Tomorrow's Ulterior Motives by Sakuya Fujii review

Tomorrow's Ulterior Motives

Author/Artist: Sakuya Fujii

Publisher: Juné

Rating: M – ages 18 and up

Genre: Yaoi, Comedy, Drama, Romance

Grade: B

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

Makoto Aizawa and Sanari Jounouchi-sensei have been lovers for about a year now. Makoto's performance in Jounouchi-sensei's play has caused there to be a growing buzz around Makoto's acting abilities. But a new villain has appeared Jounouchi-sensei's arch nemesis Taizou Oouchi. The two used to work for the same Theatre Company until Oouchi-sensei struck out on his own. He now has set his sights on Makoto.

Oouchi-sensei has written a musical based on Shakespeare's Richard III. He has cast Makoto in a leading role, but Makoto doesn’t sing. Oouchi is referred to as the Angel of Music and will offer singing lessons by leaving a note in your shoe locker. But he won't teach just anyone. It seems that Oouchi-sensei wants to embarrass Jounouchi-sensei by ruining Makoto. Jounouchi-sensei won't allow that so he takes Makoto under his wing once again and teaches him to sing. It seems the power tug of war has just begun.

This is one over the top series. At least Sakuya Fujii-sensei acknowledges that it is beyond the realm of reality and enters the world of the absurd. I mentioned in my review for Today's Ulterior Motives I don't really like the melodramatic comedies, but I have really enjoyed this series. I think one of the reasons why I like it is because it revolves around the theatre. I really like Makoto. He may be your typical uke in distress, but he isn't afraid to be vocal and opinionated. Jounouchi-sensei seems to be head over heels in love with Makoto. This is a really enjoyable series. The art is phenomenal, especially the cover. It is a gorgeous matte dust jacket blanketed with fall foliage and Makoto and Jounouchi-sensei in an outdoor bath.

I would have never been introduced to this series were it not for Juné. I must congratulate them on their wise choice. This volume is not only stunning for its dust jacket alone. It is also very flexible while holding and reading it. You won't develop carpal tunnel while reading this work. The quality of the materials is higher which makes it a nice read.

I recommend this title along with the first volume. It is a fun read and is a great escape from reality. We all need those from time to time!

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