Ranked #1878

Innocent Blue (Manga)

I've read this a long time ago and I don't even know why I'm doing a review to this manga.. it's not even my fave.. but I just felt like it.

Story: 7/10

The story is about a boy (Kana) who has a weak heart and body and was frequently taken care of by his cousin (Shuu-chan) which is a year older. Then one day Kana met a guy (Rin) in the libary and scolded him for not placing the books in order. It turned out that Rin was the transfer student and his classmate as well.

Rin was the one who taught what was freedom like to Kana since Kana was always restricted in going out too much or making friends by his cousin because of his condition.

Rin and Kana became lovers but later on, Rin was just using Kana in order to get revenge to Shuu-chan and his family (which was actually his half older brother) because of family issues (eh I don't want to elaborate it that much XD)

But in the end, Rin and Kana end up together or something.

But hmm.. the story is not that unique. In fact, I think I've something like this. But I guess it was still okay. Though the ending felt like rushed or something.

Art: 7/10

At first, I thought the art sucks.. but as I read it.. it didn't seem so bad. It was actually nice. It made me remember the art style of Odagiri Hotaru-sensei (Artist of Only The Ring Finger Knows and manga-ka of UraBoku), though of course, Odagiri-sensei's art style is waaaay better!

Characters: 5/10

Ugh.. I don't like the characters that much. The seme is so mean. I hate him. And I'm kinda annoyed with the uke because even though his seme did THOSE CRUEL THINGS to him, he was okay with it. I don't like that kind of uke.

The only one that I like is the cousin of the uke.

Enjoyment: 7/10

Well I guess I kinda did enjoy this 1-Volume manga for some unknown reasons. It made me cry (God I'm such a crybaby XD) because the seme is so mean. But I kinda understand why he did that.. but still I hate him for what he did to his uke.

Overall: 6/10

Uh. I'm actually picky when it comes to Yaoi/BL manga.. but I still read this manga. So I guess this manga is still worth a try. If you like something hearbreaking (or so I thought) yaoi story and just want to kill your boredom.. maybe you should try this.

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I can see where the negative reviews are coming from but if you especially like the slice of life genre, this is one you shouldn't miss.
This manga will overwhelm you emotionally. It is tragic, lovely, sweet, painful, lonely and doubtlessly fulfilling. This is a true gem, one of those rare manga that will make a deep impression and leave you satisfied with the beautifully executed ending.

Art:
started off as somewhat awkward but by the second half it improved tremendously

Story:
It's really nothing much but what makes this manga what it is is the way in which it was done. It has an air reminiscent of the peaceful loneliness in Natsume Yuujinchou but of course with more drama. The story flows smoothly from each scene and you can understand the characters' motives, confusion and frustration. Don't let the seeming angst/heartbreak detract you away from reading this from the early chapters. It will be worth continueing. (hint: there is no "tragedy" listed under it's genre on bakamangaupdates)

Characters:
As far as my view goes, their developments are very well done. From our protagonist who slowly grew in character into someone with his own resolve to Shuuya with dealing with his way of caring and to Rin's acceptance. While Kana might have had terrible things done to him, it is perfectly understandable why he fell in love and why he could still continue to love. It can be somewhat painful to read(though I really enjoyed that..) but this story is definitely about forgiveness from more than one party involved. For the other two, saying too much would be a spoiler but I have to say that they have beautifully matured.

From the deep yearning which was misdirected into love in Kana and the pained manipulative love of Rin to the overly protective familial love of Shuuya, the combination gives a praiseworthy sense of melancholy. Subtly, the message that love can be cruel, love can hurt, love can be used to hurt and that love can bring happiness and motivation is slowly played out.

Overall, this is a must read. I haven't read any bl manga that could move me this much for a long while and going by the amount of bl I've read, it is an impressive feat and I think one who enjoy reading stories about different kinds of love will appreciate this series. read more