Those that got hooked by Gerard and Jacques's relationship in the first few chapters and looked forward to seeing it develop would probably be disappointed with the second volume where romance was pretty much sidelined in the second half to make room for history lessons and political theories. I for one could still moderately enjoy it because the French Revolution was actually part of my sixth form History studies lol and I'm fairly familiar with all the names and events brought up in this manga, but I could imagine it might be very boring and dry to people who aren't interested in the historical political backdrop and just want some good ol' romance. Honestly I myself would probably be the same had I not studied the topic before.

Oh lord! Why didn't I read this earlier?! But I wouldn't get it then. I am such a History nerd and everything in this book in on point. Oh lord. I love how developed the characters become. It's rare to see that actually happening in a book! And it's not just on the last chapter. I love how it took them 8 years from the moment they first did it! OMG! >.< Also, the wit! The funnies! The characters! The clean art! I love everything!

The historical setting (French Revolution) and the inclusion of prostitution and rampant classicism may give you the impression that Gerard to Jacques is a dark, heavy tale. While there are some dark moments (and twisted characters) here, the storyline contains plenty of lighthearted scenes to keep you happily skipping along with Gerard to Jacques from beginning to end. Now, that may appeal to some of you....

...but in fact I think the lack of gravity turns this potentially great story into a mediocre one. Some major elements of Gerard's painful past receive just a light touch-up, even though they merit a more thorough explanation. The tone of the last chapter seems at odds with the heart wrenching episodes leading up to that anticlimax. And although the author made a valiant effort to explain the Reign of Terror and the political machinations behind that outbreak of violence, the Terror lacks any concrete presence in the storyline. So what we get is a bunch of characters sitting around and explaining, for several pages at times, what is going on with the Robespierre and his band of bloodthirsty executioners. The sense of danger brought on by the Terror is effectively blotted out - and it remains a distant thing, which muffles the realism of the story.

I do like the characters. Even the villainous ones - they are interesting and well-developed and I think their relationships occur naturally (and in Gerard and Jacques' case, rather touchingly). I'd like to point out, however, that there is a random time skip at a crucial moment in Gerard and Jacques' relationship that left me a little bewildered.

The weaknesses in Gerard to Jacques give me the overall impression that the story was rushed. Something like the mangaka had planned a more lengthy storyline but the editors cut the series short. Perhaps if the author had been given a few more chapters to unravel this story, we might have ended up with a true gem.

Okay, the exploding Jacques was very funny.
But i'm sorry to say I didn't really enjoy this. Partly because it didn't suit my own tastes, but also because I didn't feel much with it, I couldn't get into the story. French history in manga, it just doesn't seem to work in this one. It's nothing like the real thing, nothing like real historical movies. Only the art and the names made it clear it was historical france, otherwise I really wouldn't have noticed it. And even that wasn't wondeful, because I really didn't like the art.

The only thing I liked was Jacques. It's a really stubborn and funny character with lots of energy and quite interesting. But that's all I liked.

For a moment lets just forget about wonderful art and what appeals to the eye and focus more on what we're looking to get out of the plot. This isn't your everyday normal yaoi. If the first couple of pages don't draw you in then the setting surely will. It's humorous and a bit understanding, not to mention cute and very light. And it's not too hard but not too soft, so if you're looking for a yaoi that grazes the top then hear you go. Also, the use of a hetro pair really describes missing points. Bravo, this is definitely a favorite of mines.

Plot: 9/10
Art: 8/10
Characters: 10/10

Although I liked this one very much, it made me feel like something was missing. But it definitly is a good and original read, I haven´t seen many manga with this kinda plot. What amazed me the most was that the author had a big knowledge of the French revolution, wich I find rather rare for some of historical manga. You could really see that Yoshinaga-sensei had put alot of thought and effort into it.

Read it, you will not regret it.

... Last updated on December 2nd, 2011, 11:07am

I can maybe see why people like this, but it wasn't amazing for me. I found it very readable and it had a nice flow. That said, there were many boring parts for me. If you like history and politics, then maybe these parts wouldn't be so boring for you, but I find it tiresome. It also failed to make me *feel* anything for the most part. I just didn't connect with the characters and their emotions, and I felt as if I was supposed to. So, again, this was not a bad story at all, I just didn't really find it to be *that* great.

o___o This is the first manga i've read through without a break or getting distracted for quite a while... which says a lot (i am an easily distracted person). Anyway, at first i wasn't sure, historical manga are not my cup of tea generally, they're often depressing or too serious, but this was a perfect blend of historical fact, drama and comedy to make it inviting and addictive. I really enjoyed the art style as well, at first i was a bit doubtful - its not a style i usually fall for, but combined with the story and the occasional moments of humour the art is truly brought to life - its realistic without being a deterrent, yet has the ability to suddenly become entirely comical to help alleviate any pressure in the story. I also love the realistic aspect of the relationship, its not a love at first sight story, its not a gradually fall in love and live happily ever after story either, its progressive but takes steps backwards based on circumstance and the characters individual needs. Its very well done.

Highly enjoyable, well written, well drawn and with many elements of realism. This is not the bog standard yaoi, in fact i might even call this a diamond among in a sea of garnets.

it's has a really nice and sweet story, pretty art, and it is also historical <333 ^^
LOVE the characters and the love scenes!!!
the first ch was alright. i got hook to this manga when Jacques became a servant where he can be alone with Gerard only in the library. i also find how Jacques fell for Gerard very cute and i enjoyed how Gerard teases Jacques through out the manga!!!!

... Last updated on February 14th, 2011, 3:01pm

I loved the artwork in this one. It had beauty and character. This wasn't your typical yaoi with no real storyline and just sex. It is unique because of the setting. I love manga with good historical settings. The French Revolution was a great setting for this one. I get so tired of Japanese historical settings being over done. It was well done and not just sex for the sake of sex. The over all pace was good - so glad no attempt was made to cram it into a oneshot. You got to know and like the characters. I also liked the ending a lot. The author did a great job capturing the emotions of the characters. I highly reccomend this one.

... Last updated on August 22nd, 2010, 12:52am