(I'm not even sure if it's just my imagination, but I think I've read this before. Anyways, if I have, it's been over seven years ago.)
Shounen wa Asu o Korosu is absolutely not perfect, as the character development is pretty basic and there are some problems beside that, too. But I've come to a point in my yaoi-reading life where the only thing I need to consider yaoi good is to enjoy it (shonen-ai, in this case). Since I've read too much yaoi, most of what I read is crap nowadays, in order to find one good one among ten. So anything that can get a reaction out of me is enough. And this manga was indeed very enjoyable. Just the style I like, with likable characters too and sexy enough to make me want more.
At first I thought Kei's interest in Sakuraba was going way too fast, but it turns out it was really, really hot. So much sexual tension...that's what I love the most! I swear, sometimes I like shounen-ai more than yaoi, so that they focus more on the plot and let the sex be background only. Even so, I just wish they'd show the kisses already =/ I mean, I did say I prefer plot over sex...but just a little teasing wouldn't hurt, huh? And unfortunately, I can't rate it 10 because of that. I mean, it was awesome and it's not like sex is the most important part, but...we only got to see light kisses and most of them were even left to imagination =/ They didn't even confess to each other and their physical relationship afterwards was only implied...and I am reading this for the BL, after all...
I would've settled for just a bit more drama, but it's pretty much what I wanted at the moment: very cute with some good angsty bits.
The strongest point I see in this is the pace - it's REALLY good. They kiss, several times, then they go to third base, then the "realizing the real feelings" part. And time goes by as it should, also. Very well-done on this aspect.
I also like the characters very much, since they are exactly the kind of uke and seme I like...especially Sakuraba. The stereotype of my type of uke. And it's so cute how Kei sees Sakuraba as a sweet little uke and instead he's the smirky, sarcastic kind~!
The most important thing to be said, though, is that I caught myself smiling for no reason while reading this. That's the feeling mangas should on to us, right? This manga isn't about anything particularly original, but...there's just something about it that I really like.
PS: Am I the only one or do you guys also love Kamenaga-sensei?
The second story was utterly frustrating, because I feel it was incomplete. What the hell was that open ending?! I wanted to see Yashiro with someone...actually, not even with Sakae, but with mad dog himself! Anyway, it was indeed very well done, plot-wise, but it felt like a waste of a good story. Well, at least it compensates a little for the sex.
Te last story was okay too. Dramatic, really dramatic, but I didn't really have enough time to connect to the characters, so I didn't even cry. Don't get me wrong; they're likable and the story was enjoyable, too. Just not that remarkable.
As for the art, I actually find it quite interesting...amusing, even, somehow. Ok, it is old, but still managed to get me appreciating it - and believe me, I'm art-snobbish to the point I don't read a title when I dislike the art.
So, I'd recommend you read this. Don't expect the best manga ever, but if you're tired of looking for something you'll actually get to enjoy, you've just found it.
