Ye gods, this is so painful. It's a great example of what homophobia can do to people. [Yuudai couldn't even be honest when given the perfect opportunity because he was so used to hiding who he truly was, and he ended up hurting both himself and someone he really cared about. The only way out that he could see was moving away to where people didn't know him, so that maybe he wouldn't have to hide anymore. And even that failed.

It's definitely not all angst though, there's a healthy dose of humor and sex. I have an embarrassment squick a mile wide so I had to stop reading and take a break a few times because of Yuudai's situation. I'm really glad for the ending it got, and Itto's author's note had some good insight into the story.

Mentaiko Itto is currently one of the biggest names in "bara" or rather "gei komi" (gay comics) in Japan. Unlike BL, which shows male gay romance by straight women for straight women, this genre is by gay men for gay men. It thus differs in many ways: the artstyle is more masculine, leaning on the Seinen side instead of the BL-shoujo-bishonen, and will tackle topics such as LGBTQ+ acceptance, social issues, patriarchal structures and toxic masculinity.
"The Boy Who Cries Wolf" is the story of a high schooler who is in the closet, coming out is not an option for him. When graduation comes around the corner, he is looking forward to maybe starting is new gay life far away from his hometown.
In the final night, hanging out with his male friends, he can let his homosexuality out in a playful manner, he is drunk, he kisses one of his mates, what a big good time.
However, later that night, said friend comes out to him... but our protagonist can't. In the following sex scene, we see an intense and honestly heartbreaking inner monologue about him not being able to be who he wants to be, but also, even in the act of gay sex, cannot deal with the shame. Neither can he emotionally support his gay friend. The internalised homophobia is too strong.
The sex is fully consensual, yet struggles with its own identity and intention: which is the whole theme of the story. (It also portrays gay anal sex in a realistic manner, it can severely hurt if one is not well-prepared, unlike in the BL genre where lube or foreplay is often non-existent.)
The story ends positively, with the two friends being able to reconnect and talk about it many years later, and both apologising and making up for it.
What also leads me to this conclusion is the afterword by the author himself, which is included in my physical copy by the Bruno Gmünder publisher: Mentaiko Itto says that this story is quite autobiographical, he was in the closet for his whole youth, and now as an adult, severely regrets that he couldn't support gay friends who came out to him in his school days - he feels shame for letting his fellow gay friends down, and not having been true to himself.
As the story itself ends on a positive note, his own afterword also ends in a positive one: I'm out to the world now, and I'm happy. And I think that is wonderful.
"The Boy Who Cries Wolf" is a tough read, an emotional turmoil that many LGBTQ+ youths all around the world face, and I will recommend it highly for that.

Bara has never been my thing. Mainly because for all of the ones which I have encountered there are only three things at the heart of them: smut, violence, and violent smut. There is no grace, or the rawness of various emotions, not just lust and violence, or the Kantian sublime to be found in all the bara manga, which I have come across (and they I have gone through many). So, to come across an actual plot, story-line, with actual character development, is quite an enjoyable surprise.
I am uncertain as to why I am not rating this a ten; maybe my dislike (cultivated from experience, not hearsay) of bara? or is it the rushed feeling this one-shot gives? Not sure. Either, this gives me hope that the bara world is not filled with smut, violence, and violent smut only. And that real life can turn out in unexpected, but sweet, ways as Mentaiko in the afterword. His portrayal of gentleness and kindness is appreciated.

... Last updated on March 24th, 2017, 4:29pm

This was one of the best and most realistic yaoi ever! I love it I only wish it was longerrrrr, don't we all? But it's still good. I love these two and I can totally see why he was so scared to come out of the closet. This was so good!

... Last updated on May 16th, 2014, 3:12am

This was great, made me cry because I can totally identify with the character.... its a horrible feeling when you have buried something for so long you are unable to let out. Even though this is a smutty oneshot, I think this story can really touch many of us, not just lgbt but anyone hiding beneath a facade. The storytelling is great and has great flow ecen through the sex scenes. And of course Mentaiko's art is always A+,but he surprised me with this hidden depth. Amazing.

I'm surprised this one-shot isn't labeled as smut despite the excessive amount of it. Either way I'm absolutely loving what I've seen and will definitely check out more from this mangaka. For one, it's a HE not a she. That provides a really refreshing POV reflected in the characters'. He's even a homosexual himself, which made me love him even more. Also, it's such a bittersweet story that could actually happen in life with actual people. One might find it frustrating to see a character's actions and thoughts so cowardly and indecisive, but after all humans can actually be like that to some degree can't we? I personally could relate so much to the story and the mangaka's Atogaki (afterwords). It's a good thing this one-shot has a happy ending, something like a reward to strive for in real life.

I really liked this story. It was such a sweet story of coming out in a way... and seriously struggling on the way to doing so. But surrounding yourself with the right people who won't shun you (those who do aren't usually worth your time anyways), can lead to great happiness and peace in your own life. I loved the overall feeling of this story. And I'm happy for the ending, even if there was undoubtedly many struggles before that for the characters involved.

Once again, great storytelling strikes again! The main character's personality and thoughts are neatly detailed throughout the story, allowing you to understand the rationale behind his actions. I really did enjoy the manga because of this. Considering that this was actually semi-biographical, the story was really full of emotions and reflections. Pacing and characters were awesome. Really loved Kimikazu's character, he was so realistic and kind. Would love to have a buddy like him. Smut was very delicious. Check this sweetass manga out.

As stated before, the comment page is really worth reading. It's nice to read an yaoi manga written by personal experience. Even if it's rushed (partly because it's an oneshot) and a bit exaggerated, it still has a sense of realism on it.

Mentaiko's stories and characters always have a touch of reality...especially how the way his boys think irrationally (It helps that he's a male too lol). It makes the story really sweet. I'm glad there was a happy ending, it makes the world go round. : )

I love how Mentaiko points out a similar experience he went through like the main character. Don't skip the comment page because it's worth reading!

... Last updated on November 2nd, 2012, 11:28pm