Haikei, Niisan-sama is a true gem, from beginning to end. Though it may appear at first a light reading, it is by no means devoid of significance, insight and heartfelt, pungent moments. Against the song of cicadas and the sweet scent of summer, it is an intense, if silent, turmoil of emotions that we pay witness to as these two brothers learn how to cope with their feelings of affection towards one another, both as siblings and as each other's own individual self.

Finally we have a piece of work that tries to deal with incest as it should be done: Tagura-sensei does not gloss over the conflicting implications of desire between blood-brothers, but rather incorporates it into a beautifully crafted narrative of tender if forbidden love that will ultimately lead us to the rewarding finale of a life of endless possibilities. Indeed, there's no grand prospect of the happily ever after: the whole volume is only a prelude to that greater story.

The manga is not without its faults. For instance, I too agree that the side characters were too accepting of the incestuous relationship. However, I do feel that it is possible to read around those small details in order to fully grasp the core of the story, which is not something that happens easily with other manga of the sort.

I really liked it.

... Last updated on January 31st, 2015, 7:09am

Very rarely do you find a series that actually takes time to adress the complications of forbidden relationships. I admittedly steer clear of these sorts of relationships but this was done so well. The protagonists are well developed and the art was breathtaking. My ONLY qualm with this peice is that the side characters were way TOO ACCEPPTING.

when others are so accepting of their relationships! i hate incest stories like that. the art is nice, but their dialogues kinda convulated, sometimes it takes a whole page just to say something simple. not good for any impatient people.

This is rather a huge step from Cello Mellow that the mangaka had made. Her skills in everything have improved, from the setting, story telling, panelling, drawing etc., I must say I'm deeply impressed. The characters are so loveable that it's impossible not to want to root for them, and while the story isn't exactly new, it's how the author had executed it that had elevated the manga to a whole new level.

I love how she deals with the issue in the manga in small steps one by one, creating an authentic feel and most of all persuading readers to believe in the story, although it's not completely realistic if we actually break it down. And I also especially love the fact that the two brothers don't just magically end up together in the end for granted; there are trials and obstacles (mostly within themselves) that they need to overcome together.

From beginning to end, there's this gentle manner in which the mangaka had handled the characters and their stories with care, yet the manga's still very impactful and effective in evoking emotions. It's a really hard thing to describe. And the book's beautiful to look at as well (though I wish the cover art was just a little bit better). I'm definitely looking forward to sensei's future works, with all the best wishes from me.

... Last updated on August 2nd, 2014, 11:25am

I just have to say this technically isn't 'incest' because it's not yaoi, and therefor no sex between brothers occurs (but they do kiss...). That said this was a very nice piece of work. The brothers' relationship was portrayed realistically and I felt bad for both of them to some degree; you can't always choose who you fall in love with. It ended on a hopeful note, so I was not disappointed

This is possibly one of the best stories I have read. The romance is gradual and the emotions in this really make me, I don't know, it just really touches me. I can't get this manga out of my head. With a bittersweet theme of forbidden love, this is a story everybody who loves a bit of melancholy and romance should read. The characters are rather realistic in their thinking unlike other typical incest yaois. Please, you have to read this. I hope the translators don't drop it. This has been my highlight of this month, it gave me so much emotions. It just grabs at you. Its a masterpiece I'll never forget.

I really need the next chapter. I rarely find incest theme focus on emotional bond rather than physical one. So I'm really please with this story.
I hope it get scanlated soon TT__TT

I totally agree with mtmt1311. I'm quite open-minded and dont find fictional incest themes offensive, but I hate the way mangas and novels usually treat them too light-hearted as if they don't matter at all (many even started with a r*pe, WTH??). This manga is very different. The story progresses slowly and focuses more on the brothers' feelings, you know how much they struggled to get out of this strange relationship. I just pray that the scanlation group will not desert the series and we will get to know the final chapter.

By the way, does the person tagging this "platonic love" really understand what that means? O__o' I really want to delete it but can't. As I as I understand, this is indeed shounen-ai, they do have sexual desire (at least they kissed right?) and therefore by no means it can be called "platonic".

... Last updated on September 18th, 2013, 3:32pm

Unlike other incest story when they just mentioned it and let it go, the mangaka actually focuses on the emotions of this forbidden relationship. It makes you really want them together.

... Last updated on March 18th, 2013, 9:01am

i must say Tagura Tohru-sensei really did her best in this manga.
the feeling of the brothers are really intense though it's not a yaoi manga.
i cannot deny their feeling to each other.
actually, i hate (or dislike) mangas with incest-theme because they tend to be non-sense. but this manga is a real delicacy in sense of that.