Being a native English speaker and reader, I was incredibly disheartened when the American branch of Tokyopop ceased its manga production. The primary reason for my disappointment was that I could no longer complete the Loveless series.
I began reading it a few years after it started being published, and I immediately became enamored with the characters, plot, and storyline. To this day, I remain deeply in love with the series.
The characters were both mysterious and charming, while the plot offered significant depth and numerous twists as the volumes progressed.
I have attempted to read it online, but it simply doesn't compare to holding a physical copy. Moreover, I haven't found many websites that offer an easy way to access the series. If anyone knows of a site that hosts an English translation of volumes 9 and 10, please send me a link—I would be thrilled to continue reading.
In conclusion, Loveless stands as one of my all-time favorite manga series.
Where to begin with Loveless? This manga stands out from others in a profound way, showcasing deep character development that hasn't been fully revealed yet. There's a lot to look forward to in this series, and if you're a fan of anime or manga in general, it offers something for everyone (though it tends to appeal more to girls, I've found many of my male friends enjoy it for its psychological themes). You'll find comedy, action, romance, a bit of mystery, and characters with unique personalities that are anything but cliché. The artwork alone is worth checking out, featuring numerous full-color two-page spreads done in high detail. Even the interior pages are well-drawn, showcasing Yun Kouga's distinct style. Surprisingly, if you enjoy manga with gore or intense battles, this one delivers on that front as well, with nearly every volume containing a large (and definitely bloody) battle. Additionally, it is very thought-provoking, making you think and sympathize with the characters on an emotional level. However, one drawback is the long wait for the English release, which has stretched to almost two years, while the Japanese version isn't progressing much faster. Another potential issue is the amount of yaoi content, which might bother some readers. Otherwise, give it a read; the first two volumes are slower and less involved, but by volume three, most of the main characters are introduced, and the story takes a more interesting direction.
Loveless is not a shounen-ai. It is not BL. It is not yaoi.
I mean this in the sense of genre, where countless manga exist that are similar, typical, and romantic. This is why I say Loveless isn't a shounen-ai. You could argue there's romance, but I'd counter that it's absent if we consider the relationship between the two main characters—a twelve-year-old and a twenty-year-old. Their relationship is anything but simple; it's complex and evolving. The only reason it's considered shounen-ai is because both characters are male. While categorized as such, I believe it truly isn't.
Many people know this manga for its depiction of cat ears indicating virginity. This aspect is secondary to the plot, aside from making certain characters look cute.
Loveless holds a special place in my heart as one of the first "shounen-ai" manga I ever read. Initially, I was enamored with Ritsuka and Soubi's relationship until the story became more intricate. Back then, I was young.
I decided to reread it entirely. I couldn't put it down. Loveless draws you in and leaves you craving more. Imagine how frustrating it is to be so engrossed in the story, knowing it's on hiatus. The struggle is real.
Loveless is a mystery centered around Ritsuka and his growth, his relationship with Soubi, and his quest to understand his existence. Years ago, the manga focused on Ritsuka searching for his brother's killer, but that has since changed.
The core of Loveless revolves around relationships—romantic, platonic, and abusive ones. It tackles themes like child abuse, rape, murder, and identity intricately without being explicit. Everything is implied rather than shown, which works beautifully as we see things through Ritsuka's perspective.
The art style is beautiful and among my favorites.
I believe everyone should give it a try, even with the risk of it having no definitive ending.
This manga marks my first experience reading one online, and honestly, I fell head over heels in love with it! Despite its title, "LOVELESS," the story is brimming with "BL" elements. Although there are female characters, most of the romantic interactions occur between beautiful men, both young and old. The suspense woven into each chapter keeps me eagerly turning pages for more! The artwork mirrors that of the anime, presented in classic black and white manga style. The expressions and protective nature of the characters, particularly in master-servant or fighter dynamics like those between Soubi and Ritsuka, are simply breathtaking. The unconditional love depicted among characters of the same sex, as if they cannot survive without one another, brings tears to my eyes. The plot's twists and thrills keep you guessing whether your hoped-for ending will materialize or if something unexpected will turn the entire story on its head. The emotions of the characters resonate deeply with readers who truly immerse themselves in the manga. I highly recommend this; it's genuinely enjoyable! ^_^
I won't delve into the plot of this manga since it's readily available elsewhere. This narrative shines with its intricate mysteries, featuring villains transforming into heroes and protagonists teetering on the edge of ambiguity. It's a tale brimming with intrigue! If you're a fan of complex plots, you'll undoubtedly enjoy this one. You find yourself emotionally invested in both the heroes and the villains, passionately reacting to their injustices while celebrating their triumphs. Beyond the story, the artwork is simply breathtaking. The illustrations, character poses, and scenes are so captivating that you might find yourself staring at a single page for minutes, completely oblivious to the passing time. Yes, this manga has that kind of mesmerizing quality.
I delayed reading Loveless for ages due to its 'ongoing' status, but just a couple of days ago, finding myself with nothing to read, I reluctantly decided to give it a try. It wasn't long before the story had truly captured my attention. It all began with Aoyagi Ritsuka, who turned out to be an incredibly adorable, smart, and overall great character. What initially intrigued me was his desperate desire to create lasting memories with people and avoid being forgotten, stemming from whatever happened two years prior. Ritsuka was merely the first among many excellent elements in the series. The storyline was fascinating and unique, revolving around the concept of sacrifices and fighters, and the uncertainty of whether you could trust anyone. The interactions between characters ranged from humorous and cute to intensely eerie. Soubi and Ritsuka's dynamic is enjoyable to follow, and their development is emotionally resonant and sweet. Typically, I would've been concerned about the characters' ages, but despite their closeness, it never felt inappropriate or unwelcome, and there wasn't really a sexual undertone (even with the kissing). Soubi explicitly mentioned several times that he wasn't interested in kids that way, and their closeness seemed genuinely rooted in their roles as sacrifice and fighter. There were numerous other interesting and original characters that greatly enriched the series. The artwork was beautifully crafted, simple where it needed to be and intricate when appropriate. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Loveless and, upon catching up with the latest chapter, found myself wanting to reread it and connect with others who shared my enthusiasm. The only reason this didn't receive a 9 or 10 rating was the annoying filler chapters that kept popping up unexpectedly and the brevity of the chapters. This is one of the first manga I've read with such short page counts, and honestly, it frustrated me that so few pages were dedicated to non-essential content. Nevertheless, Loveless is absolutely worth reading, if only to witness Ritsuka's growth and development as an exceptional protagonist.
Story - 10
Art - 9
Character - 7
Enjoyment - 7
Overall - 4
I know, I know, you might wonder why the overall score is only 4. Initially, I adored this manga and its anime adaptation. The concept of "how to tell if you're still a virgin" was fresh and felt essential to the story. It brought about some thrilling moments that gave me goosebumps. At first, I had high hopes for this manga, expecting something explosive to happen. However, around chapters 40-45, I found myself utterly confused. One moment there's an intense fight scene with deep emotions pouring out from the characters, and the next page presents a completely different scenario. I thought it was just a temporary lapse, maybe the author wasn't feeling well. But this inconsistency continued relentlessly. Despite this issue, I genuinely enjoyed many aspects of the manga. Yet, I couldn't give it more than a 4 overall because I believe this manga had the potential to be much, much better.
Loveless might bear a title suggesting the absence of love, but I assure you, I could clearly see the bond between Soubi and Ritsuka. While I don't usually favor boys adorned with cat ears, Ritsuka's charm was irresistible, making me instantly smitten by his character. The narrative primarily centers around Seimei's demise; this event catalyzed Soubi becoming Ritsuka's fighter and ignited Misaki's, Ritsuka's mother, resentment towards him.
I empathized deeply with Ritsuka every time his mother physically and emotionally abused him for not "returning her original Ritsuka." In my opinion, such actions are far from appropriate disciplinary measures for any mother to employ. The storyline is laden with numerous twists, including moments when trusted allies betray their friends. These occurrences exacerbate Ritsuka's life, causing me to feel profound sympathy whenever he confronts new challenges just as he believes he has overcome the previous ones. It's comforting to witness Yuiko's unwavering support for Ritsuka through thick and thin. As a sixth-grader myself, I relate to the pressure of being disliked due to a fractured family background and dark past. Such circumstances should never justify hasty judgments about people.
Beyond these reflections, I find the action sequences in the series captivating, drawing me further into the combat scenes. This isn't your typical love story—not only because it involves two straight men, but also due to its intricate plot elements. If you're intrigued to uncover more, exploring the series yourself would be an enlightening choice.
Popular Reviews
Being a native English speaker and reader, I was incredibly disheartened when the American branch of Tokyopop ceased its manga production. The primary reason for my disappointment was that I could no longer complete the Loveless series.
I began reading it a few years after it started being published, and I immediately became enamored with the characters, plot, and storyline. To this day, I remain deeply in love with the series.
The characters were both mysterious and charming, while the plot offered significant depth and numerous twists as the volumes progressed.
I have attempted to read it online, but it simply doesn't compare to holding a physical copy. Moreover, I haven't found many websites that offer an easy way to access the series. If anyone knows of a site that hosts an English translation of volumes 9 and 10, please send me a link—I would be thrilled to continue reading.
In conclusion, Loveless stands as one of my all-time favorite manga series.
Where to begin with Loveless? This manga stands out from others in a profound way, showcasing deep character development that hasn't been fully revealed yet. There's a lot to look forward to in this series, and if you're a fan of anime or manga in general, it offers something for everyone (though it tends to appeal more to girls, I've found many of my male friends enjoy it for its psychological themes). You'll find comedy, action, romance, a bit of mystery, and characters with unique personalities that are anything but cliché. The artwork alone is worth checking out, featuring numerous full-color two-page spreads done in high detail. Even the interior pages are well-drawn, showcasing Yun Kouga's distinct style. Surprisingly, if you enjoy manga with gore or intense battles, this one delivers on that front as well, with nearly every volume containing a large (and definitely bloody) battle. Additionally, it is very thought-provoking, making you think and sympathize with the characters on an emotional level. However, one drawback is the long wait for the English release, which has stretched to almost two years, while the Japanese version isn't progressing much faster. Another potential issue is the amount of yaoi content, which might bother some readers. Otherwise, give it a read; the first two volumes are slower and less involved, but by volume three, most of the main characters are introduced, and the story takes a more interesting direction.
Loveless is not a shounen-ai. It is not BL. It is not yaoi.
I mean this in the sense of genre, where countless manga exist that are similar, typical, and romantic. This is why I say Loveless isn't a shounen-ai. You could argue there's romance, but I'd counter that it's absent if we consider the relationship between the two main characters—a twelve-year-old and a twenty-year-old. Their relationship is anything but simple; it's complex and evolving. The only reason it's considered shounen-ai is because both characters are male. While categorized as such, I believe it truly isn't.
Many people know this manga for its depiction of cat ears indicating virginity. This aspect is secondary to the plot, aside from making certain characters look cute.
Loveless holds a special place in my heart as one of the first "shounen-ai" manga I ever read. Initially, I was enamored with Ritsuka and Soubi's relationship until the story became more intricate. Back then, I was young.
I decided to reread it entirely. I couldn't put it down. Loveless draws you in and leaves you craving more. Imagine how frustrating it is to be so engrossed in the story, knowing it's on hiatus. The struggle is real.
Loveless is a mystery centered around Ritsuka and his growth, his relationship with Soubi, and his quest to understand his existence. Years ago, the manga focused on Ritsuka searching for his brother's killer, but that has since changed.
The core of Loveless revolves around relationships—romantic, platonic, and abusive ones. It tackles themes like child abuse, rape, murder, and identity intricately without being explicit. Everything is implied rather than shown, which works beautifully as we see things through Ritsuka's perspective.
The art style is beautiful and among my favorites.
I believe everyone should give it a try, even with the risk of it having no definitive ending.
This manga marks my first experience reading one online, and honestly, I fell head over heels in love with it! Despite its title, "LOVELESS," the story is brimming with "BL" elements. Although there are female characters, most of the romantic interactions occur between beautiful men, both young and old. The suspense woven into each chapter keeps me eagerly turning pages for more! The artwork mirrors that of the anime, presented in classic black and white manga style. The expressions and protective nature of the characters, particularly in master-servant or fighter dynamics like those between Soubi and Ritsuka, are simply breathtaking. The unconditional love depicted among characters of the same sex, as if they cannot survive without one another, brings tears to my eyes. The plot's twists and thrills keep you guessing whether your hoped-for ending will materialize or if something unexpected will turn the entire story on its head. The emotions of the characters resonate deeply with readers who truly immerse themselves in the manga. I highly recommend this; it's genuinely enjoyable! ^_^
I won't delve into the plot of this manga since it's readily available elsewhere. This narrative shines with its intricate mysteries, featuring villains transforming into heroes and protagonists teetering on the edge of ambiguity. It's a tale brimming with intrigue! If you're a fan of complex plots, you'll undoubtedly enjoy this one. You find yourself emotionally invested in both the heroes and the villains, passionately reacting to their injustices while celebrating their triumphs. Beyond the story, the artwork is simply breathtaking. The illustrations, character poses, and scenes are so captivating that you might find yourself staring at a single page for minutes, completely oblivious to the passing time. Yes, this manga has that kind of mesmerizing quality.
I delayed reading Loveless for ages due to its 'ongoing' status, but just a couple of days ago, finding myself with nothing to read, I reluctantly decided to give it a try.
It wasn't long before the story had truly captured my attention. It all began with Aoyagi Ritsuka, who turned out to be an incredibly adorable, smart, and overall great character. What initially intrigued me was his desperate desire to create lasting memories with people and avoid being forgotten, stemming from whatever happened two years prior.
Ritsuka was merely the first among many excellent elements in the series.
The storyline was fascinating and unique, revolving around the concept of sacrifices and fighters, and the uncertainty of whether you could trust anyone. The interactions between characters ranged from humorous and cute to intensely eerie.
Soubi and Ritsuka's dynamic is enjoyable to follow, and their development is emotionally resonant and sweet. Typically, I would've been concerned about the characters' ages, but despite their closeness, it never felt inappropriate or unwelcome, and there wasn't really a sexual undertone (even with the kissing). Soubi explicitly mentioned several times that he wasn't interested in kids that way, and their closeness seemed genuinely rooted in their roles as sacrifice and fighter.
There were numerous other interesting and original characters that greatly enriched the series. The artwork was beautifully crafted, simple where it needed to be and intricate when appropriate.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Loveless and, upon catching up with the latest chapter, found myself wanting to reread it and connect with others who shared my enthusiasm.
The only reason this didn't receive a 9 or 10 rating was the annoying filler chapters that kept popping up unexpectedly and the brevity of the chapters. This is one of the first manga I've read with such short page counts, and honestly, it frustrated me that so few pages were dedicated to non-essential content.
Nevertheless, Loveless is absolutely worth reading, if only to witness Ritsuka's growth and development as an exceptional protagonist.
Story - 10
Art - 9
Character - 7
Enjoyment - 7
Overall - 4
I know, I know, you might wonder why the overall score is only 4. Initially, I adored this manga and its anime adaptation. The concept of "how to tell if you're still a virgin" was fresh and felt essential to the story. It brought about some thrilling moments that gave me goosebumps. At first, I had high hopes for this manga, expecting something explosive to happen. However, around chapters 40-45, I found myself utterly confused. One moment there's an intense fight scene with deep emotions pouring out from the characters, and the next page presents a completely different scenario. I thought it was just a temporary lapse, maybe the author wasn't feeling well. But this inconsistency continued relentlessly. Despite this issue, I genuinely enjoyed many aspects of the manga. Yet, I couldn't give it more than a 4 overall because I believe this manga had the potential to be much, much better.
Loveless might bear a title suggesting the absence of love, but I assure you, I could clearly see the bond between Soubi and Ritsuka. While I don't usually favor boys adorned with cat ears, Ritsuka's charm was irresistible, making me instantly smitten by his character. The narrative primarily centers around Seimei's demise; this event catalyzed Soubi becoming Ritsuka's fighter and ignited Misaki's, Ritsuka's mother, resentment towards him.
I empathized deeply with Ritsuka every time his mother physically and emotionally abused him for not "returning her original Ritsuka." In my opinion, such actions are far from appropriate disciplinary measures for any mother to employ. The storyline is laden with numerous twists, including moments when trusted allies betray their friends. These occurrences exacerbate Ritsuka's life, causing me to feel profound sympathy whenever he confronts new challenges just as he believes he has overcome the previous ones. It's comforting to witness Yuiko's unwavering support for Ritsuka through thick and thin. As a sixth-grader myself, I relate to the pressure of being disliked due to a fractured family background and dark past. Such circumstances should never justify hasty judgments about people.
Beyond these reflections, I find the action sequences in the series captivating, drawing me further into the combat scenes. This isn't your typical love story—not only because it involves two straight men, but also due to its intricate plot elements. If you're intrigued to uncover more, exploring the series yourself would be an enlightening choice.