BJ Alex, vol. 1

BJ Alex #1

by Mingwa, Lezhin Es

Dong-gyun es un tímido universitario que nunca falta a las retransmisiones en directo de Alex, un BJ (broadcasting jockey) que emite contenidos subidos de tono a través de internet. Dong-gyun está totalmente enamorado de esta celebridad del streaming, y suele disfrutar del encanto y el cuerpo musculado de Alex. Su sueño es conocerlo en persona, y parece que lo va a cumplir cuando descubre tras una noche de borrachera que uno de sus compañeros de la universidad parece ser el propio BJ Alex. Sin embargo, cuando le pregunte al respecto, lo que ocurre no es lo que esperaba.

Genres: Manga, Manhwa, Romance, Yaoi, LGBT, Queer, Comics

328 pages, Paperback

Published December 7, 2023

Reviews

[Mariam, · Rating 3 out of 5]

100th book of 2021

I mean at one point, it felt like it was sexualizing someone repeatedly UNconsenting to their sexual acts so..... I don't really know about that other that the fact that I am disgusted.

Alex was a A+ Asshole but I guess his looks makes up for it 🤡

The first half of this was boring and by the middle, I was ready for it to be done but the second half was good. As good as it'll get for this story.

If there's one thing to note, the author sure knows how to end this story.

Overall, just read something else.

[daph pink ♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Even though I am well aware that Alex is a true asshole and that this book is going to be sketchy, I still choose to read it to find out what all the fuss is about.

I've finished volume one, and Alex is a shitperson.

[ariana esnifa libros · Rating 1 out of 5]

solo logro recordar las cosas malas, se siente como mi niñez

[Floripiquita · Rating 4 out of 5]

De una relación entre un camboy y un fan, ¿qué clase de historia se puede esperar? En este caso, una muy bien dibujada, con mucho sexo bastante explícito y con una relación que empieza siendo tóxica y acaba tocándote la patata. La evolución de Jiwon me ha gustado mucho. De ahí las cuatro estrellas.

El contrapunto con la relación entre Chanwoo y MD no está mal, aunque su historia me gustó menos.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Reread 7/26/20*
I finished my reread. This webcomic has really consumed my life. This is the first time I've reread it in full, but I've reread some part 4 or 5 times, because I'm obsessed. The more I read the more into MD and Chanwoo I become, but Jiwon and DG still have a huge place in my heart. I feel such a connection to these characters and I don't know I just feel like I know them? It's hard to explain.

I don't know what it is, but this series is addicting. The art, the story, the sex scenes, the romance, everything is done so well! The bonus comic ends next week and Mingwa said this is the last of BJ Alex, which makes me sad. I'll always want more content tbh, but I wouldn't want it to get overdone, so I understand. I reallyyyy hope we get a physical copy in the future. It's a desperate need.

*Original Review 1/1/20*
I just sat and read the whole thing at once and loved it so much. It's extremely NSFW but it's to be expected when one of the characters is a cam boy lol.

So Jiwon is definitely your typical asshole jerk love interest that exists in so many romance novels and yaois and just everything. He has the backstory that explains and then in the end he's a really sweet guy.

Dong-Gyun is my precious angel. He's a literal sweetheart. He's the shy virgin mc and he's got a thing for this camboy that is of course Jiwon lol. He's not as naive as he seems to be and I liked that. Like he's still got that innocent Bambi vibe and he can be kind of a pushover, but he's not stupid and he does have his moments.

My fave was Chanwoo. He's so cute and little bit of a freak. He's not in the comic as much as I wanted, but I liked all his little moments.

I really enjoyed this and the progression of Jiwon and DG's relationship. They're so dang cute and I get that the relationship was toxic at first, but I feel like the toxicity wasn't romanticized and it turned out really well. I literally tossed myself on the floor at one point because I was freaking out. Love these boys ♥️

[Sofía✿ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Calificación del manga en general: 3⭐⭐⭐
Omg
Jamás pensé que leería esto, pero aquí me tienen:)
Si hay una cosa que recalcar de este manhwa, es que es adictivo y fácil de leer lo cual te puede sacar de un paro de lector.
Miren la historia no es la gran cosa, quedan mucho sin aclarar, pero entiendo que la autora no quería alargar la historia o cambiar la atmosfera, aun así sentí un vacío porque casi no nos da mucha información de Donggyun a diferencia de Alex.
La relación es muy tóxica, al principio todo se ha dicho, odie con todo mi ser a Alex por la forma en que trato a Donggyun y cuando sucedió una escena en particular no pude aguantar más.
Logra redimirse después, aun así, no es nada justificable su pasado con las acciones que hizo al pobre Donggyun.
Pero es una historia como dije adictiva, y ame mucho a los personajes secundarios, especialmente a mi favorito de todos(Chanwoo) siempre estaba preocupándose por su amigo y es muy divertido, lo ame mucho.
Y también, ame el arte en general y el dibujo fue muy bueno, se ve el esfuerzo y trabajo de la autora y es algo que me encanto.
Lo recomiendo si deseas un manga para entretenerte, solo mira las advertencias para que no te lleves sustos después💗💗

[Peppa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, EIGHT BOOKS LATER and I am finally, FINALLY getting the hype 🙌❤️

The character development in this series is nothing short of remarkable. Watching these two grow, stumble, learn and love felt so real and so deeply satisfying. By the last few volumes, I was so emotionally attached I didn’t want it to end… and now that it’s over? I genuinely cried a few tears by the last panel😭 These characters felt like friends and saying goodbye is harder than I expected.

But I’m so happy with how everything wrapped up. As far as manhwas go, this will forever be one of my absolute favorites🥹🩷

[⋆˚ʚ Abril ɞ˚⋆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

𑁍 En este tomo conocemos a BJ Alex: un streamer +18 de noche y alumno ejemplar de día conocido como Jiwon; también tenemos a Dong-Gyun: un chico amable, solitario, tierno e inocente con un enamoramiento por BJ Alex. Por azares del destino, ambos chicos terminan conociéndose y DG descubre el secreto e identidad de Alex lo que saca a relucir la verdadera personalidad de Jiwon y como maneja las cosas para giren en torno a su beneficio sin importar si juega un poco (o mucho) con los sentimientos de Dong-Gyun.

𑁍 Por el momento me cae un poco mal Jiwon y su doble cara. La forma en que trata a DG es horrible, utilizándolo para satisfacerse a sí mismo aprovechándose de que mi niño acepta sus migajas con tal de estar con su ídolo, además de que DG es completamente inexperto con todos los temas sexuales y es evidentemente que involucrara sus sentimientos… 🥺

[The_Ugly_Squid · Rating 2 out of 5]

After reading the entire thing, I am ashamed to admit that it was lwk good. Jiwon wasn't as much of an asshole as I thought he was originally, especially compared to Mingwa's later work (cough cough Jinx). Ignoring the mild toxicity, this was generic asf, but honestly idc it was cute.

NOW LET'S TALK ABT CHANWOO AND MD. I LOVE THEM SM HEHHEAJSDJFA;DJ. Their side stories were the reason this is on my books i've cried about help. They're relationship is so interesting and unique, AND MD IS ACTUALLY SO RESPECTFULLLL.

also THEY'RE ACTUALLY PROPORTIONALLLL

anyway i'm gonna go question my life choices byebye

[Darien · Rating 4 out of 5]

YES!

[Miki_reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alex is an ass but he looks like a saint next to Jaekyung ngl 💀 Mingwa knows how to write a hateable love interest

[Jannika · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is utterly problematic and I don't know how to feel about it 👀 I kinda liked it in the beginning and the art style is pretty and all but the last episode ruined it for me. What about CONSENT, YOU A*HOLE?!?!

[AuralilaBooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5⭐

Esto es super adictivo, y aunque al principio habían muchas situaciones que me daban cringe, no podía parar de leer jaja.

Siento que al final hubo mucho relleno, pudo acabar antes, pero tampoco me disgusta.

Ame la historia secundaria del amigo del prota (nunca me aprendí los nombres de nadie jaja, perdón), se me hizo muy cute, además que él es mi personaje favorito jsjsjs.

En fin, quién diría que terminaría leyendo manhwas bl super explícitos jajajaja, me convertí en todo lo que juré destruir jaja, nocierto, pero siempre pensé que no me gustarían y resultó ser que si... nunca digan nunca🤷‍♀️

[Pingmg · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
It’s like watching a steamy korean bl drama, it was a good start. On to the next book. I’m glad I bought all the books before starting because damn cliffhangers.😅

[rikajewellee · Rating 1 out of 5]

really gross and made me wanna puke. i also hate alex with every fiber of my being. he's trash 💩

[Ghazal_Ra]

قبلنا یکم حیا داشتم
ولی دیگه همونم شوهر دادم رفته🤣

[Bine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hieran konnte ich leider nicht viel Gutes finden, dabei habe ich mir viel erwartet.
Der Zeichenstil ist nicht wirklich meins (mal abgesehen von Alex selbst). Die Story und Charaktere sind leider sehr flach, Alex fast immer unausstehlich und wirklich sexy kam das Ganze auch nicht für mich rüber. Als kostenlosen Webcomic würde ich vielleicht noch weiterlesen, aber so leider nicht. Immerhin kam man extrem schnell durch (was bei 16 Euro für das Print aber auch ein Minuspunkt ist).

[maegan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm torn between giving this one a shitty rating because Alex is such a toxic asshole, or giving it a somewhat decent rating because admittedly it held my attention, so 3 stars it is

[Tayjah]

This book gives me so much secondhand embarrassment

[V · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars. Even with how toxic this shit is, I can’t help but revisit it for the heart-wrenching angst and secondhand embarrassment 😨

[lyanuum · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25

I hate to admit, but I kind of liked this
it's trashy, it's generic, it's cliché, but it grew on me a lot. I expected Jiwon to be much worse, but he's a saint compared to Jaekyung lol
I was not into the romance of the main couple, I found it really hard to romanticise all the bullshit and the redemption arc did nothing for me, but I did like their separate stories: Jiwon being an overachiver child whose parents always compared him to his brother and expected of him to do much better and no matter how much he tried it was never enough, and DG being bullied for being gay and always lonely bc he didn't trust people - ahhh that worked wonders on me, my heart really ached for them

the main reason why I even started reading this was Chanwoo, he is such an amazing character, I wish we had more side stories with him, he is so fierce, knows what he wants, knows how to stand up for himself and is a god damn the best friend you can have, I want my own Chanwoo

overall this is not that bad, it's very addictive, smutty, I like Jiwon's and Chanwoo's character design , they're so pretty and I find this to be a better story than that trash Jinx, what a guilty pleasure of a manhwa

[L Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I forgot how much I disliked Jiwon. The way he talked to and treated Dong-Gyun had me seeing red.In fact, I disliked him so much that I started transfering that dislike to Dong-Gyun for allowing him to treat him like a doormat just because he's so attractive and he's the BJ Alex. Chil' boo. Dong-Gyun was a virgin and this asshole doesn't prep him or use lube then gets annoyed when he starts yelling about how much it hurts. 😤😡 He'd already agreed to help Jiwon out by being his sex partner (since he didn't want to sleep with anyone who may recognize him) and he still treats him like crap.Fine. Dong-Gyun agreed to it so who am I to complain. 4 stars, because despite all that the overall story is great.

[Moon ☾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

If Assholery was a subject, Alex would get A+. Just saying. The protagonist is waaayyy too shy and cute, my innocent baby, and Alex keeps abusing that innocence. Arrrgh.

In my opinion if you like a love interest who's an asshole with the personality of a thorn in your side but is hot enough to make up for it (NOT), then read this. Else skip.

[Aurora Mensis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

[Layla · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wow Alex is an epic asshole wtf 😐


I'll keep reading just to see if this assholery is *warranted*. Maybe he's been hurt? But man he's totally a jerk to poor DG.

DG grow a spine man!

[Florence · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is actually the first yaoi that I've read, and back then I thought it was SO good. But the truth is, and I realize this now that I've grown up, the story is lame and full of clichés. The relationship is toxic as hell, Alex is an asshole and Dong-gyun, well, he's a crybaby, has no personality and acts like a pussy. To say that Dong-hyun acts like a girl is even an insult to us girls.

[mafer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adictivo as always

[Julia Clement · Rating 4 out of 5]

Illegally read this which is by far the best way.
We love a good yaoi read 🙏

[sol ☼ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bajo ninguna circunstancia yo le daría menos de 5 estrellas a esta pedazo de obra maestra

[Stupididiot123 · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Review of entire series)

OK, well, at first I rated this five stars out of horniness, but now I'm realizing this is Goodreads and not MyAnimeList or whatever.

Part I: The Alex Situation
BJ Alex is a yaoi centered around a knock-off Twitch streamer (the titular Alex) and his biggest simp (Dong-gyun). They meet and agree to become sex partners, only DG falls in love with Alex, or as he's really called, Jiwon. There are two problems: firstly, Jiwon is literally DG's schoolmate, and two, he's is a cold-hearted asshole. Because it wouldn't be a yaoi if the top isn't an asshole alpha male!

I finished the entire story within two nights. If I can say one thing about BJ Alex, it's that nothing comes close to the sheer addictivity of it. The author is incredible at playing with readers' emotions, tugging on heartstrings at precisely the right moments to keep you hooked to the story saying just one more. You wanted a quick fap? Congrats, now it's 3AM and there are still 50 chapters left.

The symbolism also done fairly well. Jiwon's mask is a coping mechanism to deflect his fear of being in love and also represents his alter ego, Alex. When he's in the mask on knockoff-Twitch, he experiences the love and admiration he so craves from his viewers, yet none of that love is "real" love. That comes in the form of DG, who, although starts off smitten with Alex, comes to fall for Jiwon even more. At the end of the book, when Jiwon throws his mask away, it's metaphorical of him no longer needing a false persona to find happiness. He's finally able to accept love in its most genuine form.

Looking back though, there are a few genuine critiques I have to offer. The first, and most glaring flaw in my opinion, was how quickly Alex's character growth was shown. He's an utterly unsympathetic character for the vast majority of the comic, and suddenly, after about two chapters of backstory exposition, the author expects us to root for him, despite the fact that Jiwon has been nothing but downright cruel to DG for the entire span of the comic up until that point. In fact, it's not quite clearly explained why DG even loves Jiwon in the first place, though I may have just not picked up on the intracacies—do comment if you figured out something I didn't. Point is, DG is essential to Jiwon's character arc, but Jiwon is not essential to DG's.

But it's okay! Because Jiwon's hot, and that excuses everything wrong he does...

Part II: The R Word
If you're not familiar with yaoi as a genre, well, suffice to say it's not afraid to depict (and sexualize) rape/sexual assault.* BJ Alex is no different. While there's no downright rape, there are a few scenes where Jiwon pushes DG's consent to the breaking point, including one early on in which Jiwon purposely tries to make DG feel pain during intercourse because he's jealous another broadcaster made eye contact with the latter. Which is...yikes! I very much enjoyed the part where DG finally told Jiwon to fuck off. Not so much the parts when he's on his knees begging for Jiwon to love him back!

I don't know. I just felt like this story just brushed over the darker parts of abuse in favor of a fairy tale ending. People do not change overnight; it's clear that Jiwon has leftover childhood and romantic truma, so why does that get brushed aside as soon as he and DG say their I love yous? It's not that I don't believe love can change a person; what I don't believe is that Jiwon has a Sudden Epiphany about the Power of Love and Everything is Fine, Forever. There's this one episode at the end that somewhat touches on this, in which Jiwon struggles to quit his smoking addiction, but once DG basically says, "smoke again, and you will bottom", he just...never smokes ever again.

*This has always been somewhat strange to me. Part of the appeal of male-male or female-female romances, in my opinion, is that it removes the wacky power imbalances that sometimes perpetuate straight romances (hint: I'm talking about misogyny). So why do yaoi authors enjoy reimplementing this dynamic of powerless vs. powerful into their stories? Is it because it is more palatable to the public for a man to be the victim of rape as opposed to a woman? Who knows.

Part III: I Am Not All That Mean
So, is it a bit disingenuous for me to view BJ Alex through the lens of a serious tale rather than the lightearted yaoi it is? Yeah, definitely. For all my complaining about Alex's character, the gay themes touched upon in this story are very relatable, from Dong-gyun's worry over his photographer friend being homophobic to the actual homophobic asshole's jerkish behavior in later parts of the story. Plus, the side couple is probably one of the best, hottest depictions of BDSM I've seen in any genre. Take notes, E.L. James!




Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmhmmm.

Oh, and when Jiwon proposes to DG and the drawings are in color instead of the typical black-and-white. Holy fucking batman, that was powerful. It almost genuinely made me believe in true love again. Was it rushed and completely unrealistic? Yeah. But also...it's nice to believe in impossible things.

Obligatory warning: This comic is a work of fiction. If you suspect Pokimane/Amouranth/etc. attend your college don't fucking do what DG did in this. And I'm putting this here because I know one of you fuckers will want to.

Thanks for reading,
StupidIdiot123