Love in Limbo, Vol. 1

Love in Limbo

by Haji

A poignant story of love and atonement in the afterworld.

Calen, the new reaper in Limbo, develops feelings for his purehearted caretaker, Makoto. But can love flourish in a place where even existence can be fleeting?

Calen, who has no memory beyond being a soldier, begins his new life in Limbo with a caretaker named Makoto. To atone for his sins, Calen has been given the powers of a reaper and tasked with guiding and protecting the souls of the dead. As he works together with the purehearted Makoto, Calen begins to develop feelings for him. But will those feelings change once he learns Makoto's true nature?

Genres: Manga, Fantasy, Yaoi, Romance, LGBT, Boys Love, Comics

170 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2016

About the author

Name (in native language): ハジ

Circle : 69de74

Zodiac: Gemini

Pixiv: ハジ

Reviews

[Ben Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this!

Set in Limbo, recently deceased Calen is given the job of Reaper. He is to be a Guardian of the souls who reside in Limbo. Makoto is a caretaker, and along with helping Calen adjust to the otherworld, he defends Limbo as well.

There's more to both Makoto and Calen, and as they get closer we learn their secrets.

I've read a good amout of yaoi at this point, and Love in Limbo, Vol. 1 was a breath of fresh air. No creepy blurred consent here. I also need to get more into fantasy of this medium.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heaven, hell, limbo are typically Christian concepts. The rate of Christianity in Japan is at about 3% of the population. It's always fascinating to see these concepts, which are very common in western culture, come through the eyes of someone who has limited or no contact with them at all. So, Limbo is this regards is also a way stop for the soul to rest before it's reincarnated. Totally not a Christian concept, but probably more familiar since a much higher percent of Japan's populace are Buddhists. Makoto is the Golem, for lengthy reasons, his soul is "stuck" in the clay body and can not be reborn, nor moved on to heaven. Calen (kinda short for Marigold) was a soldier in his earthly life and has been sent to Limbo as a Shinigami (a death god) which in this case, is a guardian for the souls that reside in Limbo for the forces (Big Mouths) that would destroy them, and also the guide for leading the souls through the reincarnation gate. There are weird, cyclops rabbits that are companions and help the souls fly, and there are angels that look suspiciously like demons. Makoto almost immediately falls in love with Calen, who takes a little longer, but eventually falls in love too. Brief intimacy in the extra. The art is typical Haji, which is awesome if you like something off the beaten path. Not the typical manga pretty boys, but sexy nonetheless.

[dragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

It looks like this was the third story I read by Haji and it's completely different yet similar to the other two. In this story, we meet Calen who was made into a shinigami and told to care for the world "limbo" with the help of Makoto and co. While it takes him a while to get adjusted, he comes to deeply care for the land he becomes a guardian for but when he learns that Makoto is a clay doll and that his life is tied to his dying father, he begins to brace his heart for the inevitable - Makoto's death

This was such a somber yet cute read. Makoto is such a sweetheart and you can tell he's thirsty for some Calen! And his dad, omg, talk about serving him on a platter but being overprotective. While the first few chapters had a very cute and getting to know the world type of vibe, once the two protagonists get to know each other, things start to get bittersweet. Even though it spanned what felt like a long time, it didn't feel rushed (although I would have liked a bit of post-catastrophe cute shenanigans)

More linear than Double Hound with a hint of slice of life vibes in a fantasy setting

[☽｡⋆ Naidah ₊˚ෆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always saw this and wanted to read. Now that I have, the story was 🥹 it was wholesome and sad. Imagine loving someone but having a possibility of not being with them when you eventually reincarnate? 😭

I need to read the second volume now 🤧

[Momo · Rating 5 out of 5]

was not expecting to cry
tears streaming down my face

[Henna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating. There's some mystery, since Calen does not remember his life, and many poignant moments. Interesting concept and beautiful art - I really wish it would be full colour pages and not black and white, just to appreciate the art even more.

[Ada · Rating 3 out of 5]

***Thoughts after reading***
It was fine and I liked it okay. The art is gorgeous. I will say I didn't expect the smutty scene at the end though. It seemed to go a different route with that.

***Read for the Manga Olympics Reading Challenge***
Runs from Friday July 23 to Sunday August 8

The person responsible for this challenge is Christy Lou on YouTube . They announced this challenge in their Manga Olympics Reading Challenge! | Announcement video. They have made a lovely bingo board which you can find on their Twitter

CHALLENGES
Complete 5 Challenges for a Bronze Medal
Complete 8 Challenges for a Silver Medal
Complete all 17 Challenges for a Gold Medal

I’ll try to read a different manga for every prompt but I don’t know how successful I’ll be. I’ve read this manga for the prompt:
1. Triathlon: Read a whole Series
Love in Limbo by Haji, vol.2

2. Swimming: Read a Sports manga
High School Debut (3-in-1 Edition), Vol. 1 by Kawahara, Kazune
3. Track & Field: Read a Short series (4 vols or less!)
Escape Journey, Vol. 1 by Ogeretsu, Tanaka, Escape Journey, Vol. 2 by Ogeretsu, Tanaka, and Escape Journey, Vol. 3 by Ogeretsu, Tanaka
4. Sailing: A manga that gives you summer vibes
Love Hina, Vol. 01 by Akamatsu, Ken
5. Gymnastics: Read a manga with a female main character
BL Metamorphosis, Vol. 1 by Tsurutani, Kaori
6. Taekwondo: Read an Action Manga
Fullmetal Alchemist: Fullmetal Edition, Vol. 7 by Arakawa, Hiromu
7. Tokyo 2020: Read a manga set in Tokyo
Manga to come
8. Skateboarding: Read a new release
BL Metamorphosis, Vol. 3 by Tsurutani, Kaori. Published in December 2020 and I’m counting a half year as a ‘new release’.
9. Fencing: Read a fantasy manga
Revolutionary Girl Utena Complete Deluxe Box Set, second volume by Saitō Chiho
10. Table Tennis: Read a manga recommended by a Manga content creator
Spy x Family, Vol. 1. I needed an easy recommendation and it just so happened the moment I was looking for one the YouTuber Swiss Bohemian recommended this series in their I like 'em, those japanese comics! (manga collection video tour 4K) video. So I’ll just re-read this volume for this challenge.
11. Shooting: Read something outside your comfort zone
Chobits 20th Anniversary Edition, vol. 1 by CLAMP
12. Rugby: Read a Shonen/Seinen
Love Hina, Vol. 02 by Akamatsu, Ken
13. Cycling: Read a Shojo/Josei
Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You, Vol. 1 by Shiina, Karuho
14. Volleyball: Read a manga you've been excited for
Don't Call Me Dirty by Kanbe, Gorou
15. Archery: Read an underrated Manga
BL Metamorphosis, Vol. 2 by Tsurutani, Kaori
16. Weightlifting: Read the manga that's been on your TBR the longest
Princess Ai: Ultimate Edition by Kujiradō, Misaho
17. Softball: A manga that features an ensemble cast
Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku, Vol 2 by Fujita

[Megan | The Mood Read Queen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hold up. This was actually so good! I picked it up at the bookstore out of sheer curiosity, and it's actually really compelling.

Calen is recently deceased and now finds himself in limbo, where his job is to protect all the souls who reside in this in-between land before they are reincarnated. He doesn't remember his past life, but we know that he is a soldier who has to atone for his actions in life.

When he arrives in limbo, he's met by Makoto, who is a caretaker and is meant to be an assistant of sorts who, along with his fellow caretakers, help protect the lost souls as well. Makoto is hella cute and positive and has a major crush on Calen, and thus the story begins.

I really appreciated this new and interesting angle for a love story. Both Calen and Makoto have interesting backstories (Makoto's is especially tragic), but I found their little romance super cute and mostly believable.

The artwork is really interesting and intricate. The action sequences are surprisingly good. Calen is very attractive in his Reaper uniform. Like, very attractive. And yeah, I'm definitely looking forward to reading the second and final volume next!

[Fenriz Angelo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first time I read something from Haji that's not all over the place. What a surprise!

Hengoku no Kalendula is a short story that combines fantasy, adventure, and romance greatly to deliver a rollercoaster of emotions ending in a warm feeling as we see the main couple achieving their HEA.

The world building of the afterlife, the likeable characters, great action scenes with cool monsters, and the addition of cute pets (a characteristic element form the author's work) makes this story an enjoyable read.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5

[Natalie H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story and I liked the artwork, as well as the whole human/golem thing. Will be interesting to see where they go. Favourite part was the protective father.

[Leeann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a cool manga. I love the concept of this out of time solder in monder time. This was done so well. I love the art as well! This is so cute and amazing. I can't wait to read what happens next!

[the grace review ౨ৎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was SO cute!!

[Remy Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the sweetest yaoi I think I've ever read. The characterizations and progression of the relationship is really great and well fleshed out and the art is fantastic. Makoto and Calen are so cute together too.

[jing | aperipateticbibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

so I got this irl now

[Elyse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Calen do not have any memories of his past. He is now in Limbo and get a assistant name Makoto and a job as a reaper/guardian of the souls.

Makoto is always cheerful and brighten up the place, the young man act like a schoolgirl with a crush.

Super cute first volume! There is not a lot of action, it is more characters oriented. The romance is a little bit fast, but I think this book is supposed to happen during a long time period. There are some funny moments, especially with Makoto’s dad. I hope to find out more about Calen’s past in future volume.

[Zack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love in Limbo was a refreshing read for me from the other novels I read recently. The story doesn't try to be anything its not. Calen and Makoto are lovable characters with a connection that doesn't seem forced. I can't wait to see what aspect of Limbo we explore next with these two!

[Nic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute! You can read my full review at No Flying No Tights.

[Tiffany Passmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amusing. It has been a while since I read new manga and I am glad that it was this one.

[Myffanwy Geronazzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was far better than it had any right to be.

[kuristina- tabreez · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story about love, death, and karma. The synopsis on the back of this volume really doesn't do the overall story justice, but there is one aspect I feel I must really pick at. The synopsis suggests that the reaper, Calen, is apprehensive to develop and reciprocate romantic feelings for Makoto for the reasons being of Makoto's true self. But that is not the case at all. Calen is apprehensive because he's an amnesiac adjusting to not only an entirely new world but an entirely new world perspective unlike anything he's thought of before outside of fantasy stories. In addition to that, being a well seasoned older male soldier, despite his amnesia, he isn't going to want, or know to, fall in love a week or so into meeting someone, even if he feels attracted to them. That being said, however, he does end up opening all of himself up to Makoto, as Makoto does the same.
Something I found especially profound was Calen's reaction to the realization of the suffering which goes on in limbo and how it's connected to the things which have come to matter the most to these people in this world. Sooner or later, they all seem to suffer for that which is most precious to them. Realizing this, Calen falls into Makoto, and Makoto had been ready for such a thing for months now. Finally, knowingly (at least on Calen's part but I like to imagine these two communicate quite well), they've become a loving couple, ready to enjoy what they have until they turn to dust.

This is all very beautiful and I have only covered one of many aspects of it. Love in Limbo is unexpectedly better than it appears. Even the s*x scene was emotional; I could feel Makoto's emotions, as well as Calen's (though not as strongly), and how Makoto translated his usual everyday outlook into the bedroom as well, but this time, he felt safe and loved too. It wasn't for atonement, it wasn't payment for anything, it was an "I'm okay with this" because he felt safe enough to be okay. Maybe also sort of like how he feels okay to atone with losing pieces of his body because he feels reassured his father, Seishin, can always fix him, but also that with every painful bodily sacrifice and duty fulfilled, he lessens his father's karma. But in addition to that, that mentality has simply become him, and I find it interesting that he uses it even under the sheets. We truly are our real selves in the arms of those we love.

[R E · Rating 5 out of 5]

​​I ordered volume 2 half way through reading Love in Limbo volume 1. By turns charming, funny, sexy and intriguing, Haji explores a non-traditional version of Judgment and Limbo; all the familiar and idiotic Christian claptrap is present, but it's all given a slightly new twist. It comes off as different enough to make you wonder if there’s going to be a dramatic reveal that all is not as the characters believe it to be. Indeed, the angels in this series feel darker and more sinister than your run of the mill angels.
​​
​​The star of the book, without a doubt, is Makoto. Haji’s drawing of him fits his personality perfectly. Throughout, Haji’s art is close to perfect for this story, especially the “aspect” panels (as Scott McCloud calls them). Her camera lens viewpoint sweeps around a scene, examining the ground, the flora, the strangely happy and adorable supernatural creatures that drape themselves over every available human, and the sky and weather, giving the reader a 360 degree impression of the world their in, before returning to the characters at an unexpected angle. This alone is beautiful, the way the artist immerses us in her imagined world.
​​
​​But the drawing itself is also outstanding. Haji balances realism with cartoon abstraction in her characters, and does it flawlessly. Makoto is drawn like an animated cartoon but in a way that simultaneously evokes a clear, realistic image of him in the reader’s mind. I can “feel” him in my inner imagination. My mind’s eye completes what Haji suggests about Makoto in her line work. What a neat, masterful trick - Makoto then becomes co-created by artist and viewer because the artist knows when to pull back from offering too much visual detail in her drawings. As a result, Makoto’s youthful combination of innocence and sex appeal is particularly striking.
​​
​​Calen, on the other hand, is drawn with swagger, aplomb, and joy in the ragged swirls of his outfit and the jutting angularity on his body. If Makoto is understated, Calen gets the full-on design treatment, providing a visual treat across each two-page spread.
​​
​​Comparatively, this is a shorter manga than some, but it's so packed full of masterful decisions on the part of the creator that it feels like I actually more of imagined world than in some less skillful but longer books. A small jewel of a book not to be missed.
​​

[tortie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bl story with for once nothing *insanely* problematic in it??? I was baffled, I was speechless. The biggest concern would have been the age gap, but the author addresses it in a very level headed way and contextualizes their relationship to make sure the older character isn’t taking advantage of his younger partner. I really appreciated that personally. Of course, if u just can’t get over age gap then still would be not for you.

But damn! This story slaps, the characters are really interesting, all of the lore of the world is so cool. Feels like the author wanted to make a cool story about life/ death/ purgatory, and then halfway through the extensive world building decided to turn it into a gay romance. I fucking LOVE that. It allows for the reader to really care about the setting and the characters outside of the main romance, and then also gives us the cherry on top of gay sex. This is the type of story I’d want to write if ever I was given the chance. Just absolutely gorgeous, with a moderate amount of tragedy sprinkled in. And the art style is so insane, the quality of art felt like I was reading a mainstream manga at times.




Spoilers below ———




Shoutout to my favorite line in the book, when Makoto’s father is speaking to Calen and says “What I DO know is that if a man ain’t into a man, they let ‘em know right off the bat!” Silly dialogue but I really love when manga or any queer stories say grounding things like this, or have discussion about sexual preferences in a very real way. Like at this point Calen wasn’t acting on any feelings towards Makoto at all, but he also hadn’t rejected him. It’s a weird limbo spot (ba dum tss) that a straight man would never put himself in LOL, and it’s like Calen forgot that important fact. So it contextualizes his character a lot and pushes him forward in a direction which I think is cool.

Anyways. You should read this if u like gay dark fantasy manga.

[Courtney M · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I thought the romance aspects were a bit confusing, if not too easy. Golem falls in love with Calen almost instantaneously, and I didn’t appreciate the time skip glossing over his realization of falling in love. He’s just suddenly head over heels for Calen and gushing over him throughout most of the story. For Calen, he only seems to care about Golem after learning his tragic backstory. Even after Golem confesses to him, he seems a bit distant. Then they come together at the end which felt rather out of place, since they hadn’t even kissed before that.

I much more enjoyed the story part of this. The worldbuilding and limbo parts were intriguing and kept me glued to the pages. The story comes together nicely, especially once you read the second volume (which in my opinion is a much greater step up than this first volume, but obviously this one had to set up the plot first). It had a much deeper story than I was expecting for a two volume manga series. Most plot points are actually used and tied up by the end of the story in the second volume. I wasn’t left confused by any plot holes by the end. It’s definitely a fun and interesting read for those interested in a different kind of romance, since it deals with the land of the dead and the aspects of souls being reincarnated or lost.

[Lissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very sweet, very cute manga. I love the concept of the afterlife the mangaka has created here. The idea that pretty much everyone goes to limbo and gets a second chance is really compelling while also being somewhat depressing in the long run. At least it seems depressing from the perspective of our two protagonist who just HIT those wonderful tropes we all love and adore. There's nothing better than a happy-go-lucky innocent darling sunshine guy and a tough, stoic, burdened older man. Somehow that type of pairing just always works.

The pacing of the story was pretty fast, but that's kinda part of the territory with yaoi manga lol! I had to leave in the middle of reading it and when I came back to it, I found that I wasn't so bothered by the pacing lol. I guess that break helped.

Overall, this was a very cute, very sweet story. I really enjoyed the characters too, particular the sunshine boy's father who both does not want stoic man to date his son but also really wants stoic man to date his son LOL!

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up.

Oh my gosh!! BL Sublime is always a hit or miss publishing company for me with what stories come out of it. But this one has blasted it’s way all the way to the top! Obsessed with the slow burn, and the couple and world and the back story. Only thing that would have made it better would have been the lack of the weird need to highlight the age difference in the bodies between the main couple when it can be argued the younger appearing man has an older soul ect (I do realize age difference is a trope though but it just felt pointless in this story?) as well as the random insta love confession which felt forced but otherwise I loved it so much. So many lovely shots and felt like a real couple and am very excited to read the sequel.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am obsessed with this universe and it's characters! I have fallen so quickly in love with Calen and Makoto!!
This manga follows the story of the mysterious Calen as he becomes a reaper in Limbo after his death, with no recollection of his past. He meets the sweetest guardian, Makoto, who is tasked with the role of protecting the inhabitants of Limbo and guiding him on his new life.
This is one of the most wholesome BL mangas that I have read in a while, sprinkled with some badass panels and lots of humour. Readers will quickly love and adore the characters and the little limbo creatures that roam this world.
I'm excited to continue this journey in Limbo!

(Calen is also the new love of my life!)

[Luisartbook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me encantó demasiado el desarrollo del mundo, es la parte más entretenida y que disfrute cuando los personajes daban un poco de tema.

Tenemos a Calen que llega al Limbo y sin ningún recuerdo de su vida. Makoto es como un guía para Calen, que le va explicando un poco lo que es el Limbo y cual es su tarea ahí. Nace una relación muy rápido entre ellos, pero también nos da esa puerta de heridas y secretos de cada personaje que va saliendo.

Todo este tema de la vida y muerte, ángeles y demonios, la reencarnación, el arriba y el abajo; no son tan profundos pero hay una base resistente para agarrarle un gusto y querer saber más de todo.

Las ilustraciones son lo máximo y más las que se enfoca en Makoto, son muy hermosas.

[Veronica · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC via Edelweiss. This is one of the weirdest manga I've ever read, and I say that as someone who got several volumes into Crimson Spell. Our protagonists are "Calen", an amnesiac former soldier who just woke up in purgatory but doesn't remember the sins he's supposed to be paying off, and Makoto/Golem, a young man who is permanently trapped in limbo because his father put his soul in a clay body after he died and now he's unable to reincarnate. Naturally, they fall in love. If you're really into "the grumpy one is soft for the sunshine one" I can see how this would appeal but the worldbuilding is just so bizarre, I can't really get into it.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received my copy of Love in Limbo, Vol. 1 from the publisher through Edelweiss+.

It's a cute love story: Calen has died and is now in Limbo, where he meets Makoto/Golem, his assistant who's made of clay. Naturally, they're perfect together. So far there's no real conflict other than the fact that Golem is stuck in Limbo and cannot be reincarnated, as Calen eventually can be. I thought it would be free of any gratuitous sex scenes, but there's one toward the end.

It's not a bad series so far. I'd like to read the next one to see where it goes.