This is the BEST shounen-ai manga that I've read; and considering that I've been reading both yaoi and BL manga for the past 10 years of my life, that's really saying a lot.
What really attracted me to read this first is it's length. Yaoi/BL manga tends to have fast progress in terms of relationships and sexual activity. And the fact that Takara and Kiyomine started in a hate relationship before becoming friends is definitely a refreshing scene to see. Often times, I find myself getting tired of the usual 'Love at First Sight' yaoi or 'Rape-Confession Scene' since, admittedly, in the real world, that is definitely difficult, even impossible, to come by. The gradual build-up of relationship is really close to reality, especially in the realm of long term 'closer than normal' friends.
Aside from the relationship category, each character's development is something to applaud for. This does not only pertain to the protagonists of the story, but to minor characters (both male x female) as well. Akari and Nanase are perfect examples.
Frankly, I hate having females in any BL/Yaoi manga since they usually give trouble to the couple and mangakas have the tendency to depict them as someone almost alien in the real world. I am a girl, myself, but I am more than 100% sure that I act nothing like those women in typical bitch/slash yaoi manga.
Anyway, back to the topic, Akari and Nanase showed a lot of growth throughout the story. And mind you, such growth do not pertain to anything romantic at all, but instead, on the essence of long-term companionship essential to all.
In fact, Komahoshi is the perfect epitome of a story that proves how extremely difficult it is to find true/real and close friends compared to lovers.
Although in Takara and Kiyomine's case, I can say, they found both in each other.
With regards to art, Abe Miyuki's sketches are poetry to the eyes. They are really beautiful. I especially love the way she draws Takara's eyes. It's very expressive and childlike; definitely perfect for the role she wishes for him to portray.
Now, I've downloaded Volume 1-26 to my laptop; and to prove how much I love this piece of work, although I understand nothing of japanese writing, I still went through the pages of Volume 12-26 patiently, and still enjoyed every bit of it.
Because like I said, even without words, the expression and emotions of the characters are enough for me to grasp the essence of the story.
Two thumbs up for Abe Miyuki.
I would love to see another installment of Komatta should she decide to make one of it (preferably about T & K's relationship combined with work. After all, Kiyomine is pursuing law. It will be interesting to see him trying to pass a resolution regarding the legalization of Homosexual Marriages.)