Finder

I think PansyWansyLinsy's comments are spot-on. If you're unsure about this series, definitely take the time to read her review.

This is a smut-driven yaoi rather than a plot-driven one. You won't be disappointed if you keep this in mind. Also, the smutty scenes are quite explicit, so delicate types be warned.

As for the art, expect a feast for your eyes: all the main characters are total eye candy. I also liked how the uke is manly and sexy! It's a nice change from the cutesy types.

All in all, a pretty good read.

If you've read or skimmed any of the reviews, you'll know that ViewFinder gets a mixed reaction from readers. However, if you know what to expect (or not to expect), you'll either not read it at all, or you'll keep reading and like it. ViewFinder is unadulterated, unabashed, nosebleed-inducing smut. That’s not to say that it’s solely focused on sex as it does have an episodic structure to the story that I enjoy. It’s not meant to be taken seriously though (like most yaoi), and if you read it with that in mind, then you won't have any trouble getting into it. If you don't like the first couple of chapters, which basically sets the tone for the series, don't bother with the rest because it's pretty much the same from there on out (minus the bit of sexual kink which happens occasionally).

VF has an arsenal of the usual yaoi elements – rape (or non-consensual if you want to be nice about it), sexual molestation, BDSM, menage, dub-con and even some shades of Stockholm's syndrome. That’s not to say that VF is focused heavily on those sexual elements. Most of the time, the sex is consensual, and the other stuff makes its way there to keep things interesting.

The art is fantastic, of course. I never get tired of looking at Asami. After having read through my fair share of BL, Asami is still my favorite seme. The man is sex on legs. He’s got that dark, possessive and slightly sadistic businessman thing down pat. Takaba Akihito, on the other hand, is the young and reckless photographer who inadvertently gets caught in the web of Asami’s dark underworld. Takaba’s youthful exuberance is a stark contrast to the darker and older Asami, and I’ve always found that type of relationship dynamic appealing.

While I’m on the subject of art, I think Yamane-sensei strikes the right balance with her character art. Takaba, to me, is the perfect combination of “uke” masculinity that probably suits readers who are used to the slightly larger seme and smaller-framed uke. Although he’s not bara big, he’s also not overtly effeminate nor does he look like a pre-pubescent boy. Thankfully, he doesn’t read like a female either.

There are complaints about the realism in regards to the yakuza-themed elements of the story in that they aren’t realistic at all. Don’t expect it anyway, there’s no slice of life aspect to VF (aside from a couple of extras here and there). Much of the action and twists that happen are terribly exaggerated or idealized, which makes it no different than ninety percent of manga centered around yakuza anyway.

That's not to say that there aren't some serious relationship elements to the story. After having read the published translated versions of View Finder, I’ve recognized that there’s an aspect of Takaba and Asami’s relationship that isn’t so apparent in the scanlations. After the whole Fei Long affair, you wonder where Asami and Takaba’s relationship can really go after all they’ve been through. Although it hasn’t been said, isn’t it obvious that they’re in love? That’s still a part of their relationship that remains in doubt and will hopefully be addressed in the future. However, to get back to the point, what’s come across to me in the published text is that there’s a constant struggle by Takaba to put himself on equal footing with Asami. There’s a sense of social and experience disparity between the two that hasn’t gone unnoticed by Takaba. The social and work sphere that Asami inhabits is beyond that of Takaba’s standing. Although it seems like a rather trivial matter given Asami’s feelings for Takaba, and a sensibility that seems rather old-fashioned, I’ve come to realize (just by reading manga, mind you) that Japanese culture seems to put quite a lot of stock in a hierarchy of social standing. So while I was at first dismissive of what seemed to be a rather inconsequential hurdle in Takaba and Asami’s relationship, I’ve come to realize its significance given that understanding of Japanese culture. There’s heavy emphasis on this divide in the last couple of volumes and especially in this most recent arc (Pray in the Abyss). Takaba’s inability to reconcile with these differences in their relationship does cause him to run away at one point, but as always, he unerringly finds his way back to Asami. They have a magnetic attraction to one another that can’t be denied.

I haven't given the manga a rating yet, as I like to reserve them until the series has ended. However, if pressed for a rating now, I'd definitely give it a 9 on a purely enjoyment basis alone. I’ve re-read this series at least six times now since I’ve started reading boy love and to this day I still enjoy it. It’s an exciting and fun mixture of sex, action, and comedy that never fails to entertain.

On a side note, I’d just like to throw in my favorite VF scene because I really enjoyed the sweet and simplistic slice of life quality to it. It’s an extra that was attached to what I believe was the CD animate and it gives a glimpse into Asami and Takaba’s home life. In probably what amounts to a dozen pages, we get a complete understanding about how much Takaba has changed Asami’s home life. There are little touches of Takaba’s presence like a full refrigerator or some silly duck toys in the bath, or a couple of animal shaped shampoo bottles in the bathroom that creates an endearing image of their lives together. Takaba’s colorful presence breathes life into Asami’s rather sterile existence and it’s always enjoyable to read about that aspect of their lives.

I'm not sure why this is such a well loved yaoi. As much as I enjoyed it, there are many elements that would make it unattractive to fans. Nonetheless, I enjoyed it. A lot of sex, rape/ cruelty, kidnapping and a bunch of other crazy mess. I put off reading it for a long time, but I enjoyed it well enough in the end. Only comments is that the "romance" plot line is very slow winding. All an all, a very yaoi-esk read. Not for the faint of heart.

I'm going to start off by saying that in no way do I condone rape in reality, and yes, it's a sensitive matter that is rarely handled well in fiction. I am an activist for rape survivors and feminist ideals, having been abused before and having friends who have survived rape.

That said, I just want to push Akihito down onto the nearest surface, tie him up, and screw him incoherent though I might not be equipped to do that. I agree wholeheartedly with Ballads' view (order the comments by usefulness and his/hers will pop up) and many of those who have come to love this manga. It's pretty addicting and I can't properly explain how I came to love this.

The premise hooked me on (gangsters/yakuza/mafia? WIN)...then I read the first chapter. Kinky stuff, this. Then I read more. Then I fell into a weird sort of love with this manga. I know it's supposed to be dark but I can't help but giggle madly at some parts. From the very start, I was able to easily suspend my disbelief, because, hey, I expected it. It's why I read.

Though, when the sex actually becomes consensual, I found it even hotter which I did not even think possible because after I read dub-con, I usually get bored when everything is resolved and they just have vanilla sex, but here, it just felt more...something. It just felt stronger, hotter, more intense. Love.

This is, as chicchai_yubimusubi already commented, and I quote:
"...But if you're looking for a serious, realistic, angst-ridden drama that flowers into a beautiful and meaningful relationship that comments on the human experience...well, I don't know if this is for you."

If you're looking for something meaningful and character-altering, yeah, this isn't it, buddy. If you're looking for a fast-paced, unrealistic manga rife with kinky, sometimes dub-con(and outright non-con), smexy mansex scenes, give this a go.

Actually, I still can't get over the first sex scene (though I do wish the seme/s would blush a bit or any indication that they're enjoying the 'activity' just as much as the uke) because, wow, I was not expecting...a lot of stuff and was quite pleasantly surprised in many parts of this manga.

Really, don't take this seriously, because if you do, you'll just end up having an aneurysm or something. It doesn't have comedy but the stuff that keeps happening to the uke just has me completely amused at times (it makes me want to bend him over even more and do indecent things to him). I love the art and the guys aren't too fem or bara, just right. The color pages and covers are a treat and I can't help but ogle.

It has tropes that usually make me want to facepalm or rant, but here, I find myself enjoying the flow of the story completely, despite how ridiculous things get.

But, truly, my favorite thing about this manga was the uke. I can kind of get the flack he gets from the readers, but I think he's pretty amazing. Asami's great too. Still, Akihito is just admirable in his strength and spirit. (Not to mention his expressions, and OMG, the scene where he gets the gun after he's had enough with all the crap that's been happening?!? but all that's just a plus) I love that he isn't some girly, self-depreciating wimp. He fights back when he can, and when he doesn't, well, he's smart. He's not overly stupid to try and get himself killed when he can and I count his self-preservation tactics as a point in his favor.

About the rape, well, it's one of the things that helped me suspend my disbelief. The psychological impacts and issues aren't used as a plot source and the manga glosses over it. I get why this infuriates many readers but I myself prefer it. Is it strange to want to read the non/dub-con in only a sexual aspect and not in its whole, including its ramifications? It's what this manga does.

The reader is able to enjoy reading and empathizing with the characters without dwelling on the unrealistic aspects but instead accepts it as what it was meant to be by the mangaka.

There is character growth(which I just love even if it isn't groundbreaking) and those who like yaoi manga with lots of action but isn't confusing or boring, this is great though I will warn that it can get addicting.

I came into this expecting to facepalm and get irritated a lot but I ended up really enjoying it and getting amused at the unbelievable events that make me want to cuddle Akihito in a room all to ourselves. After bouts of endless sex, of course.

Edit: Read up 'til ch.40 and OMFFFFFFFG!! Huge cliff-hanger. I love Akihito even more now. F********ck...I will kill for the next update.

He shows amazing strength by making a choice between his dreams/career/beliefs and a relationship he is still not quite sure of. I was expecting him to go for the relationship thing and I would've been okay with that but daaamn, him choosing the former and this new development in his character?!? Nyaaghr. Without any doubt will I love Akihito forevaaa!

I love this manga but I can totally understand people who dislike it but why criticize the people who do dig it. I think as long as the subject matter doesn't dip into pedophilia or chicken erotica it's all good. A lot of people bash this freak over the more hardcore elements especially the rape aspect, and feel the need to bash those who really enjoy it. It's the same reaction to the shades of grey (although that's some bullshit writing there!!) trilogy: but just cause u don't understand the interest don't be a dick about it. A lot of people whould bash you for reading yaoi in the first place. I personally like these themes and admit readily that I'm sexually weird. I've been raped for real and it is really bad but I really love "sexy yaoi rape", probably there's some deep psychological reasoning to this but since my choice of reading isn't hurting anyone I don't feel bad indulging. One reason I like yaoi besides the thrilling taboo aspect is because the uke is the female element to me in the story but I can read it without my usual "feminist angst" I'm afflicted by when reading a story with an actual woman. Also female characters with these kind of story lines usually spend multiple pages struggling with their own feminine angst which is boring. Maybe I would dig a hetro story with the same plot if I could suspend my own feminism and if the character did as well. That's my reasoning for yaoi, basically smutty perversions without the guilt (a long with my basic love of taboo subjects [not involving kids or chickens])but everybody is different. I really don't like shotacon (disturbing on so many levels) but I do try not to diss those who like it even though I wonder why anyone not affiliated with NAMBLA would want to read something that pedophiles read. (a passive aggressive diss!) SO feel free to diss this manga but try to hold off on the personal attacks because there are plenty of people condemning you to the fiery pits of hell for even having a passive interest in this homo'rific comic genre!!

I think Ayano Yamane's art style is probably the best in the whole yaoi world. But her characters/plot are just ridiculous. The humor makes up for the undercurrent of really crappy things that always happen to the ukes in her stories. Crimson Spell was no different--probably worse--but Viewfinder's sense of 'romance' is hard to justify when you've got things like rape, bdsm, forced threesomes and kidnap & torture going on--things that would normally have you running to the cops, not to the rapist in question for help! (lol & facepalm). The only other yaoi that offended my sensibilities more was Okane Ga Nai! >_< But, all negativity aside, Asami IS probably the hottest seme short of Iason Mink from AnK (another Stockholm mess--but justified cuz the uke in that story's world/timeline had no rights and was hardly considered a person, unlike Takaba, who DOESN'T live in such a depressing futuristic setting). I give Viewfinder 8/10. I love it cuz it's a long read and a lengthy series (I hate oneshots), but it would have got an 8.5 from me if it hadn't been for Feilong's involvement (especially during the hot spring chapter). I hope the rest of the series takes Asami & Takaba's relationship more seriously in future chapters, and stops treating Takaba like an outlet for sadistic hentai garbage.

Art: Very Good
Story: Very Good
I surprise that is why so many fangirls/fanboys like this series many, it's so extremely hot, Asami was so handsome, the best seme i like the most in yaoi world....and so the story gets more and more interesting.

Why did this get 10s and why so man readers actually even read it? I have no darn clue whatsoever.

It's full of rape, probably the smuttiest yaoi out there, and not just that, it has BDSM, Sex toys, and all kinds of stuff that would normally mindfuck you, and the fact that there are people who actually read this, and there's 8 pages full of comments, and all of them from females no less, makes it even more disturbing, i can't believe people read stuff like this, in my whole life as a yaoi reader, i haven't been this aware of my own creepy fandom, and the content in this one is just...i haven't read shit like this in even the most hardcore BDSM rape HENTAI manga ever, and when i saw masculine guys, i mean THOUGH guys, guys that you'd think would be the seme...get raped and act like a sissy girl who just got her ass molested with a fist, i tried to pop out my damn eyes out, it's like you stabbed me with a fork right in the brains, i don't know what to say, this was plain terrible, and i just realized why people actually hate most yaoi fangirls, and damn glad i'm not one of those "most".

You can't get better that this, just don't don't...
the art (OMG the ART!!!),
the story (OMG so much GREAT SMEX and possessive love!),
even the personalities of the characters!!(OMG AKIHITOOO!!! the best uke ever!! he stands up for himself and i LOVE IT!),
it's all done soo well that u will feel that u are in yaoi HEAVEN!
This was my first yaoi, and i'm so thankful that it was this one, and no other crap-just-smut-thing, cause once you've seem a A+ you can recognize other A+ on the infinite manga list that exist in this planet LOL
This is the best.. just that... in short: This is how a yaoi manga should be done.
read it on mangahere (they upload chapters faster)

I was really enjoying this.
The two main characters were really good together and the plot was quite good too. But one thing I really hate in manga is when the main character is forced into sex with somebody else (other than the other main lead he is intended for) it's a real turn-off and it got worse later on in the manga and was looking like he was just going to become that other guys slave which was totally un-sexy, I couldn't stand it anymore, it lost its hotness - how am I supposed to enjoy the romance between the main two characters when he keeps getting used by someone else?
Sorry but no. I had to ditch it in the end. Soo disappointed, it had lots of potential.

Vol 1: Target in the Finder (Finder no Hyouteki); Vol 2: Cage in the Finder (Finder no Ori); Vol 3: One Wing in the Finder (Finder no Sekiyoku); Vol 4: Prisoner in the Finder (Finder no Ryoshuu); Vol 5: 1) Naked Truth - Zero (main Viewfinder series). 2) Naked Truth (main Viewfinder series; ch13-18: The Hong Kong arc). 3) Takaba Akihito's Graceful Summer Holiday (3rd part of the Love Prize series). 4) School Ghost Story (Gakko no Kaidan) (2nd part of the Love Lesson series).

I didn't like this when I first started reading it. Yes, it has BEAUTIFUL art and interesting characters... but all the damn rape and freaky sex was a huge turn off. But I kept reading... I got used to the random sex and started to like the characters and their relationship (for the most part). Until...

The threesome with Feilong. Like what the fuck? Isn't Asami supposed to be possessive?

It completely pissed me off. I'm not sure I'll ever finish this. It just got too ridiculous.
This review probably isn't very helpful. Honestly, I just wanted to vent my anger.