This series is so good that I just had to sign up to post this. The main plot of this manga is not really about Yaoi (if you're all about the hot sex, this is not the manga for you), since it focuses more on the characters' growth as individuals. Basically, a coming-of-age story following characters who happen to be homosexual. Some pretty heavy themes were discussed in this series (attempted rape, single-parent families, coming out to your family, bullying, etc etc).

All the characters are fleshed out really nicely and are pretty relatable with (even the antagonist), you just don't get the feeling that the mangaka is trying to fit any of them to a certain archetype.

The ending was bittersweet and made me feel like crying :C. I've mentioned before that this manga discusses pretty mature themes, but the mangaka handles it pretty well, which is a giant plus if you ask me, since it allows for discussions and analyzing (personally, I love reflecting on series after I complete them).

Overall, if you're looking for a deep and thoughtful read, I'd recommend this!

Will definitely add Nagai-sensei to my list of mangaka to look out for!

... Last updated on March 11th, 2015, 11:16pm

It's lovely. It's so funny and so sad at the same time. With so many yaois catering to fujoshis, where everyone from the protagonist and his dog are gay and everyone is totally cool about it, this is a manga that actually talks about how difficult it really is to come out of the closet, accept yourself and be who you are in a world that doesn't accept you. Some people can't bear to take that decision and it kills them. It talks about how especially hard it is in a small town where you know everyone and the realities of judgments are so much harsher. It's a beautiful manga. If you're looking for hardcore orgasmic sex, move along but if you want to read something that is remotely conscious of what homosexuals are really like and the realities they face, this is a gem.

...well you're not getting it. This story is an eloquent, scary and sad slice of reality. For many gay teens and adults, this is a reality they can't escape. A reality rarely portrayed in Yaoi.

I find the story extremely sad, which I know some will not agree with. The tragedy (if you want to call it that) doesn't lie in a specific trauma or accident, but how society is messed up enough to not accept some people who do not fit inside a particular societal mold. Consequently, because of these norms, people change for either the worse (the teacher in the story) or try to fit in no matter what they feel. So sad.

Overall, I recommend this. However, bear in mind that this will not be your usual Yaoi trip with flowery details and sparkly ukes.

... Last updated on August 29th, 2017, 4:03pm

This story is actually REALLY good...and quite harrowing in certain aspects...also really sad especially during the second volume. You can't help but feel sympathy and empathy for them all at the same time. The relationship between each characters are really unique and kind of unexpected. I really liked how the mangaka kept the balance between Kirino and Mishima, I won't spoil anything, but I really enjoyed how they didn't take the orthodox yaoi formula. Thank god that they didn't because it wouldn't fit too much with those two haha.

I would say this one of the most thoughtful yaoi mangas out there I've ever read and it made me read the raws too to understand beyond the scanlated chapters haha. It's that worth it.
There isn't much yaoi, but like the previous commentator said, there are some mature themes inside the manga.
Ending is certainly a tear-jerker, just thinking about it makes me sad. :_(

Ugh this is like the BL manga I've been waiting for all my life. Haha no not really but it is just so utterly beautiful and you can tell the author really put a lot of thoughtfulness into it. She is very empathetic in her portrayal of her characters, and this manga is just about love in all its forms, which makes it very bittersweet and just ughh I can't quite process it right now. I have so many feels but at the same time I'm unable to let it out...

I definitely prefer happier stories, but this one was definitely very realistic and very very well told. It just makes me feel too sad and messed up inside. The silliness of the first volume in contrast with the drama and poignancy of the second volume really works well and shows how these boys are coming-of-age. I wish to see more works with such thoughtfulness out there, but happier!! ^^

... Last updated on May 21st, 2015, 12:08am

be prepared to bawl. This manga is a rough read, but so very worth it. It lulls you into thinking it’s going to be comedic with some terrible bullying, and then reverberates in you the darkness and pain that exist in those who feel trapped- all the while, applying comedic relief through it’s exaggerated visuals and ridiculousness. I can only speak for myself, but for those of you who with and ounce of empathy or a connection to the GSRM community, this manga will make you laugh, cry, and enrage you- or at least that’s what I did for me. I do recommend maybe reading this manga with some caution if you are not in a great emotional state or have trauma related to assault or coming out. Not saying don’t read it, because it may do some good, but be cautious and care for your mental health primarily. If the cover art is putting you off, don’t let it because this manga falls into the small category of mangas whose cover art is not nearly as good as the art found inside, which itself is super engaging and beautiful. This manga is truly up there with some of the most poignant mangas I’ve ever read in my life and is one I will most definetely come back to again and again.

... Last updated on December 19th, 2019, 12:00am

You've got comedy, tragedy, psychology, despair, hopefulness all wrapped up in 2 short volumes; the story is eerily realistic and the effect is massively amplified by the mangaka's unique style. Can't say I'm completely comfortable with all that just transpired, but that's normal and probably what the author wanted to achieve, I guess, so props to her for this unconventional title both in story and art. I think I still need some time to absorb it, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

but also very rough. this is the most realistic yaoi I've read and it is quite upsetting most of the time. Even the ending is bitter sweet, but it is more than I could have ever imagined it to be. If you start reading this you HAVE to read it to completion to be able to grasp the entire story and get proper closure. In it entirety, this is a beautiful work of art, but definitely not for the feint of heart.

You don't get it....You don't understand...When you sell your soul for a manga which isn't fully scanlated, you need to bear with the consequences...
I will try to make my feelings about this manga clearer: Do you know the feeling you get when you fall in love with somebody, but then they disappear for no reason? And you try to distract yourself by crossing the desert without having any water or food?
This is me right now, a thirsty bi*ch with a shattered heart and mental and physical fatigue*.

*comparison may have been subject to slight exaggeration

A beautiful coming-of-age story about three teenage boys with surrealism and sad tones.
The story is deep and moving, the characters are rich in individuality, and the psychological depiction is wonderful. I love the dynamic between the characters and the heavy theme also makes you wonder what true happiness is.

Having finished 2 volumes in one sitting, I couldn't agree more why this title voted as the Top 5 Best BL Manga in the 2014 Chil-Chil BL Awards.

"Smells Like Green Spirit" is truly a great manga that touched my heart. It's a masterpiece that i would recommend to everyone not just fujoshis.

... Last updated on January 22nd, 2022, 12:19am