Same Cell Organism

In this yaoi manga, two male classmates, good friends, inspire each other to be more than they would be separately. As they come to depend on each other, they find themselves falling in love. The figures have verve, looking as grumpy and apathetic and enthusiastic and pleased with themselves as teenagers can. Their eyes are especially alive, which contributes greatly to giving the reader a sense of their personalities. As the two face important life decisions—such as where to go to college or whether to move in together—they ponder just how much they mean to each other. The various chapters stand alone, with some involving other characters in the same situation. They're reminiscent of poems or songs written to the object of one's affection. One weaves together the high jump, a secret meeting place, the desire to fly and an early end to the relationship imposed from outside. Another deals with the problems of loving an angel. The characters are more well-rounded than is typical of yaoi, with complex interior lives that revolve around more than just their compulsions for each other, making for a realistic portrayal of young love. (June)