A thrilling game of cat and mouse, murder and mystery...
As the son of one of the most infamous Yakuza bosses in Japan, Shoto Tanaka's life has been anything but average. Then he meets the most popular athlete in Japan, Goro Nakamura. Goro is used to putting on a show for the public, and since he comes from a family of wealth and notoriety, he's frequently in the limelight. Shoto, like many others, is captivated by his icy charisma.
What Shoto isn't aware of is that Goro is also the infamous 'Animosity Serial Killer' of Japan. In what ways will Goro and Shoto's profound devotion to one another and their various ideologies impact their complex relationship and those around them?
NOTE: This book contains explicit content and mature themes, including uncensored sex, bondage, violence, gore, and torture. It is not intended for anyone under 18 years of age.
This comic left me wanting more. I just need to know where this relationship goes, where the beginning ties into it. And everything else! Goodness I loved this comic. But this isn’t for those wanting a heart fluffy time. This is dark and heavy. Read trigger warnings before reading.
The art was amazingly beautiful and in color, also uncensored. I can’t wait to read the next book whenever it’s coming out.
Why do I like torturing myself...cause different communities see things differently. Besides this is a hurt/comfort story. I gotta find out what happens to the real monsters
This is definitely one of the darker yaoi mangas I’ve read in a while. With a beginning that lists a whole page of trigger warnings, it’s certainly the darkest from TOKYOPOP. The story follows a famous basketball player in a secret dom/sub relationship with a sex worker, who is suffering intense mental health issues as a result of severe childhood abuse. Also, the basketball player is serial killer. This volume is a very brief introduction to some of the relationship dynamics and inner turmoil these characters endure. The central relationship walks a fine line between cruel and tender, and I’m very intrigued to see where it goes. The author’s note at the end regarding their personal experience with some of the story’s topics helps assure me that they truly have something to say, and these darker aspects are not there just for shock value.
Anytime there’s trigger warnings that’s easy not a good sign this is definitely violent and has a lot of gore and definitely a lot more abuse in the relationship definitely not for the lighthearted and definitely not for me.
This manga/manhwa is one of the strangest (and addictive) books that I've ever read. It's definitely for Mature readers and filled with numerous triggers. The plot twists and mysteries are sometimes overshadowed by physical and sexual abuse. At first it seems that Goro is abusing Shoto, but as the story continues it appears that Shoto is the one orchestrating the relationship. Both young men are far from normal psychologically and emotionally. They are terribly scarred by their childhood and violent families. This work was originally available for purchase online as individual chapters so I know what the next volume will contain when it's available.
As the son of one of the most infamous Yakuza bosses in Japan, Shoto Tanaka's life has been anything but average. Then he meets the most popular athlete in Japan, Goro Nakamura. Goro is used to putting on a show for the public, and since he comes from a family of wealth and notoriety, he's frequently in the limelight. Shoto, like many others, is captivated by his icy charisma. What Shoto isn't aware of is that Goro is also the infamous 'Animosity Serial Killer' of Japan. In what ways will Goro and Shoto's profound devotion to one another and their various ideologies impact their complex relationship and those around them?
(EDITOR'S NOTE: This book contains explicit content and mature themes, including uncensored sex, bondage, violence, gore, and torture. It is not intended for anyone under 18 years of age.)
Despite my rating I don’t see myself continuing this series. I made the mistake of not reading the trigger warnings before hand. I don’t usually read trigger warnings, but I STRONGLY recommend checking them out before considering reading this.
The first volume is definitely more "setting the thematics" than direct plot, but I think that's a benefit. You get a good feel for the dynamic between Shoto and Goro, and a glimpse into the burdens that they are both carrying.
The fact that Tokyopop brought us LMB is still surprising, but they've done so well. The print quality on this is amazing and its a delight to hold this in my hands. Also, major kudos for the page full of trigger warnings for those unfamiliar with the themes of the story.
Can't wait to get the next volume, even if I might go re-read on INKR as well! 💕
AUTHOR TRIGGERS : on-page (non-explicit) bullying, uncensored gore, domestic abuse, violence, child trauma, child abuse, mental health issues, sexual violence, and child sexual assault. MY NOTED TRIGGERS : manipulation, coercive control, kink, revenge against child molesters, mentions of children being raped and murdered, torture/mutilation, Dom/sub relationship (not standard or safe), size difference, power imbalance, using sex as punishment, jealousy, dub-con, humiliation, cheating, using sex as a method of control, victim blaming
The trigger warning page also mentions : substance abuse, prostitution, self harm and suicide, human trafficking. However, I didn't see any mention of those here, but perhaps they're in later volumes.
I'm very confused by this one.
First off - what we were promised in the blurb either never happened or was never mentioned. There is, I think, just one mention of Goro being a basketball player at the very beginning, but nothing about the "most popular athlete in Japan". He does commit a murder at the start, but there's no mention of him being "infamous 'Animosity Serial Killer' of Japan". Also, this statement - "Shoto, like many others, is captivated by his icy charisma." - doesn't ring true either, because there's nothing suggesting that Shoto is charmed by Goro, but dependent on him. There's also a mention that Shoto is the "son of one of the most infamous Yakuza bosses in Japan", but that's never mentioned in this volume either. In fact, the only hint that his father *might* be Yakuza is the full back tattoo we see in a flashback. He certainly has none of the money, power or protection of being a Yakuza boss's kid.
For me, the page of trigger warnings at the start was much more akin to what I read : "The story demonstrates how a single action can result in a chain of events that can alter the lives of a large number of people." Yes, that's exactly what I read. And a LOT of trauma.
Personally, I didn't really understand where the story was going in this volume. There was no real purpose underlying it. Most of the story was just Goro using and manipulating Shoto with/through sex and triggering his trauma. At this point, Goro is so naturally sadistic that I can't be sure it wasn't deliberate. And if either of them was to be considered a Yakuza's son, Goro is the one who fits the bill better. Shoto is frail, fragile, and seems to spend his days doing nothing except waiting for Goro to come and screw him.
The only bright thing in Shoto's life - and in the book really - is his friendship with Hideki, who has been his friend since childhood. In fact, we see a quite brutal flashback to 8 years ago, when Hideki showed concern for new bruises Shoto was sporting only to see that he'd gotten them from his abusive father, who brutally sexually assaulted him. I was really relieved that it was all fade-to-black and off-page, while being explicitly implied, because I couldn't have continued if it was explicit.
But while I liked Shoto's friendship with Hideki, I also found it confusing. How did they meet? How much does he know about Shoto's life? He looks fairly normal and untouched by the trauma that torments Shoto, in both the flashback and the present day, yet he doesn't know that Goro is in the area to visit Shoto. He just thinks he's nearby, which means he doesn't know about their relationship? Or is that just the conversation Hideki and Goro had being unclear? I don't know.
The only thing I do know is that Shoto seems to have lived alone, and in fear, his entire life. The story told here is VERY dark, but in an understate and perhaps unintentional way, because it claims to be "A thrilling game of cat and mouse, murder and mystery..." but I don't see that. I also thought from the cover that Shoto was the one who really controlled Goro, but it's the other way about, and not in a healthy way. Shoto is mentally scarred and vulnerable, being controlled and manipulated by Goro in almost every facet of his life.
Honestly, I *will* read the second volume, but if it doesn't start to show any sign of promise or redemption for the extremely toxic relationship between Goro and Shoto, then I'm out. This just isn't the series for me, if Shoto can't get even a glimmer of relief from the pain he's living with. But, I'll admit, I now feel invested in hoping he gets the happy ending he deserves. Especially if that's not with Goro, though I doubt that's where this is heading.
First off this book is VERY graphic. If you are easily triggered or have trouble reading/seeing about mental illnesses, blood, gore, sexual abuse, murder, child abuse, etc. do NOT get this book. I don't say that to keep anyone from buying it & there are trigger warnings in the authors description. Just letting you know to take that warning seriously. This book is well done despite the subjects dealt within. It will stick with you after reading it, but not in a bad way. It promotes thoughts & gives a look into a world far too many have been touched by. Truthfully I'm still digesting it myself. This is a complex read. There are many complicated relationships going on.
The main one is that of Goro & Shoto. Goro is seen a bit more in this book than the other characters. He's a tall rich guy from an influential family. That family is controlling and abusive. He's a basketball player, serial killer, sadist, with some type of mental illness as well. There's more to him than that, but you'll have to read this to see. He's in a BDSM relationship with his male partner Shoto. Shoto is a short, waif like, masochist, gamer, and a bit of a loner. He enjoys dressing up in women's clothing & lingerie. He'll do just about anything to make Goro happy. Goro does take good care of Shoto & seems to care for him. Though it may not appear like it until later on in the book. Shoto has some serious childhood trauma. He seems to have possible PTSD, & possibly other mental illness as well. They both have a lot going on in their lives. Their relationship is complex. You can see as the book progresses their love for each other.
This is well written & most of the artwork is very good. It's done completely in color. Though the content is tough subject matter. It is thought provoking & well handled. It will take a bit to digest. It's worth a read. Give it a look if this is something you think you might like. I'll definitely read other volumes if they exist & other content by the author.
Tropes and things I enjoyed: ✅ MM Manga ✅ Twink ✅ Touch him and Die ✅ Mafia/High Society/Secret Society ✅ Serial Killer ✅ Multiple Personalities/psychopathy ✅ Traumatic backstories (PTSD via flashbacks) ✅ Generational Trauma ✅ BDSM Master/Slave ✅ Childhood friends to lovers ✅ Lots of twists and turns ✅ Fantastic art
***I may have read more than volume 1, it might have been all of season 1? I read through chapter 65.**
I normally read dark romance, although I have read some Manga, this is the first one I’ve read that’s similar to dark romance.
Warning the first few chapters doesn’t have a full explanation of the dynamic and its DARK, check the trigger warnings, but if you keep reading you’ll not only have a better understanding, but you’ll end up loving these characters.
There so much to unpack in this, it’s really a fantastic story. There is a lot of death, murder, and violence, but underneath that there is a really great story about trauma response, empathy towards people with mental illness, internal battles of dark vs light, historical trauma, and love (familial and romantic). There’s probably more I’m forgetting but I stayed up way too late last night reading this. I’ve also heard rumor the artist who drew the first volume had left the project, but it will continue, and I really hope it does because I’m dying for a conclusion and a HEA for Goro and Soto. 💗
I really enjoyed this first volume. I would definitely heed the trigger warnings in the beginning and proceed with caution if you are sensitive to certain topics. If you like darker stories I recommend this one. I'm excited to see more of the main couple, and I find their relationship to seem to have a lot of genuine affection under the very rough surface of their dynamic and arrangement. Both of them are obviously unwell in many ways, and I'm finding myself wanting to know more about their pasts and how this plays into their relationship. (on a side note, the art in this is very nice, I think Shoto is absolutely beautiful and I like his wardrobe, also found it quite cute when Goro calls him bunny lol) This story was very heavy in terms of smut and features a D/s dynamic that may not be for everyone if you strongly dislike cruelty even when consensual, though I found like I said that it had genuine sweetness within it. So, overall I just felt like I wanted more, I'm not sure whether to wait for the next physical volume or to read the rest online now. But definitely PLEASE heed the warnings even if you feel like you don't need to. This is not for everyone and is definitely not for anyone who doesn't enjoy dark stories, it is best suited for mature readers who can look at complex and dark characters and stories with nuance.
I should have researched this series a little more than I did, so this one is on me; however this series is going to be a big NO for me.
One of the main characters is a serial killer and though it's portrayed as BDSM; what he has with the other character is abuse and physical violence; informed consent does not seem to exist and there is as scene that is basically rape. The second main character appears to have serious mental health issues and is so desperate for the first main character to stay/come back to him, he doesn't care about his own well-being. As a warning, there is a scene at the end of this volume with depicts non-explicit father/son pedophilia/rape. It's not clearly depicted but it is obvious as to what is happening.
If this is up your alley, more power to you but it's not for me.
I'm not sure if 3 stars is the right rating. I'm honestly not sure how to feel about this. I don't even know what to put as the summary based on the single volume I just read. It seems like it's a dark, toxic, messy, bdsm-ish romance, but I have no idea what the plot is lol. I don't love the art. The style isn't my fave. Also the uncensored kind of scares me lol. Why is it so big?? It's terrifying.
Anyway I'm kind of interested just to find out what's going on, but so far it's not really giving.
This series is still ongoing and available to read for free online, but holding the physical copy in my hands is a whole new experience! The manga is beautifully printed in full color and is also wonderfully floppy!
You definitely need to heed the trigger warnings for this one, but if you’re into this sort of thing you will not be disappointed. I love that it is 5-pepper level spicy, but there’s also a complex and well thought out plot.
Highly recommended, (again, if you can stomach the triggers).
Loved it so much! I hope there will be more volumes because it’s that good and I need to know more. Like these these little tidbits are killing me I need more of the tea please do spill it all because I’m so here for it. To be completely honest I didn’t know if I would be and it seemed like it was going to be all over the place with a lot of sex just thrown in there but it’s not it’s much deeper then that.
5⭐️ Brutal and intense straight away! The illustrations are just divine! They really capture the darkness and depravity. They are so beautiful and detailed. I want more from this series! Where is Part 2?!
The characters are interesting and complex. I just wanted to know more! I’m so greedy for them.
The story is really dark and covers a lot of really dark things so watch yourself if you’re sensitive to that content but I really liked it.
This is an incredibly dark series, probably way too dark for me, but that doesn’t inherently make it bad. I’m interested to see how the MMCs are with more of their backstories told and what will happen with the crime aspect. Bad things are the point of the story, and I think the author gets that across very well
If you want a messed up book, this is it. It started off with a bang and I was weirdly intrigued, but I started to see familiar elements that felt repetitive. I also did not like the ending of this volume. I didn’t need it to go in that direction. The authors note was eye opening. I don’t know how to rate this. I feel that it is close to a three but not exactly there yet… 2.75/5
Reading this on Hoopla app. I glad I pick this up I didn’t expect it was in color comic/ manga. I love color. It was wow and heartfelt for Sho’s experience of growning up. I wish sho can step up and speak up his mind and don’t be afraid. Let see where the relationship goes.
Warning ⛔️ read the trigger warning ⚠️ before you actually jump into this book.
I enjoyed the story. Take heed to the trigger warnings. CSA is mentioned and not depicted which I appreciated. My biggest gripe is the art especially with the black characters. Skin tone is not realistic and ashy at times. I don’t think I will read more because I read there is drama with the artist, writer and publisher. 3.5/5
*dropped at chap.6* I don't mind dark and twisted plots, but where is the plot in this one? I dropped it at the middle of chap 7 bc there was not plot introduced yet, just toxic things. Should've already introduced some kind of plot line instead of just violent s*x.
This was amazing I didn’t want to put it down. I wish there was a sequel- not for the faint of heart that’s for sure. This deals with a lot of issues on a lot of levels, but for someone who understands trauma this is the book for you.
My first ever BL & why I continued to read them. This book only covers a small portion of this story. The rest of it is online and I had to find it and read the rest as I was absolutely captured by their love story. It’s so toxic, but makes you wanna keep reading to watch Shoto and Goro grow.