Customer Reviews

I Shall Never Return Volume 5 (Yaoi) (Deux)

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

 

 

As much as I've enjoyed Deux Press's other titles (especially those of Ms. Uchida's li'l sis Shiuko Kano) and duly noted the five-star reviews for previous volumes in the series, I confess to pretty much avoiding "I Shall Never Return". Too shojo-girly, surely? Too dated and tame for "Finder"-tuned sensibilities? Anyway, while recently suffering a "what the heck, I need a bigger order to qualify for free shipping" moment, I succumbed. Seldom has such poor impulse control been so richly rewarded! This intelligent and moving story well deserves its classic status, and shows Kano fans that talent runs in the family! You want angst? Behold a veritable feast of divorce, prostitution, suicide, rape, infidelity, blindness, car crashes, and drastic haircuts! Yet within this roiling ocean of emotion lies a shimmering pearl. Like a pearl, the relationship between wayward Ken and straight-laced Ritsuro grows ever more beautifully layered, and (to stretch a metaphor unbearably) its lustre inspires others to awaken the better angels of their own nature. Sappy? Well, yeah, but isn't that the way love goes? Count this reader explicitly contented!

I really have a wonderful time finishing this series in one go. The story flows seamlessly as the characters grow in depth together with the plot. This is one angst filled and emotionally driven Yaoi, never letting up in any volume. Both Ritsuro and Ken are such complex characters and the development of their relationship and love is so well told. Love vs lust, friendship vs love, misunderstandings, the perfect kid vs a delinquent, jilted girlfriend, families disapproval, family drama, horrible pasts, prostitution, drugs, rapes, one father's anger and disappointment, love triangles, unfaithfulness, healing and most of all unwavering love, all these held me captive till the last page. And the cast of supporting of characters are just as well developed. Being a sap I am completely satisfied with the ending. This one is a keeper and I am very glad Deux has given us this Yaoi classic.
I enjoy the artwork and find the sex sensual and tasteful. As for the translation I though Deux has done a marvelous job. If you are a Yaoi fan you must not miss this classic.