somehow i've been thinking about this manga and i come to reread this again after few years? i actually love this, the angst drama and the plot is perfect, finally everyone get happy ending after bumpy road

I felt like the ending was too rushed. This is is the first manga that has the exact ending that I wished for, but the problem is that it suddenly skipped in time. I wanted the story to extend a bit longer, to see how they changed, and what happened to them.
Hmmm...
But perhaps I've simply read this a while ago and if I reread it then my opinion would change?

This is a cleverly told story about the emotional ups and downs in the life of someone who apparently is a transsexual woman (there are other characters who labeled her that way when it's not as obvious as it seems).

Those seeking the usual topics of yaoi or shounen-ai's emotionally pink approaches are wrong with this manga, skillfully linked to the style of good ol' American movies. And this is perhaps the most amazing detail from a Japanese author: Nakamura Asumiko achieved a credible approach to American culture of mid-20th century, from pop culture.
To all this we can add a precious aesthetic style and get a really front-line work.
Delightful.

... Last updated on March 19th, 2016, 12:52am

Truthfully, i liked her "Doukyuusei" and "Double Mints" more than this one.
The story had all chances to become a highest-rated manga in my list, being so catching with such a charismatic character as J. It lasted till the end of volume 2, and then imho the story became your common cliched yaoi.

I don't know... i never heard about "Barairo no Hoo no Koro", but i just don't like how J's and Paul's one-night stand was suddenly considered to be deep and true love. Actually, we know nothing about their relationship (common interests, time together and so forth) other than this accidental casual sex. Such a relationship seems superficial and rushed, and shouldn't be used as a climax and happy ending of a potentially great manga. Mangaka should have added something to the story of their love.

Anyway all the 3rd volume felt too simple and crumpled up with a hideous sugary ending.

... Last updated on November 18th, 2015, 12:52pm

Such a beautiful story. Although it has a dark, angsty theme for the most part, I absolutely recommend this. I really enjoyed how Nakamura unraveled the story and the scars, the pain, and how J slowly releases himself from those painful memories. I can tell Nakamura really put effort and love into J's character, looks and personality. I think that really got me to love the character as well. I really loved the playfulness of J. As a reader, I related to Rita a lot and how she found J so compelling. J is a strange character, he's very mysterious and relatable, yet not relatable at the same time? Anyways, this was such an enjoyable read from the start to end. I really focused on the story, which I think was not too complicated nor too simple. The story was very organized in my opinion, the ending was perfect.

I don't know if it was just me, but it was so weird reading this, sorta surreal. Hard to keep track of what's happening and when because of so many time skips. And I know there's a Kinsey scale, but really?

It's psychological works like this that really highlights the author's strength in characterisation; each and every character serves a purpose to the manga, drawing out the dynamics between them as well the contrasts that sensei intended in order to convey her message. The strong personalities clash and then blend together very nicely to form such an impactful story. The famously unique artwork also adds a sense of surrealism, like it's clearly a fictional made-up plot, but readers are still very drawn as they're already invested in how it will progress. This manga is not for the weak stomach, but those who can handle it will truly be taken back by its powerful portrayals of raw emotions emitted from human nature.

Top quality story who hits on you with a great impact. Unique. A rare jewel.

It has everything what I like, solid strong plot, depth, twists, mysteries, the feeling it could've been a real story, the characters about whom you can't stay indifferent, and the harsh reality. Just like in the real life. I love this feeling. Even supporting characters were made with so much care, it's quite impressive. It's a sad and story but has funny moments, I've been laughing a lot.
The troubles they got are serious, not just some stupid dilemma "If he'll like my birthday gift?" or shit like that. This is a totally different level. And the art - so good. Awesome. Their eyes left an impression on me every single time. A great read with an excellent artwork. I just love those stories. Couldn't stop to read until the very end ( J no subete to the 16 chapter, even without knowing Japanese heh that was tough) anyway I was so excited what'll happen next I just couldn't let it go. I have nothing to complain about, it's so rare.
I'm so glad I picked this yaoi. Really glad. Definitely memorable.

I agree with the comment below >>There are SO many things I want to say about this manga...<< yup, that's how it is... Don't waste your time to read the comments, just go and read the manga!

BIG SPOILER about THE END


... Last updated on December 29th, 2014, 3:47pm

I admire this manga first of all, for how the story is executing a certain idea in a dark and refreshing way. Now, I'm not the one to go for drama stories as dark as this one, but the way the story is told makes me appreciate not just the idea and the plot but as well as how good the author is when it comes to telling the story. I also appreciate the type of character this author fleshes out and focuses on all throughout the story.

After all, it IS All About J....

Second mention the fact that -as freyakoala said- it breaks away stereotypes. It probably starts off with the idea that this manga stars a transexual who's not as happy, silly, confused or love-life-less as all those mangas I've read tend to portray. The rest of the stereotype breaking comes as you read your way through the volumes. I'm not gonna spoil it for you.

There are SO many things I want to say about this manga but I'm sure your attention span stopped in the first paragraph of my review. I'll end by saying I'm gonna stick to it until I come to read this manga's bitter end!
-----------------------------------
This manga... GOD. I still stick to what I've said! The ending just made it better!

... Last updated on April 15th, 2015, 8:02am

I totally agree with Sora348, you have to START with "J no Subete" first, because Barairo is a flashback story that will disturb you when reading J no Subete since it's about different couple.
Seriously I'm also one of the victim here, I cried in the end of J no Subete because I support different pairing T_T, It wasn't a happy ending for me at all.
hwaa~ He's my most fav character in this manga
And about the story, yes it is a HEAVY reading material, I mean for your mind and emotion, so prepare yourself first. Wether I like it or not, I'm not too sure my self, the story was good, but too depressing for me, and there's the thing with the pairing too, soooo disappointed, so sad. So please once again read J no Subete FIRST

... Last updated on July 25th, 2013, 10:54am