A stable for LGBTQ+ and fujoshi alike, gay manga (also known as “Boys Love,” “BL,” or “yaoi” manga) is more popular now than ever before. While we have a list of classics and high quality manga that we love, what about new entries? Today, let’s take a look at some new gay manga released in English in 2025.
White Liar
Created by Tomo Serizawa, White Liar is the story of Kei Shiraishi, a hair stylist who is given the chance to work of the hair of up-and-coming actor, Taiga Jinnouchi. A method actor at heart, Taiga gets easily stressed by his work, and to relax after his hairdo, has dinner with Kei, which quickly turns into a one-night stand.
Taiga is thrilled, but Kei has been burned by relationships before, so they agree to remain friends with benefits. Along the way, with a few miscommunications and a pang of jealousy here and there, the two become closer, and perhaps Kei can learn to open up once again.
Many readers have noted the series for its touching nature, and for its inside look into the world of celebrity as seen directly through the eyes of Taiga and indirectly by Kei. A short but sweet story, this is one for anyone who wants a little sappiness in their life.
- Publisher: LoveLove
- Where to read
Touch Within the Abyss
Written and illustrated by Mori Moyori, this is a tale about people from two entirely different worlds coming together. Chinatsu is a failed hitman: a contract killer who has difficulty killing people, a flaw that cost his own brother his life many years ago. Kasumi was the only witness to this… but Kasumi is functionally blind.
Many years later, the two reunite by chance when Chinatsu helps Kasumi get his bag back from a thief, then leads him home. These two discover that, despite their differences, they are sharing similar emotions: they are both very lonely, and looking for a place to belong, and someone to belong with. Can they save one another?
Readers rave about the quality of the art, as well as the quiet, soft, almost poetic sensibility to the writing. Like White Liar, Touch Within the Abyss is a fine choice for those who like unlikely couples, though this is a little more sensitive.
- Publisher: LoveLove
- Where to read
My Adorable Betrothed
A work from Dokueki, My Adorable Betrothed is an erotic romance starring Leo, the son of a wealthy family, who is “engaged” to Sui, a high-class and cool man, since they were children. Despite not being friends for years, when Leo’s parents die, he is adopted by Sui’s parents, and suddenly, the two cannot keep their hands off one another.
Readers have been by turn shocked and impressed by how graphic and steamy the sex scenes in the show are. However, many are a little turned off by the rapid pace of the story, and how — with the exception of the death of Leo’s parents — everything feels quite lightweight and inconsequential. A recommendation for anyone who wants a little titillation.
- Publisher: LoveLove
- Where to read
Ask and You Will Receive
A new work from writer and artist Niyama, Ask and You Will Receive is the story of Shinobu Urakawa, an unassuming office worker who, at night, transforms almost Superman-like into a handsome and winsome one-night-stand machine.
One night, when drinking at his favorite gay bar, who should walk in but Hikaru Omoteya, the irritating, superficially charming narcissist in the office’s sales department. Like Marta in Fight Club ruins the narrator’s therapy just with her presence, so does Hikaru’s walking into the bar infuriate Shinobu. Driven by pride, Hikaru wants to get closer, and Shinobu obliges, hoping that his forcefulness will drive the straight Hikaru out of his safe space. But over time, the two become closer…
A romance comedy with more than a little bit of smut, readers are taken in by the incredible chemistry between the two leads, and the hilarious jokes. A good “enemies to lovers” story with laughs to spare!
- Publisher: SuBLime
- Where to read
We’re Not Cut Out to Be Lovers
Created by Kou Hirokawa, We’re Not Cut Out to be Lovers is the tale of a heartbroken mechanic, Kumazawa, who moves in next door to streamer and self-broken love expert Koichi. After one loud late-night recording too many, Kumazawa goes to shut him up — and their encounter ends with a raunchy kiss.
Kumazawa is still gunshy about getting into a relationship after his last boyfriend cheated on him, but Koichi demands satisfaction, and Koichi’s energetic courtship begins. As he tries to get closer to Kumazawa, will he be able to prove that even if they’re so different, they’re made for each other?
Readers are impressed by the careful balancing act that Hirokawa walks between two different characters, exploring their personalities and dynamic in a careful yet well-paced story. There are two volumes, but the first one tells a strong enough story on its own.
- Publisher: LoveLove
- Where to read
These are just a few choices for BL fans to enjoy in English that came out this year. There are also classics from the past to enjoy, and more to look forward to. For gay manga fans, this is a mind BLowing time!
