Customer Reviews

Hybrid Child (Yaoi)

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i have long been a fan of this mangaka, ever since i first read "junjyou romantica," which as of now has 2 volumes published in the states. "hybrid child" is a shorter work, spanning only one volume. despite that, this manga packs a punch that many longer works could only hope to achieve.

rather than one main story, this manga contains several separate stories which are entertwined, albeit in a manner that is not immediately obvious. in fact, one could even argue that the actual "main" story is the last in the book, spanning two chapters and is chronologically the earliest of the narratives.

"hybrid child" is set during the meiji period, which is marked by long years of trouble and struggle in japan. what's interesting is the author's use of the historical setting and infusing it with a touch of fantasy in the form of the 'hybrid child,' or HC as is it called. these HCs are kinda like organic robots and grows according to the love given by its master and the experiences the HC goes through.

there are three couples in this manga, with at least a chapter dedicated to each. these chapters all can stand alone, although as a whole it gives a better and more thorough understanding of the phenomenon that is the HC. although at first glance "hybrid child" may seem like a run of the mill plot-line, nakamura-sensei's writing makes this manga an exceptional and compelling read. she manages to convey a whole range of human emotion in these stories without seeming preachy or blatant. there is a delicacy in the way she molds her characters, which contrasts deeply with her angular artwork. i do enjoy the artwork, which although beautiful may not appeal to everyone. her character designs are atypical in the sense that it is not as round or soft as many yaoi mangas are, thus a bit nonconventional in beauty. i find them pleasing, however. one thing i noticed is that the mangaka tends to illustrate hands larger than normal, which could be a plus or a minus. in general i don't mind it although there are instances where i find it quite distracting. this manga has some bedroom scenes, although of the soft yaoi variety, so nothing explicit here. the time period also evokes a sense of nostalgia, even for those who are not japanese, like myself. i blame it solely on the clothing, which i adore.

"hybrid child," unlike many manga of its genre has emotional depth and a layered plot that draws readers in. it is a treatise on the human experience, and brings readers along in the ride as the characters experience all possible situations, the good as well as the bad. what sets this manga a part is the way it treats the darker realities in life, as well as the lighter ones, in a very realistic way. it is a work peppered with charm, humor and bittersweet love that will leave a tear in your eyes.

This is actually the first yaoi/BL manga that I ever read. My friend got it for me for my birthday, and I have to say, it has remained my favorite BL so far. Now, I don't mind a bit of smut here and there, so I was a little dismayed when I saw the rating on it (Teen) and knew there would be no smex. The pain of the fangirl. HOWEVER it was no disappointment.

The art is absolutely stunning. I still count it as the most beautiful art I've seen in ANY manga. The story was fantastic, and I cried at the end. Then a week later I picked it up, read the last story, and cried again. Beautiful, heartbreaking, spectacular. I would reccomend this to anybody who would listen, and even some who won't.

There's one thing that sets this aside from every other yaoi title i've read. It made me cry. It invoked emotion. Hallelujah! For once I didn't just think' That was nice, now what's for lunch?' when I was done.

From the same manga-ka who did `Junjo Romantica' so it's well written. The first story is probably the most stereotypical but would still make a good stand alone manga. The last two have deeper meaning. The art isn't fantastic but add the story and it's a beautiful book and a must have to add to your collection.

The plot sounded a little questionably smutty to me but it's nothing like that, i.e. Chobit sex dolls. It's quite moving and tasteful. Some people might be a little disappointed to hear that but like I said, get it, it's worth it

I really liked Hybrid Child. The stories were imagainitive and the art was beautiful. This manga is sweet and sad and humorous and just as good the second time around.

I was afraid when I bought this manga that I would end up with yet another man gets boy, takes boy, boy is submissive and learns to love type of story, but I was wrong. The author managed to give the "Hybrid Chld" in each story a strong, distinct personality and a caring nature that was returned by the human counterpart.

And the last story was heartbreaking, I cried at the end. And I rarely cry.

No hardcore sex...but it wasn't needed.

What if you suffered the loss of your one and only true love? Could you ever again find light to fill your life or would you pine your way to oblivion? And what if you had never experienced true love? How and where could you find it? Whether in the past or in the future, one thing remains the same: the path of true love is bittersweet.

Looking at the cover art, one recognises the angular yet pretty artistic signature of the Boy's Love mangaka Nakamura Shungiku, perhaps most famous for her romantic comedy Junjo Romantica. Indeed, most of her works are indeed comedies of this genre, but this particular work steps away from merely this and goes somewhat deeper. There is indeed laughter here, but also tears of true pain and moments of the seemingly ordinary that lend themselves nonetheless to snapshots in time that are inked indelibly upon the hearts of those that remember them.

Sliding backwards in time from the brightly lit, western style home of Kotorou's wealthy merchant family during the Meiji Restoration (late 19th century), to the retired swordsman Ichi at the beginning of the Meiji era, to Kuroda and his friends as they experience the turmoil of the violent end of the Edo period and the beginning of the Meiji Restoration, one comes to understand the personal, cultural, and political changes that led from what was old Japan towards the Japan we more or less know today. It also becomes apparent to the reader that while these things change, people do not. They play, they laugh, they love, and they suffer the same regardless of political structure, era, social status or even gender. It is the story of not just a change in dynasty, but the changes within the human heart, and the discovery of what makes us truly alive.


Nakamura Shungiku sensei also explores the nature of love in these sets of stories. From the love of a friend in a familial companion type way, to the love of your life when you meet your soul mate, and even the types of love that may rest between. They are at times funny, and often poignant, and I guarantee you will likely cry at some point, but what they are not is trivial. Despite the Living Doll premise, this is not really science fiction and despite the fantasy conceit of the Hybrid Children, it is not really fantasy either. It stands somewhere in between fantasy and realism, making this soul searching visit somehow easy to bear and enjoyable. Within these pages, one comes to truly understand that true love is always a self reflection, for as we love another and are loved in return, two truly does become one.

Love the read. Great book. At first I was a little skeptical about the whole having so many different stories in one book. Especially since a few aren't that long. But all of them were amazing and had that small additive that tied them perfectly together. My favorite was the last story. It was so good that it had me in tears. It also was the one to answer the question what else do these stories have in common aside from the hybrid children. THough word of advice once you reach that part of the story make sure you're not outside or anywhere else you don't want people to see you crying. Cuz I was walking around a book store reading this and about almost broke into tears. I making some really funny faces though. Anywayz great definitely worth the buy...

This is both one of the best and one of the most depressing manga's I've read. In fact on of the stories was so sad I had to call my sister crying. Something I have not done is a long time. However, for all that it made me cry it made me feel, and I do not regret reading it. Mind you not all the stories were that sad. The book is mostly of one shots that are connected to one another. While the others made me sad, they also managed to put a smile on my face. Only one the stories made my heart hurt with a untreated wound well after I finished the story, and I can say that after you have read this manga you will know the one I am right now writing about.
If you want fluff as most manga of this genre tend to have this is not the one you are looking for. However, if you love finding yourself in a emotional rollercoaster, both good and bad this is the piece you are looking for.

One of the absolute best yaoi manga in existence. It is definitely emotional as it spans three different couples that are all intertwined in a very interesting way. I'm not going to spoil but from the first chapter on this manga tells an excellent tale that at points will bring tears to your eyes. I know I cried when I read it.

The same person who did Junjou Romantica; one of my fav yaoi's, also did Hybrid Child. The story is very loving, touching, funny, sad, emotional, but enjoyable to read. The story isn't one but they're linked with the beautiful male figures called Hyprid Childs, as the title says. The first one sort of reminded me of Absolute Boyfriend. But Hyprid Child is better and more touching than that. It would make a wonderful collection to any yaoi lover. And for those who can only handle a short kiss in bed, then this one doesn't have that much of it. So it'll be okay to look at.

Although the stories are generally short, they are sweet, sexy and fun. At one point I was laughing out loud as the hilarious conversations, they are perfect and witty! Also, the art was well done, and story lines not overly dramatic or unnecessarily angsty, each are different, so you get a range from simple fun to poignant loss each telling a tale of a hybrid child, a being created to change and grow according to their owner's needs and wishes. This is a great "introduction" for readers just beginning to enjoy yaoi. In fact, I have bought and given copies as gifts to friends though I always keep a copy for myself. Very enjoyable yaoi manga!