Overview
- Seinen BL manga presents a nuanced perspective on love, stepping outside conventional relationships to address intricate themes.
- These completed romance manga span various genres including historical, gourmet, and psychological dramas.
- Innovative narratives explore topics like crossdressing, dance, and the supernatural, enriching the tapestry of BL manga.
Love manifests in numerous forms around us, evoking a spectrum of emotions—from joy to heartache and even indifference. Across different media, the stories of love pursued, obtained, and lost have inspired countless books, comics, songs, and films throughout history.
Traditionally, many narratives center around heterosexual relationships, featuring iconic couples such as Tristan & Iseult or Romeo & Juliet. But what if readers thirst for tales that focus on romantic connections between two male characters? More specifically, narratives that adopt a mature tone rather than the lighthearted nature often found in shōnen or shōjo manga?
7. Yagyu Hijoken Samon
A Noteworthy Samurai’s Sibling Develops Feelings for His Lord
- Creators: Yoshiaki Tabata and Keiichiro Ryu (story), Yuki Yugo (art).
- MyAnimeList Score: 6.18.
- 1 Volume, 5 Chapters.
- Available through fan translations only.
Yagyu Hijoken Samon (“Samon Yagyu, The Callous Swordsman”) kicks off in a historical setting, focusing on Samon, the lesser-known brother of the famed samurai Jubei Yagyu. In this tale—similar to historical accounts—Samon assumes the role of personal instructor to the Tokugawa shogunate after a clash in teaching styles with Jubei leads to the latter’s exit from the role. Samon is tasked with guiding his brother’s students despite being seen as inferior.
However, as the narrative unfolds, Samon finds favor with the new shogunate leader, Iemitsu Tokugawa, which unexpectedly ignites romantic feelings between them. The internal struggle emerges as Samon grapples with adhering to his duties versus pursuing his romantic inclinations.
6. Natsuki-kun Is Beautiful As Always
A Boy Unfazed by His Crush’s Masculine Identity
- Creator: 9°C.
- MyAnimeList Score: 6.51.
- 1 Volume, 17 Chapters.
- Available through fan translations only.
Stories that play with gender norms often bring fresh excitement, prompting intriguing questions about the nature of love between the characters. What if affection existed independent of gender? In Natsuki-kun is Beautiful as Always, Fumiya is smitten with Natsuki, who he perceives as the most beautiful girl in school. However, Natsuki, who identifies as a guy adept at crossdressing, turns down Fumiya’s advances.
Fumiya remains undeterred, determined to win Natsuki’s heart despite his initial rejection. While the romantic comedy explores these dynamics creatively, it unfortunately concludes prematurely due to cancellation, leaving fans yearning for more.
5. What Did You Eat Yesterday?
Gourmet Adventures Between a Chef and His Partner
- Creator: Fumi Yoshinaga.
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.48.
- 23+ Volumes, 184+ Chapters.
- Available in English via Vertical.
When delving into the realm of seinen BL, several recurring motifs start to emerge. Beyond the racy content unsuitable for general audiences, crossdressing romances, brief tales like Yagyu Hijoken Samon, and engaging foodie narratives like What Did You Eat Yesterday? provide a rich reading experience.
This slice-of-life manga weaves a delightful story around Shiro, a lawyer by profession, and his boyfriend Kenji, a hairstylist. As the couple navigates the challenges typical of contemporary gay relationships in Tokyo, the culinary focus shifts the narrative toward meal preps and delectable dishes, making it an ideal read for BL enthusiasts with a passion for cooking.
4. Manly Appetites: Minegishi Loves Otsu
Charming Through Culinary Delicacies
- Creator: Mito.
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.47.
- 3 Volumes, 41 Chapters.
- Available in English via Seven Seas Entertainment.
Manly Appetites: Minegishi Loves Otsu continues the trend of food-centered romances but leans more heavily towards the romance aspect than its predecessor. The story revolves around Minegishi, an attractive salaryman who discerns that his grumpy coworker Otsu is more inclined to engage when culinary delights are involved.
Despite Otsu’s dismissive demeanor toward Minegishi’s charms, he can’t resist the delicious meals prepared by him. As Minegishi continues to woo him through his cooking, Otsu may just discover there’s more to him than meets the eye.
3. Bokura no Hentai
Exploring Identity: A Tangle of Affairs
- Creator: Fumiko Fumi.
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.71.
- 10 Volumes, 41 Chapters.
- Available through fan translations only.
The theme of crossdressing is prevalent in many seinen BL narratives, yet few explore its intricacies as profoundly as Bokura no Hentai. This psychological drama centers around three characters, each with unique motivations for their attire choices.
Yui’s crossdressing serves as a tribute to his deceased sister, leading to profound inner conflict. Meanwhile, Parou, who is comfortable in his crossdressing, attempts to impress his straight senior but inadvertently finds kinship and love with Marika, the story’s sole trans character. This narrative unfolds into a complex love triangle as the characters navigate their identities and feelings.
2. 10 Dance
Two Dancers Unite: A Match to Remember
- Creator: Satou Inoue.
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.97.
- 7+ Volumes, 42+ Chapters.
- Available in English via Kodansha Comics USA.
For readers who appreciate a touch of elegance in their storytelling, 10 Dance presents a refined exploration of romance through the lens of dance. This engaging story pairs two starkly different personalities—Shinya Sugiki, a master of standard ballroom dancing, and Shinya Suzuki, a passionate Latin dancer.
Bound by the goal of winning a prestigious 10 Dance competition, they must unify their unique dance styles while learning from one another and navigating their growing attraction, resulting in a heartwarming and layered narrative filled with both competitive spirit and blossoming romance.
1. The Summer Hikaru Died
A Boy’s Longing Remains Amidst Altered Reality
- Creators: Mokumokuren (art), Mio Nukaga (story).
- MyAnimeList Score: 8.23.
- 6+ Volumes, 33+ Chapters.
- Available in English via Yen Press.
Seinen BL adeptly navigates the complexities of darker narratives, and The Summer Hikaru Died exemplifies this by intertwining themes of romance with psychological and supernatural horror. It chronicles the evolving relationship between childhood friends, Yoshiki and Hikaru, deepening when Hikaru mysteriously vanishes.
Upon his return, he appears unchanged, but his demeanor has shifted alarmingly. While he seems to retain his memories, a threat looms over Yoshiki as Hikaru battles his inner demons. The contrasting dynamics challenge Yoshiki’s affections, leaving him grieving for the bond he once cherished while facing an unsettling new reality.