We’ve mentioned bara manga before, and as a genre it has become very popular among western audiences, despite its uniquely Japanese aesthetics. So if you want to get into bara manga, where should you start? Here is our brief guide to five manga for beginners.
My Brother’s Husband by Gengoroh Tagame
One of the softer works of typically somewhat hardcore artist and storyteller, Gengoroh Tagame. It tells the tale of Yaichi Origuchi, who lost his younger brother Ryoji to cancer, and is visited afterwards for the first time by his widower, Mike Flanagan. Mike visits Yaichi not only to meet his extended family for the first time, but also to see where Ryoji grew up, and to fulfil a promise.
Yaichi is initially nervous: Mike is a large and imposing physically, even if his personality is soft and sweet. Despite Yaichi’s apprehension (he has never met Mike before, nor any gay person except for his brother), Yaichi’s daughter Kana is filled with curiosity for her new uncle.
As the three spend more time together, Yaichi begins to learn that, although he and Ryoji became distant after the latter’s coming out, Ryoji talked about him all the time, recounting their exploits. Kana’s questions about and for Mike allow Yaichi to see him from a more innocent perspective, and reflect on his own prejudices — as well as deal with the prejudices of others in their small town.
The Contracts of the Fall by Gengoroh Tagame
A dark, erotic set of four short stories by Tagame that delve into themes of power, desire, and survival. It remains one of the boldest works in bara manga. The four works include the titular The Contracts of the Fall, a master-and-slave narrative that ends on a thoughtful note; Pochi, about a salaryman forced into petplay by this office’s intern; Der fliegende Hollander, which sees a surfer seduced by a spectral pirate; and Lover Boy, a tale of blackmail gone wrong.
The Passion of Gengoroh Tagame by Gengoroh Tagame
This is a painstakingly translated selection of short stories by Tagame by a dedicated team of academics and enthusiasts who have followed his work for years. In addition, it contains original artwork, essays, and even an exclusive interview. A must-have for fans of his work.
More and More of You by Takeshi Matsu
A manga praised for its sweetness and humor, as well as for Matsu’s excellent and engaging artstyle. It tells the tale of Kousuke, who has had a crush on a young teacher, Shoukichi, who also happens to be his neighbour. Shoukichi has feelings for Kousuke too, but neither are aware that their feelings are reciprocated, leading to a number of comical situations. This edition also has new illustrations and additional short stories.
Umihiko and Yamahiko by Jiraiya
A short, light-hearted comedy from Jiraiya, one of the most renowned bara artists in Japan. Drawn in a more cartoonish manner than his typical hyperralistic style, it stars the two titular heroes, who tease and prod one another — both psychologically and sexually. As two switches, known in Japan as “riba” (short for “reversible”), the games become fun and varied quickly.
There you have it, five bara manga for beginners.
