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BORDER 境界線 #1
BORDER 境界線 1
Yamato runs a detective agency that will use any means to get the job done, no matter how unconventional. His three misfit employees are more than his teammates, they’re his family too. Also tells the dramatic and surprising story of Yamato’s past.
Paperback
First published September 1, 2008
4 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
Kazuma Kodaka
114 books93 followersAssociated names :
КОДАКА Кадзума
小鷹和麻
K2 Company
K2COMPANY
Name (in native language) : こだか和麻
Zodiac : Scorpio
Blood type : O
Kodaka-sensei made her debut in 1989 with Sessa Takuma! in Shounen Champion. Today she is one of the most popular Boys' Love authors. She is famous for her work on designing the characters for Triple X's BL anime Boku no Sekuhara (My Sexual Harassment) and is also the beloved author of Kizuna.
Matoh Sanami taught her how to draw using a shoujo-style. Sanami Matoh and Kazuma Kodaka are actually very good friends.
Her doujinshi circle is called K2 Company.
Name in Chinese characters for the Chinese Market: “小鷹和麻”
Location: Saitama, Japan
twitter for doujinshi: https://twitter.com/kazu_k_el
pixiv: http://www.pixiv.net/member.php?id=33...
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 21, 2011
I don't deny it, Kazuma Kodaka is one of my favourites when it comes to yaoi artistry, plot and characters. Suffice to say her villains are even beautiful. But as everything I read, even by the same author, I try to remain open-minded and yes, a little skeptical. Just because I enjoy one series or book doesn't necessarily mean I'll automatically love everything the author creates. It just means I'm willing to take another of their creations for a test drive.
Of Ms. Kodaka's work I've read Midare Somenishi, Sex Therapist, Kizuna and now Border. And, I've got hand it to this woman, her work is stunning. From an artists eyes, I can honestly say I've yet to be disappointed. Her characters are trademark 'Kodaka' with the strong eyes, gorgeous hair and near perfectly proportioned body structure. Now you can laugh when I say this, but body proportion in a manga is essential, especially when you've got male characters going at it. You want them to look as natural as possible and proportion is everything. I've read some yaoi where the images were so disproportionate I actually ditched the book. With manga or comics, image is everything. And a bad or poorly drawn image can lead to a poorly thought out plot and bad translation. Trust me, I've seen it in many yaoi and I've read tons.
Getting back to Border… Wow another thoroughly enjoyable read for me. It has a decent plot, beautiful characters and it's well translated. Yamato Suo runs a detective agency with three friends, the office assistant Kippei Yaotome, the hair designer Tamaki Shinonome and the engineer Sogo Kitaoji. While solving cases each man is made to face his past and solve a mystery of his own. The first part of the book, you're introduced to the cast of characters and given a taste of their personalities while they solve several missions.
In Border 1 Yamato is the first to face his past. In his youth he trained and worked with special forces unit. The team leader and other members put him through his paces because of his youth, his inexperience and they felt he was too pretty to be able to handle their line of work. Eventually he proves he's just as good as everyone else. After each mission the men drink and pick up women, but Yamato doesn't get involved. He's gay and there's no way he can ever allow the others to know. In time everyone becomes suspicious. One night the team leader, Will, decides to follow Yamato to find out what he does during his offtime.
Will follows Yamato into a very rough neighbourhood and then he sees the young man pick up a guy outside a gay bar. He's horrified, of course, but I think also a little jealous. Throughout the story, Will is quite fond of Yamato and there appears to be some favouritism. Will beats the guy and argues with Yamato. Yamato lied about his sexuality. After the bitter quarrel, Yamato gives up. He's polite and promises to leave without causing any problems. He says he'll submit a discharge in the morning. This is where the story gets a little strange, but I love it anyway.
Will freaks and accuses Yamato of just giving up then he accuses him of sleeping around. He asks him if any man will do. Then Will says he'll have sex with him. He'll do anything to stop Yamato from leaving the team. He'll have as much sex as Yamato desires, anything. They wind up in bed at Will's place and they wind up having sex every night after that. In time a relationship blossoms and Yamato finds himself falling in love. I think, Will had it bad almost from the start. The story continues and the ending is bittersweet.
Anyway, so I don't spoil the entire book, I'll stop here! Border was good and I mean really good. I didn't have to force myself to finish it. The translation was well done, the plot kept my interest, the artistry awesome (proportionate) and the sex-yeah baby very hot as usual! I totally loved this one and I'm giving it five flames. I think I've found another winner. I've ordered Border 2, can't wait!
Of Ms. Kodaka's work I've read Midare Somenishi, Sex Therapist, Kizuna and now Border. And, I've got hand it to this woman, her work is stunning. From an artists eyes, I can honestly say I've yet to be disappointed. Her characters are trademark 'Kodaka' with the strong eyes, gorgeous hair and near perfectly proportioned body structure. Now you can laugh when I say this, but body proportion in a manga is essential, especially when you've got male characters going at it. You want them to look as natural as possible and proportion is everything. I've read some yaoi where the images were so disproportionate I actually ditched the book. With manga or comics, image is everything. And a bad or poorly drawn image can lead to a poorly thought out plot and bad translation. Trust me, I've seen it in many yaoi and I've read tons.
Getting back to Border… Wow another thoroughly enjoyable read for me. It has a decent plot, beautiful characters and it's well translated. Yamato Suo runs a detective agency with three friends, the office assistant Kippei Yaotome, the hair designer Tamaki Shinonome and the engineer Sogo Kitaoji. While solving cases each man is made to face his past and solve a mystery of his own. The first part of the book, you're introduced to the cast of characters and given a taste of their personalities while they solve several missions.
In Border 1 Yamato is the first to face his past. In his youth he trained and worked with special forces unit. The team leader and other members put him through his paces because of his youth, his inexperience and they felt he was too pretty to be able to handle their line of work. Eventually he proves he's just as good as everyone else. After each mission the men drink and pick up women, but Yamato doesn't get involved. He's gay and there's no way he can ever allow the others to know. In time everyone becomes suspicious. One night the team leader, Will, decides to follow Yamato to find out what he does during his offtime.
Will follows Yamato into a very rough neighbourhood and then he sees the young man pick up a guy outside a gay bar. He's horrified, of course, but I think also a little jealous. Throughout the story, Will is quite fond of Yamato and there appears to be some favouritism. Will beats the guy and argues with Yamato. Yamato lied about his sexuality. After the bitter quarrel, Yamato gives up. He's polite and promises to leave without causing any problems. He says he'll submit a discharge in the morning. This is where the story gets a little strange, but I love it anyway.
Will freaks and accuses Yamato of just giving up then he accuses him of sleeping around. He asks him if any man will do. Then Will says he'll have sex with him. He'll do anything to stop Yamato from leaving the team. He'll have as much sex as Yamato desires, anything. They wind up in bed at Will's place and they wind up having sex every night after that. In time a relationship blossoms and Yamato finds himself falling in love. I think, Will had it bad almost from the start. The story continues and the ending is bittersweet.
Anyway, so I don't spoil the entire book, I'll stop here! Border was good and I mean really good. I didn't have to force myself to finish it. The translation was well done, the plot kept my interest, the artistry awesome (proportionate) and the sex-yeah baby very hot as usual! I totally loved this one and I'm giving it five flames. I think I've found another winner. I've ordered Border 2, can't wait!
December 6, 2022
CW: War, Gun Fighting, Death in Line of Duty, Grief, Intense sexual content (uncensored)
Re-read this for the 25 Days of Manga. While it has some dated tropes in it, this series is one of my favorites. This was one of the first BL manga I read when I was nineteen. I remember reading it upstairs at my sister's house and it was like having an Apiphany. I realized I found these men attractive, it was like my eyes were open for the first time. I realized who I was with the help of this manga, so I owe it a lot.
We follow a group of men who run an investigative service. They race against the law to catch criminals for a living. Our main character, Yamato, has a past in the military and is the leader of this group. They are more than colleagues, they're family. They love and support each other.
This series is just wonderful.
Re-read this for the 25 Days of Manga. While it has some dated tropes in it, this series is one of my favorites. This was one of the first BL manga I read when I was nineteen. I remember reading it upstairs at my sister's house and it was like having an Apiphany. I realized I found these men attractive, it was like my eyes were open for the first time. I realized who I was with the help of this manga, so I owe it a lot.
We follow a group of men who run an investigative service. They race against the law to catch criminals for a living. Our main character, Yamato, has a past in the military and is the leader of this group. They are more than colleagues, they're family. They love and support each other.
This series is just wonderful.
June 14, 2011
Dammit! I had this great plan of "just borrowing" this in order not to spend all my money on what we can probably all concur is my new obsession. But apparently I have great instincts or something, because this? Was really, really good. So now I have to buy it and the next one and the next one and oh dear god how did this happen again?
Anyway, it's the story of a private detective agency made up out of four men who know each other from an orphanage. The leader of the pack has a mysterious past (of course) but I don't know, I loved his story and I couldn't stop reading pretty much from page one.
I just love friendships like the one the guys have in that agency (it's also why I love series like Angel and comics like X-Factor) and the humor isn't too ridiculous and it's just exciting and good and I mentioned that I really liked it, right? I can't wait to read more but the next volume doesn't come out until July and hey, now I know what *that* feels like.
Anyway, it's the story of a private detective agency made up out of four men who know each other from an orphanage. The leader of the pack has a mysterious past (of course) but I don't know, I loved his story and I couldn't stop reading pretty much from page one.
I just love friendships like the one the guys have in that agency (it's also why I love series like Angel and comics like X-Factor) and the humor isn't too ridiculous and it's just exciting and good and I mentioned that I really liked it, right? I can't wait to read more but the next volume doesn't come out until July and hey, now I know what *that* feels like.
September 29, 2011
Kazuma Kodaka proves once more that she knows how to build interesting, deep, three-dimensional characters. Yamato, Tamaki, Kippei, Sohgo... I want to learn more about every one of them! Yamato as the main character is front and center, of course, but for me, the most intriguing character is Tamaki. But I did love the flashback that told us how Yamato fell in love with Will and then lost him...
There were some things that I didn't understand, like what did Yamato, a Japanese, do in the US special forces. Or I didn't really feel Will's reasons for sleeping with Yamato, at least his initial reasons.
Definitely looking forward to volume 2!
There were some things that I didn't understand, like what did Yamato, a Japanese, do in the US special forces. Or I didn't really feel Will's reasons for sleeping with Yamato, at least his initial reasons.
Definitely looking forward to volume 2!
March 26, 2014
AWESOME! great storyline with quality artwork to match. Nice rush reading this book. I even tear up a little during Yamato's flashbacks where he first join the special ops and met Will.
July 30, 2017
Note: I'm extremely picky about yaoi. And I have zero complaints or cons for this book!
I hardly have words... This manga made me cry and I don't think I have ever cried over a comic book/manga/manhwa before. The art is exquisite. I do think the translating or editing fell through a couple of times...missing punctuation or confusing dialogue here and there. But this is a thicker book than the average manga and it is packed with story. You get more than your money's worth. There's a large cast of characters, but each is so unique you don't get them mixed up. The main character is really sexy. His physical beauty is obvious, but his mannerisms, ego, intelligence, and tragic past make him even more attractive. The loves scenes aren't plentiful, but they're meaningful, so when they happen it's for a good reason and woven into the story in such a way that they make good sense and aren't just thrown in there as fanservice. The plot is engrossing and I am left absolutely craving more. But this volume was so good I'm tempted to reread it. I've already gone back and reread some of my favorite parts!
I'm a little nervous because, from what I've gathered, there are 7 volumes out in Japan but only 5 have been translated into English. And the manga series is not yet complete in Japan, so...I don't know what's going to happen. I hope a lot of people read this manga and let June Manga know they're anxious for more! I did contact them through Twitter and they said they're hoping to get the rights to the remaining books.
I hardly have words... This manga made me cry and I don't think I have ever cried over a comic book/manga/manhwa before. The art is exquisite. I do think the translating or editing fell through a couple of times...missing punctuation or confusing dialogue here and there. But this is a thicker book than the average manga and it is packed with story. You get more than your money's worth. There's a large cast of characters, but each is so unique you don't get them mixed up. The main character is really sexy. His physical beauty is obvious, but his mannerisms, ego, intelligence, and tragic past make him even more attractive. The loves scenes aren't plentiful, but they're meaningful, so when they happen it's for a good reason and woven into the story in such a way that they make good sense and aren't just thrown in there as fanservice. The plot is engrossing and I am left absolutely craving more. But this volume was so good I'm tempted to reread it. I've already gone back and reread some of my favorite parts!
I'm a little nervous because, from what I've gathered, there are 7 volumes out in Japan but only 5 have been translated into English. And the manga series is not yet complete in Japan, so...I don't know what's going to happen. I hope a lot of people read this manga and let June Manga know they're anxious for more! I did contact them through Twitter and they said they're hoping to get the rights to the remaining books.
July 20, 2020
Different than the usual BL
I enjoyed this. I was not so sure at first when it started in detective format. But it built up to the story of Yamato first with his coworkers which it turns out our his "family". Then the story of him working with special ops and having a special relationship with the boss who is now gone....I actually was crying at the end for both the loss of Boss and YAMATO realizing how much he loved him but never said it. It was a really touching love story mixed with BL. Loved it!
I enjoyed this. I was not so sure at first when it started in detective format. But it built up to the story of Yamato first with his coworkers which it turns out our his "family". Then the story of him working with special ops and having a special relationship with the boss who is now gone....I actually was crying at the end for both the loss of Boss and YAMATO realizing how much he loved him but never said it. It was a really touching love story mixed with BL. Loved it!
August 13, 2024
A very delightful series that is easy to read and not too taxing. Characters are enjoyable and stories tend to follow individuals. Have actually read 1-3 at this point and look forward to tracking down the next three.
October 27, 2017
One of the most amazing yaoi mangas you'll ever have a chance to read. Heartbreaking, yet so damn right.
Unforgettable.
Unforgettable.
January 2, 2018
3.5 stars. I love the artwork and this series got off to a great start (I read v. 1-3) but seems to have been dropped last I checked. I HATE that. May check for scanlations one of these days.
March 19, 2017
REREAD! Border is NOT like other yaoi at all that's what makes it so good. It combines my favorite things: detectives (Sherlock of course), humor, dark pasts and sexy semes. I have 1-4 and I need to get the other volumes ASAP.
August 26, 2011
This is really much darker drama than Kizuna right from the start. It's also quite graphic - but then she's known for that. The opening sex basically sets the scene for the type of guy Yamato is at this point, and then the rest of the volume explains to us why we should care about that.
The three guys who are part of his detective agency subgroup (I can't help but see similarities to Charlie's Angels) are all old-time friends of long standing, and all love him in different ways. They are very different in type and while Yamato has no trouble with getting cozy with them, they are off-limits in any other way.
Yamato's background story of the big love he lost was very dramatic and moved me to tears (even as I was able to think that certain scenarios of the action would have been highly unlikely in a real life situation like that - and I really didn't need that obsessed Police Inspector guy). I enjoyed the fact that Yamato is appreciated by his former colleagues and even the ex-wife of his beloved.
Basically, either you like him and his crew or you won't enjoy this, because the cases they solve are only played to illuminated various facets of the core team and develop their story - which is the way I like my mysteries actually.
The three guys who are part of his detective agency subgroup (I can't help but see similarities to Charlie's Angels) are all old-time friends of long standing, and all love him in different ways. They are very different in type and while Yamato has no trouble with getting cozy with them, they are off-limits in any other way.
Yamato's background story of the big love he lost was very dramatic and moved me to tears (even as I was able to think that certain scenarios of the action would have been highly unlikely in a real life situation like that - and I really didn't need that obsessed Police Inspector guy). I enjoyed the fact that Yamato is appreciated by his former colleagues and even the ex-wife of his beloved.
Basically, either you like him and his crew or you won't enjoy this, because the cases they solve are only played to illuminated various facets of the core team and develop their story - which is the way I like my mysteries actually.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2011
I had a review here once but it's gone. A pithy one too. Yes, I said pithy. Look it up.
So let's see if I can reconstruct it.
Bishies Impossible!
No matter your type there is a bishie here for you in this story. You have a muscle man, you a have cutie pie, a swishy pretender and the long cool daddy. Take your pick cause they are all hot and on the side of good.
Scene opens on swaying dogtags against a backdrop of sweaty manly flesh. Close up of said manly flesh getting pounded into the mattress then the phone rings. You might has well have the nyahnyahnyah song as your ring tone for the way the fun fest disintegrates. While Yamato is the cool boss of the private detective agency and his crew all came from the same orphanage, he has a dark and painful past. All centered around those dogtags.
Enough said. Read it. Apparently there is a Volume 2 so I will tracking that down to add to my bishie collection.
So let's see if I can reconstruct it.
Bishies Impossible!
No matter your type there is a bishie here for you in this story. You have a muscle man, you a have cutie pie, a swishy pretender and the long cool daddy. Take your pick cause they are all hot and on the side of good.
Scene opens on swaying dogtags against a backdrop of sweaty manly flesh. Close up of said manly flesh getting pounded into the mattress then the phone rings. You might has well have the nyahnyahnyah song as your ring tone for the way the fun fest disintegrates. While Yamato is the cool boss of the private detective agency and his crew all came from the same orphanage, he has a dark and painful past. All centered around those dogtags.
Enough said. Read it. Apparently there is a Volume 2 so I will tracking that down to add to my bishie collection.
November 21, 2011
The volume's cover: There's something Duran-Duranish about that pose, reminds me of a young John Taylor.
The storyline is not that complicated and generally easy to follow. The background history of Yamato Suo (the guy on the cover), his days in the special forces...hmm, original! There's something particularly emotional about that incident, too - it reminded me somewhat of Midaresomenishi (the tragic aspect).
The other characters however are not yet three-dimensional; I guess each one's full story will come in later volumes.
It will be interesting to find out how they found each other and why they bonded together, not to mention how/why Sogo is so hung up on Yamato ;-o. Behind those comic moments there probably is a good explanation for Yamato's sobriety and restraint.
The storyline is not that complicated and generally easy to follow. The background history of Yamato Suo (the guy on the cover), his days in the special forces...hmm, original! There's something particularly emotional about that incident, too - it reminded me somewhat of Midaresomenishi (the tragic aspect).
The other characters however are not yet three-dimensional; I guess each one's full story will come in later volumes.
It will be interesting to find out how they found each other and why they bonded together, not to mention how/why Sogo is so hung up on Yamato ;-o. Behind those comic moments there probably is a good explanation for Yamato's sobriety and restraint.
January 26, 2024
Imagine the popular tv series Charlie’s Angels with a hot all male cast and whole lot of gay. Border centers around a group of forever-broke private investigators who look stunning while solving whatever job they’re assigned. Just don’t be surprised if these cases bring their own pasts and issues to the surface.
Thoughts:
In the world of yaoi manga, there are few as well known as Kazuma Kodaka. Since her debut in 1989 she’s been known for her stories of gay men with the most popular being ‘Kizuna’ which tells the story of characters in the Yakuza and their interrelationships. Honestly, knowing her from that series (which I plan on reviewing eventually) I bought this one without even reading the back cover.
Read the rest of my review for the first 3 volumes at Well, Are they? - A Queer Review Blog
https://wellarethey.blogspot.com/2021...
Thoughts:
In the world of yaoi manga, there are few as well known as Kazuma Kodaka. Since her debut in 1989 she’s been known for her stories of gay men with the most popular being ‘Kizuna’ which tells the story of characters in the Yakuza and their interrelationships. Honestly, knowing her from that series (which I plan on reviewing eventually) I bought this one without even reading the back cover.
Read the rest of my review for the first 3 volumes at Well, Are they? - A Queer Review Blog
https://wellarethey.blogspot.com/2021...
January 13, 2013
Since I can't Get Crimson Spell, this was suggested to me because it has really good artwork and quality story lines. This is the second book I have bought which has been wrapped. The first, being Gravitation (I still don't understand why this had to be wrapped).
Now that I've read this, I understand why it should be wrapped. Even though it was at the end, it was very explicit and well-drawn. Somehow, I like the plot and the characters in this manga better than most of the other yaoi and shonen-ai manga I've read so far, with the exception of Fake.
Now that I've read this, I understand why it should be wrapped. Even though it was at the end, it was very explicit and well-drawn. Somehow, I like the plot and the characters in this manga better than most of the other yaoi and shonen-ai manga I've read so far, with the exception of Fake.
April 18, 2016
Rereading this after all this time it does feel a little all over the place and not very planned out, but it still is a lot of fun to read. I love Yamato and his family, especially Sougo. And this does read different from a lot of other BL. The art is to die for, although I don't share her enthusiasm for the big guy/really slender, young looking guy... young Yamato and Will makes me feel uncomfortable tbh.
April 10, 2012
i'd forgotten how goddarn gorgeous Kodaka-sensei can draw, when she's having fun, and she's surely having fun with young Yamato here. it's a bit hard to tell from this first vol whether this is shaping up for episodic capers or intense backstory for the orphaned family-by-choice, but either way, as long as Kodaka keeps drawing those beautiful eyes, i'm in.
Read
August 23, 2011This is a waaaay, waaaayyyy adult title with some pretty graphic sex scenes in it. If those don't bother you, you'll find some pretty fun detective/adventure stories here. Enjoyed it, but didn't love it.
June 29, 2012
Fans of FAKE should dive right into Border, though this story has a more gritty plot and backstories for its charaters. It seems that good yaoi is hard to find when you wnat real plot with the pretty. Border delivers so far.
March 20, 2012
1st. read: 6/18/11
August 29, 2014
There's a reason Kazuma Kodaka is always on top of the yaoi mangaka scale. I hope I don't have to wait too long for volume 2.
September 6, 2011
Nice art. I'll be checking out this creator's other works.
May 27, 2012
Liked it lots, but super sad in parts.
January 3, 2017
A reread of the series since it's been forever and I just got v. 4 & 5. Just as enjoyable as I remembered.
December 29, 2014
Kodaka Kazuma's work is always fantastic and Border is no different.
This is a new series so its a WIP. I'll do a review when its complete.
This is a new series so its a WIP. I'll do a review when its complete.
June 6, 2015
This is pretty much a gay Japanese version of Charlie's Angels. And what could be better than that. No more words be said. If you like any of those descriptors, you'll like this.
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