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グラビテーション [Gravitation] #2
Gravitation, Vol. 2
Determined to become a rock star, Shuichi Shindou is discouraged by some harsh criticism he receives, and must find the strength to overcome his fears and keep trying.
216 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 1996
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 31, 2010
Book #2 in the Gravitation series. I wasn't overly fond of Gravitation, the first in this series but since I bought these two together I figured I'd give it a go before sending it on. I probably should've just let it go . . .
This book has received so many rave reviews and I honestly can't figure it out. I had the same confusion issues that I had with the first book, the author seems to leave out certain bits of dialogue and/or scenes and it stops me in my tracks. I don't know if this was a translation issue (or even it was translated) but it was bothersome. The two leading man-boys are here and their relationship hasn't changed much. Yuki is still a cruel ass to Shuichi and remains so throughout this story. Their relationship moves at an alarming pace without the benefit of any emotional growth. Alls I want is a genuine conversation, and maybe a tender non-sexual touch or two but maybe I'm asking too much?
SPOILERS AHEAD
Yuki and Shuichi have sex but it's not a pleasant experience for Shuichi and it borders on rape. Yuki is rough, selfish and uncaring and Shuichi is left crying and physically hurting when Yuki is through (he took him 3 times). Yuki pretty much tells him to stop acting like a girl and quit his sniveling. This scene bothered me and wasn't at all romantic and only cemented my feelings that Yuki is an unlovable, jerk undeserving of Shuichi's devotion. Now I admit I wasn't in the best of moods when I picked this one up BUT that's why I picked it up. I was hoping for something light and fun and this totally did not deliver. It's supposed to be a romantic comedy, according to blurbage, but it was neither. There was other stuff going on about the band and we learn a bit about more about Hiro but the "relationship" between the two leads put me off so much that I'm throwing in the towel on this series.
This book has received so many rave reviews and I honestly can't figure it out. I had the same confusion issues that I had with the first book, the author seems to leave out certain bits of dialogue and/or scenes and it stops me in my tracks. I don't know if this was a translation issue (or even it was translated) but it was bothersome. The two leading man-boys are here and their relationship hasn't changed much. Yuki is still a cruel ass to Shuichi and remains so throughout this story. Their relationship moves at an alarming pace without the benefit of any emotional growth. Alls I want is a genuine conversation, and maybe a tender non-sexual touch or two but maybe I'm asking too much?
SPOILERS AHEAD
Yuki and Shuichi have sex but it's not a pleasant experience for Shuichi and it borders on rape. Yuki is rough, selfish and uncaring and Shuichi is left crying and physically hurting when Yuki is through (he took him 3 times). Yuki pretty much tells him to stop acting like a girl and quit his sniveling. This scene bothered me and wasn't at all romantic and only cemented my feelings that Yuki is an unlovable, jerk undeserving of Shuichi's devotion. Now I admit I wasn't in the best of moods when I picked this one up BUT that's why I picked it up. I was hoping for something light and fun and this totally did not deliver. It's supposed to be a romantic comedy, according to blurbage, but it was neither. There was other stuff going on about the band and we learn a bit about more about Hiro but the "relationship" between the two leads put me off so much that I'm throwing in the towel on this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2009
The dub-con in this manga might be too much for some readers, but I don't mind stuff like that, especially not in manga. But dub-con aside, it's quite funny to watch Yuki be all mean to Shuichi because Shuichi makes him feel weird things - like the need to take care of Shuichi and make him happy. It's really a weird love affair, that's for sure.
February 13, 2017
Too many rapey scenes and rape jokes. Also heaps of ableism and use of abelist language.
Read
August 2, 2022In preparation for this review, I decided to give the anime a spin. I only watched it once, a long, long time and so was very curious to see how it compared vis-a-vis the manga.
I was somewhat surprised, although I should not have been, that the anime changed a lot and for the most part, for the worse. It omits all of Shuuichi and Hiro's high school career- although this may be covered later on in flashbacks- and starts out with the two already signed under Seguchi's label, with Sakano as their manager. From there on, it fits the events of the first volume and part of this second volume into the first two episodes but with crucial differences.
Right away, the conflict between Hiro and Shuuichi that forms most of this volume is entirely done away. But there are deeper changes that impact the whole way in which the franchises expresses itself across the two media.
Much has been written on it: Gravi is an extreme case of character flanderization. In other words, everyone becomes a more extreme, less nuanced and more one tone version of themselves as they transition from the manga to the anime. That Shuuichi should fall prey to this is almost to be expected and something many fans never quite forgave the anime for but Yuki, too, gets considerably simplified. That Yuki is sardonic, prone to telling others off, aloof and very much a loner, is part and parcel of his personality. But the manga does present him as having a more playful side to him and, perhaps more importantly, mocks him on occasion.
As a result of the anime turning Shuuichi into such a joke and Yuki into a character who is almost always serious and nasty, the pairing feels awkwardly contrived for the sole purpose of going for a "opposites attract" approach. With that said, it is still very early days in the manga and from what I have read thus far, it goes into truly demented territory later on.
Volume two offers some genuinely well done conflict over Hiro's future prospects after high school, builds more upon Bad Luck's music career and proceeds apace with Yuki and Shuuichi's romance, dropping some interesting insights into the way the manga views non-heterosexuality.
With graduation looming, Shuuichi is more focused than ever in getting Bad Luck to debut. But Hiro has other plans as he announces that he is giving up on music altogether and applying to medical school instead. This causes an immediate rift between the two and is the best conflict the manga has offered thus far. Hiro and Shuuichi have a history together and had been working toward becoming professional musicians since they were young teens. Hiro's decision seems to come completely out of the blue so Shuuichi's shock, and then burst of anger, makes sense as opposed to some of Shuuichi's outbursts- particularly when Yuki is concerned- that do feel somewhat over the top.
On the other hand, Shuuichi comes to see that if Hiro wants something different out of life than he should not get upset over it. It's a moment a character development. As for Hiro himself, his motivation is complex and the angst behind it entirely justified.
This volume reinforces what many fans feel: Shuuichi and Hiro make much more sense as a couple than Shuuichi and Yuki. This is not that rare. More than most fiction, 2D is full of childhood friends sticking through thick and thin, overcoming obstacles and having a shared dream they work for. This is so strong a thread that it can be found across virtually all meta-genres, sports shounen may be the most obvious but plenty of shoujo leans in this direction, titles as disparate as, say, Chihayafuru and Fafner incorporate it as a vital component.
The stress on friendship often ends up sidelining romantic plotlines, without even getting into shipping and the like. It is not uncommon for a certain tension to creep into a storyline once romance is added, as love can be represented in somewhat unconvincing ways as opposed to friendship. The problem is that friends are given a lot time interacting, having fun and poking fun, going about their lives together, having long conversations about whatever is bothering them. Would-be lovers and even actual lovers often are not given this kind of natural being together scenes and instead spend a lot of time in misunderstandings and/or angsty drama, so that the moments they do get to spend together seem more like exceptions to the rule than anything else. This is also why, ironically, I suspect shipping often actually makes a lot of sense. Heterosexual themed content will pair up same sex friends in a world in which homosexuality does not exist by definition and them play them up as being really, really close while the actual love interests hardly ever get that kind of emotional intensity. Nor is this something that just tends to happen, it is entirely deliberate on the part of the creators who will shamefully queer-bait for all it's worth.
When it comes to childhood friends, the rule of thumb is that those who stayed together throughout their upbringing do not get to be romantic partners. Those childhood friends who get reenter the lead's life after a long period of absence- and even of estrangement- are much likely to become romantic categories.
Hiro is firmly in the first category and Gravi is first and foremost about Shuuichi and Yuki. What makes Hiro and Shuuichi so endearing as a possible couple is that they are in synch. Hiro very obviously understands Shuuichi better than anyone and they have a funny, wholesome and truly touching relationship that would lead to a much healthier romance. Then there is the way in which BL courts shipping, in this regard it was way ahead of the curve, so that while not at all canon, fans are very much expected to think about them as an item.
This volume delivers on the sex, albeit not half as graphic as it is rumored. BL has a reputation of being an excuse for sex scenes but this is not quite true. While a lot of it does veer on porn, the vast majority does not. I suspect the reason why it gained this reputation in the first place has much to do with fanfiction and fanart being more known to the public at large than actual canonical BL titles and because heterosexual material is surprisingly sexless so by contrast BL seems much more sexual than it actually is.
By "sexless" I mean that actual sex is actually fairly rare in heterosexual romance. Hentai aside, of course, heterosexual romance- across most genres- tends to have no actual sex. Even titles that drip with ecchi and are full of fanservice have actual zero sex more likely than not.
This ambivalence is odd but meta-genre constraints are at work. Shounen can walk the line of throwing breasts every other panel, in some cases in can even get away with a "hero" that literally sexually harasses women constantly (Seven Deadly Sins is one of the most horrifying examples of this that I have ever encountered) but the hero will not actually have sex. To the point that the characters not having sex, in a creepily sexed up environment can even be the entire premise as is the case of the horrendous Prison School.
Beyond this, I suspect there is a double standard at work. BL, by having male characters involved in romantic relationships, it is read through the lenses of the sexual acts involved as being a defining trait while heterosexual romance is taken to be "normal" and thus not defined by such things, even though they are obviously implied. To be fair, BL itself does open itself up to this kind of interpretation but it is interesting to note how something like Gravi often gets dismissed as "porn" while the above mentioned Seven Deadly Sins is full of sexualization and even actual sexual assault but has legions of fans who would never call it "porn".
Regarding sex in any early BL title, consent is an issue that needs be addressed. How does Gravi fare in this regard? Better than I thought it would, still not as good as it should.
There is more to consent than just Yuki and Shuuichi. There is also Tatsuha, Yuki's brother who gets introduced in this volume as a "dark version" of Yuki and who obsesses over Ryuichi. Tatsuha decides to roleplay, Shuuichi can pretend he is Yuki and Tatsuha can pretend Shuuichi is Ryuichi. Shuuichi did not sign up for this, makes this very clear, Tatsuha simply does not care and basically fondles him very much against his will. Enter Yuki who is snarky about it but does not take it terribly seriously.
And this because, in the manga's logic, this does not "count". Spoilers for later volumes,
For some very odd reason, Shuuichi is terrified of Tatsuha being bisexual. It is odd as Shuuichi himself is bisexual, I think he even actually uses the label later on.
As far as terminology goes, though, it is surprising that a 90's manga would even use the term "bisexual". Even nowadays, a lot of queer themed manga operates under the impression that you are straight or gay, assuming it even touches on sexual orientation at all. This volume has Shuuichi saying, almost word by word, "I like what I like so there!", which is the "Gay For You" version of BL. From what I understand, the manga does move on from this position.
This volume also introduces Noriko, one of Nittle Grasper's members and temporary Bad Luck reinforcement. She is quite a presence. Female characters in BL, assuming they even exist, are almost always background figures who on occasion serve as obstacles between the leads. This is basically Mika's role . Noriko, while not a major character, is added to the story for reasons that go beyond this. She is there to improve the band. And the band needs improving because Shuuichi's arrangements, while good, are simply not up to scratch in an actual professional band. He should focus exclusively on his singing instead as Sakano points out.
Shuuichi is none too thrilled. A lot of this kind of manga that is about following one's dreams is full of "be true to yourself" moments that can be pivotal. Interestingly, in this case, Shuuichi's development as a musician and as a singer includes his understanding his strongest points and sticking to them as opposed to the more beaten track of "trying my hardest" at whatever is perceived as a weakness. It's things that like this that elevate Gravi considerably. When it comes to the cutthroat business of making a living out of music, effort and inspiration alone simply will not cut it. No amount of hard work on Shuuichi's part can make his arrangements good enough to make the bill, not when they are about to release an album.
It also points to a wider concern with the franchise as a whole that is keeping a balance between one's love life and the extreme demands of professional life as an artist. While Shuiichi's case includes extra baggage, pretty much anyone in his situation would probably struggle. Also, he cannot afford to only perform when he feels like it. That was fine and dandy when he was just messing around with Hiro as a garage band but it can no longer work.
In fact, if there is a message to Gravi, and amidst all the chaos and disturbingly dark plotlines that exist side by side zany comedy, it is precisely that just like Yuki has to write his love novels even though he is a jaded misanthrope (at least at first), so must Shuuichi gather up his resolve and sing even when his heart is broken.
I was somewhat surprised, although I should not have been, that the anime changed a lot and for the most part, for the worse. It omits all of Shuuichi and Hiro's high school career- although this may be covered later on in flashbacks- and starts out with the two already signed under Seguchi's label, with Sakano as their manager. From there on, it fits the events of the first volume and part of this second volume into the first two episodes but with crucial differences.
Right away, the conflict between Hiro and Shuuichi that forms most of this volume is entirely done away. But there are deeper changes that impact the whole way in which the franchises expresses itself across the two media.
Much has been written on it: Gravi is an extreme case of character flanderization. In other words, everyone becomes a more extreme, less nuanced and more one tone version of themselves as they transition from the manga to the anime. That Shuuichi should fall prey to this is almost to be expected and something many fans never quite forgave the anime for but Yuki, too, gets considerably simplified. That Yuki is sardonic, prone to telling others off, aloof and very much a loner, is part and parcel of his personality. But the manga does present him as having a more playful side to him and, perhaps more importantly, mocks him on occasion.
As a result of the anime turning Shuuichi into such a joke and Yuki into a character who is almost always serious and nasty, the pairing feels awkwardly contrived for the sole purpose of going for a "opposites attract" approach. With that said, it is still very early days in the manga and from what I have read thus far, it goes into truly demented territory later on.
Volume two offers some genuinely well done conflict over Hiro's future prospects after high school, builds more upon Bad Luck's music career and proceeds apace with Yuki and Shuuichi's romance, dropping some interesting insights into the way the manga views non-heterosexuality.
With graduation looming, Shuuichi is more focused than ever in getting Bad Luck to debut. But Hiro has other plans as he announces that he is giving up on music altogether and applying to medical school instead. This causes an immediate rift between the two and is the best conflict the manga has offered thus far. Hiro and Shuuichi have a history together and had been working toward becoming professional musicians since they were young teens. Hiro's decision seems to come completely out of the blue so Shuuichi's shock, and then burst of anger, makes sense as opposed to some of Shuuichi's outbursts- particularly when Yuki is concerned- that do feel somewhat over the top.
On the other hand, Shuuichi comes to see that if Hiro wants something different out of life than he should not get upset over it. It's a moment a character development. As for Hiro himself, his motivation is complex and the angst behind it entirely justified.
This volume reinforces what many fans feel: Shuuichi and Hiro make much more sense as a couple than Shuuichi and Yuki. This is not that rare. More than most fiction, 2D is full of childhood friends sticking through thick and thin, overcoming obstacles and having a shared dream they work for. This is so strong a thread that it can be found across virtually all meta-genres, sports shounen may be the most obvious but plenty of shoujo leans in this direction, titles as disparate as, say, Chihayafuru and Fafner incorporate it as a vital component.
The stress on friendship often ends up sidelining romantic plotlines, without even getting into shipping and the like. It is not uncommon for a certain tension to creep into a storyline once romance is added, as love can be represented in somewhat unconvincing ways as opposed to friendship. The problem is that friends are given a lot time interacting, having fun and poking fun, going about their lives together, having long conversations about whatever is bothering them. Would-be lovers and even actual lovers often are not given this kind of natural being together scenes and instead spend a lot of time in misunderstandings and/or angsty drama, so that the moments they do get to spend together seem more like exceptions to the rule than anything else. This is also why, ironically, I suspect shipping often actually makes a lot of sense. Heterosexual themed content will pair up same sex friends in a world in which homosexuality does not exist by definition and them play them up as being really, really close while the actual love interests hardly ever get that kind of emotional intensity. Nor is this something that just tends to happen, it is entirely deliberate on the part of the creators who will shamefully queer-bait for all it's worth.
When it comes to childhood friends, the rule of thumb is that those who stayed together throughout their upbringing do not get to be romantic partners. Those childhood friends who get reenter the lead's life after a long period of absence- and even of estrangement- are much likely to become romantic categories.
Hiro is firmly in the first category and Gravi is first and foremost about Shuuichi and Yuki. What makes Hiro and Shuuichi so endearing as a possible couple is that they are in synch. Hiro very obviously understands Shuuichi better than anyone and they have a funny, wholesome and truly touching relationship that would lead to a much healthier romance. Then there is the way in which BL courts shipping, in this regard it was way ahead of the curve, so that while not at all canon, fans are very much expected to think about them as an item.
This volume delivers on the sex, albeit not half as graphic as it is rumored. BL has a reputation of being an excuse for sex scenes but this is not quite true. While a lot of it does veer on porn, the vast majority does not. I suspect the reason why it gained this reputation in the first place has much to do with fanfiction and fanart being more known to the public at large than actual canonical BL titles and because heterosexual material is surprisingly sexless so by contrast BL seems much more sexual than it actually is.
By "sexless" I mean that actual sex is actually fairly rare in heterosexual romance. Hentai aside, of course, heterosexual romance- across most genres- tends to have no actual sex. Even titles that drip with ecchi and are full of fanservice have actual zero sex more likely than not.
This ambivalence is odd but meta-genre constraints are at work. Shounen can walk the line of throwing breasts every other panel, in some cases in can even get away with a "hero" that literally sexually harasses women constantly (Seven Deadly Sins is one of the most horrifying examples of this that I have ever encountered) but the hero will not actually have sex. To the point that the characters not having sex, in a creepily sexed up environment can even be the entire premise as is the case of the horrendous Prison School.
Beyond this, I suspect there is a double standard at work. BL, by having male characters involved in romantic relationships, it is read through the lenses of the sexual acts involved as being a defining trait while heterosexual romance is taken to be "normal" and thus not defined by such things, even though they are obviously implied. To be fair, BL itself does open itself up to this kind of interpretation but it is interesting to note how something like Gravi often gets dismissed as "porn" while the above mentioned Seven Deadly Sins is full of sexualization and even actual sexual assault but has legions of fans who would never call it "porn".
Regarding sex in any early BL title, consent is an issue that needs be addressed. How does Gravi fare in this regard? Better than I thought it would, still not as good as it should.
There is more to consent than just Yuki and Shuuichi. There is also Tatsuha, Yuki's brother who gets introduced in this volume as a "dark version" of Yuki and who obsesses over Ryuichi. Tatsuha decides to roleplay, Shuuichi can pretend he is Yuki and Tatsuha can pretend Shuuichi is Ryuichi. Shuuichi did not sign up for this, makes this very clear, Tatsuha simply does not care and basically fondles him very much against his will. Enter Yuki who is snarky about it but does not take it terribly seriously.
And this because, in the manga's logic, this does not "count". Spoilers for later volumes,
For some very odd reason, Shuuichi is terrified of Tatsuha being bisexual. It is odd as Shuuichi himself is bisexual, I think he even actually uses the label later on.
As far as terminology goes, though, it is surprising that a 90's manga would even use the term "bisexual". Even nowadays, a lot of queer themed manga operates under the impression that you are straight or gay, assuming it even touches on sexual orientation at all. This volume has Shuuichi saying, almost word by word, "I like what I like so there!", which is the "Gay For You" version of BL. From what I understand, the manga does move on from this position.
This volume also introduces Noriko, one of Nittle Grasper's members and temporary Bad Luck reinforcement. She is quite a presence. Female characters in BL, assuming they even exist, are almost always background figures who on occasion serve as obstacles between the leads. This is basically Mika's role . Noriko, while not a major character, is added to the story for reasons that go beyond this. She is there to improve the band. And the band needs improving because Shuuichi's arrangements, while good, are simply not up to scratch in an actual professional band. He should focus exclusively on his singing instead as Sakano points out.
Shuuichi is none too thrilled. A lot of this kind of manga that is about following one's dreams is full of "be true to yourself" moments that can be pivotal. Interestingly, in this case, Shuuichi's development as a musician and as a singer includes his understanding his strongest points and sticking to them as opposed to the more beaten track of "trying my hardest" at whatever is perceived as a weakness. It's things that like this that elevate Gravi considerably. When it comes to the cutthroat business of making a living out of music, effort and inspiration alone simply will not cut it. No amount of hard work on Shuuichi's part can make his arrangements good enough to make the bill, not when they are about to release an album.
It also points to a wider concern with the franchise as a whole that is keeping a balance between one's love life and the extreme demands of professional life as an artist. While Shuiichi's case includes extra baggage, pretty much anyone in his situation would probably struggle. Also, he cannot afford to only perform when he feels like it. That was fine and dandy when he was just messing around with Hiro as a garage band but it can no longer work.
In fact, if there is a message to Gravi, and amidst all the chaos and disturbingly dark plotlines that exist side by side zany comedy, it is precisely that just like Yuki has to write his love novels even though he is a jaded misanthrope (at least at first), so must Shuuichi gather up his resolve and sing even when his heart is broken.
August 21, 2025
Well idk anymore.
Son muy tontos y no acabo de entender pq se gustan, si incluso al Yuki le gusta el prota x mucho que diga, aunque lo compro casi del todo. Also me apetece leer lo que sigue de la prometida pero creo que no estoy 100% en el mood? Me lo voy a tomar con calma me parece.
Son muy tontos y no acabo de entender pq se gustan, si incluso al Yuki le gusta el prota x mucho que diga, aunque lo compro casi del todo. Also me apetece leer lo que sigue de la prometida pero creo que no estoy 100% en el mood? Me lo voy a tomar con calma me parece.
March 2, 2018
Friendship crisis had me by the heartstrings. Not as pleased with the pressure to put out. I prefer a slow build of sexual tension to a steady supply of titillation. I'll give it another volume.
July 1, 2021
I'm enjoying this but Yuki still comes off cold and unfeeling. The 'love's scene had no warmth to it and yuki keeps putting Shuichi down etc. I'm continuing on however because I feel there is alot more that yuki isn't letting on about.
July 29, 2012
Just when Shuichi Shindou's rock star dreams seem to be coming together, everything falls apart. First, his gifted guitarist Hiro quits the band to concentrate on his studies. Then his new manager wants to take Shuichi off keyboards so all he'll do is sing. But even when he's just singing, the one thing he thought he did well, Shuichi finds himself constantly berated by the band's producer. Confronted by the reality of the music business, Shuichi questions whether or not he's really cut out to be a professional musician. The only person he feels he can fall back on is his biggest critic, the cynical and abrasive Yuki. But in love, as with music, the more serious things become, the greater the pressure...gravitation takes its toll.
April 1, 2022
Wow, this is some old school rapey crap with an adult love interest who is 95% asshole and a confused teen idiot boy hero who doesn't know what he's getting into. There is no foreplay or consent and the experience of bottoming is presented as a painful one that the boy should suffer through without "sniveling like a girl." Although the women characters are mostly ball-busters in hooker clothes, who don't seem inclined to sniveling.
All I can say for this is it made me appreciate how far the genre has come in twenty years.
All I can say for this is it made me appreciate how far the genre has come in twenty years.
December 30, 2021
It’s difficult to like a book when the main character starts turning insufferable. Shuichi being a derpy ditz wasn’t exactly funny in the first book but it got a few chuckles out of me. Now it’s just starting to get irritating. I don’t know if the relationship between him and Yuki is going to improve later on but right now it feels nonexistent at best and toxic at worst. I honestly don’t even know why they keep hanging out together. Much like Yuki, I find myself wondering what Shuichi sees in this relationship worth pursuing because so far it’s…well, nothing. Because the plot demands it, and that’s it. I can’t relate or even care about the characters since so far they’re just cardboard cutouts: Shuichi is a brat who likes music; Eiri is a grouch who writes books. So what? Maybe this is also the reason that the moments of questionable consent don’t feel raunchy in the slightest but completely dull or off-putting. I think I’m less repulsed by them because I’m just sitting there wondering why Shuichi doesn’t put his foot down harder: call the police, attempt to fight or leave. He says “no” and then nothing. I struggle to understand what is going on: is he really against it or secretly turned on? If it hurts then why not leave Yuki? Like…****ing seriously, what am I supposed to be thinking?
This book may be totally devoid of emotion and mostly devoid of sense—but what it lacks in those departments it’s certainly trying to make up for with convoluted plot elements! Boy-howdy, sure starting to get Game of Thrones vibes here (not in the “good book” sense but rather in the “who were you again?” sense). And yet it’s really hard to care about these earth-shattering twists when I feel I’m being kept a barge-pole’s distance from connecting with the characters affected.
I’m going to read the whole series because I happen to own it and because I’ve decided to commit to this stupid idea by now, but a good start this ain’t. Personally I’d recommend “Blue Morning” or “His Favorite” instead.
This book may be totally devoid of emotion and mostly devoid of sense—but what it lacks in those departments it’s certainly trying to make up for with convoluted plot elements! Boy-howdy, sure starting to get Game of Thrones vibes here (not in the “good book” sense but rather in the “who were you again?” sense). And yet it’s really hard to care about these earth-shattering twists when I feel I’m being kept a barge-pole’s distance from connecting with the characters affected.
I’m going to read the whole series because I happen to own it and because I’ve decided to commit to this stupid idea by now, but a good start this ain’t. Personally I’d recommend “Blue Morning” or “His Favorite” instead.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2017
Gravitation used to be my favourite Manga series for a few reasons:
1) it was funny as hell with beautiful art to boot
2) it was romantic (more on this later)
3) it was easily accessible at my library (thankfully for 13 year old me someone else also had the hots for yaoi romance)
Reading as an adult ten years later? Holy hell it is worrying.
It's still funny in parts and I still appreciate the art but the romance?!! Jesus fuck. It can pretty much be surmised by that tumblr text post (heavily paraphrased by yours truly):
"character: I love them like the force of a thousand planets
me: ok...but are y'all even friends?".
The way Yuki treats Shinichi is atrocious most of time, apart from maybe a page or so when he's nice-ish. Don't get me wrong, I loved this handsome but tortured son of a bitch attitude when I was a kid but now as an adult? Jeez. Way too many issues. This must be how my friends feel whenever I tell them i'm into a guy who's an absolute arsehole. To be fair Yuki hasn't claimed to love Shinchi but it's clear he cares...somewhat. I don't know man, weird volume. Wouldn't necessarily recommend.
Actual rating: 2.5
August 24, 2020
This summer I have been reading all the old Tokyopop manga I can get my hands on. These older mangas have been fun to read and the art has such energy. I am surprised that Maki Murakami was allowed time to develop her characters and storylines. The manga is smooth and the story moves along on a logical pace. Characters are clearly introduced and established before more adding more people. With this style of art, some characters look very similar. Maki was able to establish the main characters before expanding the Gravitation world.
The element that I like the most regarding the relationship between Shuichi and Eiri is Love is unexpected and it will not look the way one might envision it. There is a powerful force of attraction between the two, but is it love?
The element that I like the most regarding the relationship between Shuichi and Eiri is Love is unexpected and it will not look the way one might envision it. There is a powerful force of attraction between the two, but is it love?
June 17, 2018
10 years later and hiro is still the only character in this series who is worthy of my time wow
April 7, 2023
Fanfic entre Axel Rose con Shawn Mendes hahahah
April 22, 2023
when will bl authors learn about consent and how cool epic poggers it is
May 30, 2023
For a review please see volume 1 were I review the whole series.
February 16, 2024
I really don't like Ayaka.
April 16, 2024
Check out my review on volume 1 covering this arc.
July 17, 2014
A fun second volume. Shuichi and Eiri become lovers.
But I still have issues about the relationship Eiri himself claims "I'm mean, I'm cruel" and "I'm not like you I'm straight OK?" I can't see what Shuichi sees in him, other than his good looks. Shuichi claims that he doesn't understand it himself he just loves him - it's a little odd, Eiri is so changeable.
We meet Eiri's brother the trainee priest who comes onto Shuichi at one point. Our clutzy hero claims he's not into dudes only Eiri which again is a bit weird.
Storywise Hiro wants to quit the band and become a doctor. We meet Hiro's brother the out of work actor. And get introduced to Eiri's fiancée! That leaves this one on a cliffhanger. There's also the rising star band theme as a producer signs bad luck. However he wants Shuichi to stop playing keyboard and focus on his singing which doesn't go down well.
This is an enjoyable yaoi series but you do have to suspend your disbelief quite a bit. Its far more popular than I think it deserves, but fun nonetheless. The characters do all look very similar which can be confusing. Its easier in the anime where Shuichi's distinctive hair colour makes him stand out. In b/w not quite so easy.
But I still have issues about the relationship Eiri himself claims "I'm mean, I'm cruel" and "I'm not like you I'm straight OK?" I can't see what Shuichi sees in him, other than his good looks. Shuichi claims that he doesn't understand it himself he just loves him - it's a little odd, Eiri is so changeable.
We meet Eiri's brother the trainee priest who comes onto Shuichi at one point. Our clutzy hero claims he's not into dudes only Eiri which again is a bit weird.
Storywise Hiro wants to quit the band and become a doctor. We meet Hiro's brother the out of work actor. And get introduced to Eiri's fiancée! That leaves this one on a cliffhanger. There's also the rising star band theme as a producer signs bad luck. However he wants Shuichi to stop playing keyboard and focus on his singing which doesn't go down well.
This is an enjoyable yaoi series but you do have to suspend your disbelief quite a bit. Its far more popular than I think it deserves, but fun nonetheless. The characters do all look very similar which can be confusing. Its easier in the anime where Shuichi's distinctive hair colour makes him stand out. In b/w not quite so easy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2013
This volume focuses more on the relationship between Shuichi and Yuki. How they handle it is kinda funny, and somewhat dumb, but it works. Yuki starts off all as "I'm not into guys, because I am not gay, so stop trying to rub off on me and capture my heart.", while Shuichi is all "I'm gay, and totally into guys, so please make love to me!". Shuichi is kind of a wuss, but he's a good-looking one.
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The high point of this volume was that Bad Luck got signed to N-G records, which is home of Shuichi's idols, the now-defunct Nittle Grasper. But, having a career in music is alot harder than Shuichi and Hiro thought, and more than once, it overwhelms Shuichi. That causes him to throw fits and even run off.
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In this volume, we also meet Yuki's brother and fiancee'. His brother is a pervert, and his wife-to-be is an obsessed weirdo.
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After the main story, we are treated to Murakami's debut work, which is a short story. The characters seem like they jumped right out of the main story.
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I checked this out from the library in Hartselle. All opinions expressed here are my own.
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The high point of this volume was that Bad Luck got signed to N-G records, which is home of Shuichi's idols, the now-defunct Nittle Grasper. But, having a career in music is alot harder than Shuichi and Hiro thought, and more than once, it overwhelms Shuichi. That causes him to throw fits and even run off.
-------
In this volume, we also meet Yuki's brother and fiancee'. His brother is a pervert, and his wife-to-be is an obsessed weirdo.
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After the main story, we are treated to Murakami's debut work, which is a short story. The characters seem like they jumped right out of the main story.
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I checked this out from the library in Hartselle. All opinions expressed here are my own.
March 24, 2010
I read Gravitation Volumes 1 and 2 by Maki Murakami over last summer. I got the first one reviewed quickly, although I stalled on posting my review until December. The second volume's review slipped my mind.
Volume 2 intensifies the goofy relationship between Shuichi and Yuki to somewhere between bizarre and unsettling. Stockholm syndrome crossed my mind in a few places. See Shuichi is perpetually emotional and he ping pongs between two extremes, hating and craving Yuki.
Meanwhile things are wrapping up at the school but Hiro is at odds between his commitment to the band and his studies. He's looking at med school but he really needs to study. At the same time, the band has a chance of being something too.
I have volumes three and four to read still. Of the manga series I've read, Gravitation isn't sticking with me as well as the others: specifically Bleach and Nana. I think there's just so much going on at once at a such a frenetic pace that I'm having trouble keeping up.
Volume 2 intensifies the goofy relationship between Shuichi and Yuki to somewhere between bizarre and unsettling. Stockholm syndrome crossed my mind in a few places. See Shuichi is perpetually emotional and he ping pongs between two extremes, hating and craving Yuki.
Meanwhile things are wrapping up at the school but Hiro is at odds between his commitment to the band and his studies. He's looking at med school but he really needs to study. At the same time, the band has a chance of being something too.
I have volumes three and four to read still. Of the manga series I've read, Gravitation isn't sticking with me as well as the others: specifically Bleach and Nana. I think there's just so much going on at once at a such a frenetic pace that I'm having trouble keeping up.
June 15, 2015
This was just as amazing as volume two. It continues from Track 4, where Shiuchi went to the ER from lack of sleep and a cold. Yuki had gone to visit his father, via Shiuchi's request. When he returns, he visits the high schooler. Shiuchi best friend quits the band, because of his family, which angers Shiuchi, and they get into a fight at school. At graduation, they make up and sing on stage. Shichi has the opporunity to be a star but doesnt because of his feelings for Yuki. Later on, we meet another girl who is meeting someone. And also Yuki's brother who is attracted to guys but is a monk in training. At the end of the volume it turns out Ayaka, the girl that the boys helped, is the fiancee of Yuki. What will Shuichi do now? Will this change his fragile but ever constant changing relationship with Yuki? I can't wait to read volume 3! I just love their l
July 28, 2011
I am legitimately confused about how a love story between two men can involve so much talk about how gay they are not. That and the disturbing rape/coercive sex scenes are really fucked up. Someone warned me that this series was kinda a hot mess like that, alas I didn't listen.
I'll still keep reading the series, because I am oddly fascinated, only because it is kinda like a train wreck - don't want to stare but can't look away. The author is good at sucking you in, even if every other scene makes you *headdesk*
I'll still keep reading the series, because I am oddly fascinated, only because it is kinda like a train wreck - don't want to stare but can't look away. The author is good at sucking you in, even if every other scene makes you *headdesk*
November 18, 2013
Just before Bad Luck hits the label, Hiro, the only guitarist, drops out to study to be a Practitioner! He says it's time to give up the dream and take hold of reality, but where is this going to take their friendship?
All the while, Eiri is trying to figure out just what Shuichi's feelings are for him. Finally, Eiri breaks and thinks that if he gives Shuichi sex, he'll quit being a pest. With this thought in mind, Eiri forces sex on Shuichi.
All the while, Eiri is trying to figure out just what Shuichi's feelings are for him. Finally, Eiri breaks and thinks that if he gives Shuichi sex, he'll quit being a pest. With this thought in mind, Eiri forces sex on Shuichi.
August 30, 2007
Yaoi or boy-on-boy love manga. It was the first and only series of that genre that I have read, and was utterly hilarious. It had great funny, sentimental, and sad moments. A lot of fun to read, and quite unpredictable. The art was a little lacking, the only reason for 3 stars instead of 5.
June 4, 2009
i'm surprised how fast relationships are evolving. i also want to slap eiri. he strikes me as a push over, just giving into anyone who can fill a need. is there anything that he wants? hmmm? i guess i'll have to wait and find out.
October 24, 2008
Does anyone else find it funny that Shuichi's hair changes cover to cover?
January 10, 2010
Still to old for this, but well it is the first yaoi manga published in my native language.
May 18, 2010
this is the best every read
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