Customer Reviews

Cant Win With You Volume 1 (Yaoi) (v. 1)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

You know, the first time I read volume 1 of this manga I felt the same way as the previous reviewer, but on a second read-through I focused better on those scenes that were disturbing to me the first time. I have to say the manga, on the surface, appears in worse taste than it actually is. That one non-con scene at first glance seems like a comedy scene, but it isn't. Later in the volume and later in the next volume as well, the repercussions of that moment are dealt with in a much more mature way (through its emotional effect on the character involved). The perpetrators are not characters that are ever presented in a positive light. In fact, those three brothers are even vilified by their own father, the director of the school (in volume 2).

As for the age of the characters, Yuuhi, the hero of the story, is the youngest and is a first year high school student at the beginning of the book (15). All the other characters are second and third year students (and Yuuhi's adult brother), so they aren't really "very young boys." In fact, the age range is pretty standard for BL titles. I personally prefer my M/M pairings to be adults, but a justifiable pairing is a justifiable pairing regardless.

The attempted non-con (with Yuuhi dressed up in girls clothes) is indeed potrayed in a comedic light, but it wouldn't have been if it was ever intended to progress to an actual act. In volume 2, Yuuhi, who until this point is perceived to be a weak and submissive uke type, actually kicks some butt, so the idea that just because he is naive that he is destined to be taken advantage of, is a false assumption to make. I was wary of this series when I started it, but having given it another chance with volume 2 I am willing to stick it out for a third.

This was very re-encouraging for me, because Shout Out Loud, also written by Satosumi Takaguchi, is probably one of the best realistic, mature and responsible portrayals of m/m relationships I have read in a long while. Yuuhi's bizarre path from country bumpkin to functioning member of an elitist all-boys school is fascinating and the supporting characters who at first seem like villains (Kanya comes to mind), are revealed later to be considerably more concerned and decent people. The Sango relationship is confusing by the end of volume 1, but volume 2 deals more with this storyline and the characters become much more likable all-around.

If the controversial nature of the subject matter is going to turn you off, stay away, but if you're willing to take it in with an open mind and not judge it on first appearances, there is something in here for everyone to enjoy. I guess in the end, though, it is really a matter of taste.

(Warning: This review may contain spoilers) True this manga deals with some rather 'unpleasant' topics in what could be considered an inappropriately comedic light. However, I find that just makes for an interesting story and gives the reader something more to think about. Not all Boy's Love books can be happy, fluffy and just about the sex after-all.

In any case I really liked the book. I found myself intrigued by the characters and the way they interacted. Also that things often where not what they seemed. For example, the first two 'bad' characters in the book turning out to be rather good guys and the actual 'villains' having odd little quirks (the one brother's plush toy collection cracked me up).

The story is really different from anything I'd read before. It got me hooked and I look forward to reading more. It's not a book for everyone but though who want to try something a little different should give it a chance.

This title seems to want to be a transgressively raunchy, cheerfully perverted comedy along the lines of Scandalous Seiryo University or Love Is Like A Hurricane Volume 1 (Yaoi) (v. 1), but Takaguchi's naturalistic writing and Honami's quiet, understated art make the molestation, sexual blackmail and rape threats come off as queasily disturbing abuse rather than hilariously offensive slapstick. Towards the end of the volume, the authors' ultimately silly intentions start to show through, with bunny suits and lassoes from nowhere, but can't quite overcome the dark mood set up by the earlier chapters. It also does not help matters at all that the protagonist is drawn to look much younger than he is supposed to be. The later volumes are supposed to be more successfully comedic, but I'm not sure I'll stick around to find out.

I am a huge fan of yaoi and I enjoyed all volumes of Can't Win With You.

I have read yaoi for a few years and generally enjoy a wide variety of the different genres within this category, but I found this unpleasant to the point of revolting. Supposedly a comedy, the entire story consists of very young schoolboys being blackmailed, drugged, nearly raped and raped by the older boys--repeatedly so. There is no payback or punishment for the offenders and worst of all, it is all played for comedy. I found this a waste of paper and talent.