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Future Lovers #1
Future Lovers, Vol. 1
Rare book
192 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2002
2 people are currently reading
404 people want to read
About the author
Saika Kunieda
20 books24 followersAssociated names :
坂井久仁江
SAKAI Kunie
Name (in native language) : 国枝彩香
Blood Type : AB
The name "Kunie Sakai" is for her mainstream shojo and josei stories, and "Saika Kunieda" is specifically for BL titles it seems.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 20 reviews
October 12, 2011
After the Setona Mizushiro angsty duology of gay love, I just really wanted to re-read what David Welsh (who is a gay man and manga lover himself) calls one of the most realistic positive portraits of gay love in a manga.
This sometimes actually reminds me of French bande dessinee in some of the drawing style (and the mangaka REALLY knows her way around anatomy, her naked bodies are beautiful but never exxagerated) - although the beauty of Akira would have been hard to swallow, had I not seen Joe Cheng as Kui in the Taiwanese dorama The Rose (based on the Bara no Tameni manga, interestingly enough).
Since then I totally buy into feminine features being utterly beautiful in real life in a man (and Joe has that very lovely low voice, too - unless he has to scream dramatically ^^).
Because Kento is introduced as simply following along with his grandparents wishes and fairly clumsy socially in general, it actually works for me that he discovers a real desire for Akira and it's the best it's ever been for him. And because he's one of those really earnest shonen guys... think Luffy ^^ or the young Son Goku in Dragonballs - he just goes after what he wants, only slowly waking up to the reality of what this will mean in the long run.
This sometimes actually reminds me of French bande dessinee in some of the drawing style (and the mangaka REALLY knows her way around anatomy, her naked bodies are beautiful but never exxagerated) - although the beauty of Akira would have been hard to swallow, had I not seen Joe Cheng as Kui in the Taiwanese dorama The Rose (based on the Bara no Tameni manga, interestingly enough).
Since then I totally buy into feminine features being utterly beautiful in real life in a man (and Joe has that very lovely low voice, too - unless he has to scream dramatically ^^).
Because Kento is introduced as simply following along with his grandparents wishes and fairly clumsy socially in general, it actually works for me that he discovers a real desire for Akira and it's the best it's ever been for him. And because he's one of those really earnest shonen guys... think Luffy ^^ or the young Son Goku in Dragonballs - he just goes after what he wants, only slowly waking up to the reality of what this will mean in the long run.
September 19, 2015
I love, love this book. I still read it every few months because the characters are so quirky and wonderful, with real insecurities and flaws. I also adore the art style- Simple but precise, and gorgeous.
August 24, 2017
Aw, one of my favorite mangas, I love this series. A well done, realistic story with two vastly different but wonderful MCs. I loved the solid, dependable Kento. I have v. 1-2 in paperback from the Duex publishing company. Would have loved to have gotten more of their titles before they went out of business, they had some of the best ones!
April 6, 2020
¡10 estrellas!
Ojalá pudiera darle esas 10, pero como no se puede, pues le doy 5.
Me encantó la historia, los personajes se me hicieron completos. Lento y Akira son simplemente perfectos el uno para el otro.
El dibujo me hizo reír mucho, disfrute mucho pero mucho este manga.
Ojalá pudiera darle esas 10, pero como no se puede, pues le doy 5.
Me encantó la historia, los personajes se me hicieron completos. Lento y Akira son simplemente perfectos el uno para el otro.
El dibujo me hizo reír mucho, disfrute mucho pero mucho este manga.
July 11, 2020
Suka banget sm perjalan kisahnya mereka, ada up and down-nya dan dramanya itu bikin terharu.
April 24, 2024
Kento Kumagaya envisions a future for himself which includes a happy wife and children in a happy home that also includes his happy grandparents. But his marriage proposal to his girlfriend Yukie goes horribly wrong and she walks away. Devastated, Kento goes to a bar to drown his sorrows. There he meets Akira Kazuki, who seems too pretty to be a guy. The next morning, Kento wakes up in Kento’s bed with memories of having had sex with Akira! He blames the alcohol, goes home with his tail tucked between his legs, and doesn’t tell his grandparents what really happened. Then he goes to work at the school where he teaches, only to learn there is a new sub for one of the teachers – none other than Akira!
The more Kento tries to maintain his distance from Akira, the more he is drawn to him, and they end up in bed together… over and over and over. Yukie also works at the school, as the nurse. One day she sees something unexpected and breaks up with Kento for good. A conflicted Kento talks to his grandmother, asking her about her arranged marriage with his grandfather. She explains how they fell in love, how their marriage has had its ups and downs but they weathered every storm. At the end of the day, they can both say their life was happy for having met the other person. That gives Kento a lot to think about.
When Kento gets hurt in an accident, Kazuki rushes to the hospital in a panic. Kento tells him he wants him to be his forever. Kazuki is happy to hear that, but when they kiss, they are caught by Kento’s homophobic grandparents, who are not exactly thrilled with what they see. Kento and Akira have other difficulties, including being careful at work, but there are some who figure it out anyway, including a girl with a crush on Kento.
In Winter Rabbit, Shu has gone away to university and has been too busy to visit his family, including his younger foster brother, Minoru. When Shu receives a text from his mother that something is wrong with Minoru, he hurries home, only to run into Minoru at the station. Although they were once close, Minoru seems distant now. And when a girl named Rina shows up, Minoru goes off with her, leaving behind a baffled Shu.
Later, they find themselves alone in the house, and Shu feels compelled to ask Minoru about something he heard. Minoru tries to bluff him, and unexpectedly propositions Shu. But Shu refuses, determined to get to the truth of their feelings for one another.
This was a very sweet and romantic first volume of Future Lovers. I love both Kento and Akira, and I love how Kento goes from saying he isn’t gay to realizing he has feelings for Akira, no matter what gender he is. Their story continues in the next volume. A second story, Winter Rabbit, was also cute and sweet, as two young men come to understand their feelings for one another. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys romantic yaoi.
The more Kento tries to maintain his distance from Akira, the more he is drawn to him, and they end up in bed together… over and over and over. Yukie also works at the school, as the nurse. One day she sees something unexpected and breaks up with Kento for good. A conflicted Kento talks to his grandmother, asking her about her arranged marriage with his grandfather. She explains how they fell in love, how their marriage has had its ups and downs but they weathered every storm. At the end of the day, they can both say their life was happy for having met the other person. That gives Kento a lot to think about.
When Kento gets hurt in an accident, Kazuki rushes to the hospital in a panic. Kento tells him he wants him to be his forever. Kazuki is happy to hear that, but when they kiss, they are caught by Kento’s homophobic grandparents, who are not exactly thrilled with what they see. Kento and Akira have other difficulties, including being careful at work, but there are some who figure it out anyway, including a girl with a crush on Kento.
In Winter Rabbit, Shu has gone away to university and has been too busy to visit his family, including his younger foster brother, Minoru. When Shu receives a text from his mother that something is wrong with Minoru, he hurries home, only to run into Minoru at the station. Although they were once close, Minoru seems distant now. And when a girl named Rina shows up, Minoru goes off with her, leaving behind a baffled Shu.
Later, they find themselves alone in the house, and Shu feels compelled to ask Minoru about something he heard. Minoru tries to bluff him, and unexpectedly propositions Shu. But Shu refuses, determined to get to the truth of their feelings for one another.
This was a very sweet and romantic first volume of Future Lovers. I love both Kento and Akira, and I love how Kento goes from saying he isn’t gay to realizing he has feelings for Akira, no matter what gender he is. Their story continues in the next volume. A second story, Winter Rabbit, was also cute and sweet, as two young men come to understand their feelings for one another. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys romantic yaoi.
July 1, 2016
Future Lovers Vol. 1 art and story by Saika Kunieda is an older yaoi, published back in 2002. And, even though it's an oldie it is definitely a goodie. Kento Kumagaya is a high school teacher with simple tastes. Like most straight men, he longs for a wife, children, and a home. What he didn't bargain for is falling in love with another man. He proposes to his girlfriend and she turns him down flat and walks out of the restaurant. Naturally, he's upset by the turn of events, but fate has other plans. Akira Kazuki, an unrestrained, attractive gay man gets caught in the crossfire and then offers his condolences to Kento, after which they drink, and then wind up in bed together.
What makes this story absolutely awesome is the emotional dynamics between Kento and Akira, and the priceless facial expressions Akira makes. The mangaka did a superb job. Future Lovers really is a great story with lots of romance, humour, ups and downs and wonderful intimate scenes. I like that straight man Kento is the one to chase Akira. It doesn't happen too often that a straight seme chases a gay uke, usually, it's the other way around or the seme is gay. Especially, such an old fashioned, honest and sincere man like Kento. He is kind of unique from all the yaoi I've read.
Future Lovers continues in a second volume where Kento and Akira take their relationship to a new level. Short story Winter Rabbit is included in volume one while in volume two the artist adds a few pages of what Kento and Akira would like in their hundreds. Very funny. If you enjoy romantic comedies and strong, down-to-earth characters, I'm positive you'll enjoy Future Lovers. 5 stars!
http://www.blakrayneblog.com/2016/06/...
What makes this story absolutely awesome is the emotional dynamics between Kento and Akira, and the priceless facial expressions Akira makes. The mangaka did a superb job. Future Lovers really is a great story with lots of romance, humour, ups and downs and wonderful intimate scenes. I like that straight man Kento is the one to chase Akira. It doesn't happen too often that a straight seme chases a gay uke, usually, it's the other way around or the seme is gay. Especially, such an old fashioned, honest and sincere man like Kento. He is kind of unique from all the yaoi I've read.
Future Lovers continues in a second volume where Kento and Akira take their relationship to a new level. Short story Winter Rabbit is included in volume one while in volume two the artist adds a few pages of what Kento and Akira would like in their hundreds. Very funny. If you enjoy romantic comedies and strong, down-to-earth characters, I'm positive you'll enjoy Future Lovers. 5 stars!
http://www.blakrayneblog.com/2016/06/...
February 21, 2013
I really liked this book. The story still contains some of the rather homophobic tropes inherent in the genre, and it plays up some cliches but if you can get over these things, and this book barely has them, then you will find a cute love story.
The book is a bit sexy, but not as sexy as I would have liked. Still it was a touching story, and it says something about how we as adults have to reconcile the wishes of our parents for us and the wishes that we ourselves want to accomplish when we are grown people.
It is a lovely gay romance and I would love to see more books like this at my library so if anyone has read this and has any suggestions please point them out in the comments so that I can submit them to my library for purchase.
There is a bit of comedy in the midst of all the drama, which is what I love about the book. Much like most manga it has its dramatic moments and its funny moments as well. And the best part? There is a second book. Here's hoping it turns out to be as cute as this first volume.
As far as the art goes, it is very lovely, but again here I would have paid a little extra to see the color pages in color. I don't even need them on glossy paper, just in color. *sighs* But that aside, the art is very cute and the panels are simple and easy to follow. I love the moments of tension and the way the author plays some of them up. Like when our intrepid school teacher is about to . . . well, read it and find out.
The book is a bit sexy, but not as sexy as I would have liked. Still it was a touching story, and it says something about how we as adults have to reconcile the wishes of our parents for us and the wishes that we ourselves want to accomplish when we are grown people.
It is a lovely gay romance and I would love to see more books like this at my library so if anyone has read this and has any suggestions please point them out in the comments so that I can submit them to my library for purchase.
There is a bit of comedy in the midst of all the drama, which is what I love about the book. Much like most manga it has its dramatic moments and its funny moments as well. And the best part? There is a second book. Here's hoping it turns out to be as cute as this first volume.
As far as the art goes, it is very lovely, but again here I would have paid a little extra to see the color pages in color. I don't even need them on glossy paper, just in color. *sighs* But that aside, the art is very cute and the panels are simple and easy to follow. I love the moments of tension and the way the author plays some of them up. Like when our intrepid school teacher is about to . . . well, read it and find out.
January 26, 2011
I'd read a few of her short stories in scanlation and been intrigued by an emphasis on plot and atmosphere unusual in shojo and shonen-ai, and by slightly better than average characterization. Little of this is in evidence in the main story, standard yaoi about a straight guy who discovers he's gay and the gay guy who introduces him to the delights of homosexuality but has been burned too often by oblivious or experimenting straight boys to believe in happily ever after. The side story about a pair of foster siblings who fall in love works slightly better, but still isn't worth much effort to seek out.
Various stories as by Sakai Kunie or Saka Kunieda are far more interesting: try "Dark Eyes," "Reflections in Water," "The Guardian," or "The Love Letter."
Various stories as by Sakai Kunie or Saka Kunieda are far more interesting: try "Dark Eyes," "Reflections in Water," "The Guardian," or "The Love Letter."
January 17, 2009
I am a huge fan of Saika Kunieda's work. The story premise is pretty much standard for yaoi: A previously straight man meets a gay man and falls in love. However, the way the story unfolded makes it one of my most favorite yaoi manga. The story has a nice blend of drama and comedy. The characters have their own desires and motivations that make them very human and likeable. The love between them is very evident and so very sweet to read.
July 10, 2012
I love this series so much. It's hilarious and touching at the same time. I really like bickering, opposites-attract couples, and this manga gives you just that. If you read both volumes together the experenice is much sweeter. This is important: no matter how manga-kas try, they can never make a character that is truly believable as a real person. That was until Akira, one of the main characters in this series, was created. He seriously seems real, and that is a feat.
November 12, 2014
Had read this previously but when Goodreads recommended it to me, I just had to reread it. And loved it just as much as the other times. Funny, touching, and beautifully illustrated.
April 21, 2016
1st read : 5 Apr 2014
2nd read : 21 Apr 2016
2nd read : 21 Apr 2016
September 11, 2016
[2.5 stars]
October 30, 2016
One of the few yaoi/BL manga that presents a compelling story of a gay couple that is realistic, believable, and heart warming. Made me grin.
October 7, 2015
Serinin ilk cildi 3 bölümlük kısa bir manga.Çizimleri pek güzel olmasa da çerezlik bir mangaydı ama okumasamda olurmuş. :D
September 11, 2016
Nod bad, but really absurd plot.
November 26, 2012
Great artwork and believable story line.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 20 reviews