Review 16: Junjou to Furachi

Art: 7
Plot: 7
Characters: 8
Sex: 7

Junjou to Furachi ("Naive and Innocent") revolves around two high-school basketball players, Nakajima and Satoshi, who are childhood friends and neighbors. The conflict, however, is focused on a third guy, the basketball star of their school - upperclassman Nao. See, one night when Nakajima got smashed and passed out at a party, Nao took him up to a bedroom and began to take advantage of him (despite being the 'uke' of the pair). But Nakajima woke up, and since he already had a crush on Nao they ended up doing it without much thought. Nao, however, said to "just forget about it", and Nakajima has been uncomfortable since.
This brings us to the beginning of the story, where Satoshi tells his bff, Nakajima, that he likes Nao. Nakajima's reaction is something along the lines of, "But you date girls!" But really, he's most shocked because, "Why did it have to be Nao he was crushing on?"
This love triangle-ish thing is pretty intense. Nakajima and Satoshi have a strong bond of friendship. Nao definitely likes Nakajima, and Nakajima did like Nao before they literally screwed things over for themselves. Satoshi likes Nao, but Nao doesn't seem to be interested in Satoshi as anything but a way to get to Nakajima again. Fun stuff, right?
The real kicker is when Satoshi and Nao, having been on a date, both text Nakajima at the same time. Nao says, "I want to see you", while Satoshi says, "Can I come over? I need some comforting." What does Nakajima choose? Oh, suspense!

The art is rather disappointing in this one. It isn't terrible, but it isn't the smooth lined, well-sculpted look we've come to expect (I blame Makoto Tateno's numerous works). Of course, if you like the slightly rougher appearance, the more scattered lining and such, it won't bother you.

The plot isn't all that special, but it does have a realistic confusion to it that many readers can sympathize with, particularly those who are in a triangle situation like this one. I did, however, have a major problem with the ending... poor Satoshi is discarded from the story in a shameless fashion, while Nakajima gets the guy. Bros before hoes, man. Not cool.

The characters are interesting, but not star material. Enough realism in thrown into them to make them believable, but not quite enough to truly engage readers. Perhaps in a different light, or a different mood, they'd seem more appealing.

The sex is pretty standard for a yaoi, but it's limited to only one brief scene, and they're both drunk. Disappointing much?

All in all, a 29/40. Ouch... that doesn't sound very good, and it isn't. Not going to spare any hearts on this one.

Recommendation: If you're going through a similar crisis to Nakajima's, perhaps reading this might help you think things through (though I wouldn't advise following his behavior). But this really isn't a very absorbing read for anyone else, sadly.