Despite the fact that I tried reading Junjou Romantica before and ended up dropping it, I decided to give this a go since these mangas are so popular.

My initial impression was "better than Junjou" when it comes to the story. The art in the beginning of the series is just as god-awful. It's messy, but not because it's cluttered with too much detail or anything, in fact, it's too simplistic. It looks sketchy and not fine tuned at all, at times I felt like I was reading mere storyboards. Gives me a head ache to try and decipher what's going on. The characters are ugly, which kinda hurts the hotness of the yaoi-aspect of the story. To be brutally honest, it's probably the ugliest style out of any manga I've ever bothered to read.

However, the art – thank God – does get better and cleaner in later volumes, and though the design of the character's faces stays the same, the body proportions also become a lot more realistic as the story advances. Some panels are even stylistically quite artsy! I especially liked the rain scene where Ritsu and Takano are standing in the shelter...

When it comes to the story, there is something about it that's got potential. That, I think, is the humour more than anything else. The whole setting for the story is quite light and fun, not all that deep really, but not every story has to be. The only problem is that the plot develops slowly and the cute plot devices, like the count down to when Ritsu will fall in love, become repetitive. The manga industry setting is quite intriguing at least.

As for the characters, Ritsu and Takano aren't very likeable at first and there isn't anything very original about them. Reluctant uke in denial being forced by a forceful near rapist tsundere seme. Seen it, and seen it done much better too, even as these aren't my favorite yaoi tropes... Now, Ritsu had some good qualities, he doesn't come across as completely helpless, he's hardworking and quite strong-willed. Takano improves on closer acquaintance and I felt for him since he did seem rather hurt by Ritsu's rejection and messy love life. Despite being the poster boy of the overbearing tsundere seme, he turned out to be surprisingly caring. The insight we get into his back story and the deep feelings he has for Ritsu was for me the biggest draw of this story.

Kisa and Yukina are fine too, I enjoyed the story and liked the characters. Especially the older uke/eager young seme aspect was nice. I don't really remember the other couples...

There are things I like about this story but there are some serious consent and victim blaming issues even in the later volumes. Rape≠Love!

... Last updated on April 20th, 2014, 7:58am

MHMM<3 BEST YAOI MANGA EVER(: It captured my attention from the beginning and the artwork is pure amazing. I just love the personalities of the characters. RitsuxTakano <3

chiaki should be with yuu hatori is waaay too boring for him and chiaki and yuuu together are my OTP
my favourite couple though is kisaxyukina so cute<3

Iam not a yaoi fan
You can say that I don't like it
But this story is amazing I was so hooked up with it ,I couldn't put it down its one of the best
Recommended

... Last updated on April 17th, 2013, 5:32pm

So first, this manga to me is awesome. The charaters and the art are all 10 for me. Even though I just wanted to focus just on Takano x Ritsu, sensei pulled me into the other realtionships also. I dont like reading a manga again because I know everything that happened already and its just weird but I
I've read this one alone like 3 times (bored) but still I was excited because Ritsu isnt your average shhy uke and Takano isnt your average demanding seme. their a funny couple RECCOMENDED >___< READ IT

... Last updated on October 30th, 2012, 2:10pm

So far I'm really liking this. I love the setting! Personally, I prefer this over Junjou Romantica big time. The "First love" concept is simply refreshing and sweet.

The only problem i have is the art--- the way she draws older men bugs me a bit how the mouth is so low and the chin is so narrow, but other than that i like the art. This is potentially my second favorite yaoi manga ;D (Yellow being the first) Btw, i also recommend checking out the anime. Its nice to see the characters actually in action, and i went through all 12 episodes in a flash TT.

... Last updated on July 10th, 2011, 1:28am

Wow. I had NO clue that this was from the same author as Junjou Romantica! xD No wonder Takano looks similer to Usumi!

Anyways, I prefer this to Junjou Romantica any day of the week! The drawings are definitely improved and Onodera's personality is more likable then Misaki's(in my opinion). So that's a big plus, I always loved having head strong uke's.

I think the story is great AND realistic, the drawings are amazing, the characters are great, and I cannot ait for the anime to come out this Spring!

... Last updated on February 17th, 2011, 3:48pm

Alright, yes yes, the art is BETTER than Junjou Romantica but it isn't superbly good.
I think the artist HAS improved and the guys do look ... COUGH hotter. =u= Well, the plot seemed really new and refreshing at first but afterwards from reading the RAWS, it seemed kind of dull and lifeless.

I really hope she adds in some angst at some point. 8D

Hilarious and witty. It's better than Junjou Romantica. The art though not as gorgeous that you can define in the mainstream BL manga, it captures and conveys the right emotions the charas are feeling. It's easy to follow and understand what the author tries to tell to the readers right on the spot. Also, credits to DP for the good translations.

If you're into laughs and intelligent dialogues, this is right one for you.

... Last updated on March 2nd, 2010, 5:22pm

What I like:
Takano, Kisa and Yukina. More or less they are frank, mature/adult, and sincere characters. I also like the misunderstandings and unsaid things and how pretty realistic they are, at least to me. My favorite couple is Kisa+Yukina, though I had high expectations for Takano+Onodera at the beginning. But then..

What I dislike:
Grown-up Onodera! I absolutely can't stand him! If it wasn't for Takano I would've stopped reading this already and I can't help but hope that he'd get tired of that kid and his immaturity and foolishness. Uff! Okay.. Also I'm not enthusiastic about how there seems to be only homosexual or straightbutinlovewithaman male characters in the same environment either.

... Last updated on May 28th, 2012, 10:20am