Rules

Rules centers on the characters Yuki and Hikaru, whose relationship blossomed after Yuki sought out Hikaru to alleviate his sexual frustrations.

The story, as I perceive it, has been meticulously crafted. The psychology behind the plot and the actions taken by the characters feel authentic enough to mirror real-life situations. The emotional and interest conflicts within this series lend it a fascinating edge. It's akin to events in this manga having the potential to unfold in reality. I'm not overly concerned with the level of angst present because, in real life, people do behave that way even if it appears cliché in manga. Even though we anticipate a positive outcome, the journey leading up to it is filled with intriguing conflicts that kept me captivated, amused, and eager for what comes next.

In terms of art, compared to other favorites in this genre, it doesn't rank very high. However, I appreciate how the depiction of sex scenes didn't overshadow the overall plot of the manga. Moreover, the sensuality in these scenes is well-balanced, allowing enjoyment without losing sight of the overarching storyline.

Each character is designed to look distinctly unique from one another, which helps those who struggle with matching manga faces to names. Some characters exhibit significant angst, but I don't find this problematic. The emotions portrayed by each character, in my view, resemble real people, which is a commendable aspect.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this manga so much that I have no regrets about staying up until 3 AM to finish every chapter.

"Rules," with its realistic portrayal of homosexual relationships, breaks the mold by not presenting a yaoi fangirl's idealized vision of love between pretty boys. It steers clear of the negative clichés and stereotypes often associated with the BL genre, such as shallow plots, two-dimensional characters, and cheesy dialogue. Despite this, like many good yaoi stories, it remains an absolute page-turner.

Part of Miyamoto Kano's popular Rules Universe, which has inspired numerous fan fictions, the events in this manga occur after 'Hydra' and 'Lovers and Souls,' focusing on Hikaru and Tooru, along with new characters Yuki and Atori.

The story begins conventionally enough: Yuki, realizing he is gay and in love with his straight classmate, sleeps with a stranger from a gay district to ease his frustration. This is where the typicality ends. What follows is a detailed yet grounded depiction of how the four main characters' relationships evolve as their lives intertwine. The smooth flow makes reading the manga feel like observing the lives of people you know unfold before your eyes.

If there is any distraction, it would be the somewhat abrupt shift in focus onto different characters after Volume 1. Although the transition could have been smoother, it doesn't significantly detract from the compelling narrative.

As mentioned, there are no clichéd character archetypes; the roles of seme and uke are irrelevant. Instead, the characters act realistically, with unique personalities and development throughout the expansive Rules Universe. Yuki and Atori experience teenage insecurities, confusion, and carefreeness, growing from these experiences. Having appeared in previous titles, Hikaru and Tooru’s character development is even more pronounced; at times, their actions may seem odd or unreasonable, but understanding them becomes easier when reading the Rules Universe chronologically.

The art style complements the storyline by appearing realistic. Miyamoto adds realism through subtle touches, such as changing hairstyles with the seasons or modifying expressions subtly so they're never exaggerated. Characters' appearances also change to reflect their moods or growth, like a character getting a haircut after a relationship ends.

Several elements distinguish "Rules" from other works, including its adept handling of issues like sexual confusion and prostitution. The sex scenes are not gratuitous but serve to advance the plot and develop characters. While such stories can easily become overly angsty, "Rules" maintains a balance, though angst isn't entirely absent; after all, what teenager is completely devoid of it? Finally, Miyamoto's knowledge of the Japanese gay community shines through in her use of language and lifestyle details.

While I enjoy yaoi with its clichés, "Rules" offered a refreshing change. It's a wonderful manga I'd recommend to those who appreciate character-driven stories.

- Written for the Miyamoto Kano Society -