None of the words get cut up but letters do get cut so its still a noticeable concern. Only issue so far I saw was some of the pages were too small for the text bubbles. Now I've only been able to read the first story (Priapus I) but I quite enjoyed what I saw in translation and uncensored artwork which was the most important thing to me as well as many of Mentaiko's fans. Incredibly happy to see Mentaiko get an official English release, I've been a fan of since before he did doujins so this is huge imo. I promise, you will not be disappointed in Mentaiko's art. Even if you're a maniacal fujōshi who reads 10 volumes of BL manga each day, you should still buy Mentaiko's first English release. Or, if you're a fan of gay erotica but have never really gotten into comics, you really should read it. If you are a fan of gay comics, even if you've never read Mentaiko or any other Japanese mangaka before, then you really must buy this book. The art is exceptional, the stories are great, and the smut is top notch. There are probably a ton more reasons, but all you need is one. Wouldn't it be great to see volume after volume of dicks and asses hanging out, fluids covering the page, and not a single censor bar to be found? I think it would be a step closer to heaven, quite honestly. * You encourage both Mentaiko and other gay artists to continue publishing more uncensored works in English. While I enjoy plenty of scanlated works myself, I did not hesitate to buy this volume when I saw it. It is our duty as fans to support the artists who work so hard to please us. Whatever percentage is paid to him as royalties is still that much more than he receives from scanlated versions. * You are supporting the artist by buying this book.
As he says in the afterword, "Having to cover up those genitals that I'd worked so hard to draw always made me sad, but knowing that everything I drew will now be on full display makes me very happy." "De-censored" works, while respectable, are just not the same as seeing the original, unmasked versions from the artist himself. * It is the first time Mentaiko's art has been made available uncensored. However, this volume is a "definite buy" for several reasons. Most people who are familiar with Mentaiko Itto have already read these works as fan scanlations, without a doubt. I really hope more of his work, especially his artwork will be released in English/uncensored as he is an amazingly talented artist who spends a lot of time perfecting the "assets" of his men.įinally in English, this outstanding collection of one of Japan's leading gay mangaka is worth every cent and then some. His afterword makes me happy that I waited to read his work legally and its great to know that he's happy about an uncensored English release. Basically if you like what you see on the cover (or what you see when googling Mentaiko), you'll enjoy this release.Overall though its a quality release. Unlike previously released artists like Tagame or Jiraiya, Mentaiko's men have very little body hair, are lean but toned/muscular and are usually young. Since I've only read the first story and have refused to pirate I can't comment on how good these stories are but if you're familiar with Mentaiko the subject matter, comedy, sex, etc should please you.If you're a new fan and want a bridge from yaoi to the "bara" world Mentaiko is perfect for this as his style of storytelling and art is uniquely playful, passionate, emotional (at times) and truly fantasy based. I attached a photo of how it looks on some pages.As for the stories whats included is Priapus I-III, Gachinko Battle, 1/ Meters Underwater.
Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2015