Helpful Score: 1
Apparently the other two reviewers have no idea what "YAOI" is... (The book put out by Yaoi Press for cripes sake and has "Boys Loving Boys!" and "For Mature Readers Only" displayed on the back cover).
Sadly, that snarky joke is better than most of this book. The main story relies mainly on demons raping humans and other demons for the 'BL' which is in no way hot. The art of 'Studio Kosaru' was apparently done by a high schooler who took a line drawing class because there is barely any background (a LOT of white space) and very little attempt to do more than 2-D figures like a coloring book.
While I liked the art a little better in the second story, it really hurts credibility when the woodcutter who is banished from the village because he is 'homely' and 'none of the women will have him because he's too ugly' is drawn like a cover model version of Vin Diesel plus Goku.
The third story we were back to 'Studio Kosaru' art and a 3rd grader's attempt to tell a pacifist and an assassin love story. Skip it.
Sadly, that snarky joke is better than most of this book. The main story relies mainly on demons raping humans and other demons for the 'BL' which is in no way hot. The art of 'Studio Kosaru' was apparently done by a high schooler who took a line drawing class because there is barely any background (a LOT of white space) and very little attempt to do more than 2-D figures like a coloring book.
While I liked the art a little better in the second story, it really hurts credibility when the woodcutter who is banished from the village because he is 'homely' and 'none of the women will have him because he's too ugly' is drawn like a cover model version of Vin Diesel plus Goku.
The third story we were back to 'Studio Kosaru' art and a 3rd grader's attempt to tell a pacifist and an assassin love story. Skip it.
This book is weirdly lovely and really only for those who enjoy m/m slightly strange relationships. Its a graphic novel about a monk with the face of angel named Hakuin whose town is threatened by three fire demons. In order to save his people he must enlist the help of Fuyu the winter demon who held him captive in a previous short story and raped him. Still emotionally damaged by the trauma Fuyu inflicted upon him he sets out to do what he must to save his people. Fuyu, still enamored by the beautiful young monk, agrees but of course he demands a price be paid. As they spend more time together the demon begins to feel oddly attached to Hakuin and in tune with his emotions.
Things go awry when Fuyu is captured by the fire demon and receives the same treatment he apparently gave Hakuin in the past. Paybacks a bitch for this evil demon. The fire demon is bigger and stronger and Fuyu finds himself on the receiving end of things and becomes a bit more empathic towards Hakuins feelings.
Drugs are used heavily to make Hakuin submit to the sexual attention of the winter demon (though the demon begins to wish they werent necessary) and when the book ends he is deeply distraught and even more emotionally battered than when the book began. There is no quickie resolution here which I appreciated. The story is interesting, and the Luke & Laura type relationship between Hakuin & Fuyu is oddly transfixing but the artwork leaves something to be desired. Dont get me wrong, the guys are gorgeous but in the close-ups they are easily mistaken for beautiful anime women. All they need are big boobs. The artist also doesnt express emotion very well on their faces and it is a real shame because the storyline is pretty heavy. The characters are drawn with a blank beauty that leaves the reader a bit empty in the end.
The secondary story features a young man shunned by the town because he is ugly who finds true love with a male demon who finds him attractive and irresistible. The artwork on this one is leagues better. The men are handsome and much less feminine and their faces really express their emotions. I thought their relationship was sweet, sexy and believable.
There is a third story at the end but it was too short to have any effect on me. It didnt seem to fit in with the other two, unless Im missing something, and was pretty forgettable and downbeat.
All of the stories were sexually explicit but not overly graphic. The best bits are fuzzy or legs are placed in strategic places to hide the goods but still this is sexy stuff and you dont want to leave it hanging around for the kiddies to pick up!
This is a promising start to the series and I cant wait to check out the next installment.
Things go awry when Fuyu is captured by the fire demon and receives the same treatment he apparently gave Hakuin in the past. Paybacks a bitch for this evil demon. The fire demon is bigger and stronger and Fuyu finds himself on the receiving end of things and becomes a bit more empathic towards Hakuins feelings.
Drugs are used heavily to make Hakuin submit to the sexual attention of the winter demon (though the demon begins to wish they werent necessary) and when the book ends he is deeply distraught and even more emotionally battered than when the book began. There is no quickie resolution here which I appreciated. The story is interesting, and the Luke & Laura type relationship between Hakuin & Fuyu is oddly transfixing but the artwork leaves something to be desired. Dont get me wrong, the guys are gorgeous but in the close-ups they are easily mistaken for beautiful anime women. All they need are big boobs. The artist also doesnt express emotion very well on their faces and it is a real shame because the storyline is pretty heavy. The characters are drawn with a blank beauty that leaves the reader a bit empty in the end.
The secondary story features a young man shunned by the town because he is ugly who finds true love with a male demon who finds him attractive and irresistible. The artwork on this one is leagues better. The men are handsome and much less feminine and their faces really express their emotions. I thought their relationship was sweet, sexy and believable.
There is a third story at the end but it was too short to have any effect on me. It didnt seem to fit in with the other two, unless Im missing something, and was pretty forgettable and downbeat.
All of the stories were sexually explicit but not overly graphic. The best bits are fuzzy or legs are placed in strategic places to hide the goods but still this is sexy stuff and you dont want to leave it hanging around for the kiddies to pick up!
This is a promising start to the series and I cant wait to check out the next installment.
The Winter Demon series is NOT for children!
I love this series, i read it all the time. I got 1-4 and i can't wait for the next one to come out!!!
I love this series, i read it all the time. I got 1-4 and i can't wait for the next one to come out!!!
