Fumi and Higashi are coworkers and boyfriends. They celebrate their one year anniversary, but Fumi's overcome with feelings of doubt regarding their relationship.
"This is Love Part 1" compiles the first three chapters of the series about sexuality, relationships and the definition of love.
*While Part 1 doesn't touch up on it, in future releases in this story goes deep into asexuality/demisexuality of one of the main characters.
Artist Statement:
This is a story about ordinary love. I hope this comic reaches all kinds of readers.
Sweet look at a new couple
This is a very cute look at the uncertainty and emotions that come with a new relationship. These two characters are super cute with each other and have unique personalities that bounce off one another in fun ways. The art style is also lovely to look at! I'm definitely going to pick up the second half at some point.
can't wait for the next one!!
This couple is so damn cute. I LOVE the art style and I found this volume... naturalistic? Especially compared to a lot of romance manga I've read. Both Fumi & Higashi's personalities are well-realised - to the point where they remind me of people I know IRL (again, a rarity for rom' manga I've read). I adored this volume and I can't wait to read more.
I'd recommend reading (other reviewer) MJ's review for some notes on power dynamics etc.
Strong start! I'm definitely looking forward to the next part. This part gives us a peek into how the couple got together and what the current status quo of their relationship is, as well as Fumi's anxieties about it. Everything was well-developed and well-portrayed and felt realistic. I especially liked the opening scene -- definitely reminded me of moments where I just kept my mouth shut at work while the straight folks jabber away. I also always appreciate BL where characters are shown to actually have platonic queer friends/be part of the queer community, so I liked the scene where Fumi visited his friend Sachiko. My one quibble is that the character designs are more cute-looking than I'd prefer for a series about adults, but I got used to it qui... view moreckly.
A few notes not mentioned in the official description: there's a 12-year age gap in the relationship, and I'm not 100% sure but the older one seems to be the younger one's boss or at least some kind of superior. Depending on the reader, this could either be enticing or off-putting. So far though, these facts haven't been dwelled on much.
Also, I feel kind of iffy about the use of the word "okama" in the translation. While it can be a positive identifier (in this case, applying the bar where Fumi's friend works), it's still a pretty loaded word from my understanding. I wonder if "drag bar" may have been more appropriate, but it's hard to tell without more context. view less
