When your best friend confesses their feelings for you out of the blue, what do you say? This is the situation Ryousuke found himself in when Yuu shared his feelings before disappearing without a trace. Years later, Ryousuke, now a college student, unexpectedly encounters Yuu on the street, sparking a journey to understand the past and potentially rekindle their friendship.
As they spend more time together, Ryousuke realizes his feelings for Yuu run deeper than friendship. However, Yuu is hesitant to accept these emotions and pushes Ryousuke away, expressing a need for space. The complexities of their evolving relationship form the heart of the story in “Lethal Dose of Love” by Yosumi.
In exploring romantic relationships, readers often seek that heart-fluttering moment or a tear-jerking scene that resonates with them. Whether it’s a Boys’ Love, Girls’ Love, or a heterosexual romance, the emotional journey of the characters is key. Yosumi skillfully portrays the emotional turmoil and growth of Ryousuke and Yuu, drawing readers into their evolving dynamic.
While the characters are well-drawn and the emotional depth is palpable, some aspects of the story may feel familiar to fans of BL manga. Certain plot points, such as a traumatic past or cliche scenarios, may resonate with readers but could also come across as overdone. The involvement of supporting characters like Tomoka-chan and Honjou-san adds layers to the narrative, though their arcs could benefit from further exploration in future volumes.
The mature themes in “Lethal Dose of Love” are handled with care, with brief consensual intimate scenes and a nuanced approach to sensitive subjects. The trade paperback format showcases Yosumi’s artwork effectively, with a strong translation by Amber Tamosaitis. Despite some narrative resolutions feeling rushed, the story offers a compelling look into the complexities of love and relationships.
As Yosumi’s debut work in English, “Lethal Dose of Love” sets a promising foundation for future projects. While the story may follow familiar tropes, the emotional depth and character development make it a worthwhile read for fans of BL manga. It will be interesting to see how Yosumi’s storytelling evolves in upcoming works, building on the strengths displayed in this debut release.
