Viewfinder, 2012 - ANiMiX

Title: Target in the Viewfinder
Genre: yaoi
Format: animix
Length: 39 minutes

Let me start off and say this is not an anime. This is an ANiMiX, meaning it's mostly a composition of graphics and pictures with a minimal amount of animation tied in. You get to see certain actions and camera movements, as well as see people talking, but otherwise there isn't much motion being drawn out frame by frame.

Now that I cleared that up, let's get to the review. The clarity of picture is fantastic. The colors aren't overly bright, nor overly dark. There's a nice blend of lighting that keeps true to the noir setting that Ayano Yamane created in the original manga serialization. You won't have to worry about random flowers or bubbles sprouting every five minutes across the screen in this story.

You also don't have to worry too much about the characters staying true to their original design. The ANiMiX does a great job at copying Yamane's style of art throughout the entire piece. There are a few moments when it strays away from her style, and the proportions are a little off, or the lines aren't quite delicate enough where they should be, but for the most part the art is very similar.

Despite only being a composite of image stills, the ANiMiX does a fairly good job of creating a flow that follows the original storyline. While there is some censoring during the raunchy parts between main characters Asami and Takaba, there are plenty of shots of Takaba naked and wearing an expression of pleasure. To those familiar with the manga, this can be considered a let down, especially since some of the "training" Asami puts Takaba through is rather explicit and electrifying. The same can be said when Takaba lands in the hands of Fei Long later down the road.

That being said, this ANiMiX covers the first few books of the series, up to the point where Takaba first encounters Fei Long. It also includes one of the well-loved "extra" stories featured in the series, when Takaba is enjoying New Years with his friends and commences in drunk calling Asami. Though the story runs through a little quickly, with less than 40 minutes to do it, the animation covers a lot of ground. Despite the censoring, the story is followed very closely, which is a plus for those who enjoy a similarity between their manga and anime.

Apart from all that, let me talk a bit about the voice acting. Takaba's VA/seiyuu is close to what I imagined him to sound like when I read the manga. Takaba's character is a young man, and with a handsome face; the type of submissive that you'd expect to have a pretty voice when caught in a fit of passion. Takaba's VA delivers that during the explicit parts of the story, especially when paired with Asami.

On the other hand, I found Asami's VA to be a bit disappointing. He wasn't what I thought the man should have sounded like at all. Though he carries the depth of a man of danger, the general inflection that the VA uses when Asami speaks doesn't quite match his character. I expected something less nasal sounding and more throaty and on the edge of guttural.

Fei Long seemed to be relatively accurate. An effeminate voice for an effeminate man. Honestly, I wasn't too sure what Fei Long would sound like when I read the series, but I don't find his VA a wrong choice. Possibly not the best, but it's not hard to see why that sort of voice was picked for his character. He sounds a bit on the high strung side, prissy, like he's got the stick shoved too far, but considering the characters history, it's not impossible to see the connection.

I think the ANiMiX did a pretty good job representing the series. I'm a larger fan of full animation - i.e. anime - rather than still pictures, but for what it is, and what it isn't, I give the production a thumbs up for staying as true to the original series as possible, by trying to please the audience while still fitting within the media regulations of Japan's media.

Overall: 4 out of 5

Teahouse: Chapter 2 by Emirain

Title: Teahouse (Chapter 2)
Author: Emirain
Format: webcomic

Warning: Review may contain spoilers.

After meeting all the characters in the first chapter, including the mysterious and tall man who's interested in Rory's virgin butt, it's only appropriate that we be met with answers. And answers certainly are met. We learn the name of Mr. "Tall Dark and Rapist," as Lilith likes to call him - which in fact is actually "Reed." We also see in detail why Rhys left such a strong impression on Axis when they first met.

Mm, how steamy. Nothing is better than completely dominating a stubborn straight man with such finesse he forgets everything except how good it feels to be taken.

Also, if you recall, the first time we met Rhys, there was supposed to be a house-wide call. Linneus wasn't present when it happened, because he valued his current client more than someone new. Atros wasn't too happy with that, especially when he found out that Linneus was receiving more than his fair share of rough-housing during sessions.

The actions Atros takes against Liard Arulent come to light, and the way it is executed leads a reader to wonder if Atros is just protective of his whores, or if Linneus is special because of their history. Or is it a mix of both? The mystery that lingers between them is electrifying. It's hard not to wonder and hope there's a personal reason behind Atros' actions, especially when he confronts Linneus later on.

The relationship between Linneus and Atros is certainly complicated. As is Rhys' and Axis' relationship. With the newest pair: Reed and Rory, we now have a full house of emotional and psychological chaos. There are issues of sexuality, of security, of identity, and of purpose. There is so much going on, and so much to consider, it's safe to say we are only just beginning.

This is still just the tip of the iceberg. I hope we figure out what's so special about Rhys' social status, who Reed is, and what will happen between Linneus and Atros down the line. There are so many unanswered questions, it's only a matter of time before all is revealed.

I can't wait for the rest of the story to reveal itself. The art is absolutely lovely and the colors are vivid and eye-catching. That alone will keep me coming back to check on updates.

Overall: 5 out of 5

Feral by Joely Skye

Title: Feral
Author: Joely Skye
Format: book

Shifters. As in shapeshifters. Or, more commonly, weres. In any case, this book is a homoerotic relationship between two shifters of different species. Meet Ethan, a cougar shifter, and Bram, a wolf shifter. As the synopsis goes, Ethan finds himself captured by Bram's pack and confined in a room. Bram becomes his babysitter, delivering his food and making sure nothing happens. And other duties. 

It's pretty commonplace that when two individuals are stuck in each other's company for an extended period of time, their initial relationship changes. For Ethan and Bram, they grow closer - even though it is forbidden for them to do so. 

Bram is the pack's omega (i.e. bottom of the totem pole), so he is obligated to follow the alpha's (Doug) orders to the T. The relationship Bram has with Doug is a complicated one thanks to certain events in the past. However, this complication doesn't seem to be portrayed as smoothly as a reader might hope. I had a problem with connecting with the characters. The fluidity of their conversation and their interactions with each other seemed forced and awkward. 

The wolves' feelings for each other didn't seem genuine, and I had a hard time connecting with either man. Bram especially was hard to sympathize with. I didn't feel like I could reach into his head and empathize with his actions.

As for Ethan, I could partially sympathize with him, but he too lacked enough depth for me to get really involved with his side of the story. The characters as a whole seemed too two-dimensional and shallowly developed. While the plot itself is interesting and had kicked off to a thrilling start, I didn't feel overly compelled to finish the book in one sitting like I might others.

I might have enjoyed the story better if I had a better understanding of the dynamics of either shifter species, and why it was so important to break through these psychological defenses. Or how.

And when it came to the sex... it seemed dry. It wasn't personal enough for my liking, or erotic enough to make me wonder if I should be sitting with a box of tissues at my side. It wasn't so much the description as the method it was told that turned me off. In combination with flat characters, I struggled to find it emotionally drawing. I was overly tempted to just skip it entirely.

I wouldn't recommend this as an 'introductory' book into the genre of gay erotica. But it might still appeal to someone who wants to pass the time with a bit of guy love when there's nothing else to read.

Overall: 2.5 out of 5

Green by Jay Lake

Title: Green
Author: Jay Lake
Format: book


I must admit, the first thing that drew my attention was the cover. I instantly thought "Hey, a ninja girl!" In a sense, I'm not completely wrong. Though the character is not a ninja, she does possess a great deal of athletic ability that is very similar in practice to the Japanese ninjas of old. Her name is Green, just like the title, and she's an unfortunate girl who finds herself a consort of sorts to a man she's never met.

She is groomed to be this unfamiliar (and rich) man's partner, but Green - like any normal girl - doesn't want to comply. She prefers to do things her way. Of course, none of her teachers enjoy that. They are hard on her. This creates for a very sympathetic feeling in the reader. It isn't hard to connect with Green and wish she could have more freedom in her life instead of being confined as she is.

When she does get her freedom, it's just as easy to feel glad for her. Happy for her. But now begs the question: what next? The journey that Green takes from being a consort to pursuing her more adventurous life - the one that is depicted vividly on the book cover - is a peculiar one. She searches for herself and her next purpose, and where she ends up is not to be expected.

I found Green's journey from one turning point in her life to the next to be interesting. I was quite curious to see where she would go. However, there were a few elements about the book that took away from my experience reading it. For one, the pacing. There is a lot of detail and emphasis that goes into the time period when Green is being groomed and confined. While the dedication to this part is fantastic, too much time was taken just building this part up.

By the time we get to the actual "journeying" part of Green's story, it seems to be lacking in content and depth. As if that part wasn't quite as thought out. Also, Green's actions after she finds her freedom gradually seem to fall into chaos. I became unsure about the real purpose of her actions, and where this story was supposed to end.

The problem that stories like this one have, where a character stuck in such a restricted world suddenly finds themselves free of restriction, is the uncertainty once free. It's okay for a character to feel lost, but the reader shouldn't feel that way too. Upon reaching the destination of Green's journey, and the actions she takes to get there, I still feel like there's so much missing and she didn't accomplish anything at all.

The side trips she takes along the way distract me from the purpose of her journey (or what I assume to be her purpose - I'm  not too sure if there actually is one anymore).

I wish there was more coherence with the plot, and a clearer portrayal of Green's mission. For this book, the mystery shouldn't have been the destination, but how to get there. There was much to be desired when I finished this book. There is a sequel (Endurance), but I'm not too sure if I'll give it a look. Maybe somewhere down the road, but I'm not in a rush.

Overall: 3 out of 5

Ai no Gebokutachi by Shushushu Sakurai

Title: Ai no Gebokutachi
Author: Shushushu Sakurai
Format: manga

What I thought the manga was going to be like didn't turn out to be after all. Ai no Gebokutachi is a mix of comedy and smut in the world of gay boys. It's also a collection of short stories, starting out with Keigo and Gunji who are both single fathers and old coworkers. They secretly like each other but due to a misunderstanding one night after a social party they separated ways and each found themselves a wife and a son.

Their section of the manga plays on the idea of idiot fathers trying to be both responsible while still pursuing a  homoerotic romance with each other. There's a heavy dose of comedy as the two men stumble and try to work around being parents and lovers at the same time.

The next story that follows is of their kids: Keita and Gunkichi. This is several years in the future, when the boys are in high school. I didn't see any specificity of which grade they are in, but that's hardly important. Like fathers, like sons, the boys find themselves attracted to each other. They have been friends since they were young, and their affection has grown since then.

The next one is about a theatre actor (Seiji Suou) and his devoted fan (Ryoichi Kobayashi). Ryoichi pursues Seiji by becoming a stagehand in the theatre company. One day, Seiji invites Ryoichi home and things get a little hot and steamy between them. In time, they become lovers, but then problems arise which reveals a surprising health problem for Seiji.

The last story is about a journalist (Tetsuya Naruse) and childhood friend (Kousuke). Tetsuya returns to his hometown to work in the local journalist company. After learning Kousuke used to be involved with a gang and thus couldn't get a job because of his bad record, Tetsuya pleads for Kousuke to work in the company as an errand boy.

The compilation of stories in this manga is diverse in the sense that there are different settings for each story. Each one is unique from the other. But despite that and how interesting the synopsis for each short story might be, the story telling is disappointing. I find it hard to connect with the characters. Though this is a comedic sort of manga - and there are definitely funny parts throughout the book - I still feel like I should be able to sympathize with the character(s) a little before the plot dives into sex. Or at least understand them.

Not only that, the way the story was told was too fast for my liking. It felt choppy, and parts I felt were key components to draw the reader in were brushed over too lightly. I found some parts hard to follow, not because I couldn't understand, but the transition from scene to scene was too abrupt. I would have preferred if the author took more time to draw the story out, and perhaps even make a bit more profit in their sales if they stretched it into another volume.

Because each story was all so fast and crammed in a single chapter each, there was much to be desired at the end.

Apart from that, the art did not compel me to keep staring. Some stories may have bad plots but their art will keep you looking at the pages and admiring the delicate lines and effort put into place - regardless the genre of story. This manga did not do that for me. What came out strong in Keigo and Gunji's story seemed to deteriorate as I progressed through the chapters. I don't know if the author was rushed to meet their deadline or lost motivation, but by the end of it all I didn't feel moved to go back and read it through again.

Overall: 3 out of 5

Teahouse: Chapter 1 by Emirain

Title: Teahouse (Chapter 1)
Author: Emirain
Format: webcomic


Warning: Review may contain spoilers.


We've seen it before, read it before -- been there, done that. The setting of a whore house is nothing new. But despite this, Emirain brings a new light to the world of "companionship." For one, it's gay. Not every character is gay, mind you, but the story focuses especially on the men and their male counterparts. 


Right from the get-go we are introduced to the cast, including the owner of the brothel, the workers, and some of the patrons. Teahouse opens when one of said patrons comes for a visit. Right away we see the diversity between each of the whores: with Lilith's prudishness, Mercutio's unhealthy obsession with toys, Claret's fancy milk duds, Rory's blushing inexperience, and Axis's fuck-all attitude. And let's not forget the wiry, fragile Linneus, who looks like a walking jeweler's advertisement. 


As introductions are made around, we see that Axis and the visiting patron (Rhys), have a special past. A hot, sexy, drool-worthy past. Though their interaction is short, just two pages in enough to describe the sort of tension between the two characters. We can tell right away that they'll be a fun, feisty pair to watch. 


We also get to see a different sort of special relationship between Linneus and the brothel's owner: Atros. We don't know why they have a different relationship, but it's clear that the bond isn't shared with Atros and the other whores. 


Not to say Atros doesn't get close to anyone else. Ahem. Apparently Atros has no problem bending a few rules to suit his own needs. The things he does seem minor, but there's a hint that it's only the tip of the iceberg. Readers are pulled to be sympathetic towards Linneus, who is the most affected by Atros's actions.

Lastly, we meet one more patron who is bound to leave use with a very strong impression: Reed. He's a foreboding sort or individual who seems dangerous at first glance. A man who suffers no shit. Who he happens to pick out as his companion for the day is surprising -- and perhaps a little scary.

Left at a cliffhanger after the two meet, it's needless to say the audience is kept gripping at their seats for more. There is so much more to tell, so much more to do. Emirain starts off strong and ends the chapter on a high note. Suspense, wonder, anticipation -- these are but a few emotions that might play in a reader's head after getting through this chapter. It's obvious this is just the beginning, and there is so much more ahead.

I find myself part of the crowd that's itching for more. I think you will too.

Overall: 5 out of 5

Only Serious About You by Kai Asou

Title: Only Serious About You (Sorenari ni Shinken Nandesu)
Author: Kai Asou
Format: manga


The lovely part about this story is that it isn't insta-love, and it isn't a booty call. The characters start off as acquaintances, and only through a series of events do they develop a closer relationship. Naoki is a single parent, and anyone who is familiar with the role of parenthood knows how challenging it can be to care for a young child. There's always something to take care of, from house chores to school issues to the child themselves. 


Even though Mizu is a sweet and cooperative child, some things that have nothing to do with attitude can be a problem. Namely, sickness. Or the fact that Mizu's mother still has partial custody over her. 


For Naoki, the thought of dealing with a job and a child, the idea of love just doesn't fit into the picture. Though Yoshioka is not easily dissuaded when it comes to pursuing Naoki, Naoki cannot afford to let another person in. 


But like it or not, he cannot avoid Yoshioka. Yoshioka won't leave him alone, and when things become overly complicated for Naoki, Yoshioka is right there to support him. Again and again Yoshioka proves to Naoki that the man needs him, and there's just no way he's going to let him go after witnessing all his vulnerabilities. 


Truly, this is a sweet story touching on the life of two men going through the rough times the life brings them, and coming out of the trenches together more united and happier than before. For anyone wishing to read a story that's not overly dramatic or fantasy, but more down to earth and has a realistic feel to it, then this is story is right up your alley. It pulls at your heartstrings and makes you all warm and fuzzy inside in the end. 


Overall: 5 out of 5