Junjou Romantica or “Pure Romance”, which has many alternate titles, is a yaoi manga series by Shungiko Nakamura that focuses on three story lines: the main couple Usagi (famous author) and Misaki (college student), whose stormy romance comprises the majority of the books, and two other couples that provide ongoing side stories titled: “Junjo Egoist” and “Junjo Terrorist”. Junjo Egoist is about Kamijou Hiroki (college professor) and Kusama Nowaki (med-student), and Junjo Terrorist is a slow burn romance between Miyagi (college professor) and his very young ex brother-in-law Shinobu (high school student). The books have branched into several Drama-CDs, a manga series running in Asuka Ciel, and a 24 episode anime series, as well as a light novel series titled "Junai Romantica" that’s run in The Ruby magazine.
I watched the shows first (Sekai-ichi Hatsukoi and Junjou Romantica), then found the mangas to read. Both have engrossing plots and provide an in-depth portrait of what publishing in the manga world is like, as I was informed, quite true to form. So, since I find publishing fascinating, I really enjoyed these series, carefully absorbing every word. But I can’t decide which if either appeals to me more. The only thing I will say is I was drawn to certain couples. In Junjou Romantica my favourite relationship was Hiro-san (Kamijou) and Nowaki (Kusama). No matter the turbulence throughout their lengthy courtship, these intensely romantic men manage to stay together. To a lesser degree I also favoured Usagi and Misaki.
With the two series and separate movie there's a little something for everyone, even a relationship between an older man and a confused teenager, which honestly, was very sweet and tastefully done, at least in the anime series. When Shinobu gave his big, heart-felt speech to Miyagi on the beach (hotel room in the manga Vol. 7) I cried. It reminded me of my own youth and the first man I was in love with at the tender age of sixteen. I even sympathized with the older male characters, some of which had become battering rams for their younger, overly emotional counterparts. Anyway, you get the gist. The mangas are just as enthralling with the crazy humour, intense drama and unique art, but more sexually explicit. My favourite part is the private dialogue between the couples. Each character has his own voice, which gives him a distinct personality. This is an awesome series worth reading.
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