Review 36: Haru wo Daiteita

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

Having seen the anime, I can at least appreciate this one for what it excels at. I'm not exactly sure what that is, but I'll figure it out at some point. Oh! Reversible roles. That's it. This is one of the only yaoi that I've read so far that features truly reversible characters; meaning that either of the guys pictured above can be seme or uke in any given scene. Mostly.
Anyway, this one features AV (adult video) actors who compete for the main role in an upcoming movie. The movie is about two gay lovers, so their audition is to have sex... with each other. As experienced AV actors *coughpornstarscough* they are well-suited to the task, but as rivals there is a notable tension between them that is almost funny to watch. Regardless, they eventually develop an odd sort of love during their interlocking careers.

The art is standard. Nothing to complain about, nice clean lines, all that jazz.

The plot is typically constructed, with dashes of drama here and there for good measure, and a fair number of sex scenes.

The characters are kinda amusing, as their rivalry makes having sex on camera pretty awkward (like it wouldn't be otherwise). But unfortunately, the character development doesn't go that deep, and both men end up with difficult-to-understand motives.

The sex is pretty well-done, actually. But it seems so choreographed... which makes sense, as they are porn stars. I mean AV actors. Right.

All in all, 32/40. Not too shabby.

Recommendation: if you like plenty of sex scenes and muscular men - particularly reversibles - you will enjoy this. But there are no fluffy ukes to be found here, folks.