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If you’re a fan of romance and manga, you’re probably already familiar with the genre of yaoi manga. Yaoi manga is a popular form of Japanese manga that focuses on romantic relationships between two men. This type of manga is also known as Boys’ Love (BL) manga, and it’s a genre that has been growing in popularity all over the world. In this blog, I’ll explore the world of yaoi manga and explain why it’s so popular!
What is Yaoi Manga?
Yaoi manga, also known as BL manga, is a genre of manga that focuses on romantic relationships between two men. It’s often considered a “shounen-ai” genre, which means it has a strong focus on love and relationships. This genre of manga is often considered “romantic” and is typically written for a female audience.
The term “yaoi” comes from the Japanese phrase “yama nashi, ochi nashi, imi nashi” which translates to “no peak, no point, no meaning”. This phrase was originally used to describe a type of pornography that had no real plot or point. It wasn’t until the late 1970s that the term was adopted to describe the genre of manga that we know today.
Yaoi manga typically features two male protagonists, who are often in a romantic relationship. This can range from a simple crush to a full-blown love affair. The stories often focus on the emotional and psychological elements of the relationship, rather than the physical.
The Appeal of Yaoi Manga
Yaoi manga has become increasingly popular in recent years, and there are a few reasons for why this may be. One is that it offers a different perspective on love and relationships than what’s often seen in mainstream media. Since yaoi manga is written for a female audience, it often focuses on the emotions and psychology of relationships, which can be refreshing and relatable.
Another reason is that the stories often feature characters who are complex and well-developed. This helps to make the stories more engaging, as the characters often have distinct personalities and motivations. This helps to draw readers in and make them feel more connected to the story.
Finally, yaoi manga often features characters who are outside of the gender norm. This can be seen in the way that the characters are often portrayed as being vulnerable, emotional and sensitive. This can be a refreshing change from the often aggressive and macho characters seen in other genres.
History of Yaoi Manga
Yaoi manga has a long and rich history. It began in the late 1970s, with the publication of the first yaoi manga series, “Kaze to Ki no Uta”. This series was a groundbreaking work, as it was one of the first manga to feature a romantic relationship between two male characters.
Since then, yaoi manga has grown in popularity and there have been many other series that have followed in its footsteps. One of the most popular and influential yaoi manga series is “Gravitation”, which was published in 1997. This series helped to establish many of the tropes and conventions that are seen in yaoi manga today.
The genre has also spread outside of Japan, with many popular yaoi manga series being translated into other languages. This has helped to increase the genre’s popularity and reach, and it’s now one of the most popular genres of manga worldwide.
Yaoi Manga Genres
Yaoi manga is a diverse genre, and there are many different subgenres to explore. One of the most popular subgenres is “shounen-ai”, which focuses on the emotional and psychological elements of relationships between two men. This subgenre is often considered “romantic”, and it’s often written for a female audience.
Another popular subgenre is “yaoi horror”, which is a horror-themed type of yaoi manga. This type of manga often features dark and disturbing themes, such as murder, demons, and supernatural forces. This subgenre is often considered to be “edgy” and is popular with readers who enjoy horror stories.
Finally, there is also a subgenre known as “BL”, which stands for “boys’ love”. This type of yaoi manga is focused on the romantic relationships between two men, and it often features explicit content. This type of manga is often considered to be “risqué” and is popular with readers who enjoy more daring stories.
Popular Yaoi Manga Series
There are many popular yaoi manga series that are well worth checking out. One of the most popular is “Gravitation”, which was published in 1997. This series follows the story of a young musician and his struggles to make it in the music industry, while also exploring the relationship between him and his bandmate.
Another popular series is “Kirepapa”, which was published in 2006. This series follows a father who is trying to protect his son from the dangers of the world, while also exploring their complex relationship. This series is often considered to be a classic of the genre, and it’s a great introduction to yaoi manga.
Finally, there is “Junjo Romantica”, which was published in 2002. This series follows three different couples as they navigate their relationships, and it often explores the complexities of love and relationships. This series is often considered to be one of the most popular yaoi manga series, and it’s a great choice for those who are new to the genre.
Resources for Discovering New Yaoi Manga
If you’re looking to discover new yaoi manga series, there are a few great resources to check out. One of the best is the online manga database, MyAnimeList. This site has a huge selection of yaoi manga, and it’s a great place to start if you’re looking to explore the genre.
Another great resource is Comic Walker, which is a website that hosts digital versions of yaoi manga. This is a great resource for those who want to read yaoi manga without having to buy physical copies. It’s also a great way to discover new series, as the site often features new series before they’re released in print.
Finally, there are also many yaoi manga blogs and websites that are worth checking out. These sites often feature reviews and recommendations of yaoi manga series, and they’re a great way to discover new series.
Tips for Enjoying Yaoi Manga
If you’re new to yaoi manga, there are a few tips that can help you to get the most out of the genre. One of the most important is to read manga in the original Japanese. This will help you to get a better understanding of the stories, as the Japanese language is often used to convey nuances that are lost in translations.
Another tip is to read the manga slowly and carefully. Yaoi manga often has a lot of subtlety and nuance, and it’s important to take your time and really absorb the stories. This will help to ensure that you get the most out of the stories, and it will also make the experience more enjoyable.
Finally, it’s important to keep an open mind when reading yaoi manga. The stories often explore complex and difficult topics, and it’s important to approach them without judgment. Doing this will help to ensure that you get the most out of the stories and that you don’t miss out on any of the nuances.
Differences Between BL Yaois and BL Books
When it comes to yaoi manga, there is often confusion about the difference between BL yaois and BL books. The main difference is that BL yaois are manga, which means they are typically published in printed volumes, while BL books are novels that are published in a single book.
BL yaois are typically longer than BL books, and they often feature more complex plots and characters. This makes them better suited for readers who want to explore the world of yaoi manga in depth. BL books, on the other hand, are often shorter and more focused on romance. This makes them better suited for readers who are looking for a quick read.
Differences Between BL Comic Books and BL Manga
Another common confusion is the difference between BL comic books and BL manga. The main difference is that BL comic books are typically published in the United States, while BL manga is typically published in Japan.
BL comic books often feature more “Western” art styles and stories, while BL manga often features more traditional Japanese art styles and stories. This can make BL comic books more accessible to readers who are new to the genre, while BL manga can often be more complex and challenging.
Conclusion
Yaoi manga is a popular and growing genre of manga that focuses on romantic relationships between two men. It has become increasingly popular in recent years, and there are many great yaoi manga series that are worth checking out. For those who want to explore the genre in depth, there are also many resources and tips that can help. So if you’re looking for a new and exciting way to explore the world of manga, yaoi manga is definitely worth checking out!
