BL Manga & Anime Recommendations to Celebrate 801 Day and Every Day There After!

Yaoi, BL, Shonen-Ai, Bara, Geikomi, what’s the difference?

These are all terms that originated in Japan (but have become English loan words) for media that depicts two men in a romantic and/or sexual relationship. The difference between all these terms is often hotly debated, as is whether or not they are appropriate to use. But here is a very brief run-down.

Shonen-Ai: Literally translates to “Boy Love”. The first term used to refer to Japanese stories that depict same-sex relationships between men. Treated as a sub-genre of shoujo, since the earliest stories were published in shoujo magazines. Now mostly obsolete in Japan in favour of the English “Boy Love” or “BL”.

BL: Stands for Boy’s Love. This is the term most commonly used today. It can be used to refer to a wide range of manga, anime, and light novels from all over East Asia. There is no set genre for BL. Examples include horror series like The Summer Hikaru Died and comedies like Crossplay Love: Otaku X Punk.

Yaoi: Stands for “Yama nashi, Ochi nashi, Imi nashi” meaning “No climax, no point, no meaning”.  Similar to how fanfic writers will refer to fic that is just pure sex as “Plot What Plot?” or “PWP” for short. It was first used as a derogatory term aimed at the women who wrote romantic stories between men, but was quickly reclaimed in the same way “Fujoshi” (“Rotten Woman”) was. In modern day, this term is mostly only used by Western fans and publishers.

Bara: An outdated term in Japan for manga written by queer men for queer men. Meaning “Rose” it has a similar meaning to “Pansy”. Could refer to the type of manga featured in Massive: Gay Erotic Manga and the Men Who Make It but not all authors might thank you for it. In English-speaking circles, Bara often refers to manga featuring big, burly men. I’ve heard Queer American Men refer to both Gumshoe from Ace Attorney and Joe from SK8 The Infinity as “Bara Types”.

Geikomi: Taken from the English, “Gay Comics”. Usually used to refer to own voices media, that doesn’t focus on romantic relationships but rather queer existence. Series include: Our Colors, My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness, and Is Love the Answer.

So, got any recommendations?

I sure do! I’ve broken them down into different themes, so hopefully you can find something that vibes with you personally! I’ve also included some animated BL series at the end with brilliant English Dubs, so even those who find reading difficult, especially screen reader users, can find something to enjoy this 801 day and every day thereafter.

Teenage Dreams

High School and College romances make up a huge part of the BL genre, and for a good reason! First crushes, sexual awakenings, and teenage hijinks make for great reading.

My Love Mix-Up

Vibes: High School RomCom With a Twist, Dorks In Love, BFFs Who Trash Talk You

High Schooler Aoki has the biggest crush on Hashimoto. So he’s naturally devastated when he discovers her eraser has “Ida” written on it, the name of the boy who sits in front of him! When Ida spots the eraser, Aoki pretends it’s his so as to spare Hashimoto having her own crush revealed before she’s ready. But now Ida thinks that Aoki likes him, and is putting serious thought into dating him. But Aoki likes Hashimoto! Not Ida! But the more time he spends with Ida, the more he starts to see why Hashimoto would like him, and the more he realises that maybe he likes Ida too?! What follows is a high school love story between a bunch of really swell kids.

My Love Mix-Up! is the quintessential teenage RomCom. Aoki is such a complete dork, his kindness and his foolishness makes him instantly likeable. Aruko does an incredible job with his facial expressions that always leave me in stitches! His romance with Ida is well developed, and very sweet. The two negotiate their feelings really well, and at times the manga acts as a guide for teenagers on how to navigate the world as a young queer person. The series is also very bisexual affirming. Aoki’s feelings for Hashimoto were very real, the two are just better suited to being besties.

Credits:

• Art: Aruko
• Story: Wataru Hinekure
• Translation and Adaptation: Jan Cash
• Touch Up Art and Lettering: Inorui Fukuda Trant
• Design: Yukiko Whitley
• Editor: Nancy Thistlethwaite
• English Publisher: Shojo Beat

I Hear the Sunspot

Vibes: Gentle Slow Burn, Friends to Lovers, Journey Of Self-Acceptance

College students Kohei and Taichi make for an unlikely duo. The loud Taichi is not that academically gifted, and he’s not that rich either. Most days he ends up skipping lunch entirely. It turns out that the handsome and enigmatic Kohei makes incredible bento though, and offers to make one for him if he agrees to share his notes from class. Kohei is slowly losing his hearing, and the teacher doesn’t talk loud enough for him to hear. Meanwhile, he never seems to have any issues when talking toTaichi.

There are so few manga in the world that depict people who are both queer, and disabled. This is one of the few that do, and it’s a wonderful one! The story is the real draw here. The characters are all complex, with their own motivations and their own flaws. It’s quite a slow burn romance, but all the better for it. As the series goes on, Taichi and Kohei both get more involved in the Deaf community, and it helps to open up to wider discussions about what it means to be disabled, and the different outlooks people have based on the level of their disability, and how they came about it.

Credits:

• Art and Story: Yuki Fumino
• Translator: Stephen Kohler
• English Publisher: One Peace Books

BL First Crush Anthology: Five Seconds Before We Fall in Love

Vibes: Creative, Sweet, Surprising

This anthology collects work from 29 artists and writers, all working on the theme of “First Crushes”. Each story is only 4 pages long, but captures the heart and spirit of what BL has to offer! It includes acclaimed work by the creators behind BL Metamorphosis, Heat x Beat, Thigh High, and Manly Appetities.

There really is something for everyone in this book! There’s blushing teenagers sitting in classrooms, salary men who should be over this stage by now, and a tapir god in love with a human. Even if there’s a story you don’t like, you can easily skip through them. There’s so much talent on display here, it’s a great way to discover new storytellers!

Credits:

• Story and Art: Various
• Translator: Jocelyne Allen
• Adaption: Krista Grandy
• Lettering: Nicole Roderick
• Proofreader: Dave Murray
• English Publisher: Seven Seas

Adult Content Warning: Taxes, Rent, and Full-Time Employment

Are you an actual adult with actual adult responsibilities who is tired of teenagers and their shenanigans? Then check out these stories about fully grown adults making their way in life together.

The Metalhead Next Door

Vibes: Knitting and Nattering, Soft and Comfy, Epic Music, Snarky Toddlers With Relationship Advice

When the student dorms get too expensive for Grad Student Kento, he decides to look elsewhere for a room. Problem is, his work at the daycare centre pays nothing, and so he can only afford a small flat with no water or heating that’s probably haunted. After collapsing from hypothermia and malnutrition, he wakes up in his neighbour, Soshi’s room! The 30-year-old metal fan and professional baker is definitely the quiet type, but his food speaks for itself. Soon the pair end up eating together every day, and their friendship grows into something more. So long as they’re both willing to take a risk, and let themselves be vulnerable.

This manga is one of my favourites from this year! I love manga where the two grow closer together through sharing food and hobbies. I loved all the metal education too, although I do need to point out that Finland is not part of Scandinavia. Soshi has deep social anxiety and is mostly non-verbal. I thought this was presented really well throughout, and I loved that he already had a supportive network around him before Kento showed up. Kento just gives him more reasons to speak!

Credits:

• Story and Art: Mamita
• Translation: Adrienne Beck
• Touch-Up Art and Lettering: Yuan Han
• Cover and Graphic Design: Yukiko Whitley
• Editor: Jennifer LeBlanc
• English Publisher: SuBLime

Old-Fashioned Cupcake

Vibes: 10 Year Age Gap, Senpai X Kohei, Salary Man X Salary Man, Improving Your Boss’ Work/Life Balance by Dating Him

Nozue is approaching 40 and feeling it. He’s getting tired of his own cooking, no matter how skillful, and is starting to feel lonely spending his free time just watching TV. He wants to go out and try all the cute things at all the cute cafes, but he can’t do that as a middle aged man all alone. And he can’t get a girlfriend because, well, he’s gay. Not that anybody knows that of course. When working late with a co-worker 10 years his junior, Togawa, he confesses to wishing he could have the same carefree attitude as a teenage girl, taking selfies, acting giddy, and eating pancakes and parfait without worry! Togawa tells him he can still do all that, and offers to come with him if he’s feeling shy. Soon the two are spending all the lunch breaks together. Are they now dating? What is happening here? Is this a normal relationship between a manager and their subordinate, or is this turning into something more?

Old-Fashioned Cupcake is a two-part series that stands out from a lot of other BL out there. Sagan Sagan’s artwork is so delicate and thoughtful, it really helps to bring out the heartfelt emotions of the characters. From Nozue’s melancholy to Togawa’s desperate need to be needed. The art style feels more mature than other manga, in particular because of the use of grey scale. The age gap between Nozue and Togawa is explored really well. There isn’t a problem with power dynamics here, it’s more that they’re at different stages of their lives, with different goals on the horizon. The relationship tension feels realistic, if naturally exaggerated for the sake of the art form.

Credits:

• Story and Art: Sagan Sagan
• Translation: Adrienne Beck
• Touch Up Art and Lettering: Yuan Han
• Cover and Graphic Design: Shawn Carrico
• Editor: Jennifer LeBlanc
• English Publisher: SuBLime

What did you eat yesterday?

Vibes: Grumpy One X Sunshine One, Cooking Manga, Queer Kitchen Sink Slice of Life Drama, Bickering Old Would-be-Married Couple

Shiro and Kenji are just your typical middle-aged couple living in Tokyo. They just happen to be gay. Shiro is a serious and focussed lawyer, meanwhile Kenji is a cheerful and outgoing hairdresser. Shiro spends his free time thinking up new meals to try, and shopping for the best ingredients and the best prices. The pair always make time to eat together, and talk about their day. Whilst they face obstacles in their lives, from domestic disputes to work place mishaps to LGBTQIA+ discrimination one thing stays true: they wouldn’t want to annoy anyone else but each other until the end of time.

This established relationship manga is a classic for a reason. The beauty here is that all that falling in love, dramatic fights, moving in together drama is over and done with. These two are so comfortably in love that it’s not even a concern. They naturally still have their relationship issues, but it’s all dealt with in a realistic adult way. The recipes are also all great and look totally delicious! Plus they’re easy to follow, and great for beginners.

Credits:

• Art and Story: Fumi Yoshinaga
• Translation: Maya Rosewood and Jocelyn Allen
• Production: Risa Cho
• English Publisher: Kodansha

Dads Who Love Other Dads

Are you a fan of DILFs and want to see them do some actual parenting? Then check out these titles about men in love raising children together.

All About My Two Dads

Vibes: Dorks in Love, Parenthood, Babies Being Babies, Overcoming Trauma to be Your Best Self

Ai and Nao have been dating since college, and after the legalization of same-sex marriage, decide it’s time to start a family. Enter Hiro, their beautiful, adopted newborn baby boy. But that’s just the beginning, as they begin to tackle the trials and tribulations that come with parenting. From sleepless nights to sports days, no matter what life brings them these three will work it out all together as a family.

This is an incredibly sweet and perfect parenting manga, regardless of the gender of the couple. Ai and Nao are so loving and supportive of each other and their love for Hiro is beautiful to behold. It doesn’t glamourise parenthood, or try to make queer parents look like superheroes better than anyone else could ever be – they’re just a regular couple who love each, and are using that love to raise another human being. I loved seeing Nao and Ai become closer as a couple the older they get, and finding the strength to talk about the serious things in life. Roji also does an excellent job in making Hiro look extra cute, even when being a bag of germs and fluids.

Credits:

• Story and Art: Roji
• Original Cover Design: Miya Shima (SILO)
• Translation: Rhiannon Liou
• Lettering: Jaedison Yui
• Editor: Melanie Kardas
• English Publisher: Libre

Delinquent Daddy and Tender Teacher

Vibes: Friends Reunited, Unrequited Crush Becomes Requited, Fast Burn, Delinquent X Teacher, Man Tries His Best For Sake Of Kids

Elementary school teacher Hitsuji is concerned for the well-being of one of his students. Hinata lost his mother quite recently and has moved in with his estranged father. When he finally meets the father to discuss what can be done, he discovers that it’s none other than Hatoyama- his unrequited high school crush! The former delinquent is trying his hardest in a tough situation, but admits to having no clue what he’s meant to be doing. Hitsuji impulsively offers to help teach Hatoyama how to prepare proper meals for Hinata and soon the three of them are cooking and eating together every day. But how long can this happiness last? And how will Hatoyama react when he realises that Hitsuji has had a crush on him all this time?

One of my all time favourites! This heartfelt series is so sweet and adorable. The main pair are a perfect match without falling too hard into tropes. Seeing Hatoyama learn how to become a better father, with and without Hitsuji’s guidance, is what makes this manga stand out. The pair get together early on in the series, and it then follows their journey as a single father dating his son’s teacher, the complexities thereof, and the ever present question on when they need to come out. Not only to Hinata but also to the rest of the world.

Credits:

• Story and Art: Tama Mizuki
• Translator: Jenny McKeon
• Lettering: Nicole Roderick
• Proofreader: Dave Murray
• Copy Editor: Leighanna DeRouen
• Editor: McKenzie Carnahan
• English Publisher: Seven Seas Entertainment

Our Dining Table

Vibes: Healing Together, Food As a Love Language, The Kid Ships It

Salaryman Yutaka loves to cook, but is too anxious to eat around others. That is until he meets brothers Minoru and Tane. The pair get a taste of his lunch in the park, and beg him to teach them how to cook too. He agrees and now looks forward to sharing meals with the pair every day. Minoru and Tane are many years apart, and now that their mother is dead Minoru is the one who takes on most of the childcare. But that means he never leaves enough time for himself and his needs, but with Yutaka now on the scene maybe they can both start taking a bit more time for themselves?

A sweet, straightforward story that’s perfect for beginners. The relationship in this builds slowly as they bond over cooking and food. I love how complex the relationship between Minoru and his family is, and how Yutaka makes it more simple and more complicated at the same time. Their love story is built off of food, compassion, and family. It’s wonderful to behold!

Credits:

• Story and Art: Mita Ori
• Translation: Amber Tamosaitis
• Adaption: Marykate Jasper
• Lettering: Laura Heo
• Editor: Jenn Grunigen
• English Publisher: Seven Seas

Magic and Mystics

Supernatural stories were the bread and butter of early BL and not a lot has changed since!

My Noisy Roommate: The Roof Over My Head Comes With Monsters and a Hottie

Vibes: Campfire Ghost Stories, Sleepover Spookiness, All My Friends Are Gay Except For Me, The Yokai Ship It

After graduating High School, Osuke has finally managed to persuade his older siblings to let him move to the city and make it on his own. But then disaster happens as the grotty apartment he just moved into ends up completely flooded by a burst pipe! With nowhere to live, he’s left out on the streets. That is until a mysterious stranger offers him a free place to stay, and even a job, with just one tiny catch… he has to share with the moody but drop dead gorgeous Nijio. It turns out that the work is finding Yoaki who need to be evicted from their haunts, and either sent on to the next realm, or use the agency to find a new place to live. The reason Osuke has to share with Nijio? Because Osuke is irresistible to spirits, and Nijio is repulsive to them! It makes them the absolute dream team. With these two having to stay in such close quarters, sparks are sure to fly. But exactly what kind is another question entirely…

I first found out about this manga from a non-otaku friend, who’d seen it described as “if Ghostbusters was a BL” and (for some reason) thought I might like it. Needless to say, I did! I love seeing the blend of urban legend and classic mythology, and how similar these tales are all over the world. From haunted dolls to mysterious phone calls to ghosts out for revenge. The central romance is also very engaging. It’s a classic hot brooding expert and the ditzy kind hearted outsider pairing. With the added bonus that in order to use their powers they need to be holding hands at all times. There’s a whole host of other wonderful characters that surround these two, but it’s the excellent ghost stories that make this something special.

Credits:

• Story and Art: Kaho Ozaki
• Translator: Leo McDonagh
• Letterer: Dietrich Premier
• Editor: Cayley Last
• English Publisher: Kodansha

The Wize Wize Beasts of the Wizarding Wizdoms

Vibes: Furries and Scalies Unite, Friends to Lovers, Gentle and Quiet, Sweet and Tender

From the creator of The Girl From the Otherside: Siúil, a Rún and Monotone Blue comes eight short BL stores set at a magic academy for demi-humans. From a deer who cares for his reptile roommate during the winter months, to a goat with complex feelings about his wolf best friend’s desire to bite him – there’s something here to entrance all.

Nagabe is a proud furry, and states he is using this book to try and bring more people into the wonderful world of non-humans. His artwork helps redefine the popular image of furries, from stock art styles to truly beautiful, delicate, and creative depictions of what demi-human life would be like. These magical slice-of-life stories are sure to entrance anyone who comes across them. Whilst there’s a certain sensuality to some of the stories, Nagabe never takes it over the line. It gives all of these stories a really innocent feeling. These young would-be couples are still discovering things about themselves, and their place in the world. An enchanting read for furries and BL fans alike!

Credits:

• Story and Art: Nagabe
• Translation: Adrienne Beck
• Adaption: Ysabet MacFarlane
• Layout and Lettering: Karis Page
• Cover Design: KC Fabellon
• Proofreader: Stephanie Cohen and Kurestin Armada
• English Publisher: Seven Seas Entertainment

The Yearning Fox Lies In Wait

Country boy Kiyo is excited to move to Tokyo and start university at the top school in the country. But it’s a big city for such a small town boy, and he quickly gets lost. Luckily he meets the mysterious Ozaki who not only helps him work out where he is, but also offers him a place to stay in exchange for some light housework. But Ozaki has two secrets he’s keeping. First he’s actually a fox spirit, and secondly he knows Kiyo’s grandfather from when he was also a teenager. What does this all mean? And how will Kiyo react when he slowly starts to piece things together? Set in 1920s Taisho Era Japan, this is a love story for the ages!

I’m a sucker for an anthro boy. I have a whole section on my bookshelf that’s just boys with animal ears. I once again blame Natsuki Takaya for this addiction. Yearning Fox is a fantastic story in its own right though. The historical setting makes it stand out from other Fox Spirit Stories. Their relationship is complicated, and tainted by the time and place they find themselves in, which just means it feels all that more rewarding when they finally get together!

Credits:

• Story and Art: Nmura
• Translator: Leo McDonagh
• Letterer: Jennifer Skarupa
• Editor: Tiff Joshua TJ Ferentini
• English Publisher: Kodansha

For the LOLs

Times are tough, and we could all do with a laugh right now. So give these BL a go and see if we share a sense of humour!

Cherry Magic! 30 Years of Virginity can make you a Wizard?!

Vibes: Gag Manga Turned Iconic Romance, Salary Man X Salary Man, Working Late To Spend Time With Your Crush, Local Fujoshi’s Workplace OTP Goes Canon, The Gods Ship It

There’s an old myth that says if a man is still a virgin by the time he’s 30 he’ll turn into a wizard. Adachi never put much stock in things, until he wakes up on his 30th birthday and finds he can now read people’s minds? It’s total hell at first, having to hear everyone’s thoughts when they brush hands in the department store, or packed like sardines on the commuter train. When in an elevator one day, he accidentally brushes up against office hottie Kurusawa, and discovers that he’s completely head over heels for him?! How can such a superstar salesman be obsessed with a boring office drone? And why are his romantic imaginings all so … vivid? Follow the love story of two Salary Men being helped along by the Goddess of Love.

Cherry Magic is one of my favourite series – I even own the live-action movie on Blu-ray! The series starts off as a laugh-out-loud comedy, where Kurosawa’s thoughts are so wild and exaggerated that you can’t help but laugh… and also relate. Toyota has great comedic timing too! Adachi is presented as being incredibly ordinary and by no means your usual BL poster boy, but the way Kurusawa goes wild for his bao bun belly and terrible bed head is adorable and really body positive. As the series progresses, the focus changes from being a gag manga to a more serious exploration of being in a committed gay relationship in Japan. However, there are still more than enough jokes throughout to keep you smiling!

Credits:

• Story and Art: Yuu Toyota
• Translation: Taylor Engel
• Lettering: Bianca Pistillo
• Cover Design: Tania Biswas, Andrea Miller
• Editor: Tania Biswas
• English Publisher: Square Enix Books

Go For It, Nakamura!

Vibes: 90s Comedy Without Being Problematic, Easily Flustered, Please Someone Help Him He’s Too Gay For This

It was love at first sight for Nakamura and Hirose. The problem? Nakamura hasn’t spoken a single word to Hirose, and his resting mean face isn’t helping things. The harder he tries to get the courage to say something the more fate seems to find ways to embarrass him in the most mortifying way it can for a teenage boy. But Nakamura isn’t going to give up! He’s going to keep going until he and Hirose can become friends.

This manga gave me big Rumiko Takahashi vibes. Not only in terms of the art style but also the type of comedy! Nakamura is such a sweetheart, and his inability to function around Hirose is sure to be relatable. He has set himself the reasonable goal of talking to his crush and maybe becoming friends. Nakamura is so awkward and charming, and you can’t help but cheer him on the whole time.

Credits:

• Story and Art: Syundei
• Translation: Amber Amaosaitis
• Adaption: Shannon Fay
• Lettering and Layout: Kaitlyn Wiley
• Cover Design: Karis Page
• Proofreader: Shanti Whitesides and Stephanie Cohen
• English Publisher: Seven Seas Entertainment

I Got Reincarnated into a (BL) World of Big (Man) Boobs

Vibes: Loving Parody, Man Boob Appreciation Society, Interfering Yaoi Gods, Poorly Made Easily Rippable Shirts, Delinquents, Fujoshi, They Can All Do Better Than The Protagonist And The Author Knows It

Otokawa tragically dies, never knowing the touch of a woman. His final wish is to squeeze some big ol’ tiddies. The Gods hear his pleas and grant him his wish, reincarnating him as a total hottie in a world filled with big busted beauties! But there’s a catch… This God is the God of Yaoi, and Otokawa is now a BL boy living in a BL world! And the first pair of tits he falls head first into is the delinquent beefcake with a heart of gold, Onizuka. But Otokawa isn’t gay! He’s as straight as the next man! Alas, the next man is gay. And the next. And the next…

No manga makes me cry tears of laughter as much as this one. Sure, the lead is a jerk, and some may be uncomfortable with how Onizuka’s clothes magically fall off all the time, but it’s all done with such an affection for the characters, for genre, and for Man Boobs. Jacqueling Fung’s translation is pure brilliance! My favourite line is definitely “Thank you Yaoi Gods for the boobilicious titty jiggles!! I can watch those tig ol’ biddies wiggle all day!!”. The manga isn’t all gags though, the romantic relationship development is very sweet, and seeing Otokawa become a better person thanks to Onizuka’s influence is very satisfying.

Credits:

• Story and Art: Tsukiji Nao
• Translator: Jacqueline Fung
• Letterer: Nicole Roderick
• Editor: Aimee Zink
• English Publisher: Kodansha

Anime/Donghua With Dubs!

I have Myasthenia Gravis. It means that my eyeballs start to roam in their socket if I use my muscles too much, and that includes the ones used to read subtitles and watch anime at the same time! So if you’re like me, have any form of Visual Impairment, Learning Disability, or simply don’t have the free time to read, check out these Queer Dubs! They all have Queer Inclusive Dubbing Teams behind them too!

Given

Vibes: Intense Drama, Pining and Yearning, Older Queer Mentors, People Who Can’t Take Their Own Advice, British Rock and BritPop, Soundtracks To Make You Cry

Ritsuka Uenoyama has started to lose his passion for music, the things that once brought him joy no longer do. That is until he meets Mafuya Sato sitting on the school stairs clutching a bright red Gibson guitar. He invites him to join his band alongside college students Akihiko Kaji and Haruki Nakayami. The four of them intend to take part in the battle of the bands, but they’ve got a long way to go before they’re ready.

Given is one of those truly iconic BL series that defines a generation. The relationships are messy, heartfelt, and feel very true to life. The anime format really helps elevate the manga by allowing the music to take center stage. David Wald is one of my favourite directors, and his dedication to bringing more queer-focused, queer-fronted anime to the world is so admirable. He has assembled a brilliant cast of queer actors for this work. I’ve always been a fan of Jessie Grelle, and her role as Ritsuka helps demonstrate their full range as an actor. It’s a shame that licensing restrictions meant that we never got a chance to hear Brandon McInnis sing during the anime, but before the dub was even licensed he’d already translated, localised, and performed all the songs! I highly recommend checking them out.

Credits:

• Original Story: Natsuki Kizu
• Studio: Lerche
• Dub Director: David Wald
• Dub Writer: David Wald, Marissa Lenti, Madeleine Morris
• Dub Engineer: Peter Hawkinson
• Lead Cast: Jessie James Grelle, Brandon McInnis, Jonah Scott, and Y. Chang

Heaven Official’s Blessing

Content Warning: Violence, Death, Murder, Misogyny, Mild Horror, Zombie-like Beings

Vibes: Supernatural Mystery, Women’s Wrongs, Gender Fluid Icons, Princess Bride But Make it Gay and Chinese

Xie Lian was once the prince of a proud and colourful nation, but that kingdom has been lost for centuries now. Having previously ascended to godhood twice before but getting kicked out each time, Xie Lian ascends for a third time only to immediately make yet more enemies when his sheer power obliterates the grand homes of the other gods in heaven. He must make up for his errors by earning enough credits through worshippers to pay back all the damages he caused. He does this by going back down to earth to solve mysteries and defeat demons. Whilst there, he meets a mysterious and enigmatic man dressed in blood red robes and carrying an umbrella. He feels as if he has met this man before. The chemistry between them is undeniable, just as it is with San Lang, the young man who helps repair his long forgotten temple. What adventures await these two? And what will they do when the temple only has one bed ….

MXTX is an absolute icon in Chinese BL circles, so her work getting animated is an absolute delight. The love story between Xie Lian and Hua Cheng is so enticing as they defy the corrupt laws of heaven to be together. Not only this, but the horror tinged mysteries are also excellently produced, with incredible animation. This donghua has everything you could want for a BL series, whilst working skillfully within the limits of Chinese censorship. This is where the Dub’s excellent script comes into play to help the series be just that bit gayer. James Cheek’s performance as Hua Cheng is particularly amazing, and his writing on series 2 was out of this world. Howard Wang’s understanding of Xie Lian is perfect too, being able to express so much hidden emotion in so few words whilst still remaining the ditzy sweetheart that we know and love.

Credits:

• Original Story: MXTX
• Studio: Haoliners Animation League
• Dub Director: Jerry Jewell
• Dub Writer: Clint Bickham and James Cheek
• Dub Engineer: Domonique French, Gino Palencia, Neal Malley, and Jameson Outlaw
• Lead Cast: Howard Wang and James Cheek

 Sasaki and Miyano

Vibes: Teens Being Teens, Smol X Tol, Relatable Content, BL in Jokes, Fujoshi/Fudanshi Solidarity

Miyano has a deep dark secret he keeps from everyone else at his all boys’ high school… he’s a massive Fundanshi – a boy who loves Boy Love. But despite how much he loves shipping his classmates, he never wanted to be in a BL himself?! But now his handsome  senpai Sasaki keeps wanting to hang out and borrow BL from him, and he’s starting to think that maybe he is actually in a BL and that maybe Sasaki like likes him?! And Miyano might even like him back ….

This Dub is laugh out loud funny! If you need convincing, just go look up clips on YouTube. The whole cast and crew put everything that had into it to make this a perfect adaptation. Goff in particular is a stand out for me, he has mastered both the comedy aspects of this and the emotional parts! You can really feel the deep love Sasaki has for Miyano in every beat of his voice.

Credits:

• Original Story: Shou Harusono
• Studio: Studio DEEN
• Dub Director: Emily Fajardo
• Dub Writer: Heather Walker and Katelyn Barr
• Dub Engineer: Benjamin Tehrani, James Baker, Noah Whitehead, and Xavier Earl
• Lead Cast: Joshua Waters and Kellen Goff

Article edited by: Kelly Stewart