Ai No Kusabi Volume 8

“Now it was all clear.

The truth of it all.”

This is my first post for 2014!!! YAY! *contains some spoiler*

I’ve just finished reading the last book of the legendary series “Ai No Kusabi” and it took me quite a while to write this review. I’ve been waiting for the book to arrive for more than a month and at last, I got it today! I quickly started reading it despite the fact that I was supposed to be working on something related to school stuffs but I couldn’t stop myself from opening the book and start reading it.

As you may know, volume 7 was released last 2012 and it took me more time than it should to be able to acquire a copy of volume 8. I wouldn’t go through the details of it but it took time to be able to buy this book outside akadot.com. The shipping fee was too much for me so I waited and waited for them to release it officially and quickly bought a copy from an online shop which offered a cheaper price than akadot. 

Anyway…

Horayyy! My Ai No Kusabi collection is now complete! These are my priced and treasured possession and I love it more than any other. Ai No Kusabi will always have its own place in my heart that no other BL novel or manga can take away. It’s a masterpiece, a classic and a very beautiful yet tragic tale of love and submission. And I think Ai No Kusabi is one of those early piece of art that strengthened the foundation of the yaoi genre.

Let’s go to the book…

I have the same opinion in regards with the translation quality and art of the new edition of the series as I have in volume 7. My greatest disappointment is once again, Aisha being a female in this volume. I won’t go in that topic again; please read my post about Ai No Kusabi volume 07 if you’d like to know. When I received this book and opened it, I was feeling somewhat sad but at the same time excited. Excited to be able to at last read the ending of the series for the first time. I felt sad because I knew that this only means one thing; Ai No Kusabi is done and after this book, no more follows of the story of Iason Mink and Riki. For me who loves these two to no ends, I feel like I’ve completely surrendered to the tragic end of Riki and Iason’s life. Maybe I’m just being too sentimental but I just can’t help but be affected with these series. As I have always claimed, Ai No Kusabi is one of the main reasons why I love yaoi.

There were a lot of details that were different from the 2-episode OVA and it would be a waste to miss those events in the book. In this volume, I was able to discover the “faces” of the gang member of the Bison not as an underling but as Riki’s friends. The things they would do in order to find truth and how they’d deal when reality slaps them in the face. As always, Iason’s Blondy persona was as inscrutable and dangerous as ever in this book but the hints of his “human” self would slip into the surface every now and then. Writing this review is different as when I was writing my review about volume 7. In that one, I was very enthusiastic and jolly because of all the feels that volume gave me. But now, I just can’t explain myself clearly even though I’m trying hard and writing this later wouldn’t be any better. Volume 8 is just very heart-breaking, tragic, and sorrowful yet Iason’s raw emotions and his undeniably genuine love and care for Riki was something unforgettable. In this volume, I saw how “Human” Iason can be despite the fact that the only organic part of him was his brain. Just imagining Iason’s beautiful face contorted with worry and rage over the things that happened to Riki, who would have thought you were being shown a humanoid machine built to serve a computer named Jupiter?

One thing in this book was also how ignorant Riki is of his own effect to Iason and how he has not thought that there must be something else, some reason why Iason was so eager to bind themselves with each other. Maybe his experiences with Iason clouded his thought but I am happy that things are somehow clearer to Riki now.

In the scene where he was abducted by Guy and were confronting each other, Riki was trying to push Guy using words Guy wouldn’t want to hear and wouldn’t be able to accept. Yet more than anything, he couldn’t identify anymore if he was saying it because he had to cut his ties with Guy or because it was the truth.

From there on, the pattern of the events went on like of that in the 2-episode OVA where Guy tried to kill Iason and himself and I was reading it with drumming chest and I was gripping the book hard because I knew where it was going. I knew what would happen next and then there were tears in my eyes as I read at the same time relived Iason and Riki’s final moments. I imagine the look of astonishment in Iason’s face as he saw Riki coming back to him, choosing him and being with him until their last breath. It was really painful for me and I was so sad but knowing that in the end, Iason at last have Riki all for himself and that even without the pet ring that bind them, they were bound by something more than a master and his pet, I had the courage to smile and be happy for the both of them.

Just look at how Iason was so relieved to see Riki okay! 

I am so happy for Iason despite how everything ended. At the very end, Riki came back to him in his own free will.

I would have loved to know how the Blondies would deal with what happened, especially Jupiter but the short parts of Raoul, Katze and Guy, living the reality of losing Iason and Riki seemed more than enough. What would happen to that world, one can only wonder. Perhaps, life would go on without any big difference or maybe it would somehow change their system a little, it is left for us to imagine. Or maybe not. As for me, let just say I imagine that somewhere out there are Riki and Iason with genuine smiles on their lips.

Compared to my post about volume 7, this one came really gloomy and I wanna say sorry for that. I’m just having a hard time expressing my feels but I know if I did better it would be much worse than the gloominess and sentimental of this post.

Another thing…I was literally screaming “where the fuck is my lemon?!”; “what the fuck guy no! not yet! Give me my lemon first!!”; “where the fuck are you iason?! I need my lemon!!.” “LEMONNNN!!!” because yes as you’ve guessed, no lemon for us. Though Riki explained to guy how he and Iason were like in bed in details so I kinda forgave sensei! J Yoshihara-sensei, again thank you so much for this amazing novel! You are awesome and I hope to read more of your works in the near future! DMP please publish sensei’s other works! please!

“Do you know what Ai No Kusabi means? It’s an ancient term, it means something that binds two things together.”

“It might be that they could only live by pitting their pride against each other. Maybe it was predestined that way.

It might break your heart, but there’s love that can only be expressed the way they lived it.
Between those of us left, there is nothing to share. The only certainty is that we are the only ones who can speak of not just how they died, but how they lived.”

–Katze to Guy

P.S: posted this later than I intended because I fell asleep after typing this review.lol

New York New York manga

Okay, let me just say this first. This contains some spoiler so be warned and if you don’t want to be spoiled, just read the first paragraph. The plot of the story was really good, it showed the point of view of the society of how Taboo homosexuality was during the early days, as well as the characters involved and their inner private point of view of themselves. In this manga, “New York New York” by Marimo Nagawa-sensei, Kain was a closet gay and was afraid of being discovered because of circumstances like bigotry, which we couldn’t deny that is still present at this modern period. His struggles and indecisiveness was shown descriptively and the changes afterwards after meeting Mel took a great part in reforming his beliefs and feelings towards himself. I believe that his strong emotions led him to weigh which was more important to him and made him the person he became. Sensei made a very nice elaboration expressing the step by step actions the character made in reaching the person who could proudly say and admit his sexuality. The art was good and I was really satisfied with it because I believe that it fit perfectly to the setting and the characters. I strongly recommend that you read it guys.

It’s been a long time since I’ve written something about the mangas that I’m reading. There’s been a lot that happened and I’ve been very busy but anyway. At first I didn’t thought I would come to write something about the manga I’ve just finished reading. The title is “New York New York”. When I had put it into my bookmarks or let’s say when I found it and saw that it was labeled as tragedy I got the feeling that I didn’t want to read it for a while so it took me a little more time to have the courage to read it. I’m really easily drawn to angst but even though it’s like that, I still avoid reading them sometimes but I always ended up reading them anyway. While reading NYNY, I thought “ah—I have to prepare myself. I need not to attach myself to the character too much because this manga has a tragic end”. But then while reading it, I just couldn’t stop myself feeling affection towards the characters. The feelings they have for each other and the strong desire and hope during the trials they were passing through was really great that I always thought that it was such a waste for it to have a tragic end. I had already braced myself for the tragic end but then as I continued to read the story and got out of that particular dangerous and scary scene, I thought, “Maybe it was labeled as tragedy because there were a lot of killings”. I was really happy that there weren’t something like Kain dying or Mel dying in that traumatic events. When I was reaching the end, the story took turn and it made me happy of the development of it. They were very happy despite the traumatic past that had happened. But what really moved me was the great love they had for each other; that despite what they had been through, they were able to stay together and be truthful to each other. I love the character of Kain, strong and willful. I love Mel’s gentleness and the way he looked the future with a smile and was able to cope up with everything. Really, but what moved me to tears was the end of the story where, at their old age, they were still as lovely as the newlyweds they were, loving and tender to each other, that despite one leaving, one was able to accept and continue life. I love it so much. Especially the last scene where they were both reunited, I couldn’t control my emotions I cried so much because I was sad yet happy at the same time. Now I’m really happy that I read New York New York. It was an amazing experience and it has been a long time since the last time I cried over a manga (a few days ago, I cried over a novel tho it wasn’t as bad as this time). So anybody out there, I’d recommend your read New York New York as well and witness such an amazing story about homosexuality, murder, acceptance, hope and specially, a love so strong it could  conquer even as dangerous as life and death. 

summary from mangatraders:

Kain Walker is an admired and appreciated policeman of New York of all his colleagues. By fright at disappointing his fellows and also being discovered, Kain hides that he is gay and refrains from any coherent relation... until the day when his way crosses that of Mel Frederics, a calm and soft young man at the dark past. A meeting which is going to confuse their life.

Genre: Action, Drama, Psychological, Slice of Life, Tragedy, Yaoi

Ai No Kusabi volume 7

Hello there everyone! So after a few months of patiently waiting, finally my Ai No Kusabi vol 7 novel arrived yesterday.  I was patient enough to wait for months, no? Since I pre-ordered it 2 months before the release date on august. Oh well, I guess complaints were pointless for I’ve ordered it for a pretty desirable price. When the book arrived, I had a feeling of disappointment and sadness for vague reasons. The first reason was, as a forumer, of course I had already read few comments about the book. Like Aisha being a girl in the 7^th volume (WTH?). I was disappointed with it. Yes basically because I had already imprinted it on my mind that all the blondies were men. The second reason was, again as a fan, I had already seen the art of the new volume and of course I was taken aback. Having read the novels for three times (I didn’t read the entire 6 volumes thrice though, only few of them), I got used to the drawing or the art of the 6 volumes that I couldn’t seem to get used to the new art when I saw it (I have copies of them stashed in my AI NO KUSABI folder though.lol.). And lastly the third reason was because they changed the translator. Having loved Ai No Kusabi since the first time I laid my eyes on it, I was afraid of disappointment. But since reading was the only way for me to find out what happened after that night where Iason fucked Riki so hard, there was no other way but to open the book and read it.

Ai No Kusabi Volume 7 book cover

Sooooooo~ here’s what I wanna say about it. The first few ages were beautiful. Yes, nothing beats a lovey-dovey scene from Iason and Riki after waiting for so long for the next release of the book. No doubt, the God of all Semes, Iason Mink still held that title. I just love Riki’s stubbornness and his ever disdainful attitude towards Iason! And of course, Iason’s oh so twisted exquisiteness was unbeatable. Despite having the cover art different from the past, well, I guess the artist still did a great job.

Hmmm. Let me just deal with my reasons from above. The first one was of Aisha being a woman. Yes, confirmed by my own eyes and my understanding, it was a “SHE” and not a “HE” used. So my eternal scandalous (?) image of the beautiful proud Blondies was shattered. I didn’t know who to blame because from the previous volumes, Aisha was a male. And I would be so glad than anyone else if this was just an error and that Aisha was really a male (though the name says it’s a female).

The second reason of my wavering faith (?) was because of the new art. But alas!! As you can see, the artist has done a good job. I guess I should say thank you for it. However, please excuse my rudeness but in my own opinion (others might not agree though) I still preferred the old art. Why? Simply because having it drastically changed had my heart ached. I mean, I loved everything of ANK from the tree the paper came from until the last ink of the last page of it but then suddenly new changes forced its way on my heart and mind that I didn’t know how to react (sorry for being such a bitch).

And lastly, about the translator. I still love the old translator of the English version of the novel. The English and every word and feelings it conveyed to me were nothing to compare about. However, it didn’t mean that the new translation sucks. There were a few, no I lot changed from the way between the previous volumes and volume7 but still it was a good read. Maybe having these feelings in me towards the old things about Ai No Kusabi was because of my attachment to the story nonetheless, volume 7 held a great part of the whole continuing tale of Iason and Riki and I couldn’t wait for the next volume of it!

I’m not yet done!! Okay so back to the story. . I got confused while reading it because my dumb mind refused to accept some new facts from the novel. Like new names (Lavi?? who the hell???). . .details details. . .boom! He was Robby from the volume 3! And Vince (who?), Cher (it was Schell right?)! But oh well, I still could connect them so it was fine. Then there was this Paradita shit kind of pet who was all so clingy with Riki that it got him into trouble and the bastard Blondies got their beefs with Riki and then shit happened. Yeah it came down to it that that Paradita was a shitty bastard and wanted Riki out of Eos.

the paradita and riki 

 Anyway, another thing, when I saw Zico I thought of someone who looked like him and then when I scanned my novels, I found out it was Orphe. Yeah they looked kinda alike with Orphe. Hahaha! I thought when Guy and Luke sniffed around for in formations, they’d be able to gather information about Riki being a pet but then it turned out this Zico was under Iason as well, too bad for Guy. AH!! Oh I almost forgot!! They turned Kirie to an Alita!! Kinda like a fuck toy. Poor Kirie, I pity him. But seriously I felt like he was not even worth turning to that shit. I mean they should have just put him somewhere out of Riki’s system. Hahaha. Whatever! (I know right I’m talking nonsense here…sorry!)

so what do you say? they kinda looked alike right?? or was it just me?

Now here, the love scenes! Oh my gosh!! OH MY GOSH! Fucking great! Iason going down on Riki for the first time?? (My feelssssss I can’t even! Iason I love you so much!) When I was reading that part which was the end chapter, I couldn’t help thinking about the old 2-part anime version of Ai No Kusabi! There was this scene where Iason was blowing Riki and it was too hot and sexy that all throughout that scene I was imagining it while reading the book! Damn great!! XD oh I so love it! I love Iason so much! I mean who wouldn’t? Afterall, he was willing to do anything just to have Riki! Even though he had not realized it yet, it was so clear that he was so in love with Riki! And Riki’s denial of his own longing and feelings was taking its toll on him. Just a few touches and his body would react to Iason. Ah~ I just couldn’t help falling in love with this pair over and over again!! Riko Yoshihara-sensie, you made the greatest tale of the yaoi genre! Thank you so much!

Lastly, I just couldn’t help but feel sad thinking that everything would be reaching to an end soon. That the beautiful yet twisted romance of these two, a Master and a pet, Iason Mink and Riki the Black, would have such a heart-breaking and tragic end (as what I saw on the anime). The chance of discovering and loving the yaoi fandom held a great part in my heart specially this story of Ai No Kusabi. Everyone who had made this novel great, thank you very much!! 

The Diary of Sangchul

I was so excited when the package arrived because I was looking forward to reading Sangchul’s Diary! I’ve already read the Totally Peeking side stories but since you can’t find Sangchul’s Diary on the internet, it made me so happy to be able to have a copy of it.

                So concerning his diary, I WAS SO SHOCKED. OMG!! I couldn’t believe something like those happened! Sangchul’s diary started when he got assigned under Mookyul as the latter started being the boss of the Gangnam office. I was screaming so loud! I mean, *SPOILER ALERT HOLD YOUR BREATHS* Sangchul blowing Mookyul?! WTH?? Seriously!! Though I didn’t dislike it. I was just so surprised that there was something like that that happened between them. Gosh!! And in this book, you’ll know Sangchul’s real thoughts and feelings.

                Also, Sangchul’s Diary talked about the real relationship between Chairman Lee and Mookyul. Reading the 6 volumes of Totally captivated left me confused of the real feelings of both character but now I’ve already understood how deep their connections were. But then, ewon’s still the best partner for Mookyul. *Of Course*

please don't mind the thumb.lol

                At the last part of the book, the manhwaka explained things that were not put into the book since the publishing of it was cancelled. The first meeting of Mookyul and Chairman Lee was included too! XD Chairman Lee’s so handsome when he was still young. Lol. Totally Captivated fans should grab a copy of Diary of Sangchul manhwa for more shocking revelations! :D

In These Words vol. 1 lovely feels! XD

Yesterday, when I arrived at my classroom, my classmate who I’ve trusted to receive my packages unexpectedly held me a different envelop than usual, it was a brown one, not the common white one I usually receive. It was the package from Guilt pleasure, a book that I got so curious about and ended up buying a copy of it online. I let her open it and I totally freaked out when I saw that it has a notepad accompanying the book itself. “Oh my god! A freebie!” I cried aloud without even minding my classmates around me. I was so happy and I felt so giddy. I couldn’t keep myself from freaking out because of the excitement I felt inside. I didn’t even care that I’m gathering all their attention and happily celebrating the arrival of the book. Kyaaaaah! XD I really love having the real thing in my hands!

The book that I’ve bought from DP was the suspense story “In these words”. I just love the cover of the book! It made me think of how amazing the content would be! Then I also love the DP card with the book and the notepad! So sexy! I could feel the invisible *fojushi drool* crawling out of my mouth! Then my friends asked me to give them one sheet of the notepad and I couldn’t say no. So, they were having fun tearing one sheet each knowing that it would make me freak out more. Yes. I was screaming while they took the time tearing sheets each for themselves. They’re such a sadist! They knew so well that it would affect me. DX

Everyone might be wondering why I’m reacting openly like that even with my classmates around. Well, it’s because I’m a proud and shameless fojushi and it’s hard for me to control my emotions even with a lot of people around especially when it concerns my hobbies. And on top of these reasons, almost everyone of my classmates already knew that I love yaoi. Yes, they so fucking knew my homosexual fetish!

And so when it comes down to the book. OMG! I’m so amazed with the drawing I couldn’t even. . .Damn! I love love love it! The colored prints are so beautiful, wonderful, lovely, exquisite, and seductive, it made my heart goes doki doki and my mind was so in cloud9 when I saw them! Gosh! I like Katsuya and his character. The events in his nightmares were so sexy and so sadistic that I’ve had a boner down there even though it’s just imaginary! LOL. Also, he looks more handsome and ukeish with his hair down. Ahhhh! I just like seeing him getting fucked like that! Yeah. . I’m a sadist too that’s why I really love the concept of this book!

I love what he said here! XD Kyaaaahh!

Katsuya is so sexy! DX

so cute!!

The mysterious and childish air around Keiji is what I love the most. His eyes are so fierce and strong. Aaaaaah! Keiji! He’s so sadistic I love him so much! His every word feels so real when he speaks to Katsuya. I want to know more about him and I can’t wait to read the second volume! The end of the volume one’s so fucking cliffhanger I was screaming when I reached that part last night!  I wonder when’s the next release would be. I’ll surely get a copy of it no matter what! My butt’s getting giddy just thinking of the possible events ahead between Katsuya and Keiji!

The guilt pleasure logo is so wow! I like it a lot! and that sexy guy there! OMG! so hot!

Katsuya's chibi version! SO CUTE! XD

TogaQ and KuchikuNeko-san, thank you so much for creating such thrilling and exciting story. Moreover, the sex scenes are so beautifully and explicitly illustrated that I couldn’t help rereading it repeatedly. That stranger’s cock is so big. Whoever he is I know Katsuya felt good having it up his ass. LOL. And oh! The ITW chibi version’s quite funny! I couldn’t agree more of what the fojushis did on those scenes. Hahaha! Buying this book rather cost me a lot but I regret nothing. In contrary, I’m now saving up for the next volume of it. Cheers to Guilt pleasure, TogaQ & KichikuNeko, and DMP for such a wonderful manga! :>

An adult love story about two men and agonizing longing. . .

Kyuuso Ha Cheese no Yume Omiru [The cornered mouse dreams of cheese]

Sojou no Koi wa Nido Haneru [The carp on the chopping block jumps twice]

By Mizushiro Setona

How far will a homosexual relationship within a straight man and a gay man go? What trials will they have to pass through in order to stay together? On top of that, what are the true feelings that well up inside a straight man’s heart in this kind of relationship? Will he fall completely in love? Or will it end up as just a passing emotions that will eventually disappear as time goes by?

Kyuuso Ha Cheese no Yume Omiru v01 c02 - 082

Kyuuso Ha Cheese no Yume Omiru v01 c05 - 146

A complicated love and longing. A perfect representation of how homosexual relationship struggles to attain happiness. A kind of tale that shows how emotions can control and lead people to their limits. And of how difficult love can be. This is the story of two adult men, Kyouichi and Imagase, a straight man and a gay man together in a relationship of twisted feelings.

Kyuuso Ha Cheese no Yume Omiru v01 c05 - 183

Sojou no Koi wa Nido Haneru c01 - 047

Kyouchi’s dilemma leads to his indecisiveness and cowardice towards their growing relationship and with the women coming into him, such problems just gets more complicated. His feelings are always half-hearted and that’s why having affairs with women has always been easy. Imagase’s obsession on the other hand, leads him to understand and accept Kyouichi’s infidelity and continued to stay with him. But everyone has their own limits and the love he has for Kyouichi struggles to the point of breaking down.

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Sojou no Koi wa Nido Haneru c03 - 131

As I’m reading these mangas, I have understood the feelings of despair and dilemma of a straight man in a gay relationship and of the feelings of responsibility of having such happiness and comfort. But of course, relationships just don’t deal with only that. In this 2-volume story of Imagase and Kyouichi, the true feelings of a straight man are revealed. His own point of view and perspective of how a homosexual relationship operates.  I love how the story develops and of how the characters suffered in their own indecisiveness and fear. I love how the feelings grew and how they’ve struggled to control their emotions. The story is a beautiful and painful tale that I even had teary eyes while reading it. The mangaka is very good. I love the plot, the emotions and the art. These two volumes of Imagase and Kyouichi’s love story and longing is a must read! Witness their relationship from the start til the very end.

Ai No Kusabi Vol. 2: DESTINY

So last august 03, I’ve got hold of a copy of Ai No Kusabi volume 2: Destiny. It was a dream come true for I have been longing deeply to have a copy of those precious books I’ve been admiring all this time. I have already read the whole 6 volumes of the story using a soft copy I have downloaded online but having the real thing was not just a mere whimsy of mine but the desire to have the physical copies on my hands. It is for my complete satisfaction.

The fact that I couldn’t gain the volume one because of its rareness thus, the price was quite out of my reach, made me settle to buy those I could afford.  After it arrived, I quickly read the volume two without hesitation, for the second time. It was as if the feelings I had the first time I read rose again and my chest was full of those warm unknown emotions. Reading it means experiencing those great ups and down of emotions and the thrill of knowing the events and the characters again.

I couldn’t count how many times I smiled, laughed, screamed and called out the names Iason and Riki repeatedly. The happiness and excitement of witnessing those fateful encounters of these two marvelous characters kept me swaying in and out of my own world. If I had not entered into this beautiful world called “YAOI” I would have not known this tale that embodied the true meaning of “the wedge of love”.

The moment I opened the book destiny, I was in deep joy that I felt like crying. Perhaps, not everyone would understand the feelings I felt but I believe that any Ai No Kusabi fan out there would undoubtedly agree with me.

As I continued to read, the phrase “Riki met Iason” made my heart cried out of passion. And I was completely swept away with the urge to reminisce this beautifully conveyed story of Iason Mink and Riki the Black. And so, with every flip of the pages and every move of my eyes as I read the story, I was under the spell of this beautiful tale of dark mysteries.

I can’t seem to patiently wait for the volume 3 to arrive on my hands. However, since I haven’t purchased the volume 1 and quickly jumped to the second volume to read, I might as well just use the soft copy I have to read it again. I am now so enthralled to read this novel again. In my opinion, there’s no doubt that “Ai No Kusabi”, just what June manga says, defined the genre.