Manga Review: Love Bus Stop

[Jason]

Title: Love Bus Stop
Mangaka: Ritsu Natsumizu
Originally Serialized in: (Houbunsha)
Genre: Yaoi, Drama, Romance
Licensed by: Juné (DMP)
Rating: Mature (18+)
Price: $12.95/US

Businessmen have feelings, too, as this collection of romantic stories shows. Tsusuki has a secret: he’s been fantasizing about the delicate, younger businessman who waits at the same bus stop. He doesn’t even know the man’s name, but his thoughts turn toward naughty deeds whenever he appears. Kirishima has grown up and given up on childish wishes, but when a high school crush starts working at his office, will Kirishima be able to maintain his façade? Tohyama, a middle school teacher normal in everyway, can’t get the local flower shop owner to quit propositioning him. And lastly, at a welcoming party for new hires, the more-than-slightly-drunk Kudaka greets new employee, Kouda, with a kiss, but Kouda may not be satisfied with just touching lips.

If you’re looking for salary men romance, this is the collection for you. Natsumizu seems to specialize in dignified, reserved men in suits falling into passionate love affairs. Her writing is measured and paced, in keeping with the gentleness of her characters. There is angst in her stories, but it too is muted and softened. That is not to say that the stories are dull, because they aren’t. Actually, they are sweet and touching, but with just enough spice to make them sexy. Her characters twist and turn, caught by their emotions, fighting against revealing too much for fear of rejection. That makes the inevitable reconciliation scene even more romantic.

Natsumizu’s art fits her story perfectly. Her men are older, but still delicately pretty. They don’t go for huge smiles, or over the top movement, though they will run to catch up with their love when he runs away. She likes to draw blushing faces, whether a slight shade to the cheeks or a full-face of blush lines, and teary eyes, though they always seem like unconscious tears, not purposeful or manipulative ones. She doesn’t really do chibis, but she will back up, showing her characters in a further away, more cartoonish view to heighten the humor. Also, while she likes screen tone, Natsumizu uses it lightly, in keeping with the airy feel of her drawing and writing.

Whether you’re looking for good salary men romance stories, or you want something with a lighter, more gentle feeling, Love Bus Stop is a good choice. It’s not over-the-top or showy, but it has a sweet emotional core that will stick with you.

Reviewer: Snow Wildsmith
Proofer/Editor: Lissa Pattillo