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Koimonogatari #2
HISTORIAS DE AMOR 02: KOIMONOGATARI 02
When Yuiji accidentally finds out his classmate Yamato is gay and has a crush on his best friend, he doesn’t know how to react at first. But after spending more time together, the two of them become close friends. While Yamato struggles with his sexuality, Yuiji supports him and keeps his secret, hoping that Yamato can find a way to accept himself and be happy. Meanwhile, Yuiji is having trouble feeling connected to his long-time girlfriend, realizing that although he still cares about her, the spark in their relationship has faded.
Love is a complicated, messy thing — especially in high school, where hurtful rumors and intolerant classmates can make life unbearable. Yamato and Yuiji face their own individual struggles, but together, they learn one very important lesson: it’s hard to search for romance if you don’t love yourself first.
Love is a complicated, messy thing — especially in high school, where hurtful rumors and intolerant classmates can make life unbearable. Yamato and Yuiji face their own individual struggles, but together, they learn one very important lesson: it’s hard to search for romance if you don’t love yourself first.
288 pages, Paperback
Published August 6, 2021
44 people are currently reading
391 people want to read
About the author
Tohru Tagura
32 books41 followersAssociated names :
TAGURA Tooru
TAGURA Toworu
Name (in native language) : 田倉トヲル
Blood type : AB
Lives in Shounan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
August 22, 2020
I genuinely liked this volume more than the first one! I loved everything from the characterisation to the storyline to the pacing. I felt like a lot more happened in volume 2 with the development of inter-character relations and character development. I had a lot of fun and definitely recommend this for readers who enjoy a slow romance.
ACTUAL RATING: 4.4 STARS
ACTUAL RATING: 4.4 STARS
October 13, 2017
Me está convenciendo mucho, pero más desde el punto de vista de coming of age y la aceptación de la propia sexualidad que de una historia de amor, no sé el tomo 3 si llegará a algo, de momento los MC están muy lejos el uno del otro.
April 2, 2021
Due to being very busy with work, it took me longer than I wanted to finish reading the second volume of Koimonogatari. I also started reading it under the impression that it'd be the closing volume of a two-part manga, but it turned out to be just the mid-instalment of what will ultimately become a trilogy.
I feel a bit sorry about not realising that sooner because I've become totally invested in the characters and their stories by now and the wait will be tough. I suppose, however, that it'll give me the perfect excuse to re-read the whole thing from the beginning once the last volume is published.
After this long preamble, the manga itself is truly solid and well written. The characters grow page after page and their inner and outer turmoils are presented with such nuance and delicacy of touch that it's a real pleasure to accompany them along their journey of (self-)discovery.
The artwork (that at first I thought was not the strongest aspect of this manga) has grown on me and I've found myself really taken by the clever page layout and convincing drawings.
Overall, this is a truly strong example of how BL can tell deep, complex and clever stories and I cannot wait to be able to read the final volume.
I feel a bit sorry about not realising that sooner because I've become totally invested in the characters and their stories by now and the wait will be tough. I suppose, however, that it'll give me the perfect excuse to re-read the whole thing from the beginning once the last volume is published.
After this long preamble, the manga itself is truly solid and well written. The characters grow page after page and their inner and outer turmoils are presented with such nuance and delicacy of touch that it's a real pleasure to accompany them along their journey of (self-)discovery.
The artwork (that at first I thought was not the strongest aspect of this manga) has grown on me and I've found myself really taken by the clever page layout and convincing drawings.
Overall, this is a truly strong example of how BL can tell deep, complex and clever stories and I cannot wait to be able to read the final volume.
October 11, 2020
Lots of relationship drama and even more friendship drama. I loved the compassion overload and the romance tropes applied to allyship in the first volume, but it this volume it seemed a little over the top. Maybe I'm not cut out to be a romance manga fan?
**Thanks to the artist, publisher, and NetGalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
**Thanks to the artist, publisher, and NetGalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 18, 2020
Koimonogatari Vol. 2 was a good continuation from volume one. The story thoughtfully explores the difficulties of coming to terms with your sexuality and navigating coming out to friends and family. As with book one, I was pulled up here and there with regards to knowing who was speaking, since several of the characters look very similar. However, that is only a minor gripe. This was still a slow, slow burn, with not much romance to speak of, but from the author's afterword, it looks like the third volume will be the last and that the romance will pick up before the finale, so I am keen to read on to the next book and see how everything concludes. Overall this is a pleasing story, sensitively told, with attractive artwork. Worth reading if you don't mind a slow burn on the romance front.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 15, 2021
I THOUGHT THIS WAS A TWO VOLUME SERIES ONLY TO FIND OUT IT'S ONGOING AND IT UPDATES EVERY 4-6 MONTHS. I'm so fucking sad. Give me more :(
Wow I loved this so much more than I was expecting. I truly did not expect to cry. This is giving me the same feelings Blue Flag gave me. The words and conversation are still a bit awkward, but after reading a couple of fan translated chapters, I do think it's the translation. I desperately looked for volume 3 updates and couldn't find any, but at least I was able to find a few more chapters to read. I really love this series and I want more people to read it. It's more about coming to terms with your sexuality and understanding what it means to love and what love is than a romance per se. But the little cute moments!! I hope there's romance soon 🥺
Wow I loved this so much more than I was expecting. I truly did not expect to cry. This is giving me the same feelings Blue Flag gave me. The words and conversation are still a bit awkward, but after reading a couple of fan translated chapters, I do think it's the translation. I desperately looked for volume 3 updates and couldn't find any, but at least I was able to find a few more chapters to read. I really love this series and I want more people to read it. It's more about coming to terms with your sexuality and understanding what it means to love and what love is than a romance per se. But the little cute moments!! I hope there's romance soon 🥺
January 23, 2022
Yuiji really said "you make me feel at ease" to Yamato as if it was nothing and expected me to survive it.
El momento entre el perro de Yuiji y Yamato... don't touch me I'm emotional.
"Someday, I hope you come to love yourself as well" YUIJI BASTA ME ESTÁS CAGANDO A PALOS CON TU BELLEZA
4 de 5 estrellas
El momento entre el perro de Yuiji y Yamato... don't touch me I'm emotional.
"Someday, I hope you come to love yourself as well" YUIJI BASTA ME ESTÁS CAGANDO A PALOS CON TU BELLEZA
4 de 5 estrellas
September 7, 2020
No matter where it goes from here, this series will always have my respect for being one of the few to note that if you don't love yourself, finding someone to love you will always be an incomplete process.
March 6, 2022
I cried a lot reading this. Volume 3 when?!?
September 20, 2020
4.5 stars
RTC
RTC
August 28, 2020
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Copy received through Netgalley
~
Koimonogatari: Love Stories, Vol. 2, by Tohru Tagura
★★★★★
208 Pages
Content Warning: homophobic language, teenage bullying, self-hate
I was a fan of Love Stories, Vol. 1, and I loved this one even more. It helps that Netgalley created their Shelf app, which makes reading manga formats so much easier! I no longer had to zoom in and be irritated by having to pause to double-check dialogue etc, because it was all easily readable.
Again, Love Stories doesn't have much romance, BUT I am so happy for that! I love a good BL novel, and I love these characters. I'm totally shipping Yoshinaga and Yuiji, and I'm holding out hope that they end up together in Vol 3, where the author promises we'll get our romance. However, I can 100% see, understand, and support the decision NOT to have romance in this volume. It didn't need it, and it would have ruined the sweet, important storyline of Yoshinaga finding his inner strength, fighting his inner demons, and developing his friendship with Sakura.
The storyline for this volume centered around revealing Sakura's struggles with his home life, and helping Yoshinaga come out of his shell. Yoshinaga learns that he's got internalised homophobia, and has to deal with another student, Doi, outing him to school. That storyline needed time to develop, and I'm so glad that it was given the chance, because it was touching, beautiful, and heartbreakingly realistic. It's so sad, real and uplifting to see a character go through that journey on page, without skimming over it or it being shiny and perfect.
While I wish Yoshinaga would have owned being gay, he's just a teenager and I can understand why he thinks keeping it quite will be best for him. I hope he finds his confidence, his self-belief, and that he can find his HEA with Yuiji. The author promised Yuiji's arc is coming next, so I've got my fingers crossed.
~
Favourite Panel
Copy received through Netgalley
~
Koimonogatari: Love Stories, Vol. 2, by Tohru Tagura
★★★★★
208 Pages
Content Warning: homophobic language, teenage bullying, self-hate
I was a fan of Love Stories, Vol. 1, and I loved this one even more. It helps that Netgalley created their Shelf app, which makes reading manga formats so much easier! I no longer had to zoom in and be irritated by having to pause to double-check dialogue etc, because it was all easily readable.
Again, Love Stories doesn't have much romance, BUT I am so happy for that! I love a good BL novel, and I love these characters. I'm totally shipping Yoshinaga and Yuiji, and I'm holding out hope that they end up together in Vol 3, where the author promises we'll get our romance. However, I can 100% see, understand, and support the decision NOT to have romance in this volume. It didn't need it, and it would have ruined the sweet, important storyline of Yoshinaga finding his inner strength, fighting his inner demons, and developing his friendship with Sakura.
The storyline for this volume centered around revealing Sakura's struggles with his home life, and helping Yoshinaga come out of his shell. Yoshinaga learns that he's got internalised homophobia, and has to deal with another student, Doi, outing him to school. That storyline needed time to develop, and I'm so glad that it was given the chance, because it was touching, beautiful, and heartbreakingly realistic. It's so sad, real and uplifting to see a character go through that journey on page, without skimming over it or it being shiny and perfect.
While I wish Yoshinaga would have owned being gay, he's just a teenager and I can understand why he thinks keeping it quite will be best for him. I hope he finds his confidence, his self-belief, and that he can find his HEA with Yuiji. The author promised Yuiji's arc is coming next, so I've got my fingers crossed.
~
Favourite Panel
October 3, 2021
Me gusta mucho y creo que este enfoque es necesario. A pesar de su título, no trata de historias de amor, si no de como un chaval adolescente ha de lidiar con su condición de homosexual en una sociedad machista que le rechaza. En vez de manga BL yo lo consideraría más un manga de temática LGTBI.
Yamada tiene la suerte de tener dos amigos que saben que es gay y le apoyan, pero se enfrenta a las dudas de si decírselo a sus padres, qué hacer cuando aparecen rumores en el insti y sufre con la reacción de sus compañeros de clase ante la idea de que pueda ser gay... Leyendo, me he dado cuenta que por desgracia, no es una actitud tan anticuada o propia de culturas con más camino a avanzar en este tema, aquí también hemos dado pasos atrás en los últimos años y me parece una reacción de lo más probable en cualquier Instituto de nuestro entorno.
Se perfila una historia de amor entre los protagonistas para el próximo volumen (no es sorpresa). La manera de hacer avanzar la narración y ese punto de vista tan realista hace que tenga muchas ganas de ver cómo sigue.
Yamada tiene la suerte de tener dos amigos que saben que es gay y le apoyan, pero se enfrenta a las dudas de si decírselo a sus padres, qué hacer cuando aparecen rumores en el insti y sufre con la reacción de sus compañeros de clase ante la idea de que pueda ser gay... Leyendo, me he dado cuenta que por desgracia, no es una actitud tan anticuada o propia de culturas con más camino a avanzar en este tema, aquí también hemos dado pasos atrás en los últimos años y me parece una reacción de lo más probable en cualquier Instituto de nuestro entorno.
Se perfila una historia de amor entre los protagonistas para el próximo volumen (no es sorpresa). La manera de hacer avanzar la narración y ese punto de vista tan realista hace que tenga muchas ganas de ver cómo sigue.
June 27, 2021
Better than the first!
December 26, 2020
Ma lecture du premier tome datai d’il y a bien longtemps et si je craignais avoir du mal à me remettre dans l’intrigue, j’en avais surtout un excellent souvenir, avec une ambiance un peu nostalgique et à la fois très contemporaine, ancrée dans notre propre réalité.
C’est exactement ce que j’ai retrouvé dans ce tome qui passe énormément de temps à se pencher sur des questions importantes, sur l’amitié, l’amour, les relations ou le coming-out, mais qui cette fois semble avancer une intrigue un peu plus soutenue avec tout un volet sur le harcèlement qui réussit à porter un message assez fort tout en montrant aussi un groupe d’amis qui font bloc, chacun à sa manière.
De nouveaux personnages sont également introduits, et on en approfondit d’autres, comme Sakura, dont j’avais complètement oublié l’existence, mais qui a lui aussi une réflexion pertinente sur le choix de chacun de pouvoir gérer sa sexualité mais aussi la façon de l’annoncer à son entourage de la façon dont on le souhaite. C’est pourquoi le coming-out de Yamato à sa sœur, au rythme où il le voulait, est très beau parce que jusque là il n’a eu aucune possibilité de le faire comme il en avait envie même si l’appui qu’il trouve auprès de Yuiji est important au milieu de la tempête qu’il traverse à l’école.
L’histoire continue d’avancer à un rythme qui pourra sans doute paraitre trop lent à certains mais que je trouve parfait, parce que la vie n’est pas toujours très simple et que les relations entre les personnages évoluent à leur façon et qu’il est parfois plus difficile de s’accepter soi-même que de réussir à se faire accepter par les autres.
C’est un deuxième tome plein de nuances, à l’image des personnages qui sont tout simplement très réalistes dans leur diversité.
C’est exactement ce que j’ai retrouvé dans ce tome qui passe énormément de temps à se pencher sur des questions importantes, sur l’amitié, l’amour, les relations ou le coming-out, mais qui cette fois semble avancer une intrigue un peu plus soutenue avec tout un volet sur le harcèlement qui réussit à porter un message assez fort tout en montrant aussi un groupe d’amis qui font bloc, chacun à sa manière.
De nouveaux personnages sont également introduits, et on en approfondit d’autres, comme Sakura, dont j’avais complètement oublié l’existence, mais qui a lui aussi une réflexion pertinente sur le choix de chacun de pouvoir gérer sa sexualité mais aussi la façon de l’annoncer à son entourage de la façon dont on le souhaite. C’est pourquoi le coming-out de Yamato à sa sœur, au rythme où il le voulait, est très beau parce que jusque là il n’a eu aucune possibilité de le faire comme il en avait envie même si l’appui qu’il trouve auprès de Yuiji est important au milieu de la tempête qu’il traverse à l’école.
L’histoire continue d’avancer à un rythme qui pourra sans doute paraitre trop lent à certains mais que je trouve parfait, parce que la vie n’est pas toujours très simple et que les relations entre les personnages évoluent à leur façon et qu’il est parfois plus difficile de s’accepter soi-même que de réussir à se faire accepter par les autres.
C’est un deuxième tome plein de nuances, à l’image des personnages qui sont tout simplement très réalistes dans leur diversité.
March 2, 2021
This was such a good continuation from volume one! There was drama, character development and despite the circumstances that happen, so much hope. I'm really looking forward to finally reading the actual "Love Story" and seeing Yuiji's character development!
I'm not sure when volume 3, the final volume, will come out so I'm going to leave myself a spoiler summary of everything that's happened so far so I can remember.
I'm not sure when volume 3, the final volume, will come out so I'm going to leave myself a spoiler summary of everything that's happened so far so I can remember.
April 3, 2021
The afterword said it's a slow burn. Indeed it is. It's so slow that I finished the 2 vols and I havent seen any real "burn" at all. I guess the story is being weaved slowly little by little towards them becoming a couple.
But a big part of me wants them to stay just friends like the good friends they are now. Because it is such a rare beautiful kind of friendship. I want to preserve that and never to be tainted.
I think the story is beautiful and the story lives through the dialogues and thoughts and the wisdom in it. There's just so much of the world in it and for sure you can find something to relate with in a deep level. There's also a lot of human aspects presented in it.
And if you see yourself in the asshole characters... then may you go to hell and burn in eternity. Hurting others should never be considered fun.
It's hard to be a good human being. I think what humans need to be is not "normal". "Normal" is just a preconceived notion. What humans need to be is to be good people. Always think twice. Anything that can hurt and aggrieve others should never be said and done.
If anything, one should read it to learn how to be a nice human being. See things from perspective of different people and see the world differently. People young and old go through a lot. So the least you can be to help the world be better is to be nice and to be kind.
But a big part of me wants them to stay just friends like the good friends they are now. Because it is such a rare beautiful kind of friendship. I want to preserve that and never to be tainted.
I think the story is beautiful and the story lives through the dialogues and thoughts and the wisdom in it. There's just so much of the world in it and for sure you can find something to relate with in a deep level. There's also a lot of human aspects presented in it.
And if you see yourself in the asshole characters... then may you go to hell and burn in eternity. Hurting others should never be considered fun.
It's hard to be a good human being. I think what humans need to be is not "normal". "Normal" is just a preconceived notion. What humans need to be is to be good people. Always think twice. Anything that can hurt and aggrieve others should never be said and done.
If anything, one should read it to learn how to be a nice human being. See things from perspective of different people and see the world differently. People young and old go through a lot. So the least you can be to help the world be better is to be nice and to be kind.
September 4, 2020
This second volume tells us more about the difficulties of confessing your sexual orientation to the world, addresses even more how you fear what your parents will say, what your friends will say, and it also shows us that you are not alone, since the character begins to trust more and more in others building a strong support network, regarding romance it is still slow, but I am sure it will be worth it, it shows us how little by little friends go from being strangers to friends and now they begin to feel certain attraction, but still do not dare to confess for fear of rejection. I hope they manage to be happy, I don't ask for much.
the drawing is still beautiful and the story that has been built is perfect, it is not forcing the relationship let everything flow.
To my taste it deserves 5 stars and that more people read this manga.
the drawing is still beautiful and the story that has been built is perfect, it is not forcing the relationship let everything flow.
To my taste it deserves 5 stars and that more people read this manga.
August 15, 2020
✨This will be a short review✨
The story follows Yuiji, who has trouble feeling connected to his long-time girlfriend, and his classmate Yamato, who struggles with his sexuality. They face their problems together, in hopes of overcoming them.
I can't say much, as I don't want to spoil anything. But what I can say is that this is a very light-hearted, and easy to read, manga. I really enjoyed the first two volumes, and I REALLY want to know what happens next. I will definitely continue reading this manga series.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story follows Yuiji, who has trouble feeling connected to his long-time girlfriend, and his classmate Yamato, who struggles with his sexuality. They face their problems together, in hopes of overcoming them.
I can't say much, as I don't want to spoil anything. But what I can say is that this is a very light-hearted, and easy to read, manga. I really enjoyed the first two volumes, and I REALLY want to know what happens next. I will definitely continue reading this manga series.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 10, 2021
To me, this is up there with Our Dreams at Dusk: Shimanami Tasogare, Vol. 1 and Blue Flag, Vol. 1 for its A+++++ level storytelling and depth of character development. I cannot recommend it enough!
June 29, 2023
Okay, seriously why is there no volume 3? This ends on a cliff hanger and this is an impressive slow burn for a BL series.
This volume is pretty heavy as it deals with both Sakura's homophobic bullies (who are apparently related to him?) and things come to a head with Yamato, as well. There's homophobic slurs, self hatred, and bullying. You really feel for the kids in this story and it's an interesting look at the side of these stories a lot of BLs actually just gloss over. (To be clear, I think there's a place for stories about queer joy and stories that deal with issues like this, too).
I've seen complaints that this story is too slow and I can only guess that those readers were expecting the usual BL story where characters get together quickly and it's full speed ahead from there. Honestly, until I read the other reviews on volume 1, I didn't even realize that it wasn't a pure romance. I appreciate the story we got all the same and this is a rare story for me. It's a slow burn, not just in relationships, but in friendships as well.
We get to see the progression from Yamato being a stranger Yuji was wary of to a close friend he's willing to do anything to protect. There's a lot of understanding of each other - so much so that Sakura sees it within minutes of seeing them together. Yuji became a safe place for Yamato and Yamato is a person Yuji can be his self around, too. I'm honestly so upset, after the last study scene, that there isn't a 3rd part yet because I have to know what comes next.
Even if I don't get an ending any time soon, I think this was an interesting exploration of how a gay teenager and a well meaning ally can help each other accept themselves. So much of this story was about Yamato learning to stop hating himself because the world isn't fully accepting of his identity yet. It's definitely a slower, more introspective story, but I appreciate it all the same.
This volume is pretty heavy as it deals with both Sakura's homophobic bullies (who are apparently related to him?) and things come to a head with Yamato, as well. There's homophobic slurs, self hatred, and bullying. You really feel for the kids in this story and it's an interesting look at the side of these stories a lot of BLs actually just gloss over. (To be clear, I think there's a place for stories about queer joy and stories that deal with issues like this, too).
I've seen complaints that this story is too slow and I can only guess that those readers were expecting the usual BL story where characters get together quickly and it's full speed ahead from there. Honestly, until I read the other reviews on volume 1, I didn't even realize that it wasn't a pure romance. I appreciate the story we got all the same and this is a rare story for me. It's a slow burn, not just in relationships, but in friendships as well.
We get to see the progression from Yamato being a stranger Yuji was wary of to a close friend he's willing to do anything to protect. There's a lot of understanding of each other - so much so that Sakura sees it within minutes of seeing them together. Yuji became a safe place for Yamato and Yamato is a person Yuji can be his self around, too. I'm honestly so upset, after the last study scene, that there isn't a 3rd part yet because I have to know what comes next.
Even if I don't get an ending any time soon, I think this was an interesting exploration of how a gay teenager and a well meaning ally can help each other accept themselves. So much of this story was about Yamato learning to stop hating himself because the world isn't fully accepting of his identity yet. It's definitely a slower, more introspective story, but I appreciate it all the same.
May 24, 2024
This is a Japanese High School story. It's been quite a while since I read Vol. 1, and I was able to catch up quickly. This has some very complex drama and emotions. There is a lot about coming out in this story. These stories romanticize gay couples while this one explores what it's really like over there for kids. It's not all accepting by any means.
I'm sure this is on me, but there are a lot of characters and many of them sort of look alike and the names are used quickly, so I was constantly having to check the cast to see who was how. I still found it a little confusing at times.
So, we have the straight friend who is supporting his gay friend as he goes through outing at school. The straight friend is very cool. He's so secure in himself. I loved that part.
There really was much going on with the love story part. This is mostly drama of slice-of-life with our characters. WE see family and how they respond to the 'gay child'. There are many side friends involved in this story.
It was very well done. This was written in 2020. At the end of the volume, the author, a man, which is rare for a male author in Boys Love, he said there would be a final volume. So, a trilogy. The thing is, it's been 4 years and there is still no new volume. What a shame. The story has a sort of ending, but it doesn't feel concluded. I do hope the author will finish the story and hopefully the translation will happen quickly.
This is such a deeper story than what I usually read. It's refreshing. A love interest would have been nice, but what the author had to say was important.
I'm sure this is on me, but there are a lot of characters and many of them sort of look alike and the names are used quickly, so I was constantly having to check the cast to see who was how. I still found it a little confusing at times.
So, we have the straight friend who is supporting his gay friend as he goes through outing at school. The straight friend is very cool. He's so secure in himself. I loved that part.
There really was much going on with the love story part. This is mostly drama of slice-of-life with our characters. WE see family and how they respond to the 'gay child'. There are many side friends involved in this story.
It was very well done. This was written in 2020. At the end of the volume, the author, a man, which is rare for a male author in Boys Love, he said there would be a final volume. So, a trilogy. The thing is, it's been 4 years and there is still no new volume. What a shame. The story has a sort of ending, but it doesn't feel concluded. I do hope the author will finish the story and hopefully the translation will happen quickly.
This is such a deeper story than what I usually read. It's refreshing. A love interest would have been nice, but what the author had to say was important.
August 31, 2021
Aa, damn this was both really good and sad.
Good because the boys continued to explore their feelings and think about all kinds of relationships. Especially Yamato who has been seriously struggling with himself. It was heartbreaking when he said he hasn't been liking himself and has been more troubled by his gayness himself than others.
Sad because, besides what I mentioned above about Yamato, some people are just awful and make others suffer. There's a shitty guy in Yamato's class who spreads a picture he snapped of Yamato and Sakura and then almost everyone goes basically "ewww, is Yamato gay" and the school becomes a hell. And when they confront the guy, asking why is he bullying Yamato, he says "just because". JUST. BECAUSE. It would absolutely be as horrible even if he had "a reason" for it but this made me really angry. He doesn't care and so it feels even worse.
I wish that Yamato would've stayed silent instead of doing what he did in the end though.
Fortunately Yamato has great friends. And sister!
Art: characters' faces are still wonky from certain angles but in general I either got somewhat used to the art style or Tagura got better. Maybe a bit of both.
But how long it'll be before the final (?) volume... I checked and I think there's not much new material yet...
Good because the boys continued to explore their feelings and think about all kinds of relationships. Especially Yamato who has been seriously struggling with himself. It was heartbreaking when he said he hasn't been liking himself and has been more troubled by his gayness himself than others.
Sad because, besides what I mentioned above about Yamato, some people are just awful and make others suffer. There's a shitty guy in Yamato's class who spreads a picture he snapped of Yamato and Sakura and then almost everyone goes basically "ewww, is Yamato gay" and the school becomes a hell. And when they confront the guy, asking why is he bullying Yamato, he says "just because". JUST. BECAUSE. It would absolutely be as horrible even if he had "a reason" for it but this made me really angry. He doesn't care and so it feels even worse.
I wish that Yamato would've stayed silent instead of doing what he did in the end though.
Fortunately Yamato has great friends. And sister!
Art: characters' faces are still wonky from certain angles but in general I either got somewhat used to the art style or Tagura got better. Maybe a bit of both.
But how long it'll be before the final (?) volume... I checked and I think there's not much new material yet...
January 26, 2022
The artwork is nice. It shows lots of examples of homophobia from the egregious to the subtle. Why is no one calling out the homophobes in school? Why didn’t anyone tell a teacher a homophobe was bullying someone? The school is partially responsible for allowing such a homophobic culture to be part of the school. I’ve seen this theme of lgbt people not being perceived as normal in other manga, that the characters feel a lot of pressure to fit in and not stand out to their detriment. Akiyama had the best response to homophobes out of all the characters, he let them know right away what assholes they are. I don’t think most of the allies did enough. The majority of the school seems to still be filled with homophobes who will keep on bothering people. It did show how much a support system of friends and family can benefit someone. If Yamato didn’t have all his friends he wouldn’t have been okay. The teachers in the school are useless. A soccer coach gave a few useless words and thought that was enough to stop the tide of homophobic hate. The classmates only spoke out after the victim lied about not being gay, they spoke up for him when they thought he was straight.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2020
4.5
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Diamond Book Distributors and Tokyopop for providing me with an ARC copy for review.
Ah~ it had been a long time since I last laughed and felt so excited by a manga~
I hadn't read the first volume of this series, so it was a bit hard to get the hang of the characters, but once I figured who was who, the story really caught my attention. It is not the typical BL story, it really focuses on portraying the struggles and the discrimination that high-school students can face in Japan (although I have to say that it could easily be anywhere else in the world, things aren't that nice in the world yet). The characters felt real and fresh, and I felt quite jealous of their friendship.
I even had to screenshot a few dialogues, because they were quite spot-on.
I really recommend this manga if you want to see a warm depiction of friendship through struggles!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Diamond Book Distributors and Tokyopop for providing me with an ARC copy for review.
Ah~ it had been a long time since I last laughed and felt so excited by a manga~
I hadn't read the first volume of this series, so it was a bit hard to get the hang of the characters, but once I figured who was who, the story really caught my attention. It is not the typical BL story, it really focuses on portraying the struggles and the discrimination that high-school students can face in Japan (although I have to say that it could easily be anywhere else in the world, things aren't that nice in the world yet). The characters felt real and fresh, and I felt quite jealous of their friendship.
I even had to screenshot a few dialogues, because they were quite spot-on.
It's not like anybody who's found someone's weakness is gonna think, "sweet, I'm going to exploit this and make his life hell".
I really recommend this manga if you want to see a warm depiction of friendship through struggles!
July 24, 2021
Aunque se mantiene el estilo tranquilo con el que empezó la serie, el ritmo de Koimonogatari: Love Stories, Volume 2 es más acelerado y empiezan a tener lugar varios eventos que trastocan la vida de Yuiji y Yamato por igual. Solo voy a decir que ya la sinopsis dice mucho y no precisamente de manera sutil. Básicamente, todo lo que pueden esperar de este volumen está allí pero sin arruinar las sorpresas.
Reseña completa (Jul 26): https://tintanocturna.blogspot.com/20...
Although the calm style with which the series began is maintained, the pace of Koimonogatari: Love Stories, Volume 2 is more accelerated and several events begin to take place that disrupts the lives of Yuiji and Yamato alike. I'm just going to say that the synopsis already says a lot and not precisely in a subtle way. Basically, everything you can expect from this volume is there but without ruining the surprises.
Full review (Jul 56): https://tintanocturna.blogspot.com/20...
Reseña completa (Jul 26): https://tintanocturna.blogspot.com/20...
Although the calm style with which the series began is maintained, the pace of Koimonogatari: Love Stories, Volume 2 is more accelerated and several events begin to take place that disrupts the lives of Yuiji and Yamato alike. I'm just going to say that the synopsis already says a lot and not precisely in a subtle way. Basically, everything you can expect from this volume is there but without ruining the surprises.
Full review (Jul 56): https://tintanocturna.blogspot.com/20...
January 19, 2024
GOD, this volume made me so angry!! I was happy to see what happened after the cliffhanger in v1, but similar to most stories, after having such a great summer, coming back to reality means Conflict and it just so happens that the conflict is homophobia. And the author does such a good job at carrying my son through these turbulent times T-T!! I'm so happy to see the friendships he's forged in v1 having his back, his own self-discovery, and yes, even some of the DESERVED violence against a certain little prick. Because he's tiny, definitely. AND THAT CLIFFHANGER!! This author has done it again 👏👏 time for me to cry now! Apparently, v3 will focus on Yuiji next but honestly, this author interweaves all the characters' stories so well, I'm sure it'll be more than just him as the focus :) I'm excited!!
August 27, 2020
*Thanks to NetGalley and Diamond Book Distributors for providing me with an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.*
Koimonogatari is a serie that I’m learning to love more and more. In this volume, there are a heavy weight on the topics of bullying and homophobia. I love how friendship can be a salvation, how Yuiji and Yamato face their problems together.
I think these characters will be very important for me... I can easily relate with them. They
The art style is simple, as always, with a thin lineart but some characters are similar and sometimes I've confused them... ahahah.
I know that this manga is a BL but I'm happy even if the "red scenes" have not been shown yet. I will definitely continue reading this manga series.
Koimonogatari is a serie that I’m learning to love more and more. In this volume, there are a heavy weight on the topics of bullying and homophobia. I love how friendship can be a salvation, how Yuiji and Yamato face their problems together.
I think these characters will be very important for me... I can easily relate with them. They
The art style is simple, as always, with a thin lineart but some characters are similar and sometimes I've confused them... ahahah.
I know that this manga is a BL but I'm happy even if the "red scenes" have not been shown yet. I will definitely continue reading this manga series.
September 12, 2022
Rather than a romance this series is more of an extremely in depth and slowburn coming out story. It feels somewhat unique for a BL story to go so in depth on the topic so it’s an interesting read. This volume had a heavy energy and a lot of focus on bullying.
I like that it delves deep into the characters thoughts and hesitations however the characters feel somewhat one note though and I don’t find any of them particularly memorable.
There are occasional hints of romance but I wouldn’t seek this series out if looking for a love story. I am rooting for the main characters though and hope that volume 3 will deliver.
Compared with volume one the art had improved and I feel that the characters are more expressive.
I like that it delves deep into the characters thoughts and hesitations however the characters feel somewhat one note though and I don’t find any of them particularly memorable.
There are occasional hints of romance but I wouldn’t seek this series out if looking for a love story. I am rooting for the main characters though and hope that volume 3 will deliver.
Compared with volume one the art had improved and I feel that the characters are more expressive.
September 12, 2023
This was a really good volume!
This series is not what I tough at all. Usually BL manga moves quite quickly, but the pacing here is so good. I like that we ge typ see all characters have their own arc and grow over time. I like that it's a bit of a slowburn where the feelings are really taking their time to build up.
The best part here however is definitely the support system that our main characters have built up. Even though people are cruel and don't understand you there will be people there for you who accept you and stand by you.
Very excited to see how this series develops, I have to say that I tough the two volumes currently out covered the whole series but there seem to be more coming!
And the cliffhanger at the end, things are getting spicy.
This series is not what I tough at all. Usually BL manga moves quite quickly, but the pacing here is so good. I like that we ge typ see all characters have their own arc and grow over time. I like that it's a bit of a slowburn where the feelings are really taking their time to build up.
The best part here however is definitely the support system that our main characters have built up. Even though people are cruel and don't understand you there will be people there for you who accept you and stand by you.
Very excited to see how this series develops, I have to say that I tough the two volumes currently out covered the whole series but there seem to be more coming!
And the cliffhanger at the end, things are getting spicy.
October 11, 2021
As a follow-up, this second volume hit perfectly.
I appreciated watching all the characters' relationships grow from the first one as they all became more fleshed out.
I found myself getting more emotional while Yamato was becoming more aware of his identity. It really hit home with me. Yamato trying to understand himself and love himself for who he is was portrayed really well in this volume.
It ended off with a cliffhanger so I can't wait to see where Tohru Tagura goes with the next volume!
For some reason the art in this volume seems a bit better than the first volume, but perhaps I could just be seeing things.
I appreciated watching all the characters' relationships grow from the first one as they all became more fleshed out.
I found myself getting more emotional while Yamato was becoming more aware of his identity. It really hit home with me. Yamato trying to understand himself and love himself for who he is was portrayed really well in this volume.
It ended off with a cliffhanger so I can't wait to see where Tohru Tagura goes with the next volume!
For some reason the art in this volume seems a bit better than the first volume, but perhaps I could just be seeing things.
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