BL refers to boy’s love, a genre of Japanese manga that revolves around gay couples. Over the past few years, more and more American publishers have begun to serialize BL manga for the English audience, and with these additions to the physical medium comes some great recommendations we can give you!
Sasaki and Miyano by Shō Harusono
One of the most popular BL manga, Sasaki and Miyano by Shō Harusono, cannot be missed. In this high school drama, students Sasaki and Miyano begin an unlikely friendship when Sasaki catches Miyano reading BL manga. Although he enjoys the genre, Miyano insists he is not interested in dating men; unfortunately, after getting to know him, Sasaki falls for Miyano. What ensues is a beautiful story about how the two view each other and possibly develop their relationship further with a great cast of ensemble characters, too. Pick up this manga and add its slice-of-life story to your collection!
Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?! by Yuu Toyota
The title Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!, may sound a bit far-fetched, but the story is very heartfelt and meaningful. In this manga written by Yuu Toyota, Kiyoshi Adachi is a regular office worker until he turns 30 years old. Suddenly, he can hear the thoughts of others whenever he touches them. To his surprise, Adachi overhears that Yuichi Kurosawa, the office prince, has feelings for him. Over the next several volumes, the couple develops a deep connection, and you get to watch as their relationship evolves into something meaningful. The pacing in this entry is excellent; the story progresses at a speed fast enough to keep the reader entertained while still moving the story along with detail.
Candy Color Paradox by Isaku Natsume
Candy Color Paradox by Isaku Natsume is about photographer Kaburagi and writer Onoe for a gossip magazine. What starts as a one-sided rivalry from Onoe quickly develops into affection for the cold and sharp Kaburagi. As the two continue to work together, they grow closer in their private lives as well. This is a great enemies-to-lovers addition to any collector’s bookshelf.
My Summer of You by Nagisa Furuya
My Summer of You by Nagisa Furuya is a sweet coming-of-age story about two high school boys: Chiharu Saeki and Wataru Toda. These two students are both interested in films and decide to take a pilgrimage to some of their favorite filming sites. Before leaving, Saeki admits to Toda that he is in love with him. What follows is a beautiful story about falling in love and facing the future together.
My Dearest Patrolman by Niyama
In My Dearest Patrolman by Niyama, Seiji is the owner of a convenience store who often runs into a patrolman by the name of Shin. The two have known each other for many years, including when Seiji was still a patrolman and Shin was just a high schooler. After Seiji suggests he may begin to date men, Shin takes the opportunity to confess his love, and thus an interesting relationship begins. This is a great read for fans of age-gap romance and a wholesome couple that learn to accept each other as well as the past.
Love on the Horizon by Machi Yamashita
Machi Yamashita’s Love on the Horizon is about two college students, Nagi Kitagawa and Yuu Yamasaki. As the two grow closer after joining the folk music club, they begin to have deeper feelings for each other. This slow-building manga is a great choice to add to your collection if you love wholesome romance and a charming cast of characters.
Old-Fashioned Cupcake & Old-Fashioned Cupcake with Cappuccino by Sagan Sagan
Old-Fashioned Cupcake and its sequel, Old-Fashioned Cupcake with Cappuccino, written by Sagan Sagan, is a story about discovering new things at any age. Nozue is a man in his late thirties who begins to broaden his horizons after being encouraged by his subordinate Togawa to break out of his routine. As they explore new experiences together, they grow closer, and what ensues is a beautiful story about living in the moment and a developing romantic relationship.
After We Gazed at the Starry Sky by Bisco Kida
The next manga on our list is After We Gazed at the Starry Sky by Bisco Kida. This story follows Subaru Miyazawa, a graphic designer who is wheelchair-bound. When he gets the opportunity to work with the famous photographer Tougo Amase, Subaru jumps at the chance. This meeting under the stars of a planetarium sparks a close relationship between the two. This manga is a great choice for you if you enjoy sweet stories with a slow-burning narrative.
Delinquent Daddy and Tender Teacher by Tama Mizuki
Delinquent Daddy and Tender Teacher by Tama Mizuki is a manga about the developing relationship between single father Hatoyama and his son’s teacher Hitsuji. The pair grow closer as Hitsuji helps Hatoyama with raising his son. In this manga, read about a wholesome love story with a character-driven plot.
The Dragon’s Betrothed by Meguru Hinohara
In this entry, The Dragon’s Betrothed by Meguru Hinohara, contains a fantasy spin and traditional Japanese folklore combined with a BL romance. Chiharu, a writer, travels to his hometown in the countryside hoping to find reprieve from his everyday life; instead, he finds himself affronted by Rin, a water dragon god whom he supposedly is meant to marry. Over the course of two volumes, this story combines romance, comedy, and fantasy to make a meaningful and sweet story.
From heart-warming slow-burns to lighthearted workplace comedies, BL has options for every type of reader. We hope this list finds you a few new titles to add to your collection!
If you’re looking for more alternative love stories, check out our article 7 LGBTQIA+ Manga Worth Reading.
Interested in more manga reads? Check out our Bookshop bookshelf, Illustrious Comics, Manga, and Graphic Novels.
