Challengers, Vol. 4 [Paperback]

Hinako Takanaga (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2000

Businessman Kurokawa challenges the impossible by romancing his heterosexual tenant Tatsumi, a naive but idealistic college freshman whose protective older brother has a vendetta against all gays. Tatsumi's brother can't separate them, but another threat looms which can.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: DramaQueen LLC (April 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0976604566
• ISBN-13: 978-0976604563
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 5.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #886,692 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful series, November 5, 2007

By 

Jhari (USA, GA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Challengers, Vol. 4 (Paperback)

Just finished with number four today! While this series contains not a single sex scene, it makes up for it with a good story and extra sweetness.

The thing I love about Hinako Takanaga's mangas is that her couples don't seem rushed, or fake like too many other yaoi mangas out there. Well developed series and characters, and a pleasing ending.

The art in this volume is stunning, unlike the first two volumes who were lacking in quality. As nearly as beautiful as the artwork in the Little Butterfly series, also worth a read, especially if you're into graphic yaoi.

Always hungry for more of Hinako's work, can't wait until Amazon gets 'The Tryrant Falls in Love' back in stock. I'm dying over here! :)

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Challengers v4, July 4, 2007

By 

CT "yaoi crazy" (VN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Challengers, Vol. 4 (Paperback)

Tatsumi got an invitation to study abroad in America by his professor and be really happy with it. That make Kurokawa really so confused about how should their relationship continue without Tatsumi give up his dream. During that time, a female colleague of Kurokawa persistent follows him with intention of "rehabilitate" Kurokawa from the gay path. What will Kurokawa do to protect their love?

5.0 out of 5 stars Hell yeah!, May 27, 2009

By 

F. Caldwell "mixedpaint" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Challengers, Vol. 4 (Paperback)

I am quickly becoming an ENORMOUS Hinako Takanaga fan. I started reading the sequel series first (that being The Tyrant Falls in Love) and moved on to Challengers when I realized that there was more story before it. I am SO glad that I did. I'll admit that at first I wasn't that big on Tomoe. He's got big boxy clothes and he's so clueless that it can get a little irritating. But he grew on me, as did Kurokawa who is the most hapless seme I've ever seen. Of course the main reason I read Challengers is A) because Hinako Takanaga has a really nice art style (vol 1 is a little rough around the edges but it definitely gets better) and because of major reason B) Tomoe's older homophobic brother, Souichi. I LOVE him. I love him when he's alone. I love him when he's attacking Kurokawa. I love him when he's in the lab with his friend Morinaga. Oh boy, do I love him with Morinaga. But I digress.
Challengers volume 4 starts up with Tomoe and Kurokawa taking a trip to Nagoya (Tomoe's hometown). It seems that Tomoe's younger sister is concerned about something. What you ask? Well I just can't say but suffice it to say that it's to do with Souichi and I loved every minute of it. I wish that chapter had been longer. From there we move on to the story line mentioned in the description. Kurokawa is set upon by a woman from his office who decides to reform him from his gay ways. At the same time Tomoe is recruited by a professor for a super great assistant job. In the United States. Angst and hilarity ensues as we wrap up the Challengers series with a pretty and very enjoyable bow.
Book four probably has the best art of the series. It's much more uniform. Storywise, I'm super thrilled with the first chapter. The latter chapters were still quite good if somewhat diminished by the wonderfulness that was chapter one. Not that I'm playing favorites. I also loved the wrap up of the end. It was very fitting, cute, and funny. And I love that these are boys love and not yaoi. I think the sex would have gotten in the way of the storytelling, especially since it takes three books just for the hapless couple to get past kissing.
In closing, I highly recommend this whole series for anyone looking for a nicely paced, funny, unique little romance. All of the characters are memorable (cough Souichi cough) and they are INDIVIDUALS. With personalities and feelings. It's so refreshing. Plus it's a great lead up to the eventual (I hope) release of The Tyrant Falls in Love.