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ACID TOWN #1
ACID TOWN
In a city where the law has been rendered non-existent, Yuki and his best friend Tetsu break into the offices of the Seidoukai to steal in a desperate attempt to finance his ailing brother's hospital bills. They ultimately fail but instead spark the interest of the mob's young leader, Kazutaka Hyodo, who offers Yuki a deal he can't refuse: pay him a visit at his office once a week and all hospital bills will be taken care of. Yuki accepts without hesitation and in order to keep his end of the deal, starts paying Hyodo the visits he asked for...
Ch1-5
Ch1-5
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First published February 24, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
February 10, 2017
Awesome plot. Dark scheme. Very well-built emotions, and in crescendo. Unrequited love. Tortured souls. Platonic longing.
Some manga just don't have a story. They are just a myriad of pictures, or sex.
But others have such emotion and strength you can only wonder at the mere sight of it. This series struck me with a lightning. There are several intertwined plots, and many characters, yet they manage to be all poignant and hypnotizing. Everybody is loved, everybody loves, everybody has a past, everybody has a tortured tale to tell.
Everybody has something to hide, and something to say. Something to win, something to lose.
Motives can be dark, or pure, or simply are. But they are all there, they are tangible and convoluted and simple and form a neat net of chance and consequences. I learnt to live with the characters, to suffer with them, to long with them, to hope with them, and to despair with them.
It left me speechless.
*****
Read in Manga Rock.
Volumes in the series:
Some manga just don't have a story. They are just a myriad of pictures, or sex.
But others have such emotion and strength you can only wonder at the mere sight of it. This series struck me with a lightning. There are several intertwined plots, and many characters, yet they manage to be all poignant and hypnotizing. Everybody is loved, everybody loves, everybody has a past, everybody has a tortured tale to tell.
Everybody has something to hide, and something to say. Something to win, something to lose.
Motives can be dark, or pure, or simply are. But they are all there, they are tangible and convoluted and simple and form a neat net of chance and consequences. I learnt to live with the characters, to suffer with them, to long with them, to hope with them, and to despair with them.
It left me speechless.
*****
Read in Manga Rock.
Volumes in the series:
August 2, 2021
You know it's a good one when you read it crying and giggling.
It's intense and sad. And I am burning.
It's intense and sad. And I am burning.
June 30, 2017
Me tiene cautivada el dibujo de Kyuugou, y como siempre, al ser primer tomo de serie y ser presentación de la historia, no me dice demasiado,promete, eso sí
July 16, 2023
This was intense and sad, but very compelling. Yuki makes a deal with a Yakuza leader in order to receive money for his brother's medical treatment. I have my theories about why the Yakuza leader decided to help, but we'll have to see how that goes. I'm not sure what the chances are of this story having a happy ending, but as it's still ongoing, I'm hopeful. Please note that romance is secondary to the plot in this volume. I'm not sure if that will change, but either way I'm invested.
February 16, 2015
Spoiler Review: Chapters 1-26
Although ACID TOWN is labeled as a Yaoi manga, it is foremost a plot-driven story. While it contains elements of shounen ai, it also deals with themes of violence, rape, prostitution, and organized crime. Needless to say, it was not the lighthearted romance one might expect.
The Synopsis:
ACID TOWN takes place in a dystopian setting where law enforcement is rendered nonexistent and authority is held by the gangs which control the city.
Two years ago, Tetsu met Yuki, a painfully thin orphan-boy covered in dirt. Malnourished and exhausted, he had been carrying a sickly child in his arms like it was the most precious thing in the world. From their first encounter, a friendship was developed, which slowly grew to become an unrequited love. For his younger brother, Jun, Yuki is willing to do anything. Similarly, Tetsu would sacrifice anything for Yuki.
After Jun became severely ill, Tetsu and Yuki had snuck into the offices of the Seidoukai to steal a large sum of money in order to pay for his brother’s medical treatment. They were caught by one of the group’s leaders, a man by the name of Hyoudou. Instead of executing them, he offered Yuki a deal— visit him once a week at the office, and his brother's hospital bills will be taken care of.
Meanwhile, tension brews between two rival gangs—Seidoukai and Heiron. The attention which Hyoudou gives to Yuki does not go unnoticed by his enemies, who plan to exploit that relationship to their advantage.
Characters:
I really loved the bond between Yuki and Hyoudou, which was perhaps the only uplifting thing in this grim story. Given Yuki's abusive past, he was always on guard around the man, a stranger who has shown him a kindness that was unfathomable. Despite his temper and hostility, Hyoudou continues to be patient around him. It wasn't until later that he learns the reason why—Hyoudou had been a close friend of his parents and had promised to protect the boy after their death. But after seeing the scars on Yuki's back, Hyoudou laments how much he had failed in this regard and swore to never lose him again.
Although Yuki is the main character, his story was not actually the one I found to be most compelling.
That would have to be Rei Sanada—the son of a gang leader who was eliminated by the boss of the Seidoukai. Following the death of his parents, he and his sister came to live with the very man who had killed their father. Formerly resentful of the family who had destroyed his own, Rei eventually came to develop feelings for their heir, Masatsugu, despite his inner turmoil. After his sister's attempted suicide, caused by the Seidoukai's leader, Rei Sanada swears vengeance against the family who has taken everything from him.
Initially a kindhearted young man with a promising future, he has been irrevocably drawn into the underground world filled with death and violence. He wears two faces—one that is warm and genuine, only known by those he love. The second face is one of deceit, cruel and merciless to anyone who stands in his way. Out of all the characters, I felt that Rei was the most well-written and most fascinating.
Plot-wise, I would not hesitate to give Acid Town five stars. However, it failed to impact me emotionally as I felt it could have. (This could be due to the fact that I am highly desensitized and jaded). This story does have a wide cast of characters and at times I felt there were too many flashback scenes. While I commend the author's attempt to flesh out the side characters, I would have preferred a stronger focus on some of the more important ones. The relationship between Yuki & Hyoudou should have been more developed before that pivotal moment where Yuki asked him about his parents.
There are very few manga artists who can convey emotion through black-and-white illustrations, and unfortunately, Kyuugou is not one of those people. Although her art is definitely above average, it fails to move the heart. This is one of those stories that would have been better were it a novel. The story is too convoluted to properly illustrate, and would've benefited from having more text.
Although ACID TOWN is labeled as a Yaoi manga, it is foremost a plot-driven story. While it contains elements of shounen ai, it also deals with themes of violence, rape, prostitution, and organized crime. Needless to say, it was not the lighthearted romance one might expect.
The Synopsis:
ACID TOWN takes place in a dystopian setting where law enforcement is rendered nonexistent and authority is held by the gangs which control the city.
Two years ago, Tetsu met Yuki, a painfully thin orphan-boy covered in dirt. Malnourished and exhausted, he had been carrying a sickly child in his arms like it was the most precious thing in the world. From their first encounter, a friendship was developed, which slowly grew to become an unrequited love. For his younger brother, Jun, Yuki is willing to do anything. Similarly, Tetsu would sacrifice anything for Yuki.
After Jun became severely ill, Tetsu and Yuki had snuck into the offices of the Seidoukai to steal a large sum of money in order to pay for his brother’s medical treatment. They were caught by one of the group’s leaders, a man by the name of Hyoudou. Instead of executing them, he offered Yuki a deal— visit him once a week at the office, and his brother's hospital bills will be taken care of.
Meanwhile, tension brews between two rival gangs—Seidoukai and Heiron. The attention which Hyoudou gives to Yuki does not go unnoticed by his enemies, who plan to exploit that relationship to their advantage.
Characters:
I really loved the bond between Yuki and Hyoudou, which was perhaps the only uplifting thing in this grim story. Given Yuki's abusive past, he was always on guard around the man, a stranger who has shown him a kindness that was unfathomable. Despite his temper and hostility, Hyoudou continues to be patient around him. It wasn't until later that he learns the reason why—Hyoudou had been a close friend of his parents and had promised to protect the boy after their death. But after seeing the scars on Yuki's back, Hyoudou laments how much he had failed in this regard and swore to never lose him again.
Although Yuki is the main character, his story was not actually the one I found to be most compelling.
That would have to be Rei Sanada—the son of a gang leader who was eliminated by the boss of the Seidoukai. Following the death of his parents, he and his sister came to live with the very man who had killed their father. Formerly resentful of the family who had destroyed his own, Rei eventually came to develop feelings for their heir, Masatsugu, despite his inner turmoil. After his sister's attempted suicide, caused by the Seidoukai's leader, Rei Sanada swears vengeance against the family who has taken everything from him.
Initially a kindhearted young man with a promising future, he has been irrevocably drawn into the underground world filled with death and violence. He wears two faces—one that is warm and genuine, only known by those he love. The second face is one of deceit, cruel and merciless to anyone who stands in his way. Out of all the characters, I felt that Rei was the most well-written and most fascinating.
Plot-wise, I would not hesitate to give Acid Town five stars. However, it failed to impact me emotionally as I felt it could have. (This could be due to the fact that I am highly desensitized and jaded). This story does have a wide cast of characters and at times I felt there were too many flashback scenes. While I commend the author's attempt to flesh out the side characters, I would have preferred a stronger focus on some of the more important ones. The relationship between Yuki & Hyoudou should have been more developed before that pivotal moment where Yuki asked him about his parents.
There are very few manga artists who can convey emotion through black-and-white illustrations, and unfortunately, Kyuugou is not one of those people. Although her art is definitely above average, it fails to move the heart. This is one of those stories that would have been better were it a novel. The story is too convoluted to properly illustrate, and would've benefited from having more text.
March 28, 2015
This is the kind of manga that restores my faith in the German manga market. The fact that they publish this kind of series (as well as Kano Miyamoto and Shoko Hidaka) makes it impossible for me to really hate Carlsen, even if they screw up other series and publish inane books like "Juicy Cider".
"Acid Town" is set in a dystopic future and it's about several boys trying to survive in that world. Its tone is rather dark, but the great thing about this series is that the focus isn't on the BL part at all (that's only hinted at so far), but on the world building, the story and the characters. Such a refreshing read after some of the stupid things I've been reading recently.
Oh, and the art is lovely, too.
"Acid Town" is set in a dystopic future and it's about several boys trying to survive in that world. Its tone is rather dark, but the great thing about this series is that the focus isn't on the BL part at all (that's only hinted at so far), but on the world building, the story and the characters. Such a refreshing read after some of the stupid things I've been reading recently.
Oh, and the art is lovely, too.
September 11, 2025
This was interesting, I really liked the atmosphere and Yuki and getting to know all the characters so far. I’ll definitely be continuing in the future!
March 23, 2026
*More like 3.5 stars than 3.*
There’s a lot of depth and potential here. The hints at a wider story and drama were quite tantalising, so I can see later volumes slipping into the 4 and maybe even 5 star territory. But as it stands in this volume, there isn’t quite enough to push it into 4 stars yet. Great foundations laid though, so I’m interested to see what comes next…
There’s a lot of depth and potential here. The hints at a wider story and drama were quite tantalising, so I can see later volumes slipping into the 4 and maybe even 5 star territory. But as it stands in this volume, there isn’t quite enough to push it into 4 stars yet. Great foundations laid though, so I’m interested to see what comes next…
October 18, 2025
Опасявам се, че първоначалният подход към историята не ми се видя особено удачен. Хвърлят ни в един обикновен на вид свят и ни срещат с две момчета, едното от които събира пари за лечението на болното си братче. За света не научаваме нищо, което как да е, но и героите се разкриват по доста типични начини - трудно мистериозно минало, болест на близък, несподелени чувства, чисто съжаление от човек, малко или много принуден да бъде бандит... Не че разкриват кой знае колко от това в подробности. Казано най-кратко, всичко би могло да се намери в поне 80% от историите на пазара. За късмет - това е само първият том и все пак има искрица чаровност в някои образи, което дава надежди за гмуркане по-надълбоко. Хьодо в частност ми е най-симпатичен в момента. (Тецу между дрогото си е чист Сугита Томоказу, отворете и вижте :D)
January 24, 2026
Husker jeg leste denne på en kjempe sketchy nettside for sånn 10+ år siden, men synes den var bra. It still issss, men mye mørkere enn jeg huska 😅 men teenage Kaja was onto something 🙂↕️
May 6, 2025
The story seems interesting, and I honestly would have loved it if it was executed differently. However there are a few things I really couldn't get myself to let down. This first volume was ok, my problems started mostly by the half of the second one.
This story has a lot of trigger warning and deals with quite heavy subjects, in my opinion in a somewhat problematic way.
When the story starts, our protagonist seems to be around 16-17, and it's shown that he was ab*sed and pr*stitut*d as a child, and as much as I can understand the context of the story and how it isn't completely nonsensical for the character to have such a past, I really cannot justify the fact that is was SHOWN, the author literally draw panels of the kid being ab*sed, honestly I don't get how they thought it was a good idea to draw a child getting f*cked by a bunch of old men, just mentioning it was enough, and even if they wanted to show how it was from Yuki's perspective, there was absolutely no reason to draw that much panels in such a kind of er*tic way.
There's also the friend's reaction when he finds out and how in general the entire thing is treated, it simply doesn't sit right with me.
The boy also sleeps with an older man that's using him and manipulating him when he is already a teenager (at least they don't show that, only hint at it), a man that apparently also "used" him when he was much younger.
To that you can add that one of the possible love interests is a man almost 20 years older, I really don't know how they expect to make that work. Not to mention that they don't seem to be the only pair with huge age gaps.
I can deal with a bit of toxicity in fiction, I can also excuse certain problematic behaviors for the "sake" of the storyline, mostly when the people involved are adults and the thing goes both ways (not some pure a angel with some creep weirdo), but I draw the line at p3dophili@ and s3xu@l @b7se, especially when is not dealt with in a responsible way.
As interesting as the story may be, I won't keep reading the manga, it's just too uncomfortable for me. I can see why some people like it but I couldn't make it work out.
This story has a lot of trigger warning and deals with quite heavy subjects, in my opinion in a somewhat problematic way.
When the story starts, our protagonist seems to be around 16-17, and it's shown that he was ab*sed and pr*stitut*d as a child, and as much as I can understand the context of the story and how it isn't completely nonsensical for the character to have such a past, I really cannot justify the fact that is was SHOWN, the author literally draw panels of the kid being ab*sed, honestly I don't get how they thought it was a good idea to draw a child getting f*cked by a bunch of old men, just mentioning it was enough, and even if they wanted to show how it was from Yuki's perspective, there was absolutely no reason to draw that much panels in such a kind of er*tic way.
There's also the friend's reaction when he finds out and how in general the entire thing is treated, it simply doesn't sit right with me.
The boy also sleeps with an older man that's using him and manipulating him when he is already a teenager (at least they don't show that, only hint at it), a man that apparently also "used" him when he was much younger.
To that you can add that one of the possible love interests is a man almost 20 years older, I really don't know how they expect to make that work. Not to mention that they don't seem to be the only pair with huge age gaps.
I can deal with a bit of toxicity in fiction, I can also excuse certain problematic behaviors for the "sake" of the storyline, mostly when the people involved are adults and the thing goes both ways (not some pure a angel with some creep weirdo), but I draw the line at p3dophili@ and s3xu@l @b7se, especially when is not dealt with in a responsible way.
As interesting as the story may be, I won't keep reading the manga, it's just too uncomfortable for me. I can see why some people like it but I couldn't make it work out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2020
There is a bit of clumsy expository dialogue at the start but its fine since the world building needs to be done with. The thing with Yukio and Jun works fine enough, as well as working as a drug dealer, but it could not quite catch my interest.
I think the boss's reasons, the apparent ones at least, for "hiring" Yukio and Tetsu makes sense. If they managed to break into the safe, they must have some skills.
Even though I still wonder... does he want to get laid? Wouldn't surprise me.
And Yukio was possibly raped, he seems to flee to the gang boss, the other gang boss has a sister and Tetsu probably has a crush on Yukio... It's fine but not my cup of tea. It also goes too slow.
I think the boss's reasons, the apparent ones at least, for "hiring" Yukio and Tetsu makes sense. If they managed to break into the safe, they must have some skills.
Even though I still wonder... does he want to get laid? Wouldn't surprise me.
And Yukio was possibly raped, he seems to flee to the gang boss, the other gang boss has a sister and Tetsu probably has a crush on Yukio... It's fine but not my cup of tea. It also goes too slow.
January 17, 2015
The "Acid Town" series is brilliant - it is dark, full of twisting and turning story-lines, secrets, and hidden pasts. Keeping the characters separated in your head is easy - everyone has a unique and different look about them, and their personalities are just as such.
However, the main character (though his back-story is very deep and well-developed) still has much work to do, character-personality-wise. It is, after all, hard to sympathize with a brick wall, which is practically what Yuki is. The same goes for Hyodo. It is not wise to let the character's back-story be their personality.
However, the main character (though his back-story is very deep and well-developed) still has much work to do, character-personality-wise. It is, after all, hard to sympathize with a brick wall, which is practically what Yuki is. The same goes for Hyodo. It is not wise to let the character's back-story be their personality.
November 5, 2023
2023 re-read. Acid Town starts with the introduction of Yukio and Tetsu, two teens that get caught breaking into one of the Seidoukai offices. The leader, Hyoudou, is thrilled by the failed attempt and offers Yukio a deal he cannot refuse for his little brother is in the hospital and badly needs to pay the bills. Meanwhile, a mysterious dude sets foot in town, apparently he's the leader of a gang named Hebi who might be a threat to the Seidoukai.
January 27, 2024
First of all, I didn't know that this was a Yaoi manga when I started reading it, and it starts off as an action/ drama kind of thing so I was taken by surprise after a few chapters, yet being fair it's only a kind of romance rather than erotica, but still not my thing....
Liked the art and how quick it reads, and fortunately how short it is
MiM
Liked the art and how quick it reads, and fortunately how short it is
MiM
December 24, 2017
This is my typical genre. Quite unexpected, really. Because here I was hoping for a quick fluff and I get my usual fix of angst instead.
Main character has a tortured past. Here's hoping that he's actually the yakuza's son/nephew or something.
Main character has a tortured past. Here's hoping that he's actually the yakuza's son/nephew or something.
May 4, 2013
Confusing but loved the artwork
October 4, 2019
Really serious topic. Executed perfectly.
I love manga with serious topics. It had a very depressing beginning though. I hope things turn around for them. 🐒
I love manga with serious topics. It had a very depressing beginning though. I hope things turn around for them. 🐒
September 27, 2023
Honestly wasn't sure whether I was going to like this one; it's on the darker side, and I couldn't tell, based on the summary, how dark and irredeemable it was going to go.
So far...actually not that bad? And I'm enjoying the story and characters.
The dystopian setting reminds me a bit of No.6, which I love despite its deeply painful elements, so I have some definite hope for this series now. Yuki's stepfather is likely to be the worst of the currently introduced characters, but I'm not super worried that he'll be able to harm Yuki that much in the present. Yuki has his support system now, including his best friend Tetsu, and even the yakuza leader Hyoudo...who probably isn't that good of a person by traditional standards, but who seems to be prepared to protect Yuki and take him under his wing.
It'll be interesting to see how that all plays out. It looks like Hyoudo's backstory was probably similar to Yuki's, so after their first encounter, he decided to shape Yuki into a protégé - and probably a future leader like him. Considering Yuki's monetary needs and the lifestyle upgrade this would involve, it's actually not a bad proposition. I'm not sure Yuki would be entirely against it if Hyoudo explained everything properly to him - particularly since it would guarantee his little brother's future, and that's his top priority. And it's not as though Yuki has super strong morality blockers; he and Tetsu spend their time selling fake drugs to high school students, and weren't above other types of petty crime to get by.
Tetsu is the main fly in the ointment, since he's desperate to protect Yuki as well - but with less power to actually make that happen.
Incidentally, he's also my favorite character. He is very obviously in love with Yuki, who seems pretty oblivious to that fact so far, so it'll be interesting to see when that actually becomes a thing. This is marked as BL, or else I'd assume it was going to go the shounen-ai route of heavily implied but not actually on the page. I'm excited to see the relationship develop; I wonder how long it will take before Tetsu breaks, or Yuki acknowledges what's going on between them.
Definitely intrigued by the story so far, and pleasantly surprised that it's not as violently depressing as I was fearing.
So far...actually not that bad? And I'm enjoying the story and characters.
The dystopian setting reminds me a bit of No.6, which I love despite its deeply painful elements, so I have some definite hope for this series now. Yuki's stepfather is likely to be the worst of the currently introduced characters, but I'm not super worried that he'll be able to harm Yuki that much in the present. Yuki has his support system now, including his best friend Tetsu, and even the yakuza leader Hyoudo...who probably isn't that good of a person by traditional standards, but who seems to be prepared to protect Yuki and take him under his wing.
It'll be interesting to see how that all plays out. It looks like Hyoudo's backstory was probably similar to Yuki's, so after their first encounter, he decided to shape Yuki into a protégé - and probably a future leader like him. Considering Yuki's monetary needs and the lifestyle upgrade this would involve, it's actually not a bad proposition. I'm not sure Yuki would be entirely against it if Hyoudo explained everything properly to him - particularly since it would guarantee his little brother's future, and that's his top priority. And it's not as though Yuki has super strong morality blockers; he and Tetsu spend their time selling fake drugs to high school students, and weren't above other types of petty crime to get by.
Tetsu is the main fly in the ointment, since he's desperate to protect Yuki as well - but with less power to actually make that happen.
Incidentally, he's also my favorite character. He is very obviously in love with Yuki, who seems pretty oblivious to that fact so far, so it'll be interesting to see when that actually becomes a thing. This is marked as BL, or else I'd assume it was going to go the shounen-ai route of heavily implied but not actually on the page. I'm excited to see the relationship develop; I wonder how long it will take before Tetsu breaks, or Yuki acknowledges what's going on between them.
Definitely intrigued by the story so far, and pleasantly surprised that it's not as violently depressing as I was fearing.
August 18, 2025
Update:
This is the most twisted, abusive and dark series I probably have read alongside Berserk. I loved it, I hated it....And most annoyingly I believed vol. 6 was the end of the series, it's not. And given what I can see... I probably won't ever get an ending... someone said 2 years ago (2023) vol. 7 was close to completion.... I have my doubts as I can't see any trace a vol. 7 should have been published in Japan or elsewhere as of 2025. And honestly speaking without spoiling anything, I don't think this story would be able to wrap up in the next vol. regardless. It has gotten rather complex.
Also this series is twisted and pretty much every trigger warning under the sun is a thing.
Also as of the 6 volumes, my fears never manifested. If that line had been crossed I would have DNF'ed the series.
original review:
This is a very dark read and I feel somewhat guilty for saying that so far I am enjoying the story. It is surprisingly gripping for what I thought it would be. Most importantly while this is dark, it has not left me feeling icky considering what topics is in this story, at least not as of the two first volumes. I hope it does not go there, I hope it remains complex but does not turn into an icky celebration of something which should not be celebrated. I think that is as PG as I can write this review.
This is the most twisted, abusive and dark series I probably have read alongside Berserk. I loved it, I hated it....And most annoyingly I believed vol. 6 was the end of the series, it's not. And given what I can see... I probably won't ever get an ending... someone said 2 years ago (2023) vol. 7 was close to completion.... I have my doubts as I can't see any trace a vol. 7 should have been published in Japan or elsewhere as of 2025. And honestly speaking without spoiling anything, I don't think this story would be able to wrap up in the next vol. regardless. It has gotten rather complex.
Also this series is twisted and pretty much every trigger warning under the sun is a thing.
Also as of the 6 volumes, my fears never manifested. If that line had been crossed I would have DNF'ed the series.
original review:
This is a very dark read and I feel somewhat guilty for saying that so far I am enjoying the story. It is surprisingly gripping for what I thought it would be. Most importantly while this is dark, it has not left me feeling icky considering what topics is in this story, at least not as of the two first volumes. I hope it does not go there, I hope it remains complex but does not turn into an icky celebration of something which should not be celebrated. I think that is as PG as I can write this review.
May 23, 2024
Blonde haired boy has to take care of a very sick child. His black haired friend with glasses secretly has a crush on him but that’s not the point of the story. The point of the story is that two yakuza families are in a tiff while a war seems to rage in their country. The blonde haired one pledged allegiance to one group where he visits the leader once a week to play board games. This is an exchange for the kid to receive medical treatment.
Meanwhile the kids dad, and serial rapist and overall villain of the story(?) appears to taunt the blonde kid. The blonde keeps his past life a secret despite the black haired one trying to win him over.
A rival yakuza group that goes by “the snakes” has a member trying to infiltrate their main group. He has a scar on his eye and has a beloved sister in the same hospital as the kid who is sick.
—
Nothing too exciting, it’s mostly sad but it reads like a good book!
Meanwhile the kids dad, and serial rapist and overall villain of the story(?) appears to taunt the blonde kid. The blonde keeps his past life a secret despite the black haired one trying to win him over.
A rival yakuza group that goes by “the snakes” has a member trying to infiltrate their main group. He has a scar on his eye and has a beloved sister in the same hospital as the kid who is sick.
—
Nothing too exciting, it’s mostly sad but it reads like a good book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2025
In a city where the law has been rendered non-existent, Yuki and his best friend Tetsu break into the offices of the Seidoukai to steal in a desperate attempt to finance his ailing brother's hospital bills. They ultimately fail but instead spark the interest of the mob's young leader, Kazutaka Hyodo, who offers Yuki a deal he can't refuse: pay him a visit at his office once a week and all hospital bills will be taken care of. Yuki accepts without hesitation and in order to keep his end of the deal, starts paying Hyodo the visits he asked for...
Ch1-5 fairly read, lets see how far I get.
Ch1-5 fairly read, lets see how far I get.
August 7, 2023
The plot is setting up for a lot, so I'm curious, especially since I like a twisted yakuza love story. However, I don't feel invested in any of the complex characters at this time. I'll probably continue with the series, but I'm not jumping to read the next volume.
February 25, 2024
I was intrigued by the name and cover of this manga but wasn't sure what to expect. Definitely a heavy kind of story with lots of connecting details and plot driven with romance in the (for now, far) background. I look forward to reading more of this story!
August 16, 2024
just binged all the volumes that are out right now. I was hesitant because the story started off pretty dark pretty fast but my god am I hooked. The story is intricate and I kind of agree why some of our characters are doing what they're doing so I can't even blame them
November 26, 2024
This was actually really good. However, I have an icky feeling of what's coming and it has left a bad taste in my mouth. A little uncertain if I'll continue with the series. The characters and how they intertwine with one another - from the past - is very intriguing.
December 16, 2024
Everyone in this book needs therapy and I'm worried all they're going to get is more violence.
I like the positive relationships in this story and how much the friends and family look out for one another. But there are a lot of threats implied and violent backgrounds that make this a rough read.
I like the positive relationships in this story and how much the friends and family look out for one another. But there are a lot of threats implied and violent backgrounds that make this a rough read.
July 9, 2020
3.5/5 stars. I’d say this is a solid start for this manga. I think there’s potential for a very intricate story here. I also sense this will be very much a character driven story, which I am an absolute sucker for. Our characters were introduced as well as some of their motives. Yuki’s is to pay for his little brother -Jun’s- hospital bills and to keep him safe. Tetsushi‘s is to ensure that Yuki is safe while he risks everything to keep Jun safe. Now, Hyodo’s a bit of a mystery at the moment. All I know is that Yuki reminds him of some woman and he was saved by the leader of a clan. A clan which he later in the volume splits with Hyodo and another guy.
When I say I knew I was walking right into a tragedy, I mean I KNEW I was walking straight into a tragedy. I was honestly in those tragic gang vibez, and this was a manga that was already in my radar so I decided to check it out. How painful can this be? (I can bet I’ll read this later on and be absolutely hysterical over how wrong I was)
All of this is not to say that I am emotionally prepared for what’s to happen. I’m not. I never am. Yuki’s past seems like it was definitely very troubled. And I’m not sure I want to know what’s up.
I mean I’ve read what I consider to be one of the biggest tragedy’s ever written and it happened to have gang related themes, so I know what can possibly be on the table... wow, suddenly I’m not sure I want this anymore lol.
Regardless, I’ll try to pick up the next few volumes soon. See what’s really at works here. I think there’s definite potential to this story, is all I’m thinking.
Volume 1 Notes:
Hey y’all. I was in the mood for some gang related manga so here we are. Don’t know why I was expecting anything but a tragedy because this is the essential recipe to pain. I can sense the distress and tears a mile away. Am I scared? Yes. Will I cry? Probably. Will I continue reading? Sure.
Yuki is our mc. He has a little brother (Jun) who’s sick so he’s trying to take care of him and pay for his hospital bills. His brother seems to be the only thing that keeps him going. He often refers as Jun’s smile to be the thing that brings him comfort. And we see the way he’s at ease and generally more peaceful when he visits his little brother. It’s very endearing. I do worry, however, because early on Yuki says there’s nothing he wouldn’t do to keep Jun safe. There was no bar. Do I blame him for protecting his little brother? No. I think it’s wonderful that he is doing what he can to keep his little brother happy. Which is all fun and games until shit hits the fan. I beg him to be careful with what people he gets mixed up with, I don’t even know his full backstory but I feel he’s been through enough already.
Tetsushi is Yuki’s best friend. Or partner in crime. Both work tbh. He wants to take care of Yuki. And it’s obvious that he is fiercely loyal to him. We see the way he steps forth to defend him whenever he even senses Yuki is in danger i.g. When he covered Yuki from the gun Hyodo was pointing at him, and when he stepped before him when Jun’s dad was bothering Yuki. It’s also clear that Yuki appreciates what Tetsushi does for him, everything of which I feel Tetsushi does from his heart. I think he’s a good person. And regardless of how dangerous things get, he sticks by Yuki. He also doesn’t stop Yuki from getting in trouble or jumping into dangerous situations, but he does advice him to be careful. He’s also in a situation of deep unrequited love.
So after Yuki and Tetsushi tried to rob Hyodo’s vault a while back, they were caught and Hyodo told them he’d let them go, if they joined him. He offered to pay for Yuki’s brother’s hospital bills after Tetsushi confessed why they were attempting to rob in the first place. He told Yuki he’d have to visit him alone once a week. To which Yuki obliged.
I... love Kanji?
“I remember that painfully thin figure covered in dirt. Malnourished, exhausted, and carrying a sleeping child in his arms like it’s the most precious thing in the world.”
“The nature of the bleakness that encompassed the first fifteen years of your life, is something that I still do not know.”
I’m sorry, but first of all, the Yuki flashback. He was obviously very hurt, and the only thing that brought him strength to live was his baby brother. Second of all, the cover art for chapter 3 absolutely shattered me. I have a soft spot for caring and loving big brothers.
They run into some guy, who Yuki recognizes. And he seems to also be associated with some terrible memories. Oh- he is Jun’s father. But I don’t like him, I don’t like this man at all.
Hyodo is passed down a clan called Seidoh-Kai. He will be leading it alongside a guy named Masatsugu. I’m intrigued for his character tbh. He seems like he will be interesting.
When Jun said that Yuki was apologizing too much and said it was ok because he had their mom’s necklace which makes him feel safe. And the fact that it’s the same necklace Yuki gave her. Wow I’m sad.
As Tetsushi left, the some guy with a scar down the left side of his face passed him. Wonder what he’s going to the hospital for. A sister, apparently. Interesting.
When I say I knew I was walking right into a tragedy, I mean I KNEW I was walking straight into a tragedy. I was honestly in those tragic gang vibez, and this was a manga that was already in my radar so I decided to check it out. How painful can this be? (I can bet I’ll read this later on and be absolutely hysterical over how wrong I was)
All of this is not to say that I am emotionally prepared for what’s to happen. I’m not. I never am. Yuki’s past seems like it was definitely very troubled. And I’m not sure I want to know what’s up.
I mean I’ve read what I consider to be one of the biggest tragedy’s ever written and it happened to have gang related themes, so I know what can possibly be on the table... wow, suddenly I’m not sure I want this anymore lol.
Regardless, I’ll try to pick up the next few volumes soon. See what’s really at works here. I think there’s definite potential to this story, is all I’m thinking.
Volume 1 Notes:
Hey y’all. I was in the mood for some gang related manga so here we are. Don’t know why I was expecting anything but a tragedy because this is the essential recipe to pain. I can sense the distress and tears a mile away. Am I scared? Yes. Will I cry? Probably. Will I continue reading? Sure.
Yuki is our mc. He has a little brother (Jun) who’s sick so he’s trying to take care of him and pay for his hospital bills. His brother seems to be the only thing that keeps him going. He often refers as Jun’s smile to be the thing that brings him comfort. And we see the way he’s at ease and generally more peaceful when he visits his little brother. It’s very endearing. I do worry, however, because early on Yuki says there’s nothing he wouldn’t do to keep Jun safe. There was no bar. Do I blame him for protecting his little brother? No. I think it’s wonderful that he is doing what he can to keep his little brother happy. Which is all fun and games until shit hits the fan. I beg him to be careful with what people he gets mixed up with, I don’t even know his full backstory but I feel he’s been through enough already.
Tetsushi is Yuki’s best friend. Or partner in crime. Both work tbh. He wants to take care of Yuki. And it’s obvious that he is fiercely loyal to him. We see the way he steps forth to defend him whenever he even senses Yuki is in danger i.g. When he covered Yuki from the gun Hyodo was pointing at him, and when he stepped before him when Jun’s dad was bothering Yuki. It’s also clear that Yuki appreciates what Tetsushi does for him, everything of which I feel Tetsushi does from his heart. I think he’s a good person. And regardless of how dangerous things get, he sticks by Yuki. He also doesn’t stop Yuki from getting in trouble or jumping into dangerous situations, but he does advice him to be careful. He’s also in a situation of deep unrequited love.
So after Yuki and Tetsushi tried to rob Hyodo’s vault a while back, they were caught and Hyodo told them he’d let them go, if they joined him. He offered to pay for Yuki’s brother’s hospital bills after Tetsushi confessed why they were attempting to rob in the first place. He told Yuki he’d have to visit him alone once a week. To which Yuki obliged.
I... love Kanji?
“I remember that painfully thin figure covered in dirt. Malnourished, exhausted, and carrying a sleeping child in his arms like it’s the most precious thing in the world.”
“The nature of the bleakness that encompassed the first fifteen years of your life, is something that I still do not know.”
I’m sorry, but first of all, the Yuki flashback. He was obviously very hurt, and the only thing that brought him strength to live was his baby brother. Second of all, the cover art for chapter 3 absolutely shattered me. I have a soft spot for caring and loving big brothers.
They run into some guy, who Yuki recognizes. And he seems to also be associated with some terrible memories. Oh- he is Jun’s father. But I don’t like him, I don’t like this man at all.
Hyodo is passed down a clan called Seidoh-Kai. He will be leading it alongside a guy named Masatsugu. I’m intrigued for his character tbh. He seems like he will be interesting.
When Jun said that Yuki was apologizing too much and said it was ok because he had their mom’s necklace which makes him feel safe. And the fact that it’s the same necklace Yuki gave her. Wow I’m sad.
As Tetsushi left, the some guy with a scar down the left side of his face passed him. Wonder what he’s going to the hospital for. A sister, apparently. Interesting.
September 4, 2023
I expect things to pick up in the next volume. This was promising but it was all set up.
September 9, 2023
Intriguing start to a first edition, pretty quick read - I finished it in 40 minutes. It's an enticing opening to a series
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