Monday, November 10, 2008

A Gentleman's Kiss vol. 2 by Shinri Fuwa review

A Gentleman's Kiss vol. 2

Author/Artist: Shinri Fuwa

Publisher: Juné

Rating: M – 18 and above

Genre: Yaoi, Drama, Romance, Organized Crime

Grade: A

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

I've decided that I really dig BL Yakuza stories. Maybe it's because my mother has been obsessed with the Mafia and I grew up with The Godfather and other mob movies. I seem to be drawn to the Yakuza in the same way.

Homura Yasobe and Touji Karasuma are back in the final installment of A Gentleman's Kiss. The second volume kicks off with Kyoya Kuramoto, former host at Homura's club, basically stalking Homura. It seems that he has fallen for his former boss. Since the stalking doesn't seem to be making any progress, he goes about using the blackmail approach. Kyoya knows about Homura and Touji's affair. To shut him up Homura agrees to go out with him. But his mind is always focused on Touji.

While all of this is going on Touji is preparing himself and those around him for his succession to the head of the group. It's decided that Touji will soon become engaged to the daughter Tanno, the leader of Homura's faction. When Homura gets wind of this engagement, he is beside himself. Even though they've kept their relationship on the down low, Homura can't help but be hurt. To try and help Homura heal Kyoya steps in to fill in the hole. Having an illicit affair with a rival gang leader sure is tough!

If you are reading this thinking "What?" feel free to read my review of A Gentleman's Kiss vol. 1. Juné made a very wise licensing choice with this series. Shinri Fuwa-sensei's art is truly beautiful in black and white. All of her characters are extremely handsome, especially Homura. You can't beat a beautiful bishonen in glasses. The story is truly riveting. You have sex, intrigue, humor, suspense, etc. You can't beat that! Since this a tale of men involved with organized crime much of the story is at night. Because of that there are a lot of dark scenes which means there is a lot of ink. With all of that ink, some of that ink rubbed off onto my fingers. I was a little surprised because I've never had that problem with any other Juné release. It was a little disheartening but because this is such a great story I'll ignore it.

I feel that this is a great title and series. You can't beat a story where love truly conquers all! I suggest that you read it. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!

***Review Copy provided by Juné ***
***Reposted with permission from The Journal of the Lincoln Heights Literary Society***

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