Fake Fur

It's quite heartbreaking. Even though I haven't finished it, or at least I don't think I did... (The site said it was complete...). The main character has a very fragile heart. Nonetheless, the meaning is beautiful, and it profoundly touches your soul.

There's an almost poignant quality to Fake Fur. Keyword: almost.

Although it stays true to Yamagata Satomi's exceptional way of blending physical contact with personal isolation, Fake Fur feels weaker compared to her other works.

This is not to say that Fake Fur isn't a worthwhile read. On the contrary, it's a good starting point for those looking to explore her work, allowing you to observe how her style evolves alongside her characters.

Returning to the almost poignancy of this piece, it remains very sweet. The characters still possess depth and personality, which is crucial as many yaoi works risk having generic couples. Yamagata Satomi handles the story adeptly, capturing the essence of first love with just enough distance to make it effective without becoming silly or overly saccharine.

Beautifully written and illustrated, Fake Fur serves as an excellent introduction to Yamagata Satomi's style. It acts as the deciding factor in determining whether her work resonates with you or not.