Passion vol. 1 by Shinobu Gotoh and Shoko Takaku review

Passion vol. 1

Author/Artist: Shinobu Gotoh/Shoko Takaku

Publisher: June

Rating: M - 18 and up

Genre: Yaoi, Drama, Romance, School Life

Grade: A

Hikaru Umino has fallen in love with his teacher, Mr. Shima. After hearing a rumor about Shima and an upcoming wedding, Hikaru contacts Shima claiming to be another teacher in the school (Mr. Amamiya, he plays a large role in this story). He corners Shima in an empty classroom and rapes him. Once he realizes what he's done, he feels extreme remorse, which if you've just raped somebody remorse is an emotion you should feel. Shima tells Hikaru that he needs to do some thinking and make a decision on how he's going to atone for his mistake.

Hikaru is having a difficult time in facing Shima. Even though he raped him he says that he loves him deeply. One of Hikaru's favorite things to do is to ride by Shima's apartment and just look at his room (stalker, anyone?!) One day while hanging on the corner near Shima's apartment, he notices that Mr. Amamiya, the teacher he pretended to be, is headed to Shima's. Unable to figure out what is going on between these two teachers, Hikaru finds himself standing in front of Shima's door. While standing there, food gets delivered and Hikaru is invited in. Hikaru plans on leaving with Mr. Amamiya but Shima makes him stay behind. It seems that Shima is trying to seduce Hikaru. After a hot and sweaty session of sex Shima makes a proposition, they'll "play lovers." Here is where our four-volume series begins.

I really like Passion. It is written by Shinobu Gotoh of Only the Ring Finger Knows fame, and Shoko Takaku artist known for Kissing and Shy Intentions. The premise is very interesting. I have always struggled with rape stories, however. Yet this one is a little bit different. The story unfolds further in the next three volumes. I don't want to ruin it too much. If you are at all familiar with the story, I know I failed to bring in Ms. Morikawa and more of Mr. Amamiya, but I really wanted to focus the synopsis on our two leading men. I read Passion before I read Only the Ring Finger Knows and Kissing. Yet thanks to this series, I have been able to fall in love with both Gotoh-sensei and Takaku-sensei's work. Gotoh-sensei is a great storyteller and is able to weave together a romantic and interesting story. Takaku-sensei has a very unique art style that is recognizable immediately, which is something that I really like. Sensei has a very simple and delicate style. The men are gorgeous, the women are gorgeous, and they are all very stylish.

I recommend this series, especially as an introduction into M-rated yaoi. It was one of the first ones I checked out and knew immediately that I had been hooked by the yaoi genre. You won't be disappointed!