Candy by Satomi Sugita review

Candy

Author/Artist: Satomi Sugita

Publisher: Juné

Rating: M - 18 and up

Genre: Yaoi, Drama, Romance

Grade: B+

*** Review originally appeared at The Journal of the Lincoln Heights Literary Society at http://liheliso.com/buzz/. Check it out! ***

When he was younger Tooru didn't seem to fit in with the rest of his family. Then he met his cousin, Takara. They immediately got along and Takara took it upon himself to protect the smaller Tooru. Now that they are all older, Tooru works in the family confectionary store with his older brother Hajime. He also has a cute younger brother, Futaba. The three live happily in the family home while their parents are overseas. One afternoon guess who shows up on their doorstep, the one and only Takara. Instead of the sweet and caring cousin that Tooru remembers, this Takara is cold and aloof.

All three of the brothers are a little...OK, a lot surprised to see a cousin who was coming to live with them without any of them but Takara knowing what was going on. Hajime calls their parents only to find out that they forgot to tell the three boys that Takara was coming to live with them. With Takara's cold and uncaring attitude Tooru is at a loss. He really loved and appreciated Takara and has a hard time accepting this new Takara.

When Tooru and Hajime witness Takara being sweet with Futaba, Tooru can't help but feel a twinge of jealousy and sadness because Takara was treating Futaba with the same care and concern that was shown towards Tooru when they were younger. At Parents Day at Futaba's school Takara shows everyone a different side to himself and starts the rumor mill in town. Will Tooru and Takara's relationship warm once again? Read Candy to see what happens.

I have been looking forward to this release by Juné since I read the synopsis on their website. This book isn't scheduled for release until August, it is truly sad for the rest of you. Oh, that sounded rude, I apologize. I loved this manga. The story was pretty solid. The art was great. You could tell the characters apart easily. The presentation was fantastic as always. June never disappoints with it's larger trim size and dust jacket. There is also a bonus manga starring Satomi Sugita-sensei under the jacket. I hope that more from Sugita-sensei will be released here in the states. OK, so to clarify my rude sounding comment, I loved this manga and because I get advanced copies I have been so lucky to get this manga several months before it is released to the rest of the public. Because I enjoyed it so much I wish that everyone could get a copy of Candy. Please be patient because it is worth the wait. You can purchase it now, however, at Akadot Retail (http://www.akadotretail.com/).

Quick Note: This review was written several months ago.