Black or White, Vol. 1

Black or White #1

by Sachimo

Shin is a brand-new actor unfairly typecast as a villain, and Shige, his secret lover since college, is a rising star who often gets the role of the heartthrob good guy. With Shige’s popularity on the rise and Shin’s awkward personality making him resemble the villains he plays, the two can’t risk being seen together for fear of tainting Shige’s image. And to complicate matters further, their relationship has lacked physical intimacy since their disastrous first time together. Every good role needs its conflict, but will this couple call it a wrap when they suddenly find themselves in the spotlight?

Genres: Manga, Romance, Yaoi, LGBT, Boys Love, Queer, Graphic Novels

168 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2018

About the author

Name in native language さちも

Reviews

[hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMG
this was so good and i'm HOOKED. a whole series following an established couple and they're both famous so they are in a secret relationship???? could i really ask for anything better??? the plot is plotting big timeeeeeee and i love adore both main characters to far. shin is so precious and cute, and shige is giving green flag but also obsessive and possessive boyfriend vibes (my fav) so i can't wait to see more of that.
i'm so happy there is multiple volumes in this series 😍😍😍 all the manga i've been reading has 1-3 volumes each and it hurts my soul, it never feels like enough. so this having 10+ volumes is so exciting, i'm pumped AF.

i’m immediately reading volume 2.

[L Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story follows two fairly new actors who have been in a secret relationship with each other since college. Shin is a good actor but has a hard time communicating with people and often comes across as unapproachable. Because of his looks and unfriendly personality he is often typecasted as a villian. His boyfriend, Shige, is the complete opposite. People see him as the princely type: kind, good looking, stylish, and approachable. Though these two have been living together for about a year, their relationship lacks physical intimacy... the kiss they shared in the beginning of the story was only their third one. Despite that, they love each other and try to keep their relationship hidden in order to continue living together.

After Shin does a TV interview that helps catapult his popularity higher than it had been in the past Shige thinks its time for them to break up because with more fame comes more scrutiny. He believes that it's only a matter of time before the media finds out about their relationship. Shin expected him to say something like this eventually, just not this soon... especially since they hadn't had a chance to fix whatever seemed to be holding them back from being intimate with one another.

This my second time reading this and I like it a whole lot more this time around. I have no idea why I rated it so low the first time but I'm upgrading it from 2.5 to 4 stars.

[Mads Browse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Going to need to get volume 2 asap please and thank you

[小さな N (.❛ ᴗ ❛.)⊃ [_|_] ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

2019: Shin and Shige are both actors, Shige gets the role of the nice guy, he is called Prince Shige and represents "white", Shin is playing the bad guys and represents "black". Even their appearances are white and black but when we see their inner thoughts Shige is much darker than Shin and their roles almost get reversed. Which doesn't mean that Shige is a bad guy in real life but he has much darker and meaner thoughts than Shin does.
They are both new in the acting business and have to keep their relationship a secret in order to not risk their budding careers. (I wonder why Shige became an actor in the first place, though). They try to protect their public persona and run the risk of losing sight of their private personas and their relationship. But they manage to realize what is happening, talk about it, and vow to push through those problems together. I really liked that.
Shin and Shige are both new to love and they seem okay with not needing sex desperately in order to be in a relationship. But when they try it, a bad experience scares them off taking things further and they are stuck with both of them wanting to take their relationship to the next level but not knowing how to do that after what happened, which feels understandable.

[Chelsea 🏳️‍🌈 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like this concept! 2 actors, one thought of as cold and one thought of as warm, but they’re the opposite of their stage personas. And they’re a couple!

I really like the contrast between Shinge and Shin. Shin’s so awkward around people and it comes across as stand offish (relatable!). Shinge is thought of as this really gentlemanly type of guy and he’s actually really possessive and wants to covet Shin. It’s a cute dynamic for a couple.

There were some aspects of the love scenes I didn’t love, but overall I’m definitely interested in checking out the next part!

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5

This wasn’t really what I expected. This was my first NSFW/explicit manga and there’s nothing wrong with this type of story, but I didn’t know that’s what I was getting into, so it affected my overall enjoyment.

I really liked the premise of two closeted actors being in a secret relationship at pivotal points in their emerging careers, but the explicit/“steamy” scenes seemed a bit out of nowhere and not really… earned? If that makes sense?

I didn’t hate it, but I probably won’t be buying the next volume. If it becomes free on Kobo, maybe I’ll give it a go, but 🤷🏼‍♀️.

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had a complex relationship being set up. Very interested but also.. miscommunication Tropes must be the prevailing conflict in Romance manga... we're 3 for 3 so far today.

3 stars
1.5 on the spice scale.

[Ester · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Relectura).
4'5 ⭐ No sé por qué no le doy las 5 estrellas porque la relectura (y que voy muy a tope leyendo cosas de Sachimo) me ha gustado muchísimo más que la primera vez que lo leí.
Shin y Shige son dos actores que tienen una relación amorosa en secreto. Shige es considerado el príncipe encantador, la super star, mientras que Shin, que casi ni es conocido, solo hace roles secundarios y de villano. El contraste profesional entre ambos, en cambio, es totalmente a la inversa en la realidad. Porque Shin solamente es tímido y tiene un talento increíble para actuar, mientras que Shige solamente es una cara bonita que puede interpretar solamente aquellos roles que pegan con su personalidad. ¿Qué pasará ahora que los espectadores se han dado cuenta de que Shin es adorable y un diamante en bruto? ¿Quién es el blanco y quién es el negro?
Debo decir que me gusta muchísimo con Sachimo mezcla la vida personal y amorosa de los protagonistas juntamente con la vida del espectáculo. Es un plus que los protagonistas ya empiecen siendo pareja y veamos a través de los tomos su evolución, puesto que los chicos están muy verdes en el tema sexual y gusta ir descubriendo con ellos cómo desarrollar/incentivar esa parte de la relación.

[Jack Reynolds · Rating 3 out of 5]

The only other BL property I've seen that revolves around actors is DAKAICHI. The anime adaptation made me mad for a variety of reasons (the romantic framing, the characters, the absence of dramatic tension), but I think Black or White is at least vying for its leads who, at least, have a healthier relationship than Takato and Junta.

There is some possessiveness on Shige's part, yet his hopes in seeing a side to Shin the public eye doesn't have is interesting. Sachimo is doing a great job bending what's expected when you think of the titular colors. How the relationship starts isn't what I'm used to when it comes to the subgenre, but I think it was handled well. The mangaka's strength also comes forth in lighting and shading backgrounds. Their art grows on me sex expression-wise was not my fav. The faces are a little too blushy for me, if that makes sense.

[Frankie Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wasn't bad. Plot was a little cutier then I expected but moving a little faster then I'd like. Of course smut isn't bad and I'm glad its not like forced so thats always a plus. I'm mean plenty of it still but it's not like they are forcing themselves on one another.

[Fatimah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The conversation they had was so deep

[⋆˚𝜗𝜚˚Tiara (Alec’s ver.) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A MILLION STARS
Bls and me 🤝🤝

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had this manga for a while but I can't believe I'm just now reading it! The celebrity trope is a favorite of mine. Plus the art is gorgeous and I love the characters. The two men featured are already a couple at the onset of the series, together since they graduated high school. One man is a moderately popular actor already; the other is extremely introverted and people mistakenly think he's a snob and a jerk, when he's really just socially awkward. One guy gets all the leading roles, while the other is typecast as a villain because he has Resting Bitch Face. lol But when the quiet one's true personality shines through during a TV interview, his popularity skyrockets, making his boyfriend fear they'll have to break up or be outed.

There were some relationship issues between the guys that they had to resolve. They've never been physically intimate, despite having been a couple for quite some time. The shy one wasn't ready the first time they tried, then his boyfriend worried that if they went too far he'd never be able to break up with him, all the while thinking that their relationship could never last due to their professions as public figures. Even their managers tell them they need to be discreet.

The homophobia was realistic but still uncomfortable. I just want them to be able to be themselves without worrying that being seen together will destroy their careers forever... Hopefully things will work out. There's another character who seems suspicious of them and is acting a little strange. Hopefully he's not going to out them or do something heinous. I'm hoping he's just jealous of their relationship and closeted, himself. lol

I really enjoyed this manga. Every now and then the lack of transition between scenes was annoying. The two guys would be having a conversation, then on the next page one of them is suddenly at work. That happened several times without warning. So it's a tiny bit rough around the edges, but on the whole I thought it was excellent.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This was such a good first volume. The characters and their relationship are so complex and yet sweet. It seems like future volumes get a bit darker and I'm here for it, though I hope these two are able to retain some of their tenderness.

[Kate♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5stars

I really like how we are following an established relationship, I feel like that's not something we get very often in romance stories! I like the main two characters, esp with how they're dif in the bedroom than you'd expect based on their personalities lol

[Reibekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting to see the acting industry in Japan. It made me want to read skip beat even though that's a completely different vibe.

[the grace review ౨ৎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t want to rate it low just bc I know there are so many more volumes but honestly the characters are a little annoying

[the bookish nook · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wad a fun BL but there wasn't exactly a flow to it and I was kinda confused at times

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shin and Shige are an awkward couple. This story has promise but it’s this first volume struggled for me. I’m not sure I’ll pick up the next one.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a mostly sweet story, if not a bit too melodramatic. The artwork is ok. I like the character designs, but the wish the bodies were a little less “stick-figure-y.”

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, I’m still in my 2d era— what did you expect from me?

I picked this up as a random find at Kinokuniya and thought ~hey why not?~ omg am I so happy I did. The way Shige LOVES Shin. 🥺 This story is exactly what I’m looking for. A treasure!! Can’t wait for the next part.

“All I wanted was to be your prince. Just that. That was more than enough for me.” — okay, shige make me cry then!

[Madison Maler (anxious.librarian)]

Cue me not realizing this is essentially porn 😳 I'm not going to rate this one because I'm not really sure what I think of it. Two actors, one typecast into the role of villain and the other hero, but behind closed doors, their personalities are essentially opposite. Add on their secret relationship with each other and you've got quite a bit of drama.

That isn't the only source of conflict, however. At least half the story revolves around Shin and Shige’s sexual relationship. It's very much implied that Shin is asexual and feels a lot of internal pressure to have sex with his boyfriend, though Shige seems to only want Shin comfortable and doesn't pressure him, with the exception of a very bad decision early in their relationship which he has seemingly been trying to make up for ever since.

Shin's struggle is one a lot of people face, but I feel like it could have been handled differently. I just felt icky when all was said and done. Maybe part of it is a cultural thing, maybe I just didn't get it, but either way, it wasn't for me so that's why I've chosen not to rate this one.

Side note: the whole thing was censored and I found it hilarious 😂 I legit didn't know what was going on at first because there was just a blank space where their bits were supposed to be. I have no clue if all versions are censored but my copy was and it led to some laughs!

[bow down to our ace king victor vale · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.4!

edit: (lowkey read this yesterday but already forgot a good portion of what happened lmao)

[M.J. Lyons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Black or White isn’t about two guys as they trepidatiously begin to explore a blossoming relationship. It’s about a relationship with history, threatened by self-doubt and stretched between the duelling demands of fame and love.

Shin Himemiya (whose stage name is Shin Washimiya) is an emerging acting talent who is mistakenly type-cast as a villain–dark haired, intense, glaring, brusque, when he’s actually a caring, hard-working, socially awkward, inexperienced and closeted gay boy. He met his boyfriend and fellow actor Shigeru Osawa (whose stage name is Kazushige Tatebayashi), in high school, and they started secretly dating in third year. Shige is the polar opposite of Shin, easily beautiful and charming, “the prince” of the industry, ending up playing romantic leads, although in private he’s passionate, insecure about his own talent, obsessed with supporting and protecting Shin’s career who he sees as the more talented of the two… and is secretly a bit kinky…

In a subtle way, Black or White is an interesting little exploration of fame, and the perceptions that we impose on one another, be that fans towards the stars they love and hate, or between two lovers in a tenuous relationship.

Read the rest of my review on my BL blog: https://michaellyonswrites.wordpress....

[Jude · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. To be honest, I wasn't into the story when reading it. Not quite bored, but not that interested. I really like the main character Shin, but I have mixed feelings about his love interest. Dude's kind of a shithead.

With that said I do love that it's about actors and I like the contrast between Shin and Shige or whatever his name is. I'm under the impression that Shin plays a villain in a Power Ranger-y/Kamen Rider-y type of show and got a kick out of it! I do like the premise overall. Two grown men experiencing conflict with important stakes. I'll continue the series for now.

More spoiler thoughts:
I seriously wish the whole sex-related conflict would've carried on for much longer. I thought that Shin being scared was refreshing for the genre, and if we'd seen the guys work it out slowly, slowly getting comfortable with each other over the span of at least 2 or 3 volumes, the buildup, payoff, and development could've been so good. Feels like a lost plot opportunity in favor of smut. Which I guess I should know better, but.

Also, love the chapter with the talk show and Shin smiling. He was seriously adorable!

[Dylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

CW: Forcing love while drunk, Feelings of inadequacy, Anxiety, Cyber Bullying

This manga was such a huge surprise! We follow two men who went to high school together, Shin and Shige. Both are film actors who have an established but secret relationship. Shin is an up and coming actor who is type cast as the villain; in reality he's an introverted kind person. He has social anxiety which he struggles with when talking to fans.
Shige is a more established veteran actor who is in love with Shin, but struggles with showing intimacy. He forces himself on his boyfriend while drunk, but stops before it goes to far. He then vows to never be intimate again and let Shin focus on his career.
This series is so good. The characters feel real, the drama is well handled, and the explorations of sexuality is nuanced and drawn with care. The characters experiment with self love, lube, condoms, and explore their desires safely. If you're looking for a new BL manga with realistic characters and drama, I highly recommend this one!

[R E · Rating 2 out of 5]

I to stay awake reading “Black or White.” I dislike giving low scores to a manga - as an artist, I know how much work it takes to produce an image, much less a series of images together with a well paced narrative.

But I didn’t find the set of problems in this book - the fear of sex and clashing celebrity status - plausible. Shin’s personal insecurities didn’t jibe with what it takes to be an actor, and his personality was such a bland “generic BL uke” that I nodded off several times.

The art, too, is generic but also average. Panel composition and page designs aren’t integrated. Gray values and screentones are only used descriptively within individual panels simply to differentiate objects and people, and at times to convey mood, but without consideration of panel to panel and page to page visual relationships. As a consequence, there’s no underlying visual logic to sustain and build emotion and feeling within and across scenes.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you SuBlime for giving me the opportunity to read this manga.

I loved the idea of ​​this manga, where two actors, who are at the beginning of their careers, hide their relationship so as not to harm their work. I loved that they didn't break up and decided to face their problems together.

Another point I liked was how the sex was portrayed in a real way and not romanticized, where it often hurts and is not a fairy tale, it was very interesting the way it is shown that sex is not mandatory to be in a relationship, that doesn't diminish the love that one feels for their partner.

The style of the art is kind of rought, something I commonly find in magas.But I need to put a warning that this manga is very graphic for those who don't like to read about it I don't recommend it, but if it doesn't bother you it's an interesting read, I will definitely continue the series.

[Veronica · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC via Edelweiss. The "closeted actors" set-up is not a unique premise by a long shot but I liked that this one starts with an established relationship, and the "cold character who is secretly sweet / friendly character who is secretly possessive" trope is a classic for a reason. The art is nice but not especially memorable. Not sure if I'll continue the series.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two young actors on the cusp of making it big are finding it harder to stay together. Sachimo-sensei's art is rough as usual with hints of beauty. Nice emotion and I appreciated the reality that anal stuff hurts, which is not something you see much of, even though it's true.