characters with very long pointy faces. Some day's I'm really feelin' this style but others her characters look like horses to me. But, this is Sakuragi's signature style. And I wouldn't want anyone to miss out on this story because they weren't a fan of her art. I do think she does a great job on everything from the eyes on up. But, lol, I guess that's not saying much.

Now lets get to the nitty-gritty and talk about the sex scenes. There are only two. One between Hasune and Tokumaru and the other is between Keigo and Mizuki. In both cases they're short and you don't see much of what's going on. In fact in both sex scenes the characters are still wearing clothes. This happens to be one of my kinks, so I don't mind it one bit. But if you like you're men to be naked and covered in all sorts of liquid for more than 10 pages than the sex in here will probably disappoint you.

But I'm not a gal that requires lots of sex in her BL (although it doesn't hurt to have it ^_-) and Tea for Two excels where it counts so that's why I'm giving it a:

Review: Blue Sky

Author: Yuko Kuwabara
Pages: 200
Price: $12.95
Publisher: June Manga
Summary from back cover: At the Seiran boys' dormitory, there is a prophecy: the Chief Resident Assistant ALWAYS becomes romantically involved with his roommate during senior year. Wanting a little excitement in his life, Chief R.A. Ryoichiro Kihara rigs the room selection process and picks the beautiful Kyosuke Yoshimi to be his roommate. After all, what better way to test the prophecy than to see if it can work its magic on the cold and aloof Yoshimi, aptly named the "Beautiful Prince of Ice". But Kihara has a nickname too--the "Prince of Warm Sunshine". Can warm, spring sunshine melt the heart of the Prince of Ice? Will the prophecy hold true? Find out in this extremely popular manga by Yuko Kuwabara.

Review: This manga doesn't have much going for it. It's built on very old foundation that has propelled many a story forward, but Blue Sky doesn't do anything to expand upon such a solid base.

The prophecy, which could have been something new and different, is nothing more than a gimmick to make the story seem as if it is interesting. In the first and second chapter "the prophecy" is thrown into conversations for no other reason than to trick you into believe the manga actually has some semblance of a plot. Because the prophecy is so meaningless the relationship between Kihara and Kyosuke is just as meaningless. They don't know why they like each other, but they do. I've always disliked when this is used in stories and it's no different with Blue Sky. Give me a reason! And you know what, reasons make the story better (gasp, no way)!

Aside from Kihara and Kyosuke there are two other couples. Although their story lines are slightly better they suffer from the same disease that plagued the main romance, unoriginality. For example: Kyosuke's older brother is in a relationship with a nurse who isn't sure if he's loved for who he is, or because he resembles Kyosuke. This is actually a plot that is used in all genres of manga. Also, the big brother is identical to the seme in the third couple, Kaga and the nurse is Kyosuke's clone (so you do have a reason to worry, nursy). The lack of variation in the physical attributes of the characters confused me on many occasions. There were many a time I had to read parts over because I couldn't place who was who.

And what is up with these aggressive seme's? I don't mind a little roughness, but a lot of this behavior is borderline rape, and not the BL type, more like the Hot Gimmick type (I don't care if you like Hot Gimmick, a lot of what went on in there was just wrong). And no, Kyosuke's older brother, saying this to your lover is not romantic no matter the situation: I waited three whole years to get you--That's right, I waited! When actually...Back in high school, there were many times I just wanted to push you down on the infirmary bed and have you right there! But I held back! What, you want a prize for doing exactly what you're suppose to do?! Come on...But seriously, that language sounds suspiciously like shoujo manga. In fact, there are many incidents where I felt like I was reading a shoujo. And I'm sorry, if I wanted shoujo, I would have read a shoujo.

There are two things I will admit to: Kyosuke's brother makes some really sexy expressions and the third couple (?) doesn't have as bad of a storyline as the other two. But sexy expressions and a couple with a semi okay plot cannot save this manga. Go read Our Kingdom instead. I'd even recommend Gakuen Heaven over this, and I'm not even a fan of that series. But there is so much wrong with this manga, I cannot readily recommend anyone purchase it.

Because this isn't so horrible that I'd curse its very existence it gets a:

Review: Totally Captivated -Vol. 5-

Author: Hajin Yoo
Pages: 184
Price: $9.99
Publisher: Netcomics
Summary from back cover: The new Director Kim confronts Mookyul on the young loan shark’s own turf, but Mookyul quickly cuts him down to size, leaving his bitter rival to vow revenge. Ewon continues his roller coaster love affair with the unpredictable and possessive Mookyul. Then, late one night he finds Mookyul’s foster father, Chairman Lee, waiting for him and the old man has a few choice words to say to Ewon. He even threatens Ewon’s life indirectly. Now, Mookyul faces a terrible choice. He must choose between his lover Ewon or his foster father Chairman Lee. But, whatever the choice, there’s going to be hell to pay.

Review: Volume five continues where the last plot thread left off, with Mookyul being greeted by a herd of unwanted guest in his office. But, you know what, Mookyul doesn’t care about those guys, I don’t care about them, and I’m quite positive you don’t either. What you want to know is probably what the above summary only touched on and that is the situation between Chairman Lee, Mookyul and Ewon. Are the Chairman and Mookyul really doing what Ewon thinks or does Ewon just have a dirty mind?

This volume brings the drama and then punches it in the face. And then spits on it. And then kicks dirt in its eyes. That’s how hardcore the drama is in this volume. I’m not saying it’s all drama all the time. The beginning chapters start off with Mookyul and Ewon going on a date and Mookyul uttering all his deliciously sweet, corny lines. But when it’s time to bring the drama, this volume brings it with a sledge hammer. It slowly creeps up on you and then…BAM! The culmination of this is a huge argument Ewon and Mookyul get in to. Reading these two go back and forth reminded me of one of those situations you might have had with a neighbor who is arguing with her boyfriend in her yard and you know you really shouldn’t listen, but you can’t help yourself and you peek your head out the window. But unlike your neighbors, who you end up calling the police on cause you really need to get back to sleep, you want to see Mookyul and Ewon’s argument through to the end. And, oh, what an ending.

The hardcopy of TC has been cleaned up, primped and pampered. Screentone has been added to many pictures, dialogue changed, Korean sound effects replaced with American ones, and some panels have been completely redrawn. You may think that redrawing or replacing images isn’t necessary, but what is provided on Netcomics is basically a first draft. And the final draft is always better than the first and you’ll completely agree with this once you find the panels that have been changed. Although I’m ecstatic about the changes made art wise, I wish they had left some of the dialogue alone. I understand there had to be some alterations made because when they first translate they’re doing a pretty rush job in order to keep the American fans up-to-date with the Korean online release. But when the majority of what is altered is the colorful language used by the characters then it begins to seem like they wanted to keep TC from having to be labeled as adult content. But I’m probably totally off target with my analysis.

My major problem with TC is with the print. The black tends to fade and has white specks. While reading through it (for the one millionth time) I was comparing it to the print quality to of Aishiatteru Futari and AF’s ink just pops off the page whereas TC is lucky if it can hop. Overall, I just think TC should get a lot better treatment. I’m quite positive this is Netcomics flagship title, so it would be nice to see it treated as such. That might be too much to ask for in our current economy. But, hey, I already shell out three extra dollars for all my other BL, so I wouldn’t mind paying more for better quality.

So, is it worth purchasing even after paying to read it online? Yes, yes, yes, a hundred times YES! Volume five of Totally Captivated is great fun and insufferably hard to put down making it an excellent addition to anyone’s BL collection.

Oh, Totally Captivated, you have yet to cease totally captivating me. You get a:

Reading this while listening to the Junjou Romantica OST’s is a total must.

Review: Junjo Romantica - Vol. 8 -

Author: Shungiku Nakamura
Pages: 192
Price: 12.99
Publisher: Blu
Summary from back cover: When Usami can't write a teenage love story, it's up to Misaki to teach him the proper way to go on a "normal" date. As usual, things end up less than normal when family issues arise with the introduction of...Usami's father! It's time for Misaki to bite the bullet and say what he feels in his heart for Usami... And when Hiro finds Nowaki sleeping naked with a haughty hunk, will this spell the end of their relationship?

Review: We're eight volume's in, and it's very heartening to see a BL manga continue on for so long. But was Nakamura able to succeed in keeping the story new and intriguing? Maybe not so new, as she recycles some old plots, but definitely intriguing.

Towards the end of volume seven we were left with a obviously disgruntled Akihiko. We the readers know what's bothering him but for some reason Misaki has yet to figure it out. Volume eight takes Misaki further down his path of confusion and utter obliviousness when Akihiko suggest that Misaki should live on his own. Our spastic uke does what he does second best and totally ignores his lover while stressing to himself why he would say such a thing. This far into the series not asking questions is part of who Misaki is, and so we're stuck with having to see him come up with a million and one reasons why Akihiko says and does the things he does instead of going straight to the horses mouth. This plot device might work a couple of times, but by now, it's gotten old, as we see it repeated not just within the Romantica storyline but also in Egoist and Terrorist. Is it too much to ask to have a straightforward character who actually wants to work through their problems instead of angsting about it?

While wallowing in his angst, Misaki runs into a odd old man at the train station. This seems utterly familiar...Oh, wait because it happened before when Misaki met Akihiko's brother. I'm not quite sure what Nakamura is going for by reusing this scene, but it doesn't work. It was difficult reading through this part because of how similar it is to the other train incident. It felt like you were sitting in on a lesson of something you had just learned. You keep checking your watch as you eagerly wait for it to end. And boy was I glad when it was over.

Just when I've given up on this volume I reach the second chapter and I'm reminded why I like Romantica. Chapter two opens with Aikawa doing what Misaki does best, completely spazzing out. Akihiko only has a few more chapters to wright in his new novel but he wants to make his normal everyday characters have ritzy high class dates that normal everyday people only dream about. He needs to be shown what the rest of Japan does for a typical date and Aikawa asks Misaki to take on this task.

I really enjoyed the interaction between Misaki and Akihiko in this chapter. They chat casually with each other, and actually have a discussion that really goes somewhere without having Misaki totally freak out. If anything, for once, I just really enjoyed Misaki. There was less angst, more questions, and just Misaki being really super adorable (aquarium scene ftw). Throw in my favorite Usa-sibling and a super sweet moment on a ferris wheel and you've got yourself a winning chapter.

Next we're treated to an Egoist story (my personal fave couple). It was refreshing to read a whole chapter about these two instead of the tiny morsels served up in the previous volumes. The chapter opens with Hiroki walking in on Nowaki sleeping on the floor with his colleague from the hospital, Tsumori. Nowaki, upon awakening, sees how bothered Hiroki is and tries to reassure him that things aren't what they seem. Of course, Hiroki's still bothered, even more so when Tsumori throws himself on Nowaki, and later informs him that his lover was thinking about moving out. What, wait? Move out? But why? And here is the plot line we follow for the rest of the chapter, Hiroki going back and forth in his head trying to figure out why Nowaki would want to move out instead of *gaspity* just asking him! One of the things I've always loved about these two is how Hiroki's image of an "adult" is mirrored in Nowaki. Nowaki's always calm, straightforward, and knows how to read a situation and does what he can to control it. And his "adult" behavior shines through again in this volume. I find the final scene between the two very touching and although it's no library scene (omigod library scene, so awesome), the insight Nowaki gives Hiroki into his thoughts and feelings can only make you love him more. This chapter would be a lot better if we had more interaction between these two and less of Hiroki moping, it really makes the story drag on. And feeling like you have to plod through a story is never a good thing when you're suppose to be entertained.

This volume may not be one of the best in the series, but it does tie up some loose ends for Akihiko and Misaki, making it a must for all you Romantica fans. And the Egoist story is a nice little bonus for us Egoist lovers. But the first chapter really felt more like filler since nothing was really resolved and the repeat train incident was more boring than interesting and the egoist story could be a bit tedious to read at parts. But overall it was a good read which deserves a good solid:

Review: Vampire's Portrait -Vol. 1-

Author: Hiroki Kusumoto
Pages: 200
Price: $12.95
Publisher: June
Summary from back cover: When young artist Lou catches the eye of the devastatingly handsome Sein on the street one afternoon, he thinks his new patron simply wants to commission a portrait for his wall...but what secret flickers within Sein's piercing gaze? At the very moment that Lou draws closer to his brooding boss, an arrogant rogue named Adam crashes the party and pulls the curtain back on Sein's blood-sucking identity. Lou realizes that his bond with Sein goes beyond mere portraiture and into the deepest recesses of his heart...but is this frightened boy truly ready to unleash an untamed beast?

Review: Remember in the novel Dracula how Jonathan Harker goes to work for the count? I always felt the chapters dealing with Jonathan being stuck in Dracula's castle were very homoerotic and found these chapters to be the most interesting and intense. Vampire's Portrait starts out with a very similar beginning as Dracula. Lou is commissioned to draw a portrait for the mysterious Sein. While he works for him, he stays in his home. Reading the first few pages that outline the setting I get excited and think I'm going to be reading a BL manga adaption of the novel. Although, there are tints of the original story here, Vamipire's Portrait fall's prey to typical BL storytelling and falls apart a chapter in.

One of the downfalls of this manga is how fast all the events unfold. Twelve pages in Sein is already baring his fangs. By chapter two we get the jealous "boyfriend", and Lou realizing his feelings. See, your average BL fodder and all within the frist 57 pages. All we need now is some type of zany misunderstanding that will cause an equally crazy situation. Oh, wait, there's one of those too...

But, you know what, this is BL, and BL doesn't tend to be about plot or story, what really saves it are the characters and watching them develop. Our protagonist, Lou, is naive, sweet, kind, adorable, and also a bit...crazy? After Sein digs his fangs into him, he notices music sheets scattered about the floor. He figures out Sein is the creator of a song his grandfather recorded and I guess from there he discerns him to be some poor soul who just wants the ability to see an image of himself (because, you know, vampire's don't have a reflection). I really don't understand it because even if I discovered the man who just dug his teeth into me was Charles Dickens you better believe I'll still be out the door faster then the Flash on skates. Isn't that how the mind works? Fight or flight? So either Lou doesn't have a brain stem, or he is indeed crazy.

Sein starts out as a jerk. Throwing a rich boy hissy fit and ripping apart Lou's portrait. But once Lou confronts him on being a vampire and the longing to see himself he settles down. The bad boy that plagued all of nine pages dissolves and we're left with a lethargic simpering seme.

Is there no one who will save this story?!

Enter Adam.

Adam is the "jealous boyfriend" I mentioned above, and he is the person who gives this story the shock treatment it so desperately needs. You see, Sein "feeds" off of Adam, and anyone who's read Dracula, you know this is usually linked to sex. So you can basically see Adam as Sein's lover. He's been with Sien for quite a while and here comes this nobody ragamuffin from the street wedging himself between them. Whenever Adam appears he steals the scene with his self-assuredness and calm calculating personality. The real highlight for me is near the end when he must go rescue Sein and Lou and I absolutely loved seeing the extreme worry that replaced the smile usually plastered across his face. I know in the end Adam is not met for Sein, but I'm rooting for him anyway.

Another highlight of this manga was the art. Sein's smiles are heartwarming and Adam's just delish. I'm really a fan of the way she draws the eyes of these two. I would have liked to see more background shots, more imagery of the city in order to get a better sense of things. But overall, I like Kusumoto's style.

But for all you sex fiends, who just want to know one thing, how much of it is there and how hot. Sadly there is none. So, if you're looking for hot vampire sex I'd look else where, namely Mika Sadahiro's Pathos, also released by June. But this story is more plot based.

To tie things up, Vampire's Portrait is a light story that tries desperately to be something more. This, like You Will Fall in Love is a great starter manga for those just getting into BL. But for us veterans this will barely whet your appetite.

Review: You Will Fall in Love

First, let me point out there is no color insert in this manga, and it would seem for the time being all Blu gn's are going this route. I've been a fan of the color inserts and will miss them. But, hey Blu, we're all suffering in this economic downturn, how about taking a dollar off the price tag if we're not going to get the color insert?

Now, to zee review. Here is the summary you will find on the back of the book:

Painful, heartbreaking memories suddenly surface for Haru when he agrees to fill in as teacher for the high school archery club. In his youth, Haru was a brilliant archer who competed for the national championship. But uncontrollable urges for a male rival forced him to give up on his archery dream and run away from his true feelings. Now that he's back in the bow-and-arrow game, Haru becomes drawn to the brother of his long-lost love--and he must find out if desire has taken on a new, seductive aim...

Let me correct something in that summary. Haru first becomes a substitute teacher for a class before he agrees to also substitute for the archery club, by this time he has already met Tsukasa. Next, I'm surprised they somehow left out the most dramatic part of the story in that summary, and that's Tsukasa's older brother, Reiichiro. Reiichiro plays a bigger role in this story than just a lingering memory. He shows up a quarter into the book and puts a strain on Haru and Tsukasa's blossoming relationship.

For those of you who like student/teacher relationships this will probably be right up your alley. And if you're just getting into the BL genre this is also a good book to start with. But for the most part, this is your typical student/teacher romance story: Student loves teacher, teacher rebukes student, student molests the teacher, teacher cries but likes it and the two live happily ever after. Sound familiar? You know it does.

But, you know what? I really liked the addition of Reiichiro. He added just enough drama to the story to keep me eagerly flipping from page to page. Other then the fact that I really enjoyed his character I also liked watching and reading the reaction Tsukasa had to him meeting up with Haru. And I appreciated that Reiichiro wasn't treated like some villain. I'd say buy the book just for him. And also, the Hakama. Guys + Hakama = Total Win. Indeed.

Where does this book rate smut-wise? On a scale from 1 to 10, 1 being no smut and 10 being an orgy of deliciousness, I give this a 3. There's only one sex scene but there are no drawings that focus on anything lower then the torso. There's not even any tongue kissing (boo to no frenchin' I like me some tongue).

If you liked Takanaga's other work, such as Little Butterfly, or if cutesy art is your thing then this title should please you. But, for those of you familiar with BL, this isn't a title that will have you jumping up and down. But that's not to say you should pass on this book. It's a good read. It's no Future Lover's, but it's something nice to keep for a rainy day.