Shounen Zanzou

I have to admit, I'm a massive fan of Kaori Yuki, and this work, much like her other manga, is utterly beautiful. It incorporates all the classic elements Yuki is known for—tragedy, gothic themes, charming male characters—and blends them into an incredibly touching yaoi manga.

I highly recommend it!

This was actually the very first manga I've read by Kaori Yuki, and I have to admit it got me hooked on her style.

I discovered this manga while searching for 'yaoi that wouldn't be cliché, would be dark, and would leave a lasting impression.' I posted my query on one of the many forums I frequent and received a recommendation for this piece. After reading it, I can confidently say that I'm not disappointed.

I was captivated by the art style from the very beginning pages, but what truly resonated with me was the dark atmosphere. Moreover, the manga made a clear point that there's no such thing as 'black and white' in this world. People commit terrible acts, yes, but there is often a reason behind their actions. This realization brought immense joy to my inner philosopher.

Go to any site that allows comments on a story, and you'll see people deeply moved by this manga. This suggests it's not for the faint of heart.

-Why did I give it a 10 overall?

The interpretation of this story varies depending on one’s intellect and life experiences. Given the serious topics Boys Next Door tackles, including vulgar and cruel realities, it's understandable. The themes are heavy and dark, revolving around a murder. Kaori Yuki masterfully guides us through clues about the protagonist, leading us to support and wish for Adrian's salvation, even if society disapproves.

Adrian and Lawrence's backgrounds reveal a lifetime of mistreatment. Their spiraling into morally wrong behaviors—serial killing and prostitution—is a response to their unfair treatment. The story's core message is simple yet fragile: the world is unjust.

The characters commit acts shunned by society because fate cursed them from the start. Readers must confront the injustice done to these flawed characters. Adrian is mentally a child, yearning for someone to understand his inner turmoil. Lawrence pushes Adrian towards self-realization but also seeks societal acceptance and freedom from his lifestyle.

The climax reveals their true desires—to be cared for and free—but ends bitterly. Despite achieving their goals, happiness eludes them.

-The story uses multi-layered symbolism. Here are key symbols to understand its genius:

The Carnival:

Symbolizing the unstable nature of the world, it shows how quickly things can change, masked by cheap entertainment. For Adrian, it represents his disturbed childhood due to his unfit mother. It brings conflicted memories.

The Balloon:

Representing guidance and affection, Adrian feels excluded when he finds no balloons left. Towards the end, he embodies the balloon's meaning, understanding its value but regretting its cost.

The Merry-Go-Round Music Box:

Bought accidentally, it symbolizes longing for stress-free childhood. Winding it relieves life's pressures. When dropped, it signifies the end of Adrian's journey.

The Iguana – Lawrence Parallel:

The iguana symbolizes Lawrence's enslavement as a prostitute. Adrian yearns for the collar, paralleling Lawrence's iguana tattoo, signifying his eternal appeal to Adrian.

A twist on a perfect ending, Shounen Zanzou challenges popular thought, urging us to reconsider villains' stories. Highly recommended for those ready for a challenge.

I hope this review helps,

Rukia