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Tale of the Waning Moon #1
Tale of the Waning Moon, Vol. 1
After a night of serious boozing, a jilted young man named Ryuka speaks his wish for true love atop a starlit hill. His words reach the ears of Ixto, the spirit of the last quarter moon, who decides to grant Ryuka's wish. Unfortunately for Ryuka, Ixto's handpicked selections to be the young man's lover are all men themselves! And when his rejection of these choices leads to an unexpected night of passion that casts a spell on him, will Ryuka give in to his enchanted body's urge to chase after Ixto and journey through worlds unknown, or will his mind win over his heart? Critically-acclaimed boys' love mangaka Hyouta Fujiyama lends her copious talents to this wacky, role-playing fantasy-romance that will tickle your funny bone and tug at your heart!
162 pages, Paperback
First published January 29, 2008
7 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Hyouta Fujiyama
48 books47 followersAssociated names :
富士山豹太
Фудзияма Хёта
富士山ひょう太
富士山ひょーた
富士山ひょー太
Name (in native language) : 富士山ひょうた
Birth date : January 28
Zodiac : Aquarius
Blood type : A
Likes games.
Was born in Ishikawa but grew up in Saitama.
Doujin circle is called Tiny Time.
富士山豹太
Фудзияма Хёта
富士山ひょう太
富士山ひょーた
富士山ひょー太
Name (in native language) : 富士山ひょうた
Birth date : January 28
Zodiac : Aquarius
Blood type : A
Likes games.
Was born in Ishikawa but grew up in Saitama.
Doujin circle is called Tiny Time.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 25, 2016
Normally, when I read a yaoi that starts out with rape it losses a bit of credit with me because rape is overused and a bad technique to use.
But I think the thing a lot of people overlook with this story is that it is a parody, it's meant to make fun of a lot of cliques and it does a good job of it.
On the back it describes the story as a fun role-playing adventure, and it gives off the wonderful vibe of DnD "crit fails." Which made me quite happy.
There are some powerful feelings the characters have to deal with in between the stupid things they encounter on their journey for these two lovers to meet.
Definitely a story I'll keep reading in the future.
But I think the thing a lot of people overlook with this story is that it is a parody, it's meant to make fun of a lot of cliques and it does a good job of it.
On the back it describes the story as a fun role-playing adventure, and it gives off the wonderful vibe of DnD "crit fails." Which made me quite happy.
There are some powerful feelings the characters have to deal with in between the stupid things they encounter on their journey for these two lovers to meet.
Definitely a story I'll keep reading in the future.
July 13, 2017
Rape is not a good foundation for a relationship, man. Also: Boring, undeveloped characters, meh art. I couldn't make myself get through the second volume.
April 17, 2011
[read in Sept. '09 but reread to refresh b/c the 2nd. volume is coming out this June '11]
Dumped and drunk Ryuka makes a wish "Someone...anyone...please help me forget that woman. I want someone to genuinely love, someone who will genuinely love me in return." He's surprised to find out that his wish has been heard by Ixto-Spirit of the Last Quarter Moon. When Ryuka declines the candidates-who all turn out to be men, he falls subject to a spell after having an intimate encounter with Ixto.
The spell is a journey that Ryuka must take and that will lead him to Ixto. Ryuka's body compels him to follow the path (if he doesn't disastrous situations arise), even though his heart wars against the notion that he might be falling for a man. Ryuka sets out with Coon the Moon Cat as his guide, meeting an eclectic cast of characters along the way; including a millionaire whose love interest has been cursed.
Ryuka is a simple guy who only wants someone to love him, it's fun watching him fight his feelings for Ixto. I really liked Coon, he's so sweet and pervy, but he's also loyal to Ixto and cares so much for Ryuka. Aldin, the millionaire, who acts more mature and level headed than Ryuka is a great addition to the band of travelers-I hope I get to learn more about him and his cursed love in future volumes.
I enjoy Fujiyama-sensei's work, she has this flair for the comedic and romantic that always makes me smile when I read her stories.
Dumped and drunk Ryuka makes a wish "Someone...anyone...please help me forget that woman. I want someone to genuinely love, someone who will genuinely love me in return." He's surprised to find out that his wish has been heard by Ixto-Spirit of the Last Quarter Moon. When Ryuka declines the candidates-who all turn out to be men, he falls subject to a spell after having an intimate encounter with Ixto.
The spell is a journey that Ryuka must take and that will lead him to Ixto. Ryuka's body compels him to follow the path (if he doesn't disastrous situations arise), even though his heart wars against the notion that he might be falling for a man. Ryuka sets out with Coon the Moon Cat as his guide, meeting an eclectic cast of characters along the way; including a millionaire whose love interest has been cursed.
Ryuka is a simple guy who only wants someone to love him, it's fun watching him fight his feelings for Ixto. I really liked Coon, he's so sweet and pervy, but he's also loyal to Ixto and cares so much for Ryuka. Aldin, the millionaire, who acts more mature and level headed than Ryuka is a great addition to the band of travelers-I hope I get to learn more about him and his cursed love in future volumes.
I enjoy Fujiyama-sensei's work, she has this flair for the comedic and romantic that always makes me smile when I read her stories.
August 28, 2018
This book starts with a suggested rape, which is later confirmed as such. Then the story is about the rapist trying to convince his victim that they will be in love one day, so it was fine. So this book starts off just real problematic, and then there are multiple scenes of sexual harassment throughout.
Aside from that, I did enjoy the cat boys, the traveling companions, the Aldin/Ral love storyline, and the RPG-like quest aspect. I also enjoyed the suggestion that the moon god exists kind of outside of time, and is potentially all-knowing.
If this book wasn't rapey, I would really like it.
Aside from that, I did enjoy the cat boys, the traveling companions, the Aldin/Ral love storyline, and the RPG-like quest aspect. I also enjoyed the suggestion that the moon god exists kind of outside of time, and is potentially all-knowing.
If this book wasn't rapey, I would really like it.
January 29, 2015
The first volume really suffers from the fact that it was supposed to be just a parody thing. I always have to force myself through the first half or pretty much the whole first volume. The pretty art helps (that's why the fourth star), as does knowing it does get better in the second volume. But despite how this may sound, I really enjoy the series, especially as soon as the love stories get more screen time. It is a pretty funny parody of fantasy/rpg clichés though.
October 11, 2009
terrifically silly. favourite bit was the catboy transform! scene.
February 24, 2015
I really wanted to like this just because it's so silly but it made me super uncomfortable.
January 6, 2021
I need to start this off by saying that I read some questionable things; I like slightly questionable consent. This series however turned me off, not even 1/4 in.
It starts out with Ryuka who makes a wish and ends up summoning Ixto. Ryuka later describes his night with Ixto as rape. Fast forward a few pages and Ryuka threatens his traveling companion given to him by Ixto (who appears to be a scrawny kind but is supposedly 80 years old) that if he doesn't shut up, Ryuka will rape him. Not even two pages later they get "rescued" from some older men's unwelcome advances only to end up being told they must pay for their help with their bodies. As Ryuka is being cornered by their "rescuer" and groped without his permission (same guy who threatened to rape someone like 3 pages before) the would be rapist's boyfriend(?) barges in and a small fight about cheating, then sex occurs. Ryuka and the traveling companion run out of there while the would-be rapist is getting it on with his boyfriend(?).
I honestly don't think I made it 25 pages in and cannot read any further. I flipped through the rest of the book and this series SCREAMS of the time it was written in, even 2008 doesn't want it back.
It starts out with Ryuka who makes a wish and ends up summoning Ixto. Ryuka later describes his night with Ixto as rape. Fast forward a few pages and Ryuka threatens his traveling companion given to him by Ixto (who appears to be a scrawny kind but is supposedly 80 years old) that if he doesn't shut up, Ryuka will rape him. Not even two pages later they get "rescued" from some older men's unwelcome advances only to end up being told they must pay for their help with their bodies. As Ryuka is being cornered by their "rescuer" and groped without his permission (same guy who threatened to rape someone like 3 pages before) the would be rapist's boyfriend(?) barges in and a small fight about cheating, then sex occurs. Ryuka and the traveling companion run out of there while the would-be rapist is getting it on with his boyfriend(?).
I honestly don't think I made it 25 pages in and cannot read any further. I flipped through the rest of the book and this series SCREAMS of the time it was written in, even 2008 doesn't want it back.
January 4, 2020
A really fun, parody romance that takes a delightfully disastrous twist on so many genres (RPG being the main one). The characters are fun and over the top. The plot/quest has some questionable logic to it and the main character merrily goes along with it, despite grumbling about how he is basically being lead around by his nose (or in this case, his body). It is not something meant to be deep and meaningful, or taken too seriously. It is an enjoyable little read with cute art and a silly plot, and I can't wait to read book 2.
November 4, 2020
The constant reference to Ixto as a rapist (and the arguable reality that he is) is super creepy. There are a few amusing references to video game tropes, but the mangaka admits themselves they leave those behind as they get deeper into the story. Unfortunately, the deeper they get into the story, the more men attempt to assault Ryuka. And even if the story didn't start with a complete forgoing of consent, the barely there relationship between Ryuka and Ixto is toxic at best.
March 8, 2022
What. The. FUCK.
Jesus above, this is the worst thing I've read in ages, why in the ever loving hell are there so many positive reviews? Between the racist name for the cat boy, non-con being considered frivolous, and even used as a threat by the MC to the underage cat boy, it's...so fucking gross. I don't condone destroying books but I'm TEMPTED TO.
Jesus above, this is the worst thing I've read in ages, why in the ever loving hell are there so many positive reviews? Between the racist name for the cat boy, non-con being considered frivolous, and even used as a threat by the MC to the underage cat boy, it's...so fucking gross. I don't condone destroying books but I'm TEMPTED TO.
November 15, 2023
DNF at like page 10. I did not like how they romanticized the star with literal sexual assault and then followed it up with the assaulter trying to gaslight the protagonist into falling in love with him.
December 25, 2017
First and biggest mistake of this manga: rape.
Second: Why 90% of the males of from this story are gay?
And Ryuka pisses me off.
The art is cool though, no comment on that.
Second: Why 90% of the males of from this story are gay?
And Ryuka pisses me off.
The art is cool though, no comment on that.
May 9, 2018
Rather liked this series, it took awhile for them to release the last of the series but overall I enjoyed this!
January 14, 2021
I know it has some touchy subject matter but I'm actually interested in seeing how the next volume plays out.
August 20, 2012
Not for the Faint of Heart - Tale of the Waning Moon Vol 1
Let the review continue, brought to you by a delicate mixture of brandy and peppermint schnapps and a particularly good read in Tale of the Waning Moon, which combines fantasy and video games with yaoi manga styling for a result that is fun and irresistibly cute throughout, although not exactly without its problems. As it is, this is probably my favorite yaoi manga that I've read so far, but as with most in the genre, it falls victim to a few flaws.
The largest of these is basically the premise of the series, which is that a young man wishes for love on the waning moon and has his wish answered by a moon spirit who decides that the young man will love him and proceeds to rape him. Okay, so I guess that is sort of par for the course for the genre, as much of what I have seen implies that there is quite a bit of non-consensual liaisoning going on in most of the yaoi manga I have read. But I admit, that doesn't really do much for me. Some playing hard to get, okay, but we're basically being told that this guy has been gay all his life and hasn't known it, finds out by being raped, and then it's all roses from there.
Luckily, this manga does a fair job with the main character's feelings concerning what has happened to him, and so while the first time was against his wishes, this works as a sort of "be careful what you wish for" scenario, where yes, he was gay all along and this moon spirit awakens him to the fact. Not that it completely dismisses the point, but after that there isn't any more rape, so I enjoyed it more as it went on. And indeed, this is a rare yaoi manga that delves into fantasy, poking gentle fun at some video game cliches and showing a world that is grounded in fantasy tradition.
And really, it is a fine book, with the main character continually finding himself in questionable situations and having to either get himself out of it or relying on the moon spirit to help him out. Along the way he meets up with some friends and they all set out together to explore the world and adventure. It's a little more complicated than that, but in essence it is like a video game where the main character is chosen by something and has to leave home to search out his destiny. The characters are all fun and the art is gorgeous and everything really works on most levels.
And as for the naughty bits, I can say that there aren't an abundance of scenes, and what there are seem pretty tame, but there definitely is a lot of tension and hilarious situations and there is rather a promise of things to come (teehee). In any event, the sex is fun while it's around, though if you are looking for something with a lot of explicit scenes I would look elsewhere. What is there is well done, and the characters all interact in fun and adorable ways.
So at the end of the day, I would recommend this book to pretty much anyone who enjoys yaoi manga, and would probably go that step farther and say I'd suggest it for anyone looking for a good overall manga. The plot moves at a good clip, and the romance elements are good, the characters develop and grow more complicated, and there is a good amount of humor and silliness. The only complaint, really, is that the foundation of the story and the relationship with the main character is rape, and though standard for the genre I still find it objectionable. So, finally, it receives an 8/10.
Let the review continue, brought to you by a delicate mixture of brandy and peppermint schnapps and a particularly good read in Tale of the Waning Moon, which combines fantasy and video games with yaoi manga styling for a result that is fun and irresistibly cute throughout, although not exactly without its problems. As it is, this is probably my favorite yaoi manga that I've read so far, but as with most in the genre, it falls victim to a few flaws.
The largest of these is basically the premise of the series, which is that a young man wishes for love on the waning moon and has his wish answered by a moon spirit who decides that the young man will love him and proceeds to rape him. Okay, so I guess that is sort of par for the course for the genre, as much of what I have seen implies that there is quite a bit of non-consensual liaisoning going on in most of the yaoi manga I have read. But I admit, that doesn't really do much for me. Some playing hard to get, okay, but we're basically being told that this guy has been gay all his life and hasn't known it, finds out by being raped, and then it's all roses from there.
Luckily, this manga does a fair job with the main character's feelings concerning what has happened to him, and so while the first time was against his wishes, this works as a sort of "be careful what you wish for" scenario, where yes, he was gay all along and this moon spirit awakens him to the fact. Not that it completely dismisses the point, but after that there isn't any more rape, so I enjoyed it more as it went on. And indeed, this is a rare yaoi manga that delves into fantasy, poking gentle fun at some video game cliches and showing a world that is grounded in fantasy tradition.
And really, it is a fine book, with the main character continually finding himself in questionable situations and having to either get himself out of it or relying on the moon spirit to help him out. Along the way he meets up with some friends and they all set out together to explore the world and adventure. It's a little more complicated than that, but in essence it is like a video game where the main character is chosen by something and has to leave home to search out his destiny. The characters are all fun and the art is gorgeous and everything really works on most levels.
And as for the naughty bits, I can say that there aren't an abundance of scenes, and what there are seem pretty tame, but there definitely is a lot of tension and hilarious situations and there is rather a promise of things to come (teehee). In any event, the sex is fun while it's around, though if you are looking for something with a lot of explicit scenes I would look elsewhere. What is there is well done, and the characters all interact in fun and adorable ways.
So at the end of the day, I would recommend this book to pretty much anyone who enjoys yaoi manga, and would probably go that step farther and say I'd suggest it for anyone looking for a good overall manga. The plot moves at a good clip, and the romance elements are good, the characters develop and grow more complicated, and there is a good amount of humor and silliness. The only complaint, really, is that the foundation of the story and the relationship with the main character is rape, and though standard for the genre I still find it objectionable. So, finally, it receives an 8/10.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2017
What the fuck did I just read
November 6, 2014
I'll be honest: I doubt I'd be enjoying this series as much as I am if it wasn't by Hyouta Fujiyama. As it is, though, this is both silly and very, very pretty.
It's a fantasy story that really isn't taking itself seriously at all (I *loved* the bit where Ryuka's level increased, like in a fantasy RPG) and where anything goes. You can tell that Hyouta Fujiyama's having a lot of fun with this, which makes it fun to read, too.
As for her art, gosh. It's *so* pretty. Ixto, the moon spirit is absolutely swoon-worthy, Ryuku isn't bad either and the cat boys are adorable.
This has a very different feel to most of her other works, and it's definitely not as deep, but it's really a lot of fun.
One thing that bugged me a little about the translation (but at the same time, I also liked it) is that the SFX are translated and transcribed at the same time. It's a little distracting at times, but also useful, so it's okay.
... I did mention that the art is really pretty, yes?
*swoons*
It's a fantasy story that really isn't taking itself seriously at all (I *loved* the bit where Ryuka's level increased, like in a fantasy RPG) and where anything goes. You can tell that Hyouta Fujiyama's having a lot of fun with this, which makes it fun to read, too.
As for her art, gosh. It's *so* pretty. Ixto, the moon spirit is absolutely swoon-worthy, Ryuku isn't bad either and the cat boys are adorable.
This has a very different feel to most of her other works, and it's definitely not as deep, but it's really a lot of fun.
One thing that bugged me a little about the translation (but at the same time, I also liked it) is that the SFX are translated and transcribed at the same time. It's a little distracting at times, but also useful, so it's okay.
... I did mention that the art is really pretty, yes?
*swoons*
March 28, 2012
Ryuka has just been jilted by his girlfriend. Inebriated and miserable, he stumbles to a nearby hill and makes a foolish wish—to find someone who will love him for himself alone. Ixto, the spirit of the waning moon, heeds his call and takes sexual advantage of the drunken fool. Starting off as it does with a rape (a topic all too common in manga), this questionable beginning manages to redeem itself with the tale of Ryuka’s journey to find his true soul mate out of the various (male!) alternatives Ixto has given him. The drawings are good, although some of the men look distressingly alike, and the tale of Ryuka’s journey and mishaps to find true love, aided by an irritating but helpful mooncat, is rather endearing.
February 6, 2013
I found this book at a discount bookstore for $4, and when I read the intriguing synopsis on the back, I couldn't resist.
The story itself is actually pretty interesting, but the book took way too long to get to the point it ended on. The art wasn't bad, but it is very suggestive. It is pornographic, but they have blurred much of it out. Though I wouldn't recommend it for anyone who isn't into Yaoi.
Tale of the Waning Moon was a very different manga experience than I'm used to, but not a bad one. I give it 3/5 for being nothing fantastic but nothing to twist your nose at. Not entirely sure if I'll look into the second one because the story is so slow to move along, but certainly not for the original price.
The story itself is actually pretty interesting, but the book took way too long to get to the point it ended on. The art wasn't bad, but it is very suggestive. It is pornographic, but they have blurred much of it out. Though I wouldn't recommend it for anyone who isn't into Yaoi.
Tale of the Waning Moon was a very different manga experience than I'm used to, but not a bad one. I give it 3/5 for being nothing fantastic but nothing to twist your nose at. Not entirely sure if I'll look into the second one because the story is so slow to move along, but certainly not for the original price.
August 27, 2011
I'm disappointed with this series. Fantasy + Fujiyama-sensei = greatness! is what I thought so I bought the first one and waited for more before I read it. I regret my decision to wait because now I feel I've wasted money on two volumes.
The best I can guess is that its supposed to be a parody on fantasy storylines but, as someone who loves fantasy, it came off more as a mocking of fantasy themes. There were a few amusing parts and the artwork is great as always for Fujiyama-sensei but I felt like my interests were being insulted with each page turn. I had to force myself to finish reading through the second vol.
The best I can guess is that its supposed to be a parody on fantasy storylines but, as someone who loves fantasy, it came off more as a mocking of fantasy themes. There were a few amusing parts and the artwork is great as always for Fujiyama-sensei but I felt like my interests were being insulted with each page turn. I had to force myself to finish reading through the second vol.
December 28, 2012
The story of Ryuka and his journey to the spirit of the waning moon. The art was very good, and the story line enjoyable. Some of the characters were a bit thin, but I find that's frequently the case with this genre. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, in spite of the abrupt and odd beginning. Ryuka's journey is fascinating and amusing, and I'm really looking forward to getting the next volume (it's available in the same place I got this one, but I won't allow myself to buy it until next month). What kept me from giving it five stars? A couple of the characters (OK, one) are just irritating to me.
February 26, 2012
It's cute and silly and not at all to be taken seriously.
I like the artwork, but the cat boy always ending his sentences 'nyan' wears on me a bit. I get that he's a cat boy, he has ears and a tail. Does he really need to keep reminding me verbally?
I like the artwork, but the cat boy always ending his sentences 'nyan' wears on me a bit. I get that he's a cat boy, he has ears and a tail. Does he really need to keep reminding me verbally?
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March 15, 2015
Made me laugh a few times and the characters are kind of fun. Really tired of the "I don't want to like him, but I feel attracted to him anyway" trope in yaoi.
April 20, 2017
This book is the typical yaoi plot. Man rapes hero, hero falls in love with rapist. This book goes even so far as to say there are different types of rape and some are better than others. I give it a second star only because this doesn't consume the entire book and is mostly devoid of sex for the most part.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews