Complex

Here’s an interesting question: what happens to the boys in BL after they’ve hooked up? In most series, we never know- the story stops right there. In Complex, however, we don’t get to just see the relationship, we follow the couple throughout their lives. It’s an ambitious idea, but it works. We see two boys grow up from being childhood friends to confused young men and to wrinkled old ones, with all of the drama that comes with it. Yes, there is sex, but the emphasis is placed more on the relationship than the fanservice. It starts abit hokey (two boys becoming more than friends because of a pedophile teacher? Really?), but once the boys become adults, the situations the characters are in are depicted more realistically, making it something that is believable. From being scared of being “open” to society to nasty breakups to raising children, it shows the difficulties of being gay in society. At the same time, the series makes sure to depict characters as human, with no idealized exaggerations and sexualities that aren’t exactly black or white. Overall, Complex is a gripping romantic drama that shows that yaoi is more than capable of having depth, and is a must read for anyone interested in the genre. Pros: Realistically played, tackles issues such as gay parenting, heart wrenching ending Cons: Starts unrealistically, random shota thrown in (volume 2 chapter 7), rough art in the beginning

From the first chapter it may look like this manga is about a nasty teacher into shota-con, however that is only the Very Very beginning and shota-con has nothing to do with the story at all. That first occurrence is needed only to bring the two main characters closer together to prepare for their journey of life together. This manga is one of the best I have ever read; it will make you smile with joy and bawl your eyes out from beginning, when they are just children, to the end when they are old men preparing for rest. It shows the very seed oftrue love and how it conquers all despite all of the "complexes" that come up in one's life. The main characters may have a few falling outs, but as the red string predicts (metaphor), true love will prevail. This is one of the most serious mangas I have had the joy of reading and one of the only ones I've seen that showed main character's life from beginning to end. It is heartwarming and even if the beginning throws you for a loop, once you get past that you will never regret sticking with it.

First of all, I must admit, that at first I was kinda not interested to read it due to the shota scene and the arts (it's not really that bad tho' after a while) . I'm even tempted to stop reading it. However, I can't seems to do so and somehow my mind said, bear with it... you'll not regretting it! It was right! I'm not regretting to ever read this wonderful manga. It has such a great plot where I rarely (more like never once) encounter, furthermore, on Yaoi manga. It tells you from their childhood, their teens/adolescent march to their adulthood (well thisplot is quite common). But! There's one thing that changes the common plot to the uncommon, is when the story moves ahead to their old-age time. It was very beautiful story , I dare say. It makes you think deep about life and stuff. Two normal childhood friends, one harbor feeling for the other while the other one still in state of confusion. From that on, you see how the love and the relationship progressing on. Well, i couldn't write much cause this manga plot is kinda deep and there's no way I can write without spoiling the content x3 But one thing that I can say for sure... I cried while reading this manga. *nods* yup.

I was upset. I was captivated. I became emotional. Being able to love means to stand up. Being able to stand is being able to know who you stand for. THAT IS JUNICHI. He was able to recover still from what happened to him. I adore him. find it out there :) Tatsuya, MADE MANY MISTAKES. INSENSIBLE.Being able to love is having strong attachments. In this story, reality is at its best. Being "likely" realistic doesn't mean its Tragic, the story gives its best approach on how and who we are in the contemporary society we are living in. But aside from that. Love never fails. :) The story is great. yet. so. disappointing. in my OWN perspective :)