Breaks: Vol. One

This manga-style drama about tough, pretty young men in love rises above the yaoi (boys’ love) pack thanks to attractive art and strong, if sometimes derivative, writing. Ian and Courtland resemble sexy British versions of Archie and Jughead, but they’re not pals. Court is a violence-prone juvenile delinquent trying to keep his nose clean, Ian is the sarcastic minion of their school’s resident rich bully, and the two can’t stop taking shots at each other. (“You’re not me.” “Well, clearly. I’m far more handsome.”) Then Ian steps out of his comfort zone to stick up for Court, and it becomes clear that his motives aren’t entirely platonic. Artist Vieceli plays with page layouts like she just got to open the manga toy box, but she still manages to keep the visual storytelling clear and uncluttered. The characters are charming and believable, and the teen soap drama is well-paced; it all adds up to a solid coming-of-age romance. The story began as a webcomic and makes the transition to print gracefully. Readers who pick this up and fall for the characters will be glad to know there’s plenty of previously online-only material in reserve for several more printed volumes of romantic melodrama. (Sept.)