Only the Ring Finger Knows (Yaoi) [Paperback]

Satoru Kannagi (Author, Artist), Hotaru Odagiri (Author, Artist)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 14, 2004

At Wataru Fujii's high school, it's all the rage to wear paired rings with the girl you love. Wataru wears one though he is single, and one day inadvertently discovers that his ring pairs up with that of tall, handsome, and smart Yuichi Kazuki, the senior classman idolized by the entire school. Though Kazuki has a reputation for being kind to all, when dealing with Wataru, he is strangely harsh. Their paired rings somehow draw them together and the two alternately clash and attract, as they must sort out their budding feelings for each other.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Digital Manga Publishing (September 14, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1569709807
• ISBN-13: 978-1569709801
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (44 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,077,149 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

74 of 74 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars wonderful artwork and interesting plot, November 22, 2004

By 

straitjacket (columbia, MO) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Only the Ring Finger Knows (Yaoi) (Paperback)

first of all, this manga was published under the yaoi series, which is kinda of stretching it... so fellow buyers beware. this is strictly shounen-ai territory. heck, there isn't any groping at all, other than a few really beautiful kisses... heh heh heh.

non-yaoiness aside, i really, really enjoyed this manga. the plot is not strictly typical and i think both characters are well portrayed; although for the most part it's shown through the eyes of wataru. this highschool student's life takes a rather drastic turn when his fate became entertwined with that of the older, uber-cool and nearly perfect school idol yuichi kazuki. readers basically know that there's more to it than meets the eye, but the authors were able to entice readers with tasty tidbits along the way but still retaining the suspense (if i can label it that) until the very end. it helps that both wataru and kazuki are believable, both showing unique characteristics and quirks that added to their appeal. in fact, i can't really say which of them i find more appealing; the normally hot tempered, straightforward (albeit sweet) and understandably bewildered wataru or the cool and collected kazuki who behaves cryptically only towards wataru. i also appreciate the way the authors manage to make wataru seem confused by kazuki without relegating him to the category of weepy, spineless ukes (he's really spunky) and the understated way they portray unguarded moments in kazuki... one can't help but sympathize with the situation faced by these two.

now on to the art... i really like the way odagiri draws the manga. it's soft, beautiful and strangely calming without being too shoujo-ish. although both kazuki and wataru are slender and beautiful, they never seem girlish. it's a very tricky line to tread, and the illustrator manages it phenomenally. i adore the way she draws the eyes, for a single look really conveys a multitude of meanings in the way she handles them. the background art is neither too detailed nor opulent but it fits the overall look very well.

what i regret is the fact that this is a single volume manga, which is based on i think a series of novels by kannagi. i really wanted to see the continuation of this manga, and unless the novels are translated and published here, the further adventures of both wataru and kazuki remained a mystery for us english readers.

all in all, a very satisfying read and money well spent.

31 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Angsty Boy Love at its Best, December 9, 2004

By 

H. Kim "sunidale" (Ithaca, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Only the Ring Finger Knows (Yaoi) (Paperback)

Yaoi fans will be thrilled with the recent releases of English translations, after relying so long on 1) fan translation (at best) 2) raw Japanese yaoi (no clue about story dialogue etc.) 3) years of Japanese classes just to get the Sound Effects right.

Only the Ring Finger Knows isn't strictly Yaoi, but don't let that stop you. The story and dialogue is worth the trade in for the few explicit scenes that would have pushed this into Yaoi category.

The story is sweet and angsty, and the dialogue translation conveys that sweet/painful boy love crisis that's so satisfyingly painful and enjoyable to read. Snarky fights? Denial brigade? No silly weepiness? o yeah!

Plus, the art. Clean lines, gorgeous modern eyes (a mix of Chi-Ran and Takakura Row - but sharp and spare, reminiscent Higa Sakia) and lush jaw lines. The boys are in high school, so the clothes are mostly school uniform, but the 3rd and 4th parts has modern street casual black that is quite droolworthy. The school uniforms with loosened tie and collars, and black pants are worth a dozen explicit scenes. And if you're a fan of long and lean lines, bony but sexy arms (even the elbows are a turnon in this volume), this is the style for you.

This is one where even the side chibi versions are cute (pretty) rather than cute (ridiculous).

Definitely one of the best selections out there, at the tail end of 2004.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars One of the best introductions to the shonen-ai/yaoi genre, May 23, 2005

By 

Dime "A penny is not a dime" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Only the Ring Finger Knows (Yaoi) (Paperback)

Quality: The sheer quality of this product was what struck me the most. Though it is a bit bigger and therefore more costly, I found the size very fitting to see all the subtle things that is in the stylized art. The coloured shiny dust jacket was a nice touch even though I found it unnecessary, especially when I noticed the greyscale duplicate underneath. Nice overall binding and paper quality. This company knows its stuff even if you have to chock up a few extra bucks.

Art: Very stylized and resembles the classic bishounen style. Long wispy strands of hair, large eyes, impossibly long lean bodies, and expressive delicate fingers. The expressions are nice and are not heavily overexaggerated but believable. Subtle. Light. And very clean with few tones so it doesn't take away the overall look of the page. The cover wasn't that attractive to me (though the colouring was nice and soft) but the page art fits the romantic story. Unfortunately, I did notice a few inconsistency in the artwork and at times can't tell the two main characters apart (sometimes the hair colour switches for dramatic effect).

Character/Plot:In general, a basic shonen-ai relationship with a fairly easy to follow story. The twist in the end doesn't come out of the blue so it doesn't leave the reader in a confused dazed. Not overly angsty. And a happy ending. The characters are believable with their own faults but have a somewhat cliched personalities. However, this does not make them any less lovable. Do not pick up expecting to see sex scenes. Instead, be statisfied with very very very wonderfully paced kisses. It leaves you feeling satisfied but eager for more.

Overall, one of the best romantic mangas I've read. I can even see myself loving this even if its a girl-boy relationship. Great layout of panels, thus allowing fluid eye flow and a 'movie' like feeling whilst reading. If you were to introduce any one to the yaoi/shonen-ai genre, this would be perfect. Let's review the reasons why:

1. Its a one shot. A simple quick read but leaves a lasting impression without suspense in the end.
2. An art style that is common in the world of yaoi/shonen-ai (shojo in general really) but still retains its own originality.
3. I can't say enough of the impressive quality. Say what you will but quality has alot to do with how a person views what is inside the covers.
4. I have to rave about the panel flow. Though subtle, it is a key factor in a good manga read without a headache.
5. No major shock factor(IE sex scences, gropage, not even sexual talk/implications). Just simply sweet kisses.

And even for a veteran, this is a nice break from those heavy scenes, neh? Shame it is a one-shot. =/ I would be one of the many who would eagerly pick up a sequel just to experience it anew.