After a bit of reading, I was heavily mistaken. What I expected to be some perverted, nonsensical, easy read manga, turned out to be one of the best romance story I've ever read. I guess I can understand why "Fifty Shades of Grey" was so popular. The concept of S&M is explained extremely well throughout the manga. The author does a very good job in depicting the physical and emotional aspect of the practice. But what really got me into the manga was the 2 main protagonists.
Kaoru and Nana are childhood friends that live next to each other and go to the same school. She is the perfect model student, good grades, good at sports, and the vice president of the student council all the while being praised for her good looks. Kaoru, on the other hand, is a failing student with his only passion being towards Nana and S&M. The relationship between the two is an awkward one. They used to be good friends but, after entering high school, Kaoru had a difficult time maintaining their friendship due to academical differences and differences in interest. That is until one day, Nana finds a leather piece used for bondage in Kaoru's room. Out of curiosity she tries it on and accidentally locks herself to the clothing that needs a key to open. With help from Kaoru she is able to get it off, but she finds enthrallment from wearing the leather piece. From then on, they start to develop a secret relationship as master and slave while trying to contain their true emotions from each other and from others.
Their methods gradually go deeper into the world of BDSM as their feelings for each other grow. She uses the practices as a "breather", a way of relieving stress, letting go of all her problems and letting Kaoru take full control. For Kaoru, he couldn't have asked for more. Being able to perform his beloved S&M to the girl he has always looked up to and secretly admired.
Stories of polar opposites attracting are nothing new, in fact, fairly common. Nana to Kaoru is no exception. When based strictly on romance there are tons of other better mangas. What makes Nana to Kaoru so special isn't the story of love between the two, but the way they portray their feelings for each other during their "breathers". During their breathers, it feels so real it feels so significant; the author makes you believe that S&M is the answer to all the problems. It is beautifully written and drawn capturing every emotion that makes you kind of want to try it out for yourself.
In conclusion, I loved this manga. I have not read anything like it before. I highly recommend it. I cannot wait until the next release and will be reading its somewhat sequel, "Nana to Kaoru: Black Label" the moment I get the chance. Whether or not you are a fan of BDSM, you will undoubtedly grow interest after reading this manga.
