Boys’ Love Manga You Should Read
Recommendations for an entire genre of manga devoted to love between beautiful young men.
What is “Boys’ Love” you ask?
Boys’ Love (or BL) is a genre of manga (and other fictional media) that portrays romantic — and sometimes sexual — relationships between beautiful young men. However, contrary to what the term “Boys’ Love” may suggest, BL manga is primarily written and drawn for (and by) heterosexual women.
Originating in Japan, the BL genre spans a wide variety of fictional media, from manga and anime to novels, movies, and video games, and is drawing a steadily increasing (and fiercely devoted) following. And while most consumers of BL are predominantly female, the genre also appeals to those who identify as LGBTQ+ (see this article).
Though primarily for entertainment (and for admiring gorgeous dudes — you have to appreciate the aesthetics, ok?) Boys’ Love manga can also feature surprisingly complex narratives, and even offer nuanced and thoughtful LGBTQ+ representation. (Though not always; BL manga has been criticized for one-dimensional queer representation and for fetishizing same-sex relationships, so please proceed with caution, especially if you’re new to the genre.)
A few terms to know:
- Boys’ Love — In Japan, Boys’ Love (BL) is an all-encompassing term referring to any fictional media that depicts homoerotic relationships between men, both romantic and more sexually explicit (typically created by women, for women).
- Yaoi — Beware of this term! In the West, yaoi is typically used to refer to the more sexually explicit aspects of male same-sex relationships.
- Shounen-ai — Distinct from yaoi, in the West, shounen-ai categorizes stories that focus more on romance and the emotional aspects of male homosexual relationships. If you are new to Boys’ Love, I highly recommend you seek out stories labeled as shounen-ai (before you, ahem, delve into the more explicit stories categorized as yaoi).
- Bara — or gei komi — is a genre of manga that also centers of male same-sex relationships, but (unlike most BL) is created by gay men for gay men.
So! Curious about BL? Not sure where to get started? Here are five spectacular BL manga you should read (all shounen-ai, featuring genuinely good LGBTQ+ representation).
1. Here U Are
by DJun
Categories: shounen-ai, slice of life, romance, LGBTQ+ themes
Summary: “Openly gay college student Yu Yang hasn’t entirely gotten over being rejected when he confessed to his classmate Lin Xiang last year, but at the start of a new term, he meets Li Huan; a tall, taciturn underclassman who soon becomes very precious to him. The two very different men get on each other’s nerves at first, but as they slowly get to know one another, a deep love begins to bloom. No matter what difficulties Yu Yang encounters, Li Huan seems to always be there when he needs him most. But how long will it take Yu Yang to realize the perfect man for him is standing right by his side?” (Source: Anime-Planet)
My thoughts: Here U Are is beautiful. The art is gorgeous, the story is heart-warming, and you are guaranteed to fall in love with Yu Yang, Li Huan, and the whole host of adorable side characters. Here U Are also addresses a variety of LGBTQ+ themes — coming out, homophobia, insecurity, unsupportive parents, bisexuality — with a seriousness such issues deserve, without getting too heavy. If you are looking for a character-driven romance with authentic LGBTQ+ representation, you need to read Here U Are.
Notes: Here U Are is actually a manhua (the Chinese equivalent of manga).
2. Our Not-So-Lonely Planet Travel Guide
by Mone Sorai
Categories: shounen-ai, travel, LGBTQ+ themes
Summary: Super serious Asahi Suzumura and laidback, easygoing Mitsuki Sayama might seem like an odd couple, but they made a deal; they’ll vacation around the world and when they get back to Japan, they’ll get married.
As they travel from country to country, the different people, cultures and cuisine they encounter begin to bring them closer together. After all they’re not just learning about the world, but about themselves too. (Source: Tokyopop)
My thoughts: This manga is seriously adorable. There is very little drama or conflict, and the chapters are more episodic than plot-driven, but the story is still totally engaging. Mitsuki and Asahi travel the world together, journeying from Thailand to India, England, Spain, Italy, Morocco and more, enjoying foreign cuisine and chatting with the locals — many of whom also happen to be LGBTQ+. When the story starts, Mitsuki and Asahi are already in an established relationship, so we don’t get to see the two of them getting together (though we are treated to a few flashbacks) but it hardly matters because even pre-established, their relationship is still dynamic and entertaining. The art is also stunningly gorgeous, and the author includes fun details about all the countries, monuments, and cultures they experience — it really does feel like a travel guide! (Warning: you are going to want to eat everything Mitsuki and Asahi get to eat on their travels, and be prepared for a serious case of wanderlust).
3. Love Tractor
by Angrymonster, Hmmyongyong
Categories: shounen-ai, slice of life, romance, comedy, LGBTQ+ themes
Summary: When family obligations force Sun Yool, a stressed-out law school student, to the countryside, it seems like a great opportunity to escape the chaos of the city. After all, the great outdoors promises fresh air, sunshine… and a new romance?! Soon after arriving, Sun Yool is thrown into a series of strange encounters and misunderstandings with his 20-year-old neighbor, Yechan. But in spite of Yechan’s bumbling first impression and Sun Yool’s prickly exterior, the two find themselves drawn to each other… Will this tractor-driving stud’s rustic charm be enough to melt this cold city boy’s heart? (Source: TappyToon)
My thoughts: If you are a fan of the grumpy x sunshine romance trope, Love Tractor is for you. Yechan is endearing in a bumbling, beefy kind of way, and it is so satisfying to watch him slowly melt Sun Yool’s heart. Their romance is incredibly sweet and wholesome (albeit very much a slow burn). Love Tractor also explores a few LGBTQ+ themes (Sun Yool’s father is most definitely not supportive) but the LGBTQ+ nature of Sun Yool and Yechan’s relationship is far from the main focus of the narrative. The story also centers on Sun Yool’s development as a character, as he learns to let go of relationships that don’t serve him and follow his true passions. Overall, Love Tractor is a great story filled with lovable characters, comedic moments, and beautiful art (in full color!).
Notes: Love Tractor is actually a manhwa (the Korean equivalent of manga), and it is also being adapted into a live-action drama.
4. Koimonogatari: Love Stories
by Tohru Tagura
Categories: shounen-ai, slice of life, romance, LGBTQ+ themes
Summary: When Yuiji overhears his classmate Yamato confessing to a friend that he’s gay, he does his best not to let prejudice color his view, but still finds himself overthinking things. He especially notices the way Yamato looks at one particular boy: Yuiji’s own best friend.
Even though he tries not to get involved, watching Yamato’s one-sided love draws Yuiji in in a way he never expected. At first, he’s fueled by empathy, knowing that Yamato’s love interest is straight. But as his own friendship with Yamato deepens, Yuiji realizes how much he’s come to care for his new friend. He just wants Yamato to be happy… and to be able to express his true self. (Source: Tokyopop)
My thoughts: LGBTQ+ themes are the driving force of this story. Yamato and many of the other gay characters he encounters struggle a lot with coming to terms with their sexuality. Yamato is very much in the closet when the story begins, and while many of his friends prove to be supportive, he also has to contend with bullying, homophobia, and the lonely reality of living as a closeted gay person in a heteronormative world. However, his developing friendship (romance?) with Yuji is incredibly sweet, and Yuji works hard to overcome his own biases and prejudice, as do many of the other characters. This story is still ongoing, but I look forward to reading more! If you are looking for a BL manga that really digs deep into LGBTQ+ themes, you should definitely give Koimonogatari: Love Stories a try.
5. Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!
by Yuu Toyota
Categories: shounen-ai, comedy, romance, supernatural elements
Summary: Adachi, a thirty-year-old virgin, discovers he has the magical power to read the minds of people he touches. Unfortunately, the ability just makes him miserable since he doesn’t know how to use it well! And to make matters worse, when he accidentally reads the mind of his very competent, handsome colleague, Adachi discovers the guy has a raging crush on none other than Adachi himself! (Source: Anime-Planet)
My thoughts: Adorable, hilarious, sweet — Cherry Magic! is so much fun. Adachi is darling and easily flustered by his handsome colleague’s overactive imagination. If you’re looking for a cute, lighthearted romance, this manga is for you!
(This manga has also been adapted into a live-action TV series, if you’re interested).
Happy reading! :)
