Total Surrender by Hiroko Ishimaru review

Total Surrender

Author/Artist: Hiroko Ishimaru

Publisher: Juné

Rating: M – 18 and up

Genre: Yaoi, Drama, Comedy, Romance, Anthology

Grade: C+

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

Total Surrender is a collection of one-shots that feature stories where the characters have surrendered completely to their emotions. Hence the name Total Surrender. But y’all are smart, I’m pretty sure you picked up on that already.

There is a story of stepbrothers who can’t live without each other. Another tale is of co-workers who are lovers but are unable to find any time to be together. The third story is of a doctor and his secretary who has pined for one another, but haven’t done anything due to nervousness. Our next story is about a young rich heir falling in love with his butler. In the fifth story, we meet two former classmates whose sex life has gotten a little boring. The final story is the longest of the one-shots. It’s about a part-time employee who has fallen in love with one of the designers in the office and he will do almost anything to get his attention. This last tale is the one that is featured on the back of the book.

Overall, Total Surrender wasn’t bad. I think I might be a little worn out on one-shot collections. The final story Love Conquers All?! was by far the best of all of the stories. It had the perfect amount of humor and drama. Besides, they have pets which always adds in a comedic aspect. The art is nicely detailed. It kind of reminded me a bit of Toko Kawaii. The only drawback in the art is that the all characters look the same. All the blondes look alike and so do all the brunettes. Yeah, there might a pair of glasses thrown in here or there, but they still all look alike.

I did like it, and I do recommend it, but know that it is a collection of one-shots. If you aren’t burned out like I am definitely feel free to check it out. But if you are a little tired of one-shots, I’d hold off until you want to pick up a one-shot collection.