Readers' Choice: Yaoi Manga

Author / Artist: Sumomo Yumeka
Japanese Title: Dousaibou Seibutsu
Publisher: Juné Manga / Digital Manga Publishing
Volumes: 1
US Publication Dates: 2006
Compare prices for Same Cell Organism

An angel who becomes human for the man he loves. A pair of high school loners find a special place to hide from the rest of the world. And a high school boy who wonders if his college-age lover truly loves him or is just using him for pleasure. Same Cell Organism offers these sweet and sensitive boys love short stories, and more.

"Peaceful, touching and bittersweet stories. Time seems suspended and your lover is your soulmate in an otherwise meaningless world. "
- Kocha, @_kocha

Author / Artist: Satosumi Takaguchi
Japanese Title: Sakende Yaruze!
Publisher: BLU Manga / TokyoPop
Volumes: 5
US Publication Dates: 2006 - 2007
Compare prices for Shout Out Loud! Vol. 1

When a boy shows up on Shino's doorstep and introduces himself as the son he didn't know he had, Shino realizes that his acting career has to generate more income to support his new family. Shino then takes up voice acting, in particular, taking up speaking parts in boys love drama CDs. He then has to deal with advances from some of his male co-stars, and he's not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing...

"A look at a side of the BL business few readers know about. The plot, rather than the sex drives the story."
- Eva Volin, @funnypages

Author / Artist: Hajin Yoo
Publisher: NETComics
Volumes: 6
US Publication Dates: 2008 - 2009
Compare prices for Totally Captivated Vol. 1

Strong-armed by the mafia to work as a courier for a loan shark, Ewon wonders how he got stuck doing dangerous work for very little pay. To make matters worse, he's working under a gang leader whose dark good looks doesn't make up for the endless sexual harrassment he inflicts on Ewon.

"Promiscuous college student with a mysterious past runs into fist of Korean gangster. Dysfunction ensues."
- Rowan McBride, @RowanMcBride

Author / Artist: Kawaii Studio
Publisher: Yaoi Press
Volumes: 2
US Publication Dates: 2006
Compare prices for Treasure Vol. 1

Alan and Patrick are two navy sailors in love who find themselves embroiled in a love triangle. Through a series of dramatic circumstances, Alan is wounded in battle and kidnapped by pirates, leaving Alan to think that Patrick was killed. Thanks to a charismatic pirate captain, Alan joins the crew, but fate reunites Alan and Patrick -- this time as enemies in this war set on the high seas.

"Treasure offers a fun, period love quad featuring pirates vs. royal navymen. It's got pirates and forbidden love."
- Lyle Masaki, @LyleMasaki

Author / Artist: Rakun
Publisher: NETComics
Volumes: 1
US Publication Dates: 2009
Compare prices for U Don't Know Me

Seyun and Yoojin have been neighbors and pals since childhood -- but a family tragedy forces Seyun to move, and the two struggle to maintain their friendship across the miles and through the years. When the two are reunited, Seyun realizes that he feels sexually attracted to Yoojin. To his surprise, his feelings are reciprocated by his friend, but how it all comes down is not what he had ever imagined.

"U Don't Know Me takes yaoi cliches and turns them into something emotionally compelling and honestly sexy."
- Melinda Beasi, @mbeasi

Author / Artist: Keiko Konno
Japanese Title: Ai no Kotodama
Publisher: Juné Manga / Digital Manga Publishing
Volumes: 2
US Publication Dates: 2007
Compare prices for Words of Devotion Vol. 1

After graduating from high school, Tachibana and Otani decide to move in together mostly as friends, and occasionally as friends with benefits. This seems to work out well, until a female classmate, Yuki arrives on the scene. This event sets off Otani's insecurities and has him questioning what he wants from Tachibana, and wondering if Yuki's presence will force him to make a decision he wasn't prepared to make.

"Keiko Konno's Words of Devotion is down to earth, dealing with actual gay issues, but very sweet."
- Niki Smith, @niki_smith