Hydra

I absolutely adored this series. It was only after I finished reading it that I realized it belonged to the "rule" series, which makes me think I should go back and start over from the beginning. Nonetheless, this manga is incredible! The storyline is fantastic, and I genuinely admire the artwork. Each character is unique, yet they all possess remarkable personalities.

I don't have much time to pen a detailed review right now... but please, just read it! Although, I wouldn't exactly classify it as yaoi per se.

Alright, this story deserves a review!

Okay, so this story definitely showcases human ugliness and lust, but it only enriches the plot. Hydria is one of those manga stories where you hope for a happy ending and can see it coming, yet it surprises you with a twist at the end. It’s a powerful narrative about how challenging love can be and how it seldom turns out the way you wish.

The artwork in this manga was elegant, though not overly fantastical or beautiful. It wasn't the main attraction, but it certainly didn’t detract from the story either. The plot alone earns it a solid 9.

PS: It almost made me cry TT3TT

"Me, Hitomi, and Ryuu... We were each reaching out our hands, but in different directions, and so we kept missing each other; never quite managing to touch, never quite managing to connect." - Taira Hikaru

This encapsulates the essence of Hydra – the frustration, heartache, and helplessness that arise when one's love fails to resonate with another's heart. Yet, it transcends a mere tale of unrequited love; the relatable characters and compelling narrative make it an engaging read. Despite its emotional intensity, it avoids melodrama thanks to Miyamoto Kano's talent for infusing her work with realistic edge.

Hydra chronicles the journey of three friends as they navigate their evolving feelings over several years. It starts when Ryuu transfers to Hitomi's school. Fascinated by Ryuu's dragon tattoo, Hitomi befriends him, forming an almost indescribable bond. As time passes, Hitomi wonders if his interest lies in the tattoo or its bearer. Before their relationship can deepen, Hikaru enters their lives. His presence acts both as a catalyst and an obstacle to Hitomi and Ryuu's growing connection. Although love triangles are common, few are as captivating or beautifully told as this one.

The characters breathe life into Hydra. Well-developed and multidimensional, they stand apart from typical BL clichés. Their humanity is palpable – flawed, conflicted, and often unsure of themselves – making them incredibly relatable. The raw emotions portrayed drew me deeply into the story, preventing any passive observation.

Miyamoto's unique art style may initially deter some readers, but it quickly becomes familiar. Her illustrations effectively convey the characters' feelings. One standout feature is her expressive eyes, which subtly and beautifully communicate emotion.

The doujinshi related to Hydra, though not essential, add significant depth to the story and characters. Blue Film First offers insight into Hitomi's mind, Heavenly provides Hikaru's perspective on a key event, Kiss reveals glimpses of Ryuu's past, and Hello Again delivers a tantalizing revelation. These extras are integral to the series, enriching the overall experience.

Despite emphasizing the emotional weight of the manga, it balances with lighthearted moments and avoids soap opera tropes. There's nothing cheesy about the dialogue or characters, and the love triangle resolves naturally without contrived solutions.

In summary, Hydra is a captivating manga that feels authentic. Each character's journey toward understanding their feelings is masterfully depicted. Their relationships develop and conclude in a believable manner, leaving me with a profound sense of having experienced something truly special.

- Written for the Miyamoto Kano Society -