In the manga the art is interesting, even if a little disproportional at times and the story has actual character development. I actually really like the art, even if it was a bit off-putting at first.
The characters in the anime only show a minimal amount, especially seeing as this is just an OVA. In the manga you see a lot more and come into an understanding with not only Norio, but all the characters around him.
Sometimes to the point that you completely wonder if the main couple exists.
You see, the manga goes into chapter phases where at times it'll follow the real time and when a new character is introduced it follows their background with their lover (I actually enjoyed these a lot. Many of them had extremely complicated relationships) so we can have a better feel of the depth in it.
I'll admit--this does have rape and I don't approve of it and get extremely tired when that's all there is to yaoi manga. To be honest, I think that's why a lot of people steer clear of it now.
I think it happened about once... Not with the main pairing, either.
Norio, the main character, isn't the typical uke being stupid about how he feels and actually tells Kunimasa his feelings first and has the balls
(minor spoiler)
to tell him that he doesn't want to be with someone who doesn't love him.
(end of spoiler)
Kunimasa isn't the most socially aware penguin and is pretty insensitive (not abusive to Norio) and Norio doesn't want to put up with his apathy.
It's not just the main characters who develop--it's all the side characters, too. It makes it feel like one big family.
Love/Sex Pistols may not be like your typical manga and I enjoy it, especially the relationships which the mangaka, although sometimes not in the best ways, takes the time to develop.
I will admit, though, this does have some yaoi stereotypes and tropes.
I'm afraid that I can't really find any manga that stay away from that anymore.
Sometimes the dialogue is a little... strange, especially when it comes to the male pregnancy, but the relationships are pretty realistic, depending on the pairing, and the characters have genuine self-conflict and problems that are easy to relate to, especially with their insecurities.
If you can get past the art (which, to be honest, I don't mind at all) and the male pregnancy and look at the characters and their depth it'll be pretty okay and relatable.
