I can't believe I only stumbled upon this now – I don't understand why incredible stories like this and others (ahem, Solo For Two, Blind Play, Payback) get so little recognition
If you haven't read it -go do it, and here is why
It has a solid standalone story, outside of its BL identity, and does not need to stick to tropes to work
This is the biggest thing that drew me in, that I didn't realise it would have when I staretd reading, but afetr a few chapters I quickly caught on. This is not a yaoi per se, it is a great story first and foremost, with yaoi built into it
Many smut I've read have also been great, but they also suffer from the syndrome where it feels like smut first, story second. Like the plot is just a device to get the smut to appear, and not really handled as delicately
But the plot here is very strong. There is very clear world building, intrigue, MULTIPLE characters each with unique identities and personalities, and designs of course. The dialogue feels natural and expected within the bounds of the plot, character motivations and actions feel appropriate
The art and design is very well thought out, with effort clearly put into it
You can probably tell from the images already, but there's such cohesive art direction, the designs of characters and motifs is so strong I love it
It really sticks out to me, and reminds me a lot of Tower of God, in how it presents itself. Tower of God and the Promised Neverlands were two animes that always struck me when it came to their artsyles because of the way they drew eyes, and I feel the same feeling with this one
The combination of these leaves me with a feeling that I only get when I watch animes that turn out to become extremely popular and well liked
Tower of God, the Promised Neverland (forgetting s2 existed), JJK, OPM, Wonder Egg Priority
They all have these elements of a really strong and recognisable art, with great character designs, personalities, backstory, plot, pacing, dialogue, momentum
I feel like it was brave to make such a strong story a yaoi, because I honestly feel if it wasnt, it would end up the same path as the stories I mentioned, it being a yaoi definitely cuts the potential amount of people who would negage with it down, less so if it was just a BL
The biggest sense of familiarity I have with it is to no.6, they both have this great story and world that I want ot know more about, and need to see how the characters interact within it and survive. So again, I am shocked that it isn't more popular tbh
